Denmark guide · How to apply · 3 min read
How to apply to universities in Denmark from Nepal: bachelor's and master's.
Bachelor's applications to Danish universities go through optagelse.dk, with a 15 March deadline (12:00 noon, Danish time) for applicants with non-Danish qualifications. Master's applications go directly to each university's portal, usually by 1 March for non-EU students starting in September, sometimes earlier. Non-EU students pay tuition, so look for programmes and scholarships first, then apply with certified documents and an English score of about IELTS 6.5.
The short version
- Bachelor's: apply on optagelse.dk by 15 March, 12:00 noon (Danish time) for September.
- Master's: apply on each university's portal, usually by 1 March for non-EU students; check each programme.
- English: often IELTS 6.5, sometimes 7.0 for master's; some programmes need specific subjects in your degree.
- Non-EU students pay tuition (about €8,000 to €16,000 a year on our shortlists); government scholarships are few and competitive.
- After admission, first-semester tuition paid counts towards the DKK 7,426-a-month funds rule.
The two routes
| Level | Where you apply | Deadline for September | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (and academy profession degrees) | optagelse.dk | 15 March, 12:00 noon Danish time | Up to 8 choices, ranked |
| Master’s | Each university’s own portal | Often 1 March for non-EU; some 15 January | Each university separately |
The documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| +2 or bachelor’s transcript and certificate | Certified copies, as each university asks |
| English test result | IELTS, TOEFL or the tests listed |
| Passport | Photo page |
| CV and motivation letter | Most master’s |
| Course descriptions | Some master’s check that your degree has the right subjects |
| Work experience letters | Some programmes weigh experience |
Experience can count as much as grades
Some Danish master’s weigh relevant work and a strong statement, not only marks.
From our files. Suraj Mahato from Janakpur had a BBA with 62% and three years in sales at a consumer goods company, and had been told Denmark only takes first class. We applied to programmes that weigh experience, not only marks, and left out two that didn’t. His statement opened with numbers he’d moved at work, not with his grade. He’s doing an MSc in Copenhagen.
The timeline
| When | What |
|---|---|
| October to December 2026 | Choose programmes; check subject requirements; book IELTS |
| January to 1 March 2027 | Master’s applications on each portal |
| By 15 March 2027 | Bachelor’s applications on optagelse.dk |
| April to July 2027 | Results (bachelor’s admissions are announced in late July) |
| After admission | Pay first-semester tuition after your NOC; apply to SIRI |
| Late August 2027 | Studies start |
After admission
Pay the first semester’s tuition: in Denmark it counts towards the DKK 7,426-a-month funds you show SIRI. Then apply for the residence permit and give biometrics at the centre SIRI lists for Nepal. Cost to study in Denmark shows the funds sum.
