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PhD Studies

PhD studies at Aalborg University

Aalborg University (AAU) has five Doctoral Schools which are specialised within the disciplines offered by the faculties. The Doctoral Schools educate PhD fellows of a high international standard.

Benefits of doing a PhD at AAU

PhD fellow Maria Maigaard Paulsen from AAU Energy

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Admission to a PhD program

All PhD positions at Aalborg University require that candidates have acquired a Danish five-year Master’s degree or have completed another similar programme.

Apply for a PhD position at AAU

All PhD positions at Aalborg University are advertised on AAU's website for vacant positions, under PhD vacancies. You will find all current scholarships for all Doctoral Schools here. Each job advertisement will contain all relevant information about the position, including information on salary, period of employment etc.

In order to apply for a PhD position at Aalborg University, you must fill in the online form on AAU’s website for vacant positions. Only online applications sent through this portal will be accepted.

See vacant PhD positions at AAU

Other PhD opportunities at AAU

At Aalborg University (AAU), you can apply to become a PhD student without being employed at the University. Before applying, you must make sure that your application meets the requirements specified on the websites of the AAU Doctoral Schools.

The following other opportunities for PhD studies are available at AAU:

Self-financed PhD studies

You can apply for enrolment as a self-financed PhD student, which means that you will pay all costs connected to your studies. These costs will depend on the individual Doctoral School and PhD programme.

Industrial PhD studies

You can apply for enrolment as an industrial PhD student in cooperation with the company where you are employed and the relevant doctoral school. Your company will be responsible for applying to the Ministry of Higher Education and Science for financial support for the project. It is a requirement that you are employed in a Danish company or a Danish department of an international company.

Co-financed PhD studies

If your employer or another party is willing to finance all or part of your PhD studies, it is possible to collaborate with AAU on a PhD project, provided that the project is strategically and academically relevant for the doctoral school.

PhD assessment without programme enrolment

You can also submit material for assessment in order to obtain a PhD degree without having been enrolled in a PhD programme. This particular approach requires that your material was prepared under supervision of a qualified supervisor, and that you meet the current requirements for PhD students and additional requirements. Further information on this particular option can be required by contacting AAU PhD

Further information about PhD studies at AAU

For further information on PhD studies at AAU, please contact AAU PhD .

Career developement for PhD Students

All PhD students at AAU have access to a variety of services that can develope themselves and their future career

Area manager

Specialists, phd administration.

AAU PhD handles the PhD administration at Aalborg University for the 4 PhD schools.

This includes the following tasks:

• Daily operations related to PhD students
• Advertising scholarships and processing applications
• Enrollment of PhD students
• Administration of course activities
• Awarding PhD degrees
• Managing doctoral dissertations
• Statistical reports to Statistics Denmark
• Resource management
• Secretariat for the PhD committees at the 5 PhD schools

E-mail: [email protected]    Tel.: (+45) 9940 9638 Kroghstræde 1 9220 Aalborg East

News and Events AAU PhD

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PhD programmes at the University of Southern Denmark

The PhD programmes at the University of Southern Denmark are research training programmes at the highest international level. This means that as a PhD student you will be at the forefront of international research.

With a PhD degree from the University of Southern Denmark, you will be well groomed for a future international research career. As a PhD graduate, you will also be able to find employment in the public sector or in private business where there is an increasing demand for employees with a research background.

Throughout your PhD project you will take part in active research environments both in Denmark and abroad, and in doing so will achieve research results that are eligible for publication in recognised international scientific journals. You will also acquire teaching and knowledge dissemination skills and establish a broad academic basis by attending specialised PhD courses.

As a PhD student at the University of Southern Denmark, you will get:

• A PhD programme at the highest international level
• Broad contact interface with national and international research environments
• Opportunities for overseas study visits or courses at recognised universities
• A good research environment with close links to experienced researchers
• Flexible working conditions

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Follow PhD students at the University of Southern Denmark

Portal for PhD students enrolled at the University of Southern Denmark

PhD courses

PhD courses offered at the universities in Denmark

Work and salary

Work and salary conditions for PhD scholars

International Staff

International Staff Office (ISO) is able to help both newly employed and prospective PhD scholars by providing general information and guidance.

