Studying in Denmark for Saudis is a distinguished academic choice that combines high-level Scandinavian education with an exceptional quality of life in one of the happiest countries in the world.
Denmark stands out as an attractive study destination thanks to its advanced educational system that focuses on innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. The universities of Denmark comprise prestigious academic institutions that are globally ranked and famous for their excellence in scientific research, technology, design, and sustainability.
Studying in Denmark offers an interactive and open educational environment that encourages student participation and academic independence. The best universities in Denmark are distinguished by offering diverse study programs in English, especially at the master’s and doctorate level, in specializations ranging from engineering and science to design and the social sciences.
Denmark is known globally for its leadership in renewable energy, Scandinavian design, clean technology, and social innovation. Although the living costs in Denmark are among the highest in the world, the exceptional quality of life, the safety, the equality, and the excellent services compensate for these costs.
The Future Way website provides comprehensive information and specialized support for Saudi students wishing to explore the distinguished education opportunities in this Scandinavian country leading in happiness and innovation.
The advantages of studying in Denmark
Studying in Denmark offers a unique set of advantages that make it a preferred study destination for Saudi students seeking a distinguished Scandinavian academic experience.
Happiness and quality of life
Denmark is consistently classified among the happiest countries in the world and the best in terms of quality of life.
It enjoys an advanced society that values the balance between work and life, social equality, welfare, and safety.
The crime rates are very low, the healthcare system is excellent, the infrastructure is developed, and the public services are efficient and reliable.
The Danish philosophy “Hygge,” which focuses on comfort, warmth, and enjoying the simple moments, forms a part of the daily culture.
Studying in Denmark offers Saudi students the opportunity to live in a civilized and organized society that respects diversity and individual freedoms.
The Danish people are known for their friendliness, honesty, and directness, and the English language proficiency is very high, which facilitates communication.
The distinguished Danish design is evident everywhere, from architecture to furniture to city planning.
Denmark is also a global leader in bicycle riding, where it is the main means of transport in the cities, which promotes a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
The Danish nature is beautiful with long coastlines and a picturesque countryside, despite the relatively cold climate.
An advanced educational system
The Danish educational system is considered among the finest systems in the world, as the universities of Denmark are classified among the best academic institutions globally.
The Danish education is distinguished by an interactive teaching methodology that focuses on critical thinking, independence, and creativity, with a non-hierarchical academic environment where students address professors by their first names and are encouraged to question and discuss.
Studying in Denmark focuses on scientific research and innovation, with large investments in research and development. The best universities in Denmark provide advanced research facilities, modern laboratories, and generous research funding.
The curricula rely on problem-solving and project-based learning, with students encouraged to develop their own ideas and think independently. The classes are relatively small, which allows direct interaction with the professors and in-depth discussions.
This educational methodology promotes the academic and personal skills that Saudi students need to succeed in the twenty-first century.
The best universities in Denmark
Denmark comprises a group of prestigious universities that enjoy advanced global rankings and a strong academic reputation.
University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen is the oldest and most venerable university in Denmark; it was founded in 1479 and is consistently classified among the world’s best 100 universities. It is located in the Danish capital Copenhagen and comprises about 37,000 students, among them thousands of international students.
The university is famous for its excellence in the natural sciences, medicine, pharmacy, social sciences, law, and the humanities.
Studying in Denmark at the University of Copenhagen offers a globally leading research environment, where advanced research is conducted in diverse fields from quantum physics to climate science to biomedicine.
The university offers dozens of master’s and doctorate programs in English in various specializations. The university’s location in Copenhagen, the modern and sustainable city known for its high quality of life, enhances the academic experience with a rich cultural and social element.
Eight of the university’s graduates have won the Nobel Prize, which reflects the academic excellence of the institution.
Technical University of Denmark DTU
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) represents the most important technical university in Denmark and one of the finest technical universities in Europe, as it is classified among the world’s best 100 universities in engineering and technology.
It was founded in 1829 and is located in the suburbs of Copenhagen, and it comprises about 11,000 students. It specializes in engineering, applied sciences, technology, and the natural sciences.
Studying in Denmark at DTU offers an advanced engineering education with a strong focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and green technology. The university is famous for its excellence in electrical power engineering, wind energy, biotechnology, and materials science.
DTU offers diverse master’s programs in English in various engineering specializations, with applied research projects and strong partnerships with the Danish and global industry. The modern campus is equipped with advanced research facilities, and students benefit from the university’s proximity to Copenhagen and the ease of access to training and employment opportunities.
Aarhus University
Aarhus University is the second largest university in Denmark and one of the most important universities in Denmark classified globally, as it is classified among the world’s best 100-150 universities.
It was founded in 1928 and is located in the beautiful coastal city of Aarhus on the eastern coast of Denmark, and it comprises about 38,000 students. The university is famous for the diversity of its academic programs, which include science, engineering, medicine, business, the social sciences, and the humanities.
Studying in Denmark at Aarhus University offers a distinguished academic environment with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research.
