phd denmark requirements

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What is a PhD programme?

A PhD is usually a 3-year (180 ECTS) academic research degree. The components of the programme are:

• Independent research under supervision
• Courses for PhD students (approximately 30 ECTS credits)
• Participation in research networks, including placements at other, primarily foreign, research institutions
• Teaching or another form of knowledge dissemination, which is related to the PhD topic when possible.
• The completion of a PhD thesis. The thesis can be a 200-page article or a collection of shorter research articles. The thesis is defended orally.

PhD programmes and courses are offered at Danish universities , which all offer excellent research, library and laboratory facilities for researchers and PhD students in addition to joint partnerships with industry.

PhD students are often encouraged to participate in research networks, including placements at overseas research institutions. A range of funding opportunities are available: Please visit the Researchers Mobility Portal for more information.

Who can apply?

As each institution in Denmark is responsible for its own admissions, requirements will vary. However, you will usually be required to have a recognised Masters degree in a relevant subject in order to be enrolled as a PhD student. Also, the applicants should also have good command of the English language.

For the students, who know that they want to pursue the researcher-path early on, the faculties have the option of starting a research degree directly after a bachelor’s. If this is the path you want to take, you can start a so-called 3+5 programme, which means starting your PhD and master's at the same time. Some faculties have a 4+4 programme where you can start your PhD after a year of master’s studies. The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen offers these two programmes, for example. Each individual university lays down its own rules regarding this type of hybrid PhD. An example of this is Aarhus University’s 4- and 5-year PhD scholarships .

What should I include in my application?

In Denmark you must apply for PhD programmes in writing via advertised projects and scholarships . Usually, you either apply for an opportunity with a pre-defined research topic, or you propose your own research ideas.

You also have to include a transcript of your grades for your bachelor’s and master’s degrees with documentation of your grades, and a CV.

How can I finance my PhD?

For students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland higher education in Denmark is free

You may be eligible for free tuition as an international student, provided you meet one of the following conditions:

• You hold a permanent residence permit
• You hold a temporary residence permit that can be upgraded to a permanent one
• You hold a residence permit as the accompanying child of a non-EU/EEA holding a residence permit based on employment

All other students pay tuition fees. The fee is 50,000 DKK per year, i.e. 150,000 DKK for three years and is not postponed during any absence from the three-year PhD programme such as maternity/paternity leave, other leaves of absence or long-term illness.

The first rate is paid at enrolment, the second rate is paid in the first quarter of the calendar year following enrolment and the third rate is paid in the first quarter of the second calendar year following enrolment.

The grant provider must guarantee for the payment of the tuition fee for all three years when applying for enrolment.

The tuition fee covers

• PhD courses included in the Graduate School’s course catalogue
• PhD courses at other Danish universities and to some extent courses from other providers in Denmark or abroad
• Expenses regarding stays at other research environments in Denmark or abroad
• Activities in the graduate programmes
• Assessments and defence of your PhD thesis

Therefore, you have to be able to finance both your degree and your living costs. You can do this in several different ways:

Industrial PhD

If you aim to conduct a research project with commercial perspectives, you can apply for an industrial PhD. You will be employed by a private sector company and at the same time enrolled as a PhD student at the Graduate School at a university.

As an industrial PhD student you will carry out research where results are applied in an enterprise setting. The cooperation between university and industry gives you access to new knowledge and innovation provided by the private sector company.

Application process for the industrial PhD

• Start by finding a private sector company and a university supervisor for your PhD project.
• The private sector company must send an application to Innovation Fund Denmark to apply for the industrial PhD grant on your behalf.
• If successful, you can apply for enrolment at the Graduate School.

Visit the website of Innovation Fund Denmark to learn about application deadlines, requirements and how to proceed with your application.

How much can you expect to be paid as a PhD student?

If you are funded by a faculty  or a department, your salary is regulated by the Agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the Ministry of Finance (in Danish) (AC agreement). The average monthly salary for a PhD fellow at the University of Copenhagen is 32,567 DKK. After earning their doctorate , researchers go on to a postdoc which, in Denmark , can last up to four years at the same university.

PhD students employed at a hospital:

If you are employed at a hospital your salary follows the collective agreements in place at the Danish regions. In this agreement your employment depends on the degree you hold. Medical doctors are employed according to the collective agreement of the Danish Medical Association while other candidates are employed following the AC agreement. Contact your employer for more information.

Industrial PhD students employed by a private sector company

If you are employed as an industrial PhD student, your salary follows the collective agreement in place at your company. Contact your employer for more information.

Who gets accepted?

The head of the relevant PhD school decides which applicants will be accepted and enrolled into the programme – but of course it is not entirely at his/her own discretion. The applicants are selected based on a recommendation from the academic staff members on the faculty’s PhD committee.

When can I apply?