• Vacant PhD research fellowships

Last Updated 06.12.2023

PhD School of SCIENCE

Check out the available PhD positions at UCPH

See theses from our PhD students

The PhD school of SCIENCE organises training and education of researchers within all areas of science, with a view to ensure the highest scientific level among the next generations of researchers. The PhD school aims to train PhD candidates with all the required scientific skills plus complementary competencies at the highest level.

The PhD programme at SCIENCE lasts three years and includes an independent research project, stays at other/international research institution(s), PhD level courses, teaching and other types of knowledge dissemination. The PhD is concluded by writing and defending a PhD thesis.

Rules and guidelines

Study structures, talent doctoral fellowship, phd planner, intranet for current phd students, phd defence, phd defence by clara kopp, phd defence: ernest wee kiat lim.

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International staff mobility

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PhD studies at Aalborg University

Aalborg University (AAU) has four Doctoral Schools which are specialised within the disciplines offered by the faculties. The Doctoral Schools educate PhD fellows of a high international standard and conducts world class research within a variety of areas. Daily administration is undertaken by AAU PhD which includes tasks such as enrollment, PhD courses, leave of absence, economics and a variety of other tasks

Apply for a PhD position

Benefits of doing a PhD at AAU

PhD fellow Maria Maigaard Paulsen from AAU Energy

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Applying for a PhD stipend

All vacant PhD positions at Aalborg University are published on the university website.

 The individual listing will always contain specific information about the contents and requirements related to the project at hand.

If you wish to apply for a vacnt positon you must apply the online portal found at the bottom of each vacant position.

Other ways into the PhD study

At AAU you can apply for PhD enrollment without applying for a vacant PhD position.

The different ways into the PhD study:

Private funding

You can apply for enrollment and fund your own PhD study. This entails that you cover all expenses related to the PhD project - the final amount varies between the different faculties and departments - please contact the individual departments for further information.

Industrial PhD

Through Innovation Fund Denmark you can become an Industrial PhD. Here you will be employed at an organization/company and enrolled at a Doctoral School. The program has specific requirement in relation grades and the scope of the project. Read more about the program at the website of Innovation fund Denmark or contact Kristian Østergaard at AAU PhD

Co-finansed PhD

You can engage in a collaboration with one or more organizations and companies and co-finance a PhD study - this will not grant an employment as a PhD stipend. The cost will vary between the different departments.

Submit a thesis without enrollment

It is possible to submit a thesis for assessment without prior enrollment as a PhD student. There are specific requirements in relation to this method.

Your work must be carried out under supervision and you must have had a Danish master degree or similar when commencing the work. For additional information contact AAU PhD

AAU PhD News and Events

  PhD Programme

Scholarships

Phd study at the department of biology.

The Department of Biology is among the largest Departments at the University of Copenhagen. It employs 475 academic and technical staff and hosts research programmes and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. University rankings typically place the field of biology/biochemistry at the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the top 30 universities internationally.

The mission of the PhD programme at the Department of Biology is to offer world-class research training and education through participation in exciting, frontier research projects.

The successful candidates will join the lively group of 150 PhD students studying at the Department of Biology and participate in the many exciting events and activities organised by the PhD student network and the Department, including the annual PhD day, the biannual BIO conference, weekly research seminars, and career fairs.

All PhD students at Department of Biology are enrolled at the  PhD school of Science .

Local PhD coordinators Robin Andersson Tel: 3533 0245 ​ [email protected] Bioinformatic & RNA Biology A​nders Priemé​ Tel: 3533 0147 [email protected] Microbiology,  Cell-and Neurobiology,  Ecology and Evolution ​ Henriette Pilegaard Tel:  3532 1687 [email protected] Cell Biology and Physiology,  Genomics and Molecular Biomedicin Niels Daugbjerg  Tel: 3533 1830 [email protected] Freshwater Biology,  Marine  B​​iology,  Terrestrial Ecology​​​​ Michael Lisby Tel: 3532 2120 [email protected] Functional genomics Sine Lo Svenningsen Tel: 3532 2033 [email protected] Biomolecular  Sciences

PhD secretaries Jannike Dyrskjøt   (Molecular Biology and Genes, Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology, Protein Sciences) Jeannette Melsen   (Aquatic Sciences, Ecology and Evolution, Microbiology)

PhD programmes

• PhD Programmes - Guide to studies and admission

The PhD process at UCPH

In the boxes below, you can find details on different aspects of the PhD process at UCPH.