The university offers diverse master’s programs in English in various fields, with modern facilities and huge libraries. Aarhus is a vibrant cultural city with living costs lower than Copenhagen by about 15-20%, and an active student life.
One of the university’s professors won the Nobel Prize in Economics, which reflects the quality of the academic research. The university’s location in Aarhus, the second largest Danish city, provides an ideal balance between the academic opportunities and the quality of life.
The distinguished specializations
Studying in Denmark is distinguished by some specializations in which the universities of Denmark enjoy a distinguished global reputation and pioneering expertise.
Design and architecture
Denmark is known globally for the Scandinavian design distinguished by simplicity, functionality, and beauty. Danish architecture is a pioneer in sustainability and innovation, with world-famous architects such as Bjarke Ingels.
The best universities in Denmark, especially the Royal Danish Academy of Architecture in Copenhagen, offer distinguished programs in architecture, urban design, and industrial design.
Studying in Denmark in this field is distinguished by the focus on sustainability, human-centered design, and social innovation.
Saudi students study in an environment rich in distinguished architecture and design, from the historic buildings to the modern innovative projects. Copenhagen itself is a living architectural museum, with projects such as the Opera House, the Royal Danish Library (the Black Diamond), and the city of bicycles.
Students benefit from partnerships with leading design companies and training opportunities in prestigious architectural offices. This experience is valuable for Saudi students interested in sustainable design and architecture.
Renewable energy
Denmark is a global leader in renewable energy, especially wind energy, where it produces more than 50% of its electricity from wind energy. Danish companies such as Vestas and Ørsted are among the largest wind energy companies globally.
The most important universities in Denmark, especially DTU and Aalborg University, offer advanced programs in renewable energy, energy engineering, and sustainable technology.
Studying in Denmark in this field is distinguished by the focus on practical applications and technological innovation. Saudi students study offshore and onshore wind energy technologies, solar energy, bioenergy, energy storage, smart grids, and green hydrogen.
They benefit from advanced research facilities and partnerships with the Danish industry, a global leader in this sector. This experience aligns perfectly with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in developing renewable energy and diversifying energy sources.
Health sciences
Denmark enjoys an advanced healthcare system and globally leading medical research. The universities of Denmark, especially the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University, offer distinguished programs in medicine, public health, biotechnology, pharmacy, and nursing science.
Danish medical research focuses on personalized medicine, genomics, chronic diseases, and digital health.
Studying in Denmark in the health field is distinguished by access to comprehensive and integrated health records used for research, advanced university hospitals, and specialized research centers.
Saudi students benefit from the strong research environment and the focus on evidence-based medicine and innovation in healthcare. The experience gained in the advanced Danish health system is valuable for returning and contributing to the development of the health sector in the Kingdom.
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for studying in Denmark are characterized by clarity and directness, with specific requirements that ensure the academic readiness of students.
The academic GPAs
The universities of Denmark require competitive academic GPAs for admission to their programs.
In general, applicants are required to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related specialization with a good cumulative GPA. Most of the best universities in Denmark require a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent.
The competitive programs in specializations such as medicine and engineering may require higher GPAs.
The universities also assess the suitability of the academic background for the desired program, as the previous study subjects must match the program’s requirements.
In addition to the GPA, studying in Denmark gives weight to other factors such as the motivation letter, the recommendation letters, and the practical or research experience. Some programs may require personal interviews or additional admission tests.
The competition for admission to the most important universities in Denmark is strong, so Saudi students are advised to submit a strong and integrated academic file.
IELTS/TOEFL
English language proficiency is a basic condition for admission to the English programs at the universities of Denmark. Most universities require for the master’s an IELTS score of no less than 6.5 or TOEFL iBT with a score of 90-100 as a minimum.
Some advanced programs may require higher scores such as IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100.
The universities of Denmark also accept other certificates such as Cambridge English or Pearson PTE Academic. Some universities exempt Saudi students holding certificates from English-speaking institutions from the language tests.
The language test results must be valid when submitting the application. In addition to the language tests, studying in Denmark requires submitting translated and attested academic certificates, a strong motivation letter, and academic recommendation letters.
The application deadlines are usually in January-March for the programs that begin in August-September.
The tuition fees
The study costs in Denmark vary greatly between European and international students, as students from outside the European Union pay tuition fees.
The fees for international students
The annual tuition fees for Saudi students at the best universities in Denmark range between 6,000 and 16,000 euros for the bachelor’s programs, and 8,000 to 18,000 euros for the master’s programs, depending on the university and the program.
The programs in the humanities and social sciences are usually in the lower range, while the programs in engineering, science, and medicine are higher in cost.
These fees are similar to or slightly higher than other Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, but they are still competitive compared with the United States or Britain.
The good news is that the universities of Denmark offer generous scholarships for outstanding international students, which significantly lightens the financial burden.
Also, the doctorate programs in Denmark are usually fully funded with a monthly salary, similar to the Swedish model.
The available scholarships
Denmark offers several scholarship programs for outstanding international students. The Danish government offers government scholarships for students from non-European countries through various programs.
