Study in Copenhagen, Denmark

About Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and its main university city, on the Øresund strait opposite Malmö in Sweden. It is a city of cyclists, with about 350 kilometres of segregated cycle lanes, and its universities have teaching sites across the city and in neighbouring Frederiksberg.

Students come to Copenhagen for full degrees, many of them taught in English, for an exchange semester or for a study abroad programme. Danish is the national language, but Danish higher education institutions offer more than 500 English-taught programmes, so it is possible to study without speaking Danish.

Studying in Copenhagen

Our directory lists three schools in Copenhagen, all in higher education. The University of Copenhagen (UCPH), founded in 1479, has 36,758 students, six faculties and 36 departments, and teaches on four campuses in Copenhagen and one in Taastrup. Copenhagen Business School (CBS) offers bachelor's and master's programmes in business administration, languages, social sciences and management: 15 bachelor's programmes and 28 master's programmes, as well as courses for exchange students and an International Summer University.

DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad, in Vestergade in the city centre, has offered semester and summer programmes in Scandinavia since 1959. It is a non-profit institution for undergraduate students, mainly from North American partner universities, and all its courses are taught in English.

Cost of living for students

Higher education in Denmark is free for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and for exchange students. Other full-degree students pay tuition fees; Study in Denmark, the official portal managed by the Danish Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Digital Affairs, gives a typical range of €6,000 to €16,000 (DKK 45,000-120,000) a year, and the exact fee is set by each institution. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland also pay a fee when they apply for a residence permit.

Denmark is an expensive country. The portal's rough monthly budget lists rent of DKK 3,000 to 6,500 (utilities usually included), food of DKK 2,000 to 3,500 and transport of about DKK 300. Universities do not have a tradition of on-campus housing: most students live in halls of residence (kollegier), which are generally cheaper than a room in a private flat. Rooms are hard to find in August and September, so students should look months before arrival.

Getting around and daily life

Copenhagen has a fully automated metro that runs 24 hours a day. Metro line M2 connects the airport with the city centre in about 15 minutes, and trains from the airport also run to Malmö. Most students cycle.

Nordic, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit. Students from other countries must apply for a residence and work permit as students; in a state-approved higher education programme this allows work of up to 90 hours a month from September to May and full-time in June, July and August. New rules from 1 October 2026 affect the job-seeking period after graduation and residence permits for accompanying family members, so check the current rules before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Is studying in Copenhagen free?

It is free for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland and for exchange students. Other full-degree students pay tuition fees, typically €6,000 to €16,000 a year depending on the institution.

Can I study in English in Copenhagen?

Yes. Danish institutions offer more than 500 English-taught programmes, and all DIS courses are taught in English.

Can international students work while studying in Copenhagen?

Yes. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens need no work permit; non-EU students in state-approved programmes can work up to 90 hours a month from September to May and full-time in the summer months.

How hard is it to find a room in Copenhagen?

It can be difficult, especially in August and September. Contact your institution about housing as soon as you are accepted and look months before you arrive.