In principle, fees are payable for studying as a researcher since the University is required to cover its costs in every case.  Typically, Faculties have set standard fees although these may differ if for example a specific research project is especially costly.

Faculties offer a limited number of scholarships/grants to cover students' cost of living and these can be applied for when advertised.  Normally, employment contracts are for three years in accordance with a special protocol to the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations' agreement.

Similar doctoral scholarships are also awarded by research councils and other public bodies and private foundations, although these are often for major research projects or for dealing with research assignments.

If a PhD scholarship is awarded, it normally also includes the University's course fees. Be aware that course fees vary depending on the Faculty. For more details see individual graduate schools.

If awarded a scholarship, students will also be offered work corresponding to 840 hours (six months' work) over the course of the three years.

Admission as a PhD student follows an application to the Faculty concerned. Individual Faculties' PhD websites give the procedures and deadlines for applications.

The emphasis is on the applicant's academic qualifications, the nature of research projects and how these can be included in the research plans of the academic environment concerned and whether the requisite resources are available, including the supervisory capacity, for the studies to be undertaken.

It is essential for study funding to be in place since admission requires the University to make the requisite resources available for studies to be properly undertaken.

We advise contacting the academic environment concerned to discuss your research project and study options before completing and submitting an application for admission. It is possible and often a good idea to submit an application for admission at the same time as applying for a research grant.  We know from experience that drawing up a good application is a relatively big, time-consuming task.

Supervision

Each PhD student is assigned a lead supervisor on admission. This is a researcher employed by the University (at least an assistant professor). In addition to providing academic and study-related guidance, supervisors are required to see that studies, including planned course participation, proceed satisfactorily and makes progress according to plan.

During the course of studies, the lead supervisor will at the very least make regular assessments of course progress. In standard programmes, student assessments are made 26 months, 14 months and 6 months before the end of courses.

Your supervisor is also especially responsible for enabling you to get in touch with active researchers outside UCPH.

UCPH stresses the importance of good supervision and has therefore developed a folder on this.

Read more about PhD supervision at UCPH in these two folders:

• At lede vejen (PDF)
• To Lead the Way (PDF)

As part of your PhD at the University of Copenhagen, you need to take about 30 ECTS in PhD courses or similar educational modules corresponding to six months of studies. These courses can either be done at UCPH or at other universities in Denmark or abroad.

The courses can be specifically academic or generally relevant to research, such as writing articles in English, scientific ethics or intellectual property.  Further, it is obligatory for all PhD students at the University of Copenhagen to attend and have completed a course of ethics and good scientific practice.

Danish universities have made an agreement on PhD courses to make it easier for students to take PhD courses at other Danish universities. 

Open market for PhD courses  

You can find PhD courses for all Danish universities at  phdcourses.dk

Intermediate processes

In the standard process at the University of Copenhagen, there are generally three regular assessments.  These are made at the 26 month, 14 month and six month points before completion of PhD studies.

In the flex schemes, regular assessments are made at the following points (months) before completion of the PhD:

4+4 : 38, 26, 14, 6

3+5 : 50, 38, 26, 14

Individual faculties may themselves set further rules for regular assessments.

Supervisors are required to draw up an overall report by the end of the three year admission period at the latest on whether studies have been satisfactory. The completed thesis will also be submitted for adjudication at the same time.

An adjudication committee consisting of three qualified academics (of whom two must be external but not including the supervisor) assesses the thesis and a concluding viva defence and then make recommendations to the Academic Council as to whether a PhD should be granted.

A thesis must be made available before submission to any interested party who will also have the opportunity to speak during a viva defence. Once a PhD has been awarded by the Academic Council, a certificate is prepared in Danish and English.

About PhD studies in Denmark

Flexible phd process, open market for phd courses.

