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Graduate school and programs in Denmark
As a destination for your graduate program, Denmark is very difficult to beat with its wide range of taught and research degrees delivered in the English language, excellent academic and social facilities, reasonably priced tuition and an open and extremely modern society.
Tradition
Danish higher education institutions are all internationally oriented and offer a wide selection of programs and individual courses. With a structure in tune with the Bologna structure, 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 up-to-date learning environment for all students. Nowhere is this better illustrated than with the structure of the PhD program in Danish universities, where international students are regarded as fully-fledged employees of the university as soon as they embark on their degree, and are supported through their research with key industrial and scientific contacts.
Danish universities have a commitment to teach and do research at the highest international level. Some are multi-faculty institutions covering many disciplines; other institutions are specialized in technical science, the environment, agriculture, veterinary science, business and architecture. All institutions are placed in the larger cities and have close cooperation with the local community around them.
Graduate programs
Graduate degrees are structured through two-year candidatus programs (MSc/MA), which require a thesis of up to one year in duration before the qualification is awarded. Three-year PhD programs 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.”
Study abroad
For international students, the issue of quality and recognition is important. All higher education institutions in Denmark are state recognized and receive their main funding from the Danish state. Though the institutions enjoy a high degree of autonomy, they must follow the national regulations on teacher qualifications, award structures and external evaluation of their study programs. 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.
Application methods and deadlines vary considerably, depending on academic interest and the level of the degree concerned. Individual institutions govern graduate admissions procedures and the process is administered by either a central admissions office or a specific graduate program or, in some cases, a formal graduate school.
Cost of study
One of the most attractive features of Danish graduate education is the cost of the programs at the Masters and 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 have to pay tuition fees, the level of which are determined by each individual university. Some scholarships and tuition fee waivers for international full degree students are available and the university to which you are applying administers these. As with all scholarship schemes, competition is fierce and only the most outstanding students are considered for these awards. At the research level, an increasing number of industrial scholarships are now available in subject areas such as communications technology, industrial engineering and alternative energies.
Denmark is by no means the most popular destination for international graduate students but it is increasingly being considered as a serious choice by those students attracted by its excellent academic standards and facilities, open and lively society and rich tradition in key academic areas. Perhaps you might consider taking a closer look at this small but welcoming country.
