Studying in Denmark – Becomes Increasingly Popular
Academies, universities and business schools in Denmark educate students from most parts of the world in a
large variety of subjects. Many courses are taught in English which make them attractive to many international students. At present, there are around 4,500 international students studying in Denmark.
Danish is a difficult language that is only spoke by about 5 million people, so Danish schools that admit foreign students teach in English. Danish students are also interested in studying in English as it provides them with language skills and a better understanding of cultural differences in the world.
It is not only universities and business schools that attract foreign students. Bachelor and masters degrees are in high demand by many international students, but Danish schools at all levels are popular types of course in Denmark are:
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IBC – supplementary business class year at high school level (business colleges)
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Diploma degrees – 2-year diploma degrees in marketing, finance, tourism or hospitality (business academies)
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Bachelor/Masters – Most common subjects 3-5 years (business schools and universities)
It should be noted that not all schools offer all their courses in English.
Some international students spend six to twelve months at a folk high school to learn about Danish culture and language. These courses do not provide any formal qualification, but it is a good way to learn about Danish culture before beginning a full-time programme.
New Admission Rules from 2005
Traditionally, education at all levels in Denmark has been financed by taxes and thus individual students have not paid for education. A few years ago this rule was changed. Schools below university level were restricted in the admission of foreign students. This meant that, for example, business academies were only allowed to admit up to 15% of stu¬dents from outside the EU at no tuition fee. Any additional students beyond the 15% level had to pay for their education something which is very common in most countries.
However, this system has been changed again. From 2005, business academies and other schools below university level can only admit students from out¬side the EU and associated countries if they pay the full fee for their educa¬tion. This means that students from the EU and associated countries can still study in Denmark for free, while stu¬dents from other countries cannot. It may be argued that this is a more fair system than the 15% system, but the consequence is that fewer students can afford to study in Denmark. Ironically, many of the students choosing to study in Denmark come from countries outside the European Union and from countries where taking an education in a foreign country is associated with great prestige. Still, the largest group of foreign students are from our neighbouring Nordic countries. It remains to be seen how this new system will influence the number of applications for courses at sub university level in years to come. The politi¬cal plan is that the fee system will also be gradually implemented at university level within the next few years.
There is a strong belief among all schools supplying degree programmes in Denmark that the internationalisa¬tion of the Danish educational system is desirable. This view is also shared by the majority of politicians in the Danish Parliament. This internationalisation will only be successful if Danish students study abroad and if students study in Denmark.
Coming to Denmark
Denmark is a small country in northern Europe with 5 million inhabitants about 25% of the population of Shanghai. The capital, Copenhagen, has a population of almost 1 million, making it the only large city in Denmark. Denmark has always looked beyond its own borders the Danes have been tradespeople since the Vikings pillaged in Britain a thousand years ago. Today the trade is done in a more civilized way by modern business people. Denmark is highly dependent on this international outlook to maintain its position as one of the richest countries in the world.
The Danes are typically friendly and open-minded. Many speak English, but may be too shy to say anything in front of a fluent English speaker. Denmark is a tolerant country, with a clean environment and relatively little crime. Living costs are high but discount stores help keep expenses low. Internationally renowned Danish companies include B&O, Maersk shipping and LEGO, to mention a few.
It is relatively easy to move from the EU to Denmark to study. There are no restrictions and no visa requirements, but of course there is the usual paperwork in relation to moving to another country. Students must be aware that they need to have medical insurance for the first five weeks of the stay. Also, students are required, by law, to have third party liability insurance. This applies to all foreign students.
The situation is very different if the student comes from a country outside the EU. The student needs a visa to get access to Denmark and that is no easy process. First of all, the student has to have a written confirmation of admittance from the Danish educational institution. The next item on the agenda is making sure to have the equivalent of DKK 50,000 in the student’s own bank account. This is a requirement from the Danish Immigration Authorities (DIA). This is to show that the student can pay for a year’s expenses. The money does not have to be in the account during the whole year (visas are given for one year at a time and the procedure must be repeated when applying for visa extension). Most students can support themselves for that amount, but not likely for substantially less.
The admittance letter and bank statement are sent or handed in at the Danish embassy or consulate along with an application for visa in Denmark. The embassy may wish to interview the student after perusing the application. When the embassy is happy, the papers are sent to DIA in Copenhagen. They also review the case, which may take up to three months, and the visa is issued when they believe that the student is suitable.
It may be a long and hard process getting to Denmark for many foreigners, but the rewards of studying here are hopefully great.
Useful websites about Denmark:
www.visitdenmark.com
www.denmark.dk
Author: Alan Hjorth Hansen, International Programme Manager, The Danish Business Academy