You can find PhD courses for all Danish universities at phdcourses.dk

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Navigating phd study in denmark: a comprehensive guide.

Herilalao Study in Denmark Leave a comment

In our quest for knowledge and academic excellence, pursuing a Ph.D. in Denmark is a commendable choice. The academic landscape of this Scandinavian gem is both enticing and academically enriching. However, the path to realizing this dream is often filled with questions and uncertainties. The pain point? Navigating the complex admission process, understanding the research opportunities, and adjusting to a new cultural and academic environment. It can be overwhelming, to say the least.  In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the intricacies of pursuing a PhD in Denmark, providing invaluable insights and actionable information to help you achieve your academic aspirations. From demystifying the application process to helping you find the right research program that aligns with your passion, we’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Denmark for Your PhD

The Danish higher education system has been around for over 500 years and has contributed to many important discoveries and inventions, like quantum theory and Lego. At the present time, the Danish government is investing more in higher education to produce well-qualified PhD researchers. 

Denmark has some great reasons to be considered for your doctorate this year:

• They have excellent research and development facilities, which are highly ranked worldwide.
• Most students from the EEA, EU, Switzerland, or those with residence permits don’t have to pay tuition fees.
• Denmark welcomes international students by offering free Danish language classes.

After your PhD, you have the chance to work in Denmark without a visa, especially if you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. And there are opportunities for other international students too. So, Denmark is an excellent place to think about for your PhD studies. 

Overview of the Higher Education Landscape in Denmark

Denmark has a famous education system known for being excellent and research-focused. However, not all the 4 types of institutions offer PhD programs, so it’s important to know your options.

• Business Academies: are for a shorter academic commitment and offer programs that typically span 1.5 to 2.5 years. These programs equip you with practical skills and knowledge that can be applied directly in the professional world.
• University Colleges: are for medium-cycle programs. These programs, known as academy profession programs, strike a balance between theoretical learning and hands-on experience, preparing students for various careers.
• Universities: offer long-cycle programs. Here, you can pursue first-cycle Bachelors, second-cycle Masters, and third-cycle PhD programs. For international students looking to pursue a PhD in Denmark, there are at this time eight universities to choose from. 
• Institutions for Arts Education: provide long-cycle programs in disciplines such as architecture, design, film, fine arts, music, and performing arts. Their purpose is to nurture your creativity and artistic skills.

Denmark PhD Programs Structure

A doctoral degree in Denmark is a third-cycle qualification, aligning with the Bologna Process framework adopted across Europe. However, a Danish PhD possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart from the rest. 

One notable feature is the integration of industrial links, enriching the educational experience and offering students a diverse range of training opportunities.

In addition to coursework, students have to gain teaching experience and disseminate their research findings through presentations and publications. Many universities in Denmark provide teaching courses and guidance to facilitate this requirement. 

Furthermore, students are encouraged to broaden their horizons by conducting research both within and beyond their institution, which may involve collaborations with industry or universities abroad.

Duration: Three Years of Rigorous Study

The Danish academic year operates on a unique schedule, beginning in August/September and concluding in May/June, comprising two semesters. The typical duration for a full-time Danish PhD program is three years, a standard maintained since 1993. This three-year commitment necessitates a prior five-year Master’s program in the same or a closely related discipline or equivalent qualifications.

Integrated Master’s: the Flex Process 

Denmark also provides flexibility through the option of embarking on an integrated Master’s and PhD program, the “Flex Process.” This alternative allows students to start their journey either 12 months into a Master’s program (4+4 scheme) or immediately upon completing a Bachelor’s degree (3+5-scheme). 

Additionally, under special circumstances, part-time PhD studies are feasible through a formal application process, particularly if candidates hold professional qualifications equivalent to PhD studies.

The Danish PhD Process

In Denmark, when pursuing a PhD, you’ll work within the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), part of the Bologna Process. To earn your PhD, you must accumulate a total of 180 credits. This means you’ll need to complete a few important tasks. 

Firstly, within the initial three months, you’ll create and get approval for your study plan, which outlines the courses you’ll take and your proposed research. 

Secondly, you’ll craft your thesis, demonstrating your skill in applying scientific methods relevant to your subject. It should as well meet the international standards for PhD research in your field. 