In addition, the most important universities in Denmark offer their own scholarships that may cover the tuition fees partially or fully, and sometimes include a living allowance.
The scholarships vary in their value and criteria according to the university, but they generally rely on academic excellence. The scholarships are usually applied for as part of the admission application, without the need for a separate application.
The results are announced with the admission decisions. Saudi students are advised to apply early and search for all the available scholarship opportunities.
The Saudi scholarship program can also be benefited from for studying at the accredited best universities in Denmark, which provides comprehensive funding for the study and living.
Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus) – إيطاليا
Living costs
The living costs in Denmark are among the highest in Europe and the world, but they vary between cities and can be managed wisely.
Copenhagen
In Copenhagen, the Danish capital and the most expensive city in the country, the Saudi student needs a monthly budget ranging between 1,100 and 1,500 euros.
It includes housing (500-800 euros for a room in student housing or a shared apartment), food (300-400 euros if the student cooks for themselves), transport (about 70 euros for a monthly student card), health insurance, and personal expenses.
Housing is the greatest challenge in studying in Denmark, especially in Copenhagen, where the competition for student housing is strong.
Saudi students are advised to register on the student housing waiting lists as soon as they are accepted, and to search for temporary options until finding permanent housing.
Despite the high costs, Copenhagen offers an exceptional quality of life with great safety, excellent transport, a rich cultural life, and the presence of the best universities in Denmark.
The other cities
In the other Danish cities such as Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg, the living costs decrease by 15-25% compared with Copenhagen.
The monthly budget ranges between 900 and 1,200 euros, with cheaper and easier-to-obtain housing (400-650 euros). The food and transport costs are also slightly lower.
These cities offer an authentic Danish experience with an active student life and proximity to the most important prestigious universities in Denmark.
The smaller Danish cities are beautiful, clean, and safe, with a high quality of life.
Aarhus, for example, is considered the cultural capital of Denmark with a prestigious university and a vibrant student life.
Students benefit from student discounts on transport and cultural events, which lightens the financial burden.
The Danish language
The Danish language represents an important aspect that must be taken into account when planning to study in Denmark.
The English programs
Although the Danish language is the official language, the universities of Denmark offer more programs in English, especially at the master’s and doctorate level.
Hundreds of English programs are currently available in diverse specializations from engineering and science to business and the social sciences.
Most Danes speak English with high fluency, which facilitates daily life.
This diversity allows Saudi students wide options to study in Denmark without the need to master Danish in advance.
However, it is advised to learn at least the basics of Danish to facilitate daily life and communication with the local community.
The universities and municipalities provide free or low-cost Danish courses for international students. Learning Danish significantly improves the job opportunities in Denmark after graduation, as most jobs require proficiency in Danish.
The visa
Traveling to study in Denmark for Saudi students requires obtaining a student residence permit through clear procedures done via SIRI (the Danish immigration agency).
Saudi students must apply for a student residence permit online through the SIRI website. The required documents include a valid passport, an admission letter from a recognized Danish university, financial proof showing the ability to bear the study and living costs (about 1,000 euros per month), proof of housing, and comprehensive health insurance.
The application processing usually takes 2-3 months, so it is advised to apply early as soon as the admission is obtained. The application fees are about 300 euros.
After approval, the student obtains a residence permit valid for the duration of the study program, and can travel to Denmark.
Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the holidays, which helps in covering the living costs.
Work after graduation
Denmark offers good opportunities for international students to look for work after graduation and stay in the country.
After graduation, Saudi students can apply to extend their residence permit for up to two years to look for work in Denmark, through the “Establishment Scheme.”
This period provides a valuable opportunity to apply the skills gained at the best universities in Denmark and acquire international work experience.
Denmark actively looks for qualified professionals in the fields of technology, engineering, health, and business.
The graduates of the most important universities in Denmark enjoy good employment opportunities, especially in the specializations of renewable energy, technology, and design.
The wages in Denmark are among the highest in the world, with an excellent balance between work and life and generous social benefits.
Proficiency in Danish significantly improves the employment opportunities, so it is advised to learn it during the study.
Frequently asked questions
How much does studying in Denmark cost?
The tuition fees range between 6,000 and 18,000 euros per year, and the living costs between 900 and 1,500 euros per month depending on the city. The total annual cost is between 16,000 and 36,000 euros.
What is the best Danish university?
The University of Copenhagen is the best and most venerable, classified among the world’s best 100. DTU, the technical university, is also prestigious.
Must one learn Danish?
It is not mandatory for the English programs, but it is useful for daily life and job opportunities.
How much does living in Copenhagen cost?
Between 1,100 and 1,500 euros per month.
Can one work during the study?
Yes, 20 hours per week during the study, and full-time during the holidays.
Conclusion
Studying in Denmark represents an exceptional opportunity to obtain a distinguished Scandinavian education in one of the happiest countries in the world. The Future Way website provides comprehensive support for Saudi students in their academic journey to Denmark.
