Universities in Denmark ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 26 Universities in Denmark

The Kingdom of Denmark is divided into 5 regions (Danish: regioner), which are further subdivided into 98 municipalities (Danish: kommuner). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are concentrated in the Capital Region of Denmark, which includes Copenhagen, the nation's capital and largest city. As a vibrant cultural and educational center, Copenhagen attracts a diverse population of students and scholars. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all regions that include at least one Danish higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Capital Region of Denmark (11)  
Central Denmark Region (6)  
North Denmark Region (1)  
Region of Southern Denmark (6)  
Region Zealand (2)  

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Overview of Denmark Universities

Denmark's higher education system features globally recognized institutions with tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and extensive English-taught programs. The sector comprises 26 universities, all publicly funded and non-profit. Institutions include comprehensive research universities and specialized schools focusing on fields like engineering, business and design. Danish universities emphasize innovation, interdisciplinary learning and strong industry connections. Key characteristics include problem-based learning models, high digital literacy and robust internationalization with over 700 English-taught programs.

Top 10 Denmark Universities

1. University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet - KU), established in 1479, is Denmark's oldest university. Located in Copenhagen, this public research institution ranks #1 nationally and #144 globally. As a comprehensive university, it offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs across health sciences, humanities, law, theology and natural sciences.
2. Aarhus University (Aarhus Universitet - AU), founded in 1928 in Aarhus, ranks #2 in Denmark and #191 worldwide. This public research university provides comprehensive education including bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in arts, business, health, natural sciences and technical sciences.
3. Technical University of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet - DTU), established in 1829 in Kongens Lyngby, holds Denmark's #3 rank and #318 globally. Specializing in engineering and technology, this public research university offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs focused on sustainable energy, biotechnology and digital technologies.
4. Aalborg University (Aalborg Universitet - AAU), founded in 1974 in Aalborg, ranks #4 nationally and #436 worldwide. This comprehensive public research university is renowned for problem-based learning, offering bachelor's, master's and PhD programs in engineering, social sciences, humanities and information technology.
5. University of Southern Denmark (Syddansk Universitet - SDU), established in 1966 in Odense, ranks #5 in Denmark and #484 globally. As a comprehensive public research university, it provides bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in health sciences, engineering, business and humanities across six campuses.
6. Copenhagen Business School (CBS), founded in 1965 in Frederiksberg, ranks #6 nationally and #752 globally. This specialized public research university offers bachelor's, master's and PhD programs exclusively in business administration, economics and communication.
7. Roskilde University (RUC), established in 1972 in Roskilde, holds Denmark's #7 rank and #1240 globally. This comprehensive public research university focuses on interdisciplinary studies, offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in social sciences, humanities and natural sciences.
8. IT University of Copenhagen (ITU), founded in 2003 in Copenhagen, ranks #8 nationally and #1386 globally. Specializing in digital technology, this public research institution provides bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in computer science, software development and digital design.
9. University College Lillebaelt (UCL), established in 2008 in Odense, ranks #9 in Denmark and #3407 globally. This specialized public institution focuses on professional bachelor's degrees in education, healthcare, engineering technology and social work with applied research components.
10. The Royal Academy (Det Kongelige Akademi - KADK), founded in 2011 in Copenhagen, ranks #10 nationally and #3471 globally. Specializing in architecture and design, this public institution offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in conservation, spatial design and visual communication.

Analysis of University Types

Denmark's higher education system comprises 26 institutions. All 26 universities (100%) are publicly funded, reflecting Denmark's commitment to state-supported education. There are no private universities in the national system, ensuring uniform tuition-free access for qualifying students.

Global Ranking and Standing

Denmark's universities achieve strong global recognition, with 2 institutions (7.7% of national total) ranking among the world's top 200 universities. Six universities (23% of national total) place within the global top 1,000, demonstrating exceptional performance in research output, internationalization and academic reputation relative to the country's size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Denmark universities tuition-free?
For EU/EEA/Swiss students, public universities in Denmark are tuition-free. International students from other countries pay tuition fees ranging from €6,000-€16,000 annually.

What English-taught programs are available?
Over 700 English-taught programs exist, particularly at master's level. Popular fields include engineering, environmental sciences, business and information technology.

How does the application process work?
Applications for bachelor's degrees require secondary education documentation and are processed through optagelse.dk. Master's applications are submitted directly to universities, typically requiring relevant bachelor's degrees with minimum GPA requirements.

Can international students work while studying?
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during June-August. A work permit is automatically granted with the study residence permit.

What are popular student cities in Denmark?
Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg host major universities with vibrant international student communities, English-speaking environments and extensive student support services.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Danish universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Denmark
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Danish post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Denmark
  Search for Danish higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Danish Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Danish town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Denmark
  Discover Danish public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Denmark
  Find out about Danish private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Denmark
  Explore Danish not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Denmark
  Look for Danish for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Danish Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Denmark have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Danish Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Denmark that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Danish Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Denmark are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Danish Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Denmark with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.