The next crucial step is passing the viva, a public defense where you present your work. The viva takes place in front of an evaluation panel comprising two academics from outside your institution and one from abroad. All should be renowned researchers in your field. Your thesis will be made public before this defense. 

Supervision 

Upon enrollment, each student is basically assigned an official academic supervisor. They must be a recognized expert in the field of the student’s research project. These supervisors play a pivotal role in guiding the PhD journey. 

Their main role is to help students develop their study plan, and ensuring their active participation in the requisite courses. Moreover, your supervisor will regularly evaluate your progress to ensure you stay on track, making adjustments as necessary to successfully complete the program.

Understanding the PhD Application Process in Denmark

The application process in Denmark is much like the process in the UK. Just like in the UK, you will need to apply for PhD programs via advertised projects and scholarships. This offers you the choice of either applying for an opportunity with a pre-defined research topic or proposing your research ideas. This second option allows you to tailor your PhD journey to your interests and ambitions.

PhD in Denmark Requirements

In Denmark, each institution has its unique admissions criteria. However, generally, a recognized Master’s degree in a relevant subject is a common requirement for enrolling as a PhD student. There are exceptions for those without a Master’s, where the PhD typically spans 4 years, as you must complete a Master’s program during your PhD period.

Qualifications Equivalence and Recognition 

To pursue a PhD in Denmark, your previous qualifications must have rcognition as comparable to Danish entrance qualifications. Usually, you can determine the equivalence of your qualifications in Denmark, using an official assessment service. This will ensure a smooth transition into the Danish academic landscape.

Language Proficiency

Denmark’s higher education system is highly internationalized, with numerous degree programs taught in English. For non-native English speakers, demonstrating proficiency in English is crucial. You can therefore prove your language skills through standardized tests like IELTS, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), or TOEFL. 

Native English speakers usually don’t need these requirements. However, for those pursuing Danish programs, proficiency in Danish is essential. This can be verified through specific language tests.

The Application Process 

The application process for a PhD in Denmark can vary depending on the institution. It is advisable to contact the specific institution for exact details and deadlines. 

However, in most cases, you will be required to submit certain documents. This includes academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, a research proposal (if applying to a program without a predefined project), and references from academic mentors who have worked with you. 

Some universities may also require that the issuing institution send directly your academic documents. This process that can take several months.

Interviews 

In some instances, universities in Denmark may require interviews for admission to PhD programs. In that case, these interviews are typically conducted via Skype and involve 2 to 3 professors. The questions may revolve around your project proposal or other academic topics. Preparing for a PhD interview is essential to showcase your readiness and suitability for the program.

PhD Fees and Funding in Denmark

The cost of tuition for a PhD in Denmark is contingent on your nationality. For EU/EEA/Swiss students, higher education in Denmark is entirely tuition-free. However, international students may also qualify for free tuition under specific circumstances, which include:

• Holding a permanent residence permit 
• Possessing a temporary residence permit that can be upgraded to a permanent one
• Holding a residence permit as the accompanying child of a non-EU/EEA individual with a residence permit based on employment.

For students who do not meet these criteria, tuition fees will apply. The exact fee structure can vary, and it’s advisable to contact your institution for precise details. In general, non-EU/EEA students can expect to pay an annual tuition fee ranging from €6,000 to €16,000.

Read here our overview of the cost of studying and living in Denmark .

PhD Scholarships 

Denmark offers numerous funding avenues for international students pursuing a PhD. These opportunities encompass a range of scholarships and programs tailored to support students throughout their academic journey:

• Studentships: Universities, research institutions, and businesses often advertise studentships that extend over a three-year period.
• Danish Government Scholarships Under the Cultural Agreement: These long-term scholarships are available to students from Brazil, China, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, as well as summer Danish language courses for the previously mentioned countries and 35 European countries.
• Danish Government Scholarships for Highly Qualified Non-EU/EEA Students: The Danish government allocates a limited number of scholarships each year to fund exceptionally qualified students from non-EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. You can apply for these scholarships directly at your chosen institution.
• Nordplus: Funding opportunities under Nordplus enable students at Nordic or Baltic institutions to pursue their studies in another Nordic or Baltic country as part of their degree program.
• Fulbright Commission: US citizens can benefit from funding opportunities that support an entire academic year of study and research in Denmark.