Job banks at universities are full of postings. You can also search for a PhD course here :

Video: Dario is doing his PhD in Sustainable Energy at The Technical University of Denmark, which is is also offered as a MSc programme. Watch more videos

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• PhD Study in Denmark - A Guide for 2024

Written by Kirsty Smitten

There are many reasons to consider a PhD in Denmark, including its welcoming culture and thriving higher education system. Better yet, PhD tuition is free for many students (and very affordable for most others!).

This page covers everything you need to know about gaining a Danish PhD , including an overview of the university system, what your PhD will involve, how much it will cost and how you can apply.

On this page

Phd opportunities in denmark - what's on offer for 2024.

The Danish higher education system dates back over 500 years; it is therefore not surprising its universities have had a hand in a range of inventions and scientific breakthrough, from quantum theory to Lego.

Today the government is investing more into the Danish higher education system, in order to produce highly qualified PhD researchers. Here are a few reasons why Denmark could be the ideal place for your doctorate this year:

• Excellent research and development facilities - Denmark places highly in the world rankings for research and development, making it a strong prospect for PhD study.
• Mostly no tuition fees - Students from the EEA/EU/Switzerland, or other countries who have obtained a residence permit do not have to pay tuition fees .
• Free Danish lessons - Denmark welcomes international students into their country and culture by offering free government-funded language classes to international students.
• Access to post-study employment opportunities - With EU/EEA and Swiss citizens able to work without a visa and extensions for other international students to find post-study work, Denmark encourages you to stay after your PhD.

If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you may be interested to know that the Danish actor Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), spent worked as a flower seller in Copenhagen before his cinematic career took off.

Coronavirus updates for international students at Danish universities

For the latest information on the impact of coronavirus on studying a PhD in Denmark, please read the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science’s COVID-19 guidance page . Here you can find updates regarding the reopening of universities and more.

PhD life in Denmark

Want to know more about life for international PhD students in Denmark ? Our detailed guide covers everything from accommodation and living costs to culture and entertainment.

Danish universities

The higher education system in Denmark comprises of four types of institutions offering degree programmes. All are fully accredited, but not all offer PhDs.

The Danish higher education system includes the following:

• Business academies offer short-cycle programmes for 1.5 to 2.5 years of study
• University colleges - offer medium-cycle programmes, these are academy profession programmes taken at the Academies of Professional Higher Education
• Universities - offer long-cycle programmes, first-cycle Bachelors, second-cycle Masters and third-cycle PhD programmes
• University level institutions for educations in the arts - these also offer long cycle programmes in Architecture, Design, Film, Fine Arts, Music and Performing Arts

As an international PhD student in Denmark you will find yourself studying at one of the eight universities . Five of these are multi-faculty and three specialise in Engineering, Information Technology and Business Studies.

Danish university rankings

The small number of higher education institutions in Denmark, hasn’t stopped it from competing with other countries in the global rankings, with five out of eight universities featuring in the first 300 in the world for 2020/21.

Do ranking matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

Denmark university cities

There are only a small number of universities within Denmark, but all of them are situated within major cities, with attractive leisure opportunities and historical sites for you to explore.

The following are the main hubs for higher education in Denmark:

• Study in Copenhagen
• Study in Aarhus
• Study in Aalborg
• Study in Kongens Lyngby

PhD structure

A doctoral degree in Denmark is a third-cycle qualification, in-line with the framework adopted across Europe as part of the Bologna Process .

The Bologna Process

The Bologna Process brings together a range of countries to form the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Members of the EHEA share a common three-cycle framework that allows degrees from one country to be easily recognised within others.

However, despite following the Bologna Process format, a Danish PhD is a distinctive qualification. With many institutions incorporating industrial links into their programmes, students gain a variety of training.

PhD programmes

In Denmark there are two-types of PhD programme: the standard university-based research PhD and the industrial PhD.

On a three-year industrial programme , you will complete a project within a company’s field of interest. You will both be employed by the company and enrolled at a university. This scheme has been developed to facilitate networking between companies and universities, as well as to promote research and development in Danish business.

Programme length

The Danish academic year runs from August/September to May/June and is made up of two semesters:

• Semester one - begins in August/September with exams in December/January
• Semester two - begins in January/February with exams in May/June

You will study your PhD for 3-years as a full-time student

The Danish PhD process

Danish PhD programmes follow a set curriculum that includes specific taught courses as well as independent research .

Within 3-months you and your supervisor will have to come up with study plan proposing your research project . This must be approved by the institution.

The study plan will include courses you must complete, that are relevant to your research project . The courses must correspond to six-months of studies.

In addition, you will be expected to gain teaching experience and / or knowledge dissemination of your research results (through presentations and publications). Institutions offer students teaching courses and guidance.

Finally, you will have to carry out your research project and write a write a thesis . Danish universities often require students to gain experience researching inside and outside of their institution. This may involve going into industry or to another university abroad.

Supervision

Upon enrolling you will be allocated an official academic supervisor who is an acknowledged researcher within your research project’s field.

Your supervisor will be responsible for guiding your PhD, as well as ensuring you have a study plan and are participating in the necessary courses.

