Denmark is a sovereign state notable for academic excellence. The academic value combined with the beautiful scenery and quality infrastructures makes the Nordic country a top destination for international students. Denmark is listed as one of the safest, livable and happiest places to live in the world. All thanks to the high quality of life, income, and medical care. The European country has a natural beauty that is felt in its fashion, architecture and outlook on life. Due to the high-quality education and personal development opportunities, Denmark is ranked among the top countries to study abroad. Here’s all you need to know about studying in Denmark from Nigeria.
Step by step guide to studying in Denmark
Find a course and school
It’s important you find a course that interest you. This is usually the first step in the admission process. Several universities offer a wide range of courses that you can choose from. Regardless of your decision, there’s a program that fits your study aspirations and career goals. Create a list of universities that you would want to apply to. It’s best to apply to 2 or more institutions to increase your chances of admissions. Ensure your preferred university offers your chosen course of study.
Comply with the prerequisite
After you’ve chosen a program and university, proceed to check the entry admission requirements. Look this up on the university’s website or make enquiries from the admission office. It’s best you go through the requirements section several times for better understanding. Sending applications with incomplete documents can lead to rejection or a delay in admission. Ensure you have all the required documents before making your application. Considering the course and university, entry requirements may vary. Nonetheless, below is the general entrance qualifications:
Undergraduate programs
If you want to pursue a Bachelor’s degree program, you will require certifications like a high school diploma or educational qualifications. These certificates are duly signed and stamped. Check that your qualifications correspond to the Danish educational system. Find out about other requirements from the school’s website or admission office.
Postgraduate programs
To pursue a Master’s program in Denmark, your bachelor’s degree must be related to your chosen course of study and has the same number of credits as a Danish degree. For a PhD program, you need to have a Master’s degree certification.
Proof of language proficiency
Most Danish universities deliver their courses in English hence there’s a need for high proficiency in English language. The international English test is equivalent to an English level B in Denmark. Many Danish universities state the required scores on their websites.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants must prove their English proficiency through language tests like IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge ESOL (CAE). If your program is Danish taught, you’ll need to prove your proficiency in Danish by taking the ‘Danish as a Foreign Language’ test (Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog) or ‘Danish Test 2’ (Danskprøve 2). For some programs, you may have to pass ‘Danish Test 3’ (Danskprøve 3).
Submit your application
After cross-checking your documents, you can go ahead to apply to prospective universities. Application for undergraduate programs is centralized thus you’ll submit your documents via an online platform, www.optagelse.dk, while the institution will assess your application. For postgraduate programs, you’ll apply directly to the university. Applicants are eligible to apply for 8 programs simultaneously. You must send a signature page alongside each application. The national admission website generates the signature page after you’ve completed the digital application. Print the page, sign it and send to the institution offering the program. The signature page includes an application ID, which the institution needs to access and download your application on the website.
You need to note the following:
- If you’re applying for multiple programmes at the same university, you will need to send multiple signature pages.
- You need to sign the signature page by hand.
- Ensure you send signature pages separately by mail or email. These pages shouldn’t be uploaded on the national website.
- If you’re sending the signature page by email, make sure you print, sign, scan and attach the page is to mail.
- Applicants should upload their diplomas and documents on www.optagelse.dk.
- Check deadlines for uploading documents and sending applications on the university’s websites.
- On the platform, you can edit, prioritize programs, delete applications and upload annexes before the deadline.
Typically, the online application begins in February and runs through July. Most universities send feedback about applications by the end of July. While the deadlines for submitting applications for a Master’s degree vary from one university to another, the first application opening runs from February to March. In addition, the second session of application begins in September and ends in October.
Obtain a visa
As a non-EU citizen, you’ll need to apply for a visa to study in Denmark. Below are the requirements for visa application.
- A valid passport
- Duly completed application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Payment receipt of application fee
- Proof of funds that you can adequately cater for your needs throughout your stay in Denmark.
- Proof of language proficiency (English or Danish)
- Acceptance letter from your university
- Travel insurance
Sort out accommodation
After you’ve obtained your visa, you’ll need to sort your accommodation. Most universities provide housing for their students. There are various accommodation plans to choose from. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a privately run hostel, off-campus student hall. You can look here for accommodation.
Welcome to Denmark
All your paperwork is ready, your accommodation is sorted, and you’ve booked your flight to Denmark. Ensure you take all that you need for convenience and comfort. Before your trip, try to connect with students studying in Danish universities, read student blogs, learn the Danish language and culture. This will help you adjust seamlessly.
Applying to study in Denmark isn’t as tedious as it seems. Just follow the above-listed steps. Good luck in your endeavours and don’t forget to have fun while you study. Did you find out post insightful? Do let us know in the comments box.