Furthermore, individual universities in Denmark may offer their own funding and support mechanisms tailored to international students. To understand the available assistance and the eligibility criteria, we recommend you check with your specific institution. Read also our review of the best scholarships in Denmark . 

PhD Salary in Denmark 

In some instances, universities in Denmark provide scholarships to PhD students in the form of a monthly salary. This employment arrangement implies that you will be under contract until the completion of your thesis. For example, a PhD student working at the University of Copenhagen typically earns 32,567 Danish Krone (around 4,370 EUR) per month on average.

It is advisable to consult with your department to check whether this applies to your specific situation. This salary-based support can significantly alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a PhD in Denmark. 

In this comprehensive guide, we have unveiled the remarkable opportunities that await you as a Ph.D. student in Denmark. The country’s esteemed universities, research culture, quality of life, and inclusive policies create the ideal environment for academic growth.

Embarking on this academic journey in Denmark is a choice that promises not only academic excellence but also a rich and fulfilling life experience. So, take the first step towards your PhD study in Denmark, and let the enchanting world of Danish academia unfold before you.

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As a PhD student at the University of Copenhagen you have the opportunity to advance your international career as part of a world class research team. Every year, UCPH enrols more than 700 new PhD students. The University of Copenhagen offers cutting edge research in an international atmosphere. In 2013 Monocle Magazine heralded Copenhagen as "the most liveable city in the world".

Read about the job structure and the recruitment process for faculty and academic staff.

Study Destination

PhD in Denmark ...

PhD in Denmark Guide: PhD in Denmark Universities, Eligibility, Requirements, Costs, Scholarships & Scope

Denmark is not just known for its Danish Hygge, Lego, Bicycles, and cookies, but also for its outstanding education, a Danish PhD is as distinctive! PhD programs in Denmark are famous for being highly industry-driven, and insightful in terms of external training and exposures. More so, a PhD in Denmark is free of cost for EEA, EU and students from Switzerland, and quotes quite an affordable rate for other international students. Want to know more? Keep reading as we will tell you all about PhD in Denmark for international students, and all things related!

Why Study PhD in Denmark?

Let us now present you with some wholesome reasons to study PhD programs in Denmark:

• Affordable education: PhD programs in Denmark are known for being highly inexpensive. Students from EU, EAA, and Switzerland even get a full tuition waiver at all universities and colleges. For international students the tuition fee lies in the range of 10,000 DKK to 25,000 DKK per annum.
• Outstanding education and living standard: Denmark as a study abroad destination is famous for providing not just exemplary quality education, but also an equally good standard of living.
• Excellent infrastructure: Universities in Denmark for PhD will offer you an outstanding infrastructure and research environment, along with industrial exposures worth every penny!
• Outstanding employment opportunities: Denmark extends full support for international students in terms of post graduation employment opportunities, Denmark, as a study abroad destination will definitely make it easy for you to stay back after you complete your PhD!

A Complete Overview of PhD in Denmark

In order to study PhD in Denmark, you should know that its curriculum includes specific taught courses along with independent research. You will be allotted a supervisor, and you'll also have to complete a research project and submit a thesis to complete the program.

To make you understand how PhD programs in Denmark looks like, let us tabulate some key aspects for you below:

SOP for Denmark Universities

Best Universities to Pursue PhD in Denmark

Let us now move forward to know about some prominent universities in Denmark for PhD:

Find 10 best public universities in Denmark!

Eligibility and Admission Requirements to Study MBA in Denmark

Let us now check out the requirements and eligibility criteria to study the PhD in Denmark for international students:

• Bachelor's degree
• Language proficiency test scores
• Research proposal and written samples

Given below are the PhD Denmark requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree is one of the basic requirements to start the application procedure to PhD in Denmark for international students. You will also be required to submit your high school and bachelor’s degree academic transcripts.