Assessment and examination

Danish PhDs use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) in accordance with the Bologna Process. You must obtain all 180 credits to be awarded the PhD qualification.

You will need to complete a number of things to be awarded 180 credits:

• Study plan - this must be completed and confirmed with the institution within the first 3-months detailing the taught courses you will take and your proposed research
• Write your thesis - your thesis has to show your ability to make use of the subject’s scientific methods and prove your research abilities are at the international standard for PhDs in your discipline
• Pass the viva - this is a public defence in front of an evaluation jury consisting of two academics from outside your institution and one from abroad whom are all acknowledged researchers in your field

Your thesis will become publicly available before your defence.

Assessments

Within Denmark your ability as an independent researcher is frequently assessed. Your supervisor will submit remarks regularly assessing whether you are following your PhD plan. This will detail any adjustments that you must do to remain on the programme.

Fees and funding

Higher education policies within Denmark make it a very affordable option for international students (particularly those from the EU/EEA).

In addition to low fees, there are various funding sources available, with a number of scholarships specifically for international students.

Your tuition fees for a PhD in Denmark depends primarily on your nationality. For students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland higher education in Denmark is free

You may also be eligible for free tuition as an international student , provided you meet one of the following conditions:

• You hold a permanent residence permit ( permanent opholdstilladelse )
• You hold a temporary residence permit that can be upgraded to a permanent one ( midlertidig opholdstilladelse mmf varigt ophold )
• You hold a residence permit as the accompanying child of a non-EU/EEA holding a residence permit based on employment

All other students pay tuition fees. For exact fees you should contact your institution, but you will typically pay €6,000-16,000 per year.

Living costs

As a thriving, economically developed country, living costs in Denmark are relatively high.

It is typically recommended that students have around €950 per month to cover meals, transport, accommodation and other living costs. If you're planning to study in a more expensive city such as Copenhagen, you may need up to €1,800 per month, depending on your lifestyle and choice of accommodation.

Accommodation

Accommodation for students in Denmark generally costs between €405 and €670 per month. Utilities are usually included.

PhD scholarships

There are a number of different funding opportunities available within Denmark, with many programmes and scholarships offered to international students.

• Studentships – advertised by universities, research institutions and businesses for a period of three years.
• Danish Government Scholarships Under the Cultural Agreement - Long-term scholarships for students from Brazil, China, Egypt Japan and South Korea; as well as summer Danish language courses for the previous countries and 35 European countries.
• Danish government scholarship for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students - The government give universities a limited number of scholarships each year to fund highly qualified students from non-EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. Apply directly at your chosen institution.
• Nordplus - Funding for students at Nordic or Baltic institutions to study in another Nordic or Baltic country as part of your degree.
• Fulbright Commission - Funding for US citizens for an entire academic year of study/research in Denmark.

Individual universities in Denmark may also offer funding and support to international students. Check with your institution to find out what assistance is available to you and what the availability criteria are.

Working whilst studying

As an international student in Denmark you will have the right to work whilst you are studying. However the restrictions on working will depend upon your nationality.

Nordic, EU/EEA or Swiss citizens are allowed to work in Denmark under EU rules, with no restriction on the number of hours.

Students from other countries may work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during June, July and August . However, you must have a work permit sticker in your passport.

It is recommended you apply for a work permit when applying for your residence permit to study in Denmark; however, if you don’t you can apply for one at the Danish Immigration Service.

Make sure you stick to the regulations for working – more than 20 hours a week, or without a work permit as a non-EU/EEA student – may result in the Danish Immigration Service revoking your residence permit. You may also face deportation and a prison sentence.

PhD salary in Denmark

Some universities in Denmark pay scholarships to PhD students in the form of a monthly salary. This means that you will be employed on a contract that will terminate when you submit your thesis. Check with your department to see whether this will apply to you.

Applying for a PhD in Denmark

The application process in Denmark is similar to that in the UK where the you must apply for PhD programmes via advertised projects and scholarships .

Typically, you will either apply for an opportunity with a pre-defined research topic, or you will propose your own research ideas.

Entry requirements

As each institution in Denmark is responsible for its own admissions, requirements will vary. However, you will usually be required to have a recognised Masters degree in a relevant subject in order to be enrolled as a PhD student .

There are a small number of programmes available for students without a Masters . In this case the PhD typically takes 4-years, as your institution must make sure you complete a Masters programme during your PhD programme .

Recognition

For PhD study in Denmark your previous qualifications must be recognised as comparable to Danish entrance qualifications. You can view what your qualifications correspond to in Denmark using an official assessment service .

Language requirements

The Danish higher education system is very internationalised and welcomes overseas students. In fact, 700 degree programmes and 1300 courses are taught in English.

For students studying in English you must show you have the equivalent standard of a Danish upper secondary school English B/A (depending on institution), in one of the following examinations :

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - English B – test score of at least 6.5 and English A – test score of at least 7.0
• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) - English B – Certificate in Advanced English and English A – Certificate of Proficiency
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - English B – test score of at 79-93 (internet-based) and English A – test score of at least 94-101 (internet-based).

