Copenhagen is the capital and most populous city in Denmark with a total population of about 810,000 residents. Copenhagen is the financial centre of Denmark, and is home to multiple large-scale industries including transport, trade and banking. Additionally, Copenhagen is well-known as one of the world’s safest, cleanest and most well-connected cities with excellent public facilities and transport options.
About a third of Copenhagen residents are immigrants or foreigners, the city has become increasingly multicultural and welcoming towards international travellers. More than 85% of Danes speak English, so you will find it easy to travel across the country and interact with the local population. Copenhagen’s convenient location in central Europe also allows for fast travel all over Europe and nearby Scandinavian countries including Sweden and Finland.
Established in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is Denmark’s largest and oldest public university. The University of Copenhagen is primarily located on three campuses in Copenhagen, as well as an additional campus in the nearby town of Fredericksburg.
The university is home to over 30,000 students, with a large international population of nearly 6,000 enrolled students. The university offers over 200 degree programmes across various levels as well as operating more than 100 advanced research facilities. Award-winning research centres at the university include the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), the Centre for Dynamic Molecular Interactions (DynaMO) and the Centre for International Courts (iCourts).
The university is a member of the IARU (International Alliance of Research Universities) as well as the League of European Research Universities (LERU), a prestigious group of 23 top European research universities with a shared commitment to world-class research and innovation. Alongside scientific research and innovation, the University of Copenhagen is also well-known for its top-ranked programme offerings in Law and Medicine.
Founded in 1829 by the man who invented electromagnetism, the Technical University of Denmark offers one of Europe’s leading engineering degree programmes. The university is home to about 9,400 enrolled students, of which around 2,300 are international students.
The university operates multiple research and innovation programs focused on the physical sciences as well as industrial applications in sectors including agriculture, transport and manufacturing. The university is ranked #3 worldwide for its petroleum engineering course in 2022, and regularly ranks highly for several other engineering programs according to the QS World Rankings by Subject.
The university primarily operates from a campus in Lyngby, 15 minutes north of Copenhagen, and also operates satellite campuses in several other locations, including one in the nearby town of Ballerup, and a sustainable energy research facility on the Danish coast. The small class sizes at the university allow for greater attention towards you from the award-winning faculty, and the sizable international student community will help you settle into your new surroundings at the Technical University of Denmark.
Located in the nearby town of Fredericksburg, Copenhagen Business School is home to over 23,000 enrolled students, of which over 5,000 are international admits. Established in 1912, the Copenhagen Business School offers a wide range of over 200 business-related degree programmes, from 2-year executive masters to 4-year diplomas.
The Copenhagen Business School maintains strong technical partnerships with multiple world-leading firms including KPMG, Google, Deloitte and Maersk. These partnerships will enable you to secure exciting internships and post-graduation employment opportunities, as well as interact regularly with leading business executives during your time at Copenhagen Business School. Copenhagen Business School holds all three of the most well-respected business school accreditations – AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB, a ‘triple crown’ which is only held by 69 business schools worldwide.
The Copenhagen Business School regularly updates its world-class facilities, and even offers plenty of exchange programmes for international students to experience foreign cultures while learning at a similarly well-ranked business school abroad.
Situated in Roskilde town 30 minutes east of central Copenhagen, Roskilde University is a research-driven institute founded 50 years ago in 1972. Roskilde places great focus on interdisciplinary learning and problem-oriented research & innovation. The university is home to 6,500 enrolled students, of which about 1,000 are international admits.
The university operates-world class research centres in a wide range of subjects, such as the Socio-Economic Research Centre (SECO), the Centre for Big Data (CeBiDa) and the The Centre for Frustrated Molecular Interactions (FRUSTMI). Roskilde itself is a charming coastal town which hosts plenty of music and cultural festivals to keep its student population entertained all year long.
Below are the top-ranked Copenhagen universities for international students, with their ranks in two of the world’s most well-respected international university rankings, the QS 2024 University World rankings and the Times Higher Education 2024 Rankings.
For more information about rankings systems and methodologies see our University rankings explained guide.
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 | Times Higher Education Ranking 2024 | QS Rank in Denmark | THE Rank in Denmark |
| University of Copenhagen | =107 | =103 | 1 | 1 |
| Technical University of Denmark | 121 | =126 | 2 | 3 |
| Copenhagen Business School | – | 301-350 | – | 6 |
| Roskilde University | – | 601-800 | – | 7 |
In addition to the five top-ranked Copenhagen universities for international students, the city and its nearby regions also offer a variety of specialised institutes offering degree programmes and vocational training in a wide range of subjects including the fine arts, IT and music. A few of the top-ranked institutes in and around Copenhagen for international students are:
The high volume of top-ranked institutes in and around Copenhagen, combined with the city’s excellent public facilities create a world-class shared educational infrastructure which international students from all over Copenhagen can benefit from. This includes large-scale libraries, study centres, entrepreneurship centres and plenty of spots to socialise and interact with students and professors outside the classroom.
Average tuition fees for international students in Denmark range between 8,000 and 21,000 US Dollars per annum. For students from the EU/EEA region, tuition is free for most degree programs. Postgraduate courses may be slightly more expensive for international students, and executive-level MBA Degrees are usually the most expensive and may cost up to 20,000-25,000 US Dollars per annum.
As for living costs, the University of Denmark estimates that international students should budget between 1,250-1,350 US Dollars per month for living expenses. This figure includes 800-900 US Dollars for shared rental accommodation, 200-250 US Dollars for food expenses, 60-80 US Dollars for food expenses, 80-100 US Dollars for utilities and another 80-100 US Dollars for entertainment and miscellaneous expenses.
Current Danish student visa rules enable non-EU/EEA international students to work up to 20 hours every week during the semester, and full-time during academic breaks. Many international students pursue part-time employment and internships in Copenhagen, in order to offset their living and tuition expenses.
Copenhagen is full of interesting and unique neighbourhoods, each with their own characteristic features and historical landmarks. The city is also full of parks, outdoor areas, waterways and cycling paths that encourage you to explore the city and its culture during your time away from the classroom.
Copenhagen is known as the ‘city of spires’ for the large number of beautiful Scandinavian churches and other iconic buildings spread all over the city. International students interested in sports, music and cultural festivals will also have plenty of events to attend every week.
Below are a few of Copenhagen’s must-visit destinations for international students:
International students can travel from their countries to Copenhagen’s international airport on frequent direct flights as well as via major European hubs including Paris and Amsterdam. International students can also use weekends and academic breaks to travel across Europe, with tourist-favourite destinations including London and Rome only two to three hours away via flights.
Copenhagen represents an excellent destination for academics, a safe and truly modern urban environment where you can focus completely on academic and professional growth while also enjoying the entertainment and socialising that will help you de-stress.
Study in DenmarkBrowse our list of higher education providers in Denmark.
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