2. Language proficiency test scores

It is essential for you, as international students, to have an English proficiency proof in terms of IELTS , PTE , TOEFL or other tests. The minimum IELTS requirement to study at some of the best universities in Denmark for PhD is a score of 6.5 or above, depending on the university/ program you choose. A majority of universities in Denmark offer courses in Danish, and therefore you may also be required to submit Danish proficiency tests.

3. Research Proposal and Written Samples

Submitting a research proposal is one of the most prominent PhD Denmark requirements. Your research proposal will help you get hold of an acceptance letter to your chosen PhD degree program. Also, some universities may also ask for your written samples, and publications (if available), in addition to the research proposal.

Application Process to Study PhD in Denmark

The application process for applying to a PhD in Denmark for Indian students has been discussed briefly below:

• Choose your course, department and a university to study PhD in Denmark.
• Choose a supervisor in your particular department, come up with a research proposal in discussion with your supervisor.
• Submit the application form along with the application fee, and the research proposal.
• Submit all the required documents including transcripts, along with additional requirements like SOP , Resume, LORs, and proof of work experience, as asked by the particular university.
• You may also be asked for an interview process.
• Apply for a scholarship or financial aid, if available at the university.
• Wait for the admission decision.

Cost of Studying PhD in Denmark

While most Danish universities offer a fully funded PhD, i.e. a PhD with full scholarship, there are also universities which ask for tuition fees from international students. Typically, a PhD in Denmark costs around 50,000 DKK per annum.

Students should also budget for the living expenses in Denmark of about 5,000 DKK to 8,000 DKK per month in addition to the Denmark MBA fees. This estimate is based on a single person's basic needs, which include lodging, groceries, clothing, public transit, and other miscellaneous expenses, wherein the major chunk sticks with 4,000 DKK being the monthly rent for accommodation.

Scholarships to Study PhD in Denmark

Numerous scholarships are available to pursue the PhD in Denmark for Indian students, including a lot of university-specific, privately funded and government funded scholarships. Most universities also offer a fully funded PhD to students.

Given below are some scholarships to aid the PhD in Denmark for international students: 

Best scholarships to study in Denmark!

If you are willing to study for a PhD in Denmark, you can easily get an admission at top PhD universities, provided you submit a powerful research proposal. Also, most universities in Denmark can lead you to an entirely funded PhD, meaning you can start your PhD studies without worrying about the cost of studying in Denmark .

Frequently Asked Questions about MBA in Denmark

Which are the best universities in Denmark for PhD?

The best universities to pursue PhD in Denmark are:  1. Copenhagen School of Business 2. Aarhus University 3. Denmark Technical University

What are the Denmark PhD fees for international students?

The Denmark PhD fees for international students stands at 50,000 DKK per annum, meaning 150,000 DKK for your complete PhD program.

State a PhD scholarship in Denmark.

A PhD scholarship in Denmark includes a PhD in Economics scholarship, at Copenhagen Business School.

What are some of the most popular PhD programs in Denmark?

Some of the most popular PhD programs in Denmark are: 1. PhD in Economics 2. PhD in Biomedical Sciences 3. PhD in Innovation and Strategy

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Denmark pays students to go to college. But free education does have a price.

Borrowers in the US and the UK rack up the highest debt in the world. In Denmark, tuition is free and students are given grants to pay for things like food and housing. Hardly anyone takes out loans, but free education comes with a price.

• By Joshua Coe

Students walk through the University Park in Aarhus, Denmark, on June 20, 2023. Public universities in Denmark like the one in Aarhus are free for Danes, permanent residents in the country and students from the EU.

Hannah Hirschsprung Lange, who is finishing her fourth and final semester studying bioengineering at Aarhus University in Jutland, Denmark, receives about $800 each month in financial support from the Danish government.

“It means I don’t have to work too much besides school,” Hirschsprung Lange said. “It helps with paying the rent and food, and then, you don’t have to think too much about it.”

And like most Danes, she will graduate owing nothing. That’s because in Denmark — as in at least a dozen European countries — tuition at public universities and most colleges is free, and students are paid to go to school as if it’s a job.

The Danish grant system, known as the Statens Uddannelsesstøtte, or SU for short , is available for students for up to six years. The amount of money a student receives depends on how much they earn working on the side. In the case of illness or pregnancy, students can apply for extra financial help.