Native English speakers are exempt from testing requirements.

For students studying Danish programmes you must take the: Danish as a Foreign Language ( Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog ), Danish Test 2 ( Danskprøve 2 ) or in some cases Danish Test 3 ( Danskprøve 2 ) to prove a satisfactory level of proficiency in Danish.

Application process

For PhD study in Denmark the application process and deadlines vary depending upon your institution, you should contact them directly for exact details.

However, you will typically be required to provide the following:

• Academic transcripts - Certified copies of your transcripts and qualification certificates, with original stamps. Your transcript may have to be translated into Danish and approved by a lawyer.
• Statement of purpose - Referred to as an application cover letter at some institutions, this is a personal statement style document, stating why you want to do the programme, and what makes you a suitable candidate.
• Research proposal - If you are applying to a programme, without a specifically proposed project you will have to write a research proposal .
• Other - Some institutions require you to sit additional entrance exams or provide examples of relevant previous work from your Masters/undergraduate degrees.
• References - You will usually need to provide at least two academic references , who have had experience working with you.

Academic documents

Some universities require your academic documents to be received directly from the issuing institution, this can take several months so arrange this in time.

Some institutions in Denmark require students to have an interview for admission on to PhD programmes.

For international students this is typically conducted over skype, and usually involves 2-3 professors. Some interviewers will ask academic questions related to the project.

What happens during a PhD interview?

Your interview for a PhD in Denmark will follow a fairly standard format (apart from the fact in may take place online). Our guides give advice on what happens at a PhD interview and an overview of some questions you might be asked.

Student visas

Depending upon your nationality you may be required to apply for a study visa to do a PhD in Denmark.

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland

You will not need a visa to study in Denmark; however, as you will be studying for longer than three months you will need to apply for a residence document . These have different names depending upon your nationality: registration certificate (EU/EEA citizens) or a residence card (Swiss nationals).

The registration document may be obtained from the Regional State Administration ( Statsforvaltningen ) within three months upon your arrival in Denmark. You will need to bring:

• Your passport
• At least two passport photos
• A Letter of Administration addressed to the State Administration from your institution

It can take up to three weeks to process a residence document application and issue you your permit

Visa information for UK students in Denmark

UK students will no longer be EU citizens from the 2021-22 academic year onwards. This means you may be considered as an international student when studying in Denmark. You may be subject to different visa requirements and fee rates, unless otherwise stated.

Other international students

Students from other countries (sometimes referred to as ‘third countries’) will need to apply for a residence permit to study in Denmark.

You will need to submit an application at your local Danish Embassy, General Consulate or VFD-station along with the following:

• Identification documents - passport and passport photos
• University documents - a signed Letter of Admission from an institution approved by the Danish government
• Proof of language ability - you will need to prove you understand the language of instruction and have functional command of either Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German
• Proof of finances - proof of scholarship or payment of tuition fee and a bank statement less than 30 days old showing you can support yourself

The residence permit usually takes 2-months to process and there is a processing fee of around €270 .

A Danish ID-number (CPR)

When studying in Denmark you will need to obtain a personal ID-number, by registering with the Danish Civil Registration System .

The Civil Personal Registration (CPR) number is used by almost all public authorities in Denmark as an identification system.

You will be required to have a CRP number to register for health insurance or to open a bank account .

You must meet all the following criteria:

• You are legally entitled to stay in the country (proven by a residence document/permit depending upon your nationality)
• You have permanent accommodation acquired in Denmark
• Your stay in Denmark will last more than 3-months

As long as you meet these criteria, notification of your arrival into Denmark must be made at the local municipality of residence within 5-days .

As for PhD study you will be staying in Denmark for longer than 3-months you will have registered with the Civil Registration System .

All international students that have obtained a residence permit and have registered with the Civil Registration System, have full access to the Danish national healthcare system, and are therefore entitled to free medical treatment in Denmark.

Studying for you PhD abroad in Denmark will enhance your CV in various ways. You’ll have demonstrated the ability to work internationally and move outside your comfort zone. The structured nature of a Danish PhD is also designed to generate capable independent researchers who are suitable candidates for a range of jobs.

Can I work in Denmark after my PhD?

Denmark encourages international students to remain in the country after graduation, with visa extensions allowing for international students to seek employment.

There are different restrictions for working in Denmark after your doctoral study, depending upon your nationality.

Nordic citizens from Finland , Iceland , Norway and Sweden are free to reside and work in Denmark without a residence visa or work permit.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need to apply for a work permit; however, you will need the registration certificate you applied for when you began your PhD studies

Non-EU/EEA/Citizens your residence permit will be valid for 6-months after your graduation. This is to allow you to seek employment in Denmark. You may also extend your visa for an extra 6-months providing it hasn’t already been extended.

Find a PhD in Denmark

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in Denmark . Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad.

