DENMARK · COPENHAGEN
University of Copenhagen
public · Founded 1479 · Languages: en, da
In short
The University of Copenhagen, Denmark's oldest and largest university, offers a rich academic environment in a vibrant capital city. It provides numerous English-taught master's and PhD programs and is recognized as a leading European research institution.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1479
- Students
- 36,760
- International students
- 7,500
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €5–8k/yr
- Languages
- EN, DA
- Location
- Copenhagen, Denmark
The University of Copenhagen, established in 1479, is Denmark's oldest and largest university, and one of the oldest in Northern Europe. Located in the vibrant capital city, the university offers a rich academic environment intertwined with Danish history and culture. It is recognized as a leading research institution in Europe, consistently ranked around #100 in the QS World University Rankings, and affiliated with ten Nobel laureates. The university provides a wide array of study programmes across six faculties: Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences, and Theology. While bachelor's programmes are taught in Danish, a significant number of master's and PhD programmes are offered in English, making it accessible to an international student body of around 7,500 students. Students benefit from strong academic communities, world-class research infrastructure, and a lively social life across the university's diverse campus areas in central Copenhagen. The institution supports entrepreneurship through UCPH Lighthouse and provides dedicated resources for international students.
Why study here
- One of Europe's top-100 universities with ten Nobel Prize affiliates and world-leading research output.
- Extensive choice of English-taught master's and PhD programmes across six faculties.
- Study in Copenhagen, consistently rated among the world's most liveable and sustainable cities.
- Strong entrepreneurial support via UCPH Lighthouse, with free workspaces and innovation courses.
- Generous Danish state scholarship (SU) options available to EU/EEA students.
Student life
The University of Copenhagen offers a rich student experience with both strong academic communities and a vibrant social life across its various campus areas. Students can find support for housing, with a range of options including dormitories and shared apartments; starting early and utilizing networks is advised due to high demand. The university hosts events like the UCPH Festival, a major gathering with Danish artists, free for students. Resources such as university chaplains provide confidential counselling, and initiatives promote diversity and inclusion. For those interested in entrepreneurship, free workspaces and innovation courses are available. Special educational support is offered for students with disabilities, and elite athletes have options to balance their studies and training. Guidance is also provided for career journeys in Denmark and assistance with student educational grants.
Fees
InternationalGuest students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. Fees vary by field of study, ranging from 37,500 DKK to 62,500 DKK per semester for the 2025/26 academic year. If admitted to courses in multiple departments, the fee will be determined by the most expensive category. Tuition must be paid in full upon request before enrollment and registration.
Home—
LivingCopenhagen is an expensive city; expect to budget approx. DKK 8,000–12,000 per month (EUR 1,070–1,610) for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
The listed prices are for guidance only and are subject to change. For confirmation, contact UCPH's International Education office. Refunds are only possible if a student cancels their study place before the official start of the semester.
Admissions
Bachelor's LanguageAll bachelor's programmes require Danish A or equivalent; typically demonstrated by the Studieprøven i dansk test.
Master's Application Deadline15 March for programmes starting September; some programmes have individual deadlines.
Qualifying ExaminationApplications assessed on equivalence to the Danish upper-secondary-school exam; some countries may require additional study.
IELTS6.5 overall (master's programmes)
TOEFL iBT83 overall (master's programmes)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025101
Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024121
Shanghai ARWU 2023101
University scholarships
Danish Government Scholarship (SU)DKK 6,321/month (approx. EUR 850)
UCPH Excellence Programme ScholarshipsTuition waiver + stipend for outstanding non-EU applicants
Accreditation
The University of Copenhagen is a public institution governed under Danish university law, accredited by the Danish Accreditation Institution (AKKR).
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Copenhagen · Denmark
Art History
The Art History curriculum provides the legal framework for your studies, outlining the academic content, rules, and examination requirements. This program is taught entirely in Danish and is intended for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of art history within a Danish academic context. Prospective students must meet specific admission criteria, including demonstrated proficiency in the Danish language.
Bachelor's
Level
€10k
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Copenhagen · Denmark
Asian Studies (Japan Studies)
The Asian Studies (Japan Studies) program offers a deep dive into the culture, history, and society of Japan. This bachelor's program is designed for students interested in understanding Japan from various academic perspectives. The curriculum provides a legal framework for the study program, outlining its organization, academic content, and examination requirements. As this program is taught entirely in Danish, prospective students must demonstrate proficiency in the Danish language. The university provides resources and information on how to meet these language qualifications. The curriculum itself is also available only in Danish.
Bachelor's
Level
€10k
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Copenhagen · Denmark
Bachelor of Science in Biology
The Bachelor of Science in Biology program provides a foundational understanding of biological sciences. It is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills across various biological disciplines. The program structure and specific academic content are detailed in the official curriculum, which serves as the legal framework for the study. Please note that this bachelor's program is taught entirely in Danish.
Bachelor's
Level
Free
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Copenhagen · Denmark
Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences is offered in Danish at the University of Copenhagen. This program provides a foundation in the academic principles and practical applications of exercise and sport science. The curriculum is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the field, preparing them for further studies or careers related to physical activity, health, and performance. As the program is taught in Danish, proficiency in the Danish language is a requirement for admission.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Copenhagen · Denmark
Bachelor of Science in Physics
The Bachelor of Science in Physics program provides a foundational understanding of physics principles. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for further study or careers in scientific fields. The curriculum is structured to offer a comprehensive overview of core physics concepts.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Copenhagen · Denmark
BSc in Molecular Biomedicine
The Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biomedicine is a program offered in Danish at the University of Copenhagen. It provides a foundational understanding of molecular processes relevant to health and disease. The curriculum is designed to equip students with knowledge in various aspects of molecular biology and its applications in biomedical fields. The program is governed by a specific curriculum which outlines the academic content, rules, and examination requirements.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Denmarkfull fundingUniversity of Copenhagen (UCPH), Department of Computer Science
University of Copenhagen PhD Fellowship in Interpretable Natural Language Processing
Open to applicants who hold (or will hold) a Master's degree (MSc) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence or a closely related field, with a strong background in NLP or ML. Candidates must have excellent written and spoken English and ideally evidence of prior research, programming and data-analysis experience. The position is a salaried PhD employment under the Danish AC collective agreement rather than a tuition-paying studentship, and is open to applicants of any nationality.
full
Funding
€50k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingDanish universities with Ministry of Higher Education and Science, Denmark
Danish Government Scholarship
For talented non-EU/EEA/Swiss students applying for a full-degree higher education programme in Denmark, who are required to pay tuition fees. The scholarships are allocated to Danish universities, which select recipients from their admitted international applicants; you apply via the institution.
partial
Funding
€20k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Copenhagen?
+
International students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. These fees range from 37,500 DKK to 62,500 DKK per semester for the 2025/26 academic year, depending on the field of study. Tuition must be paid in full before enrollment.
What are the living costs for students in Copenhagen?
+
Copenhagen is an expensive city, and students should budget approximately DKK 8,000–12,000 per month for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. This translates to roughly EUR 1,070–1,610 per month.
Are there English-taught programs available?
+
While bachelor's programmes are primarily taught in Danish, the University of Copenhagen offers a significant number of master's and PhD programmes in English. This makes the university accessible to an international student body.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for master's programmes?
+
For master's programmes, applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 83 overall. Specific subscores may be introduced from September 2026.
What is the University of Copenhagen's international ranking?
+
The University of Copenhagen is recognized as a leading research institution in Europe. It is consistently ranked around #100 in the QS World University Rankings, among other international rankings.
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