Studying graphic design in Denmark means joining a design culture focused on function, simplicity and hands-on making. You can find English-taught programmes at university colleges and art academies across the country. This guide covers degrees, entry steps, costs and how to plan your move.
Choose your degree level
Denmark offers two main higher education levels for graphic designers. Academic paths usually last three years for a bachelor and two years for a master. You will spend much of your time in workshops, collaborating on briefs and building a practical portfolio.
- Professional bachelor degrees focus directly on industry skills, software and user experience.
- Master programmes build on your undergraduate studies with advanced theory, independent research and specialization.
- Academies often combine visual design with digital media, communication and interactive design.
Check entry requirements and your portfolio
Getting into a Danish design school requires a completed upper secondary education equivalent to a Danish studentereksamen. For master programmes, you need a relevant bachelor degree. Admissions offices always look closely at your creative portfolio and your motivation letter.
- Your portfolio should show your creative process, sketches, finished projects and problem-solving skills.
- Most international programmes require an English test like IELTS or TOEFL, unless your previous education was entirely in English.
- Check the university admissions page for specific portfolio formats, page limits and assignment details.
Understand tuition fees and funding
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, tuition at public Danish institutions is free for full-degree students. Non-EU students must pay tuition fees, which typically range from 6,000 to 15,000 euros per year depending on the institution and programme. Always verify exact figures on the official programme page.
- EU students who work a minimum number of hours per week part-time may qualify for the Danish state educational grant, called SU.
- Scholarships are limited and competitive, offered directly by some universities or national schemes. Check the scholarship own site for eligibility.
- Non-EU students must prove sufficient funds for living expenses to secure a student residence permit.
Plan your living costs in Denmark
Denmark has a high standard of living, and daily expenses reflect that. Rent, food, transport and study materials require a realistic monthly budget. Student housing in major cities like Copenhagen or Aarhus can be competitive to find, so start looking early.
- Budget roughly 800 to 1,200 euros per month for total living costs, depending on your city and housing type.
- Public transport is efficient, and cycling is the primary way most students get around to save money.
- Groceries and eating out add up quickly, so cooking at home helps keep expenses manageable.
Follow the annual admissions timeline
Danish universities generally have one main intake per year, starting in late summer or early autumn. The application process begins months before classes start. Missing a step or a deadline means waiting another full year to apply.
- Applications for international students typically open in January or February for studies starting in September.
- Entrance assignments or portfolio submissions often have strict deadlines early in the spring.
- Check the national immigration authority website for current visa processing times once you receive your admission offer.
Common questions
Can I study graphic design in Denmark without speaking Danish?
Yes. Several undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught entirely in English, particularly at international design schools and business academies.
Do I need work experience to apply for a master degree?
Most graphic design master programmes accept applicants straight from a relevant bachelor degree, but check specific programme criteria for portfolio expectations.
How do I apply for a student visa?
Once an institution accepts you and you pay any required tuition, you apply for a residence permit through the official national immigration authority portal.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first. You never apply here; you simply let universities discover your potential.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.