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Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences

Admission requirements, academic qualifications.

In order to apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, you must hold an academically relevant Danish master’s degree or be able to document equivalent qualifications, e.g. a master’s degree from a foreign university.  Check that your qualifications correspond to the Danish MSc degree.

If you need an assessment of your qualifications, please contact the   Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science . If you apply for enrolment, please enclose the agency’s assessment in your application.

Supervisor and funding

You must also have an agreement with a principal supervisor and funding of your PhD tuition fee and living expenses.

Read more about how to find a project and a supervisor.

You will need the necessary funds to live and work in Denmark, and obtain the required permissions from the immigration authorities. Read more at  newtodenmark.dk and  International Staff Mobility (ISM).

PhD positions at the University of Copenhagen are regularly announced at the  UCPH Job Portal.

The faculty does not offer any scholarships.

English language skills

You need a test of your English skills before you apply for admission unless you belong to one of the following categories:

• You come from a country where English is the official language.
• You come from an EU or EEA country.
• You can document that you have completed a BSc or MSc education where English was the language of instruction (please enclose documentation with your application).

  Read more about which tests are accepted and the minimum score.

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

• Department of Mathematical Sciences
• Study programmes
• PhD program

The PhD program

The PhD program at the Department of Mathematical Sciences usually lasts 3 years, for students enrolled with a Master's Degree, and 4-5 years for students enrolled in the integrated program with a bachelor's degree (or equivalent). The program consists first of all of an independent research project resulting in the end of a PhD thesis with publishable results.

It is also a part of the PhD program to follow some PhD courses, and our PhD students are expected to spend an extended period (up to 3-6 months) at a foreign research institution during the PhD program.

PhD students (except industrial PhDs) are required to teach, typically as teaching assistants. Our advanced courses are taught in English. Our PhD students must be able to teach in English and to follow courses taught in English.

A PhD in mathematics will make you qualified for a wide range of career possibilities including continuing an academic career or going into the private or the public sector.

PhD students who hold a stipend from the University of Copenhagen will receive funding as follows: Students enrolled in the 3-year program will receive a salary throughout the PhD period. Students enrolled in the integrated program will receive a number of state education grant portions until they acquire the master's degree 2 years before handing in their PhD thesis. For the remaining 2 years they will receive a salary.

Both stipends also include a travel allowance for participation in conferences and for research visits to foreign research institutions.

For more information about the PhD programme see https://science.ku.dk/phd/

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers PhD degrees in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, insurance and financial mathematics within four research sections and two centres:

• Algebra & Geometry
• Analysis & Quantum
• Insurance and Economics
• Statistics and Probability
• Copenhagen Centre for Geometry and Topology (GeoTop)
• Centre for the Mathematics of Quantum Theory (QMATH)

The department has about 45 tenured faculty, 30 postdocs, and 60 PhD students.

Applying for a PhD

• After accepting a PhD stipend  
• Mini-guide on how to fill the online application form

For current PhD students

See MATHnet  (department intranet) for courses, economy, travel etc.

PhD students

Joan Ferrer Rodríguez, PhD student

Theodor Henningsen, PhD student

Silvan Vollmer, PhD student

Show all news

DTU Management

Department of Technology, Management and Economics

PhD programme

PhD Programme

The PhD programme at DTU is a three-year educational programme. It is a process of learning to perform research under guidance, with the objective of training you to conduct research according to the highest international standards, contribute to research collaborations and prepare research results within the international research community.

A PhD programme at DTU consists of:

• An independent research project
• A study programme totalling 30 ECTS credit points
• Teaching and communication activities corresponding to roughly three months of work
• Study/research at another institution in Denmark or abroad
• A doctoral thesis
• A public defence of the thesis

You can find more information about DTU’s PhD programme by clicking here .

The DTU Management PhD school

The Department has enrolled roughly 70 PhD students and in addition a number of visiting PhD students from DTU’s partner universities around the world.

The department’s PhD administration handles the day-to-day administration in cooperation with the head of our PhD school and the department’s PhD committee that consists of three researcher and three PhD students.

Career opportunities

As a PhD student at DTU Management, you will have an opportunity to develop both personally and professionally in an international research environment. A PhD degree is a prerequisite for a career within academia. Many of our former PhD students are employed at Danish and leading international universities (e.g. in the Netherlands, Switzerland, China, and USA). A PhD degree from DTU Management also opens a great variety of career opportunities outside academia. Most of our former PhD students are employed in attractive positions in Danish companies and consultancies (e.g. Mærsk, Novo Nordisk, Danske Bank), in Danish public organizations (e.g. Danish Energy Agency) or international organizations (e.g. European Commission, International Energy Agency, United Nations). In addition, a few of our former PhD students have established their own company drawing at DTU’s advanced start-up eco-system.

PhD options and vacancies at DTU Management

The department advertises approximately 25 PhD positions each year. See the link for vacancies.

