If you want to study international relations in Denmark, you usually start with a bachelor's or go straight to a master's if you already have a relevant first degree. Many programmes are taught in English, but the exact admission rules, fees, and deadlines depend on the university and the programme page.
Denmark is known for clear study structures and a strong international environment. The main things to check are your academic level, your English proof, your documents, and whether the programme is open to EU or non-EU applicants.
What study levels exist
International relations can appear under different names, such as political science, global studies, European studies, or international affairs. Some universities offer it as a full degree, while others offer it as a specialisation or track.
- Bachelor's degree: usually the first university degree. It often takes 3 years.
- Master's degree: usually 2 years and more specialised.
- Exchange or summer courses: short options if you want a first taste of the subject.
Not every university uses the same title. Always read the programme description to see whether it is a stand-alone degree, a track inside political science, or a related programme with a focus on global affairs.
Typical entry requirements
Admission rules vary, but most Danish universities look for a matching academic background and strong grades. For master's study, they usually want a bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, law, history, or another related field.
- For bachelor's: a secondary school diploma that is accepted for university entry in Denmark.
- For master's: a relevant bachelor's degree, sometimes with specific credits in social sciences or methods.
- English: proof such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test, unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Documents: transcripts, diploma, CV, motivation letter, and sometimes a writing sample or course list.
If your school system is not from the EU, check the university's admissions page carefully. The university decides whether your background matches the programme.
English-taught options in Denmark
Denmark has many English-taught master's programmes and some English-taught bachelor's options. In international relations, English is common at master's level and also in related fields like global studies, governance, and political science.
Good places to look are:
- University of Copenhagen
- Aarhus University
- Roskilde University
- Aalborg University
- Copenhagen Business School, for some related programmes
Each university has its own list of programmes, and not every year brings the same options. Use the official programme page to confirm the language of instruction and the application route.
Tuition and living costs
Fees depend mainly on whether you are from the EU/EEA/Switzerland or from outside that group.
- EU/EEA/Swiss students: tuition is often free at public universities, but always check the exact rule for your programme and residence status.
- Non-EU students: tuition is usually charged. A realistic range at Danish public universities is often around 8,000 to 18,000 EUR per year, but some programmes can be lower or higher.
Living costs in Denmark are important. Student budgets often need to cover housing, food, transport, books, and health costs. A common monthly range is about 900 to 1,500 EUR, with Copenhagen usually at the higher end. Your real cost depends a lot on housing.
Always check the university's cost-of-living guidance and the Danish immigration rules if you need a residence permit, because financial proof rules can change.
Application timeline and documents
Many Danish universities have intake for September, and the application period is often several months before that. Some deadlines for non-EU applicants are earlier than for EU applicants. Do not rely on a general rule alone - check the programme page and the central admissions page of the university.
A practical timeline looks like this:
- 9 to 12 months before start: shortlist programmes and check entry rules.
- 6 to 8 months before start: prepare language test, transcripts, and motivation letter.
- 3 to 6 months before start: submit the application and any required extra documents.
- After offer: start the visa or residence permit process if needed.
For a residence permit, the official source is the Danish immigration authority, not the university. Universities can guide you, but they do not decide visa approval.
How universities find candidates
Universities usually find students in two ways: through direct applications and through search systems or prospect lists they use to recruit international applicants. If you are not ready to apply yet, being visible in the right places can help admissions teams find you earlier.
- Some universities search student profiles by subject, degree level, and English level.
- Some use recruitment platforms and their own applicant databases.
- Some contact students who match a programme profile and invite them to apply.
This does not mean you will be accepted. It only means the university can contact you first if your profile fits what they are looking for.
Common questions
Do I need to know Danish?
Not always. Many international relations programmes at master's level are taught in English. If the programme is in Danish, you will need the required Danish level. Check the programme page for the language rule.
Can I study international relations without a political science degree?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many master's programmes accept related degrees if you have enough relevant courses in social sciences, law, economics, or history. The university decides case by case.
Where should I check the latest rules?
Use three official sources: the university's admissions page, the programme page, and the Danish immigration authority if you need a permit. For scholarships, always read the scholarship's own site.
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.
This gives universities a way to notice you before you apply, while you stay in control of who sees your profile and when you reply.
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.