Known as a liberal, progressive and highly educated country, Denmark is welcoming international students interested in a range of distinctive postgraduate programmes. Michael Huss Svejstrup and Jesper Langergaard provide an attractive introduction to Danish higher education.
Danish poet once compared Denmark to a grain of sand when you look at it from a foreign shore. But to the Danes the country seems very large. Denmark is certainly a small country with only five million inhabitants, but it nevertheless offers postgraduate students many options and opportunities in the field of higher education. A growing number of international students have already experienced the values and qualities of Danish study programmes and Danish higher education institutions are happy to welcome talented students from all over the world.
Danish higher education institutions are all internationally oriented and offer a wide selection of programmes and individual courses taught in English. This means that you can study for a globally recognized degree or add credits to your national degree, while experiencing Danish culture, society and the way of living. Danish higher education has a long academic tradition that combines excellence with a dynamic and innovative culture in education as well as in research areas. Apart from attending lectures, students work together in small groups and are encouraged to contribute actively to discussions. The student's own critical and analytical initiative is an important element of postgraduate education in Denmark.With the international labour market being increasingly competitive, many higher education institutions cooperate with businesses and research institutions, bringing about an enriching and upto- date learning environment for all students.
An extensive selection of programmes and courses taught in English makes it easy to find suitable study opportunities at all levels, but particularly amongst the postgraduate qualifications. All institutions use the European credit transfer system, ECTS, facilitating international credit transfer and qualification recognition. Students receive certificates, diplomas, or other types of documentation, for all completed courses and all students finishing a full postgraduate degree or diploma receive a Diploma Supplement in English.
Universities have a commitment to teach and do research at the highest international level. Some are multifaculty institutions covering many disciplines; other institutions are specialized in technical science, agriculture and veterinary science, business and architecture. All institutions are placed in the larger cities and have close cooperation with the local community around them. Postgraduate degrees are structured through two-year candidatus programmes (MSc/MA), which require a thesis of up to one year in duration before the qualification is awarded. Threeyear PhD programmes requiring independent study and research, as well as a lengthy thesis and oral defence, are commonplace. The approach to studying is robust, “I like the Danish way of studying very much,” says Anna Ryl from Poland, a student pursuing a degree in Intercultural Management. She continues “I find it quite challenging – especially the oral examinations.”
For international students, the issue of quality and recognition is important. All higher education institutions in Denmark are state recognized. They receive their main funding from the Danish state and, though they enjoy a high degree of autonomy, must follow the national regulations on teacher qualifications, award structures and external evaluation of their study programmes. This system ensures high quality at all institutions. Additionally, library, IT and laboratory facilities are excellent and students usually have free access to make use of these resources. “I like the good facilities.When I first got here, I immediately got my own desk and computer,” says Portuguese biologist Rita Maria Tinoco da Silva Torres.
At most education institutions, the first semester begins in August/September and finishes in December/January, with Christmas holiday in between. The second semester starts in January/ February and ends in June, with the Easter holiday in between. The structure of the academic year is a key feature of Danish higher education. Philip Robinson, an Irish national studying religion agrees, “I like the pace of life in Denmark, the cycles and the way of studying. The students learn to reflect upon their own choices, get detailed feedback and have to defend their projects at oral exams.” The different holiday breaks make it possible for students to plan their own time with regards to studying, working and travelling. Many international students use the vacations to explore Denmark and the other European countries close by – an important aspect of being an international student.
Postgraduate application procedures and deadlines vary considerably. If a student wishes to take a full degree at ahigher education institution in Denmark, students must acquire the information about application deadlines, entrance qualifications, supplementary tests and the possibilities of transfer of credits from the admission offices at the institutions where they seek admission. The application forms are available at the institutions about 2 months before deadline, should one apply.
One of the most attractive features of Danish postgraduate education is the cost of the programmes, either at the masters or PhD levels. Higher education is in general free for all EU/EEA citizens but, as of August 2006, students coming from outside the EU/EEA will have to pay tuition fees, unless they are part of a bilateral or international exchange programme. The fee level will be confirmed shortly and students should ascertain all financial information from the institution in which they wish to study. There are some scholarships or tuition fee waivers for international full degree students, for example:
In certain cases, it is possible for international students to apply for residence and work permits. However, students interested in this area must contact the institution where they have been admitted for detailed information on procedures for obtaining a residence and work permit. The procedures vary depending on nationality. Students from outside the EU/EEA should be aware that the residence permit must be applied for from their home country. There are also certain financial requirements. Non-EU/EEA students can apply for a work permit, which allows for up to 15 hours per week work during the semester and full time during the summer holidays.
Away from the lecture hall and library, studying in a Danish institution offers many other opportunities. The social life is vital and varied with several committees at most institutions organizing activities such as parties, cafés, excursions and student politics. Popular events at most institutions are Friday-get-togethers, Fredagsbar in Danish. Many higher education institutions offer sports activities, too. Special introductory programmes for international students and short-term courses in Danish language and culture are often organized. They take place before or during the first weeks of the semester. Longer language courses are offered during the semester. Taking part in these programmes gives a student an excellent opportunity to learn about Danish culture and meet other international and Danish students. Most institutions have established a student- to-student programme in order to make new international students feel at home. On arrival, a ‘buddy’ (a fellow student) will help a student to get settled, meet other students and assist them with practical matters.
Moving to another country for postgraduate education also means looking for somewhere to live. Finding a cheap place to live often takes time and we therefore strongly advise students to contact the education institution shortly after admission for information on accommodation possibilities. Often the administrative offices will be able to help and in some cases international students are guaranteed a place to live. In general, there are various accommodation opportunities available, which may include a room in a residence hall or an apartment – either for one, shared with other students or a family group. Prices vary considerably.
Denmark is a small European country with regard to both size and population. The infrastructure is good and you are never far away from anything – be it the sea, the woods or the vibrant city life. It is a modern, democratic, knowledge-based society with an increasing post-industrial service economy and an extensive welfare system. Moreover, Denmark is a country with a global outlook and an innovative culture. The knowledge intensive sector, covering areas from biotechnology to food science and environmental protection, has a prominent position and has an excellent relationship with many Danish postgraduate programmes. Denmark’s geographical position within Scandinavia and Continental Europe has had a great impact on the culture, society and traditions for education and training. Living in Denmark gives you an experience of a modern welfare society built on Nordic and continental values – with a certain Danish touch. In a survey on foreign scientists working in Denmark, the country was reported to be a friendly and internationally oriented country with a clean environment and high safety. One student arriving in Denmark for their programme, Declan Kuch from Australia, experienced a common reaction, “I was surprised that it was safe and clean. I never felt threatened. I was also surprised that all the students in my department were trusted with their own key to the department.”
Key terms often used to describe the five million Danes are: gender equality, tolerance and an easy-going attitude towards life. The Danes are generally informal in dealing with people and quite helpful if you ask them for advice. They tend to put a lot of focus on their individual freedom as well as on the quality of their social life. As most Danes speak English, students tend to find it easy to live in Denmark, even though they hardly speak any Danish.
One key to understanding the Danes is hygge– an important element of the Danish mentality. The term is difficult to translate, but it is often inadequately translated as coziness. Yet, it is much more than that. Uncomplicated, relaxed and informal are some of the main features in hygge. It is closely associated with having a good time together with friends or family, simply enjoying each other's company without necessarily having planned how to spend time. It often includes coffee, candy and candles, but it might also just be a good time at the fredagsbar. Hyggeis all about feeling comfortable in a friendly atmosphere and it is impossible to stay in Denmark for long without experiencing hygge.
Read more about studying and living in Denmark at www.studyindenmark.dk