In addition, DTU collaborates with a vast number of firms and public organizations in educating of PhD students. Two models of collaboration are available: Co-funding a PhD student and Industrial PhD. You can find more information by clicking here . 

You are always welcome to contact one of our many faculty members to discuss your ideas on a possible future collaboration. Please feel free to browse our website for more information on our research areas and how they might fit in your area of interest. Obviously, you are also welcome to get in touch with one of our faculty members directly to discuss a future collaboration or liaise with our PhD administration who will be able to point you in the right direction of finding a potential supervisor or collaboration partner.

More information

If you have any questions about the PhD programme at DTU Management, please feel free to contact our PhD Coordinator at mail: [email protected]

You can find additional information about the PhD programme at DTU's website.

Head of PhD School

Per Dannemand Andersen Phone: +45 45254535 Mobile: 4022 4535 [email protected]

PhD Coordinator

Anne Ringsted Phone: +45 45254768 Mobile: +45 93510587 [email protected]

• Life as a PhD student
• PhD Courses
• Current PhD Students
• PhD Theses from the Department
• Vacant PhD positions

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

DKK 6 million for research into plant buds

  —  

How to get a PhD in Denmark

Career — What is a PhD school, and what should you include in your PhD application? Our guide for you, a potential PhD student in Denmark, that does not know where to begin.

(Updated August 2020)

A re you tempted by the idea of becoming a researcher? If so, you are already an old hand in the university world. Once your Master’s degree is in the bag, the next step towards a career in research is to apply for a PhD.

It is not always easy to navigate the jungle of information, so we have made a simple guide for those who are interested in a research career or are curious about what PhD student life in Denmark is like.

What is a PhD?

A PhD is usually a 3-year (180 ECTS) academic research degree. Teaching or research communication is required as part of the degree. The research degree culminates with a PhD thesis – a written product of some kind. It can be a 200-page article or a collection of  shorter research articles. The thesis is defended orally.

The abbreviation comes from the New Latin: philosophiae doctor

In some countries, a PhD gives you the title of doctor. This is the case in most Anglophone countries, where PhD is short for ‘ Doctor of Philosophy ‘

In Denmark, you do not become a doctor because you have a PhD, but you may well meet someone from England with a PhD who calls him/herself doctor. Here, the doctorate – which is achieved by writing a doctoral thesis – ranks higher than a PhD.

What is a PhD school?

At university, we are told that we are no longer pupils at a school , but rather students at a university . Therefore, it may seem strange that a PhD student is linked to a so-called PhD school. At the University of Copenhagen, for example, there are six PhD schools – one for each faculty.

Each school has its own set of rules, which in this case are a supplement to the general regulations for PhD studies at the University of Copenhagen . The schools provide guidance to students, organise PhD courses with Danish and international teachers, and give students the opportunity study abroad and collaborate with international research communities.

Every PhD school has a PhD school head, a PhD committee, and a PhD coordinator. The PhD committee includes academic staff members and PhD students, and its job is to ensure the quality of the PhD education.

The commitee checks that yearly performance and development reviews are held with the students. The coordinators act as a point of contact for the students at the departmental level, and every department has a PhD coordinator.

Who can apply?

Anyone with a master’s degree or an extended master’s degree can apply for a PhD. The subject  of the degree must be relevant to the applicant’s proposed research project.

Applicants should also have good command of the English language.

In some faculties, you can start your research degree directly after your bachelor’s

But for the more ambitious students who know that they want to do a PhD early on, some faculties have the option of starting a research degree directly after a bachelor’s. If you take this route, you would start a so-called 3+5 programme, which means starting your PhD and masters at the same time (which makes ordinary master’s degrees seem a bit tame). Some faculties have a 4+4 programme where you can start your PhD after a year of master’s studies. The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen offers these two programmes, for example.

What should I include in my application?

If you want to start a PhD, you have to apply in writing. The application should include a description of your proposed research project. You must also include a transcript of your grades (higher grades increase your chances of being accepted) for your bachelor’s and master’s degrees with documentation of your grades. A CV is also required (peer-reviewed publications also give bonus points).

The criteria for applying and the application process vary from faculty to faculty. If you wish to study for a PhD at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Copenhagen , for example, your project description should be a maximum of 12,000 characters long, while the Faculty of Law only accepts applications that are a maximum of six A4 pages (excluding the bibliography, written in Times New Roman, font size 12, with 1.5 cm line spacing.)

How can I finance my PhD?

Did you think that all education in Denmark was free? Then think again. PhD degrees are subject to tuition fees, and they are not cheap (and neither is renting an apartment in Copenhagen). Therefore, you have to be able to finance both your degree and your living costs. You can do this in several different ways:

Internal funding

Faculties offer PhD fellowships, which means that the student is enrolled in the research degree, given research funds and a monthly salary to live on for the three years the programme lasts. This means there is a difference between being PhD student and a PhD fellow. It is possible to be a PhD student and have your expenses paid by someone else.