With student debt repayments back on the horizon for college graduates in the US , Hirschsrpung Lange said that the American higher education system seems broken because of “the fact that you have to go into so much student debt.”

Still, many Danish students like Hirschsprung Lange work part time to earn extra spending money for things like vacations and clothes. And some students do take out government loans, but they aren’t always used for school.

For Astrid Skifter Madsen, a first-year chemical engineering master’s student at Aarhus University, a loan enabled her to go to Asia recently.

“I needed a long summer holiday to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia,” she explained. “So, I needed some money to cover that.”

Madsen said that she’s not worried about being able to finish her studies and paying back the loan.

The Danish government subsidizes student loans with a low interest rate, and she’ll have up to 15 years to pay it off.

Many Danes say that the generous subsidies and the free tuition is money well-spent.

“I mean, in the end, in a sense, you pay it back later,” said physics student Tobias Washeim, 22, who’s finished his third year of his bachelor’s degree at Aarhus University. “And I think it takes the stress off being a student.”

Danes do end up paying for the free education and the SU system through the country’s steep taxes that can carve out over 50% of one’s income. (It’s a progressive tax system , so the more you earn, the more you pay.) But polling in the country has shown satisfaction with the high taxes, which not only contribute to free education, but also free health care and pensions.

“You might pay less taxes and you get a higher income in the US, but I don’t really mind paying [those] high taxes,” Washeim added.

The SU system came about 50 years ago  at a time when the country of just 6 million decided to prioritize a well-educated population, explained Philipp Schröder, who teaches economics and business at Aarhus University.

“It’s a small open economy [that] has virtually no raw materials here apart from brains,” Schröder said. “And so, that is a political agenda that has always been baked-in for changing governments [in Denmark]. So, education is for free.”

The idea was, in part, to make higher education an option for anyone in Denmark, regardless of their socioeconomic status, explained Fane Groes, an associate professor at Copenhagen Business School.

Before that, the SU system saw many students stuck with heavy loan burdens and high interest rates. But despite the goal of leveling the playing field for all Danes, Groes said, it hasn’t exactly worked out that way: “We know that it is the more-educated children and the richer children who actually go to college or university.”

A 2021 study showed that for Danes born in 1987, the social heritage of education attainment is at the same level as in the US . And while the SU costs Denmark a little more than 1% of the gross national product , there are grumblings inside and outside of the government about the system. For one, because Denmark is part of the European Union, it has to offer SU grants to students from other EU countries.

Politicians have argued that this mandate has seen little returns, with a minority of internationals staying in Denmark after graduating . And, they say that too many students take too long to get through school and don’t go into fields that the country needs.

“If you allocate resources and talent mass sensibly in an economy, you don’t want that to happen — that people train for something that no one in the job market wants,” said Schröder, who sat on a government commission tasked with suggesting higher education reforms. “Then, they have to settle for lower-skilled jobs where they can’t use the investments they have taken.”

Earlier this summer, the government made some of the biggest reforms to higher education, controversially shortening or restructuring the length of a third of the country’s 500 master’s programs from two-year degrees to one year and three months .

The government said it will reallocate the funds to training for nursing, teaching and social work — fields that have recently experienced staff shortages in Denmark . But there was no government proposal to get rid of free tuition for undergraduates. Nor did they touch payments that go to students.

The move is expected to mainly impact master’s degrees in the humanities and social sciences .

Sigrid Strunge Vetter, who recently completed a psychology degree at Aarhus, said she couldn’t imagine jamming two years of study into one year and three months.

“I have a two-year master’s degree, and I still feel like I’m having massive gaps and there’s lots of knowledge I haven’t gathered,” she said. “So, how they want to be able to cut that down to half, I simply can’t fathom.”

Overall, Strunge Vetter said that she is not against reforms, though. She said it’s good for the state to regulate higher education to correspond with market needs to keep unemployment rates down.

But she doesn’t want the government to chip away at the right of every Dane to get a higher education.

“It ensures that everybody, independently of their financial and socio-economic background can attend whatever studies they want to attend,” which she hopes will be the case for generations of Danes to come.

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