External or private funding

External funding can be granted in the form of a so-called industrial PhD, where you are employed by a public or private company that wants you to conduct research at the university. You can also apply to a number of foundations. Or you can pay your own way, if you can afford it.

It costs around DKK  216,000 to enroll as a PhD student at the University of Copenhagen

It costs around DKK  216,000 to enroll as a PhD student (at the University of Copenhagen) – so you should start saving up! The university requires you to document that you have a grant or the money to pay for the cost of studying and wages for the three year period of the programme.

And how much can you expect to be paid as a PhD student? The average monthly salary of employees at the university as a whole is DKK 32,567. But, you should expect salary levels and expenses to vary depending on how far into the programme you are and which faculty you are employed by.

Who gets accepted?

The head of the relevant PhD school decides which applicants will be accepted and enrolled into the programme – but of course it is not entirely at his/her own discretion. The applicants are selected based on a recommendation from the academic staff members on the faculty’s PhD committee.

Each PhD school may look for different qualities in its applicants, but in general, the emphasis is on documented academic qualifications. Whether the research project’s is suitable as a PhD project (is it achievable within the existing framework?) and matches the faculty’s academic profile is also an important consideration when assessing the application.

When can I apply?

Job banks at universities are full of postings. The University of Copenhagen one has a lot, especially from the health and science departments, so keep an eye out for relevant positions.

Once you have earned your PhD degree, you have reached the highest international level within your research field

If you can’t get enough of criminal or property law, for example, and are not afraid to venture outside of Copenhagen, the Department of Law at the University of Southern Denmark might be looking for PhD fellows . If you just want to enroll yourself in a PhD programme, you can apply throughout the year to the PhD school at your faculty.

What do PhD students research?

The subjects studied vary, of course, depending on the PhD student’s faculty and department. For example, Linda Didia Boye, a PhD student at the Faculty of Humanities, defended her PhD thesis about the typology of longhouses in eastern Zealand dating from the Pre-Roman Iron Age to the Late Germanic Iron Age last year. Three days prior, Hjalte Bonde Meilvang defended his social science PhD about numbers in the political context.

loenoverblik.dk

KU’s fælles ph.d.-regler og retningslinjer (2014)

It is a good idea to stay up to date with the newest research in your subject area, so keep an eye on PhD defence calendars, the University of Copenhagen one is here.

What can I do afterwards?

Once you have your PhD, you are at the highest international level in your research area.

A natural step is to stay within the research community and pursue a career in research. But you don’t have to stay at the university for the rest of your days. Many PhD graduate have high-level jobs in the health sector, for example, and the private sector also employs PhDs in a variety of research positions.

However, the majority of PhD graduates in the period 2008-2014 still worked in universities.

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Become a PhD student

In terms of academic level, the PhD programme corresponds to three years of full-time study and is based on a successfully completed Master's programme is based on a successfully completed Master’s programme of 120 ECTS points (corresponding to 2 years full-time master’s study) .

Within the three year enrollment  PhD students are required to complete a programme that includes: 

• An independent research project completed under academic supervision
• A course programme of an extent corresponding to six months of studies (30 ECTS points)
• Participation in active research environments other than at SDU, including stays at other, mainly foreign, research institutions or private research enterprises
• Experience with teaching and other dissemination of knowledge
• Completion of a PhD Thesis
• The opportunity to defend your PhD Thesis in public

The PhD programmes are offered at the university's five PhD schools. All PhD schools offer a three-year PhD programme, and admission to the programme requires a Master's degree or similar degree. Some PhD schools also offer a four-year PhD programme for students who have completed the first year of a Master's programme.

The PhD programme is completed in close interaction with your academic supervisor, who is a leading researcher within the chosen field of research. You will be able to arrange a great part of your PhD programme yourself and to take study trips to recognised universities abroad. You will establish contacts to several active research environments both at and outside the University of Southern Denmark, and you will be participating in study activities, courses and conferences at both national and international research institutions. You will acquire experience with teaching and disseminating research results.

The Industrial PhD programme

An Industrial PhD programme is a three-year business-oriented PhD project where you as a PhD student are employed by a private company or a public-sector organisation while at the same time being enrolled at a university. As host university for Industrial PhD students, the University of Southern Denmark offers excellent conditions for setting up research partnerships between private business, the public sector and the university.

How do I find my research project?

At the University of Southern Denmark we regularly offer predefined projects, the details of which can be found under " Vacant positions " at the SDU main webpage. At some institutes it will also be possible to participate in defining a PhD project in collaboration with an academic supervisor and possibly an external organisation. At the Faculty of Health Sciences, the most common approach is for students to contact a potential academic supervisor with a view to formulating their PhD project together with him or her.

Work and salary conditions

Information from SDU International Staff Office

Last Updated 05.10.2023

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: peng han, phd defence: xue liang, phd defence: signe simonsen.

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International staff mobility

Work in denmark, visit denmark, the copenhagen book.

• The PhD programme
• About the PhD education

About the PhD education

The PhD programme is a three-year research programme aimed at training PhD students to undertake in depth research at an international level, hone their teaching and communication skills to pursue an academic career, as well as acquire transferrable skills for undertaking a career in the public or private sector.

During the three-year period, in accordance with section 7, subsection 2 of the Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions (pdf), the PhD student must attend courses, acquire teaching experience and undertake research stays at other research institutions and universities in Denmark and abroad.

The most important aspect of the PhD programme is the preparation of a written thesis, which following an oral public defence, forms the basis for the award of the PhD degree.

Admission to the PhD programme takes place on an individual basis. PhD applications are to be submitted electronically using the Faculty’s online application system in response to the annual call for PhD applications. When submitting an application for admission, in addition to proof of their academic credentials, applicants are expected to provide a research project proposal for their chosen subject. When preparing the research project proposal it is vital that applicants pay attention to the Faculty’s guidelines on project requirements.

Prior to submitting their research project proposal, it is advisable for applicants to discuss their project with one of the Faculty’s academic staff (a professor or an associate professor). If applicants should have any queries regarding finding a suitable academic staff member with whom to discuss their project, they should contact the heads of the Faculty’s research centres or in case of doubt, contact Head of PhD Programme, Astrid Kjeldgaard-Pedersen ,  When writing the research project proposal, all areas within the field of law and interdisciplinary projects (e.g. law and science, law and economics, etc.) can be considered. However, the Faculty of Law will give priority to applications that are of strategic importance to the Faculty's research centres . Therefore, when preparing the research project proposal, it is important to outline in the applicant’s letter of motivation how their research project tallies with the research priorities of the individual research centre, as well as the Faculty in general. Applicants whose native language is not English must document proficiency in English by completing one of the recognised language tests (IELTS or TOFL) and obtaining the minimum score or higher (as set out in the section entitled ‘language requirements’). Applicants who have obtained a university degree in a country where English is the official language (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK and USA) and applicants holding a Master’s degree from one of the Nordic universities are not required to submit proof of English proficiency.

Only a limited number of applicants are accepted into the PhD programme, depending on the Faculty’s available financial resources as well as its supervision capacity.

What does the Faculty of Law provide?

• The opportunity for conducting independent and in-depth legal research.
• Flexible work hours.
• Opportunity to undertake research at another university or research based stay at another institution in either Denmark or abroad, while being financed by the Faculty of Law.
• PhD courses that enable students to hone their academic knowledge within the chosen area of research, develop competence in teaching and enhance their ability to communicate research results.
• Free access to a well-equipped research library.
• A monthly contractual wage for the duration of the PhD programme.
• Office facilities located centrally within Copenhagen.
• Opportunity for close interactions with experienced researchers and other PhD students, and for broadening one’s professional network.
• Opportunities for professional and personal development.

If you wish to be notified about Vacant PhD scholarships, please sign up for our news service:

Vacant PhD scholarships alert

PhD students

PhD students at the Faculty of Law  

Contact the PhD Administration

PhD administration, PhD programme, hiring, PhD courses, PhD Commitee etc. [email protected]

PhD programme

The individual universities may award the PhD degree within the disciplines in which the universities conduct research and for which they have established a PhD school. A university may establish a PhD school on its own or in collaboration with one or more other universities. The PhD degree is normally awarded after three years of higher education and research (180 ECTS credits) following a Master’s degree.

In March 2017 the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science published a comprehensive analysis of the quality and effects of an increased intake of PhD students in the period 2003-2010.

Read a full English version of the main findings below.

• The quality and relevance of the Danish PhD programme: compilation of main results

The individual university is responsible for organising its PhD programme within the framework of the PhD Order.

Objective of the PhD programme:

The PhD programme trains PhD students at an international level to undertake research, development and teaching assignments in the private and public sectors, for which a broad knowledge of research is required.

Each PhD student is appointed a principal supervisor who is responsible for the student’s PhD programme. The principal supervisor must be a recognised researcher within the relevant field, be employed by the university and affiliated with the PhD school. The student may have additional supervisors appointed.

Contents of the PhD programme:

The PhD programme comprises the following elements:

• Conducting an independent PhD project under supervision
• Completing a PhD thesis on the basis of the PhD project
• Completing PhD courses corresponding to approx. six months
• Participating in active research environments, including long-term stays at other, for example foreign, research institutions
• Gaining experience of teaching or other form of knowledge dissemination

The PhD student is required to publicly defend his or her PhD thesis at the university.

• For more information please visit the website Study in Denmark
• PhD Order (pdf)

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• Department of Psychology

The PhD programme

The PhD programme at the Department of Psychology is a three year full-time research programme fully or partially funded by external funds or by the Department.

If you wish to apply for a PhD scholarship please read the information about the PhD programme on the following pages:

It is not a requirement that you speak Danish in order to enrol as a PhD student af the Department of Psychology.

About the PhD programme

Application for a phd scholarship, phd programme regulations, phd courses, the organisation of the phd programme, graduate school.

Visit our Graduate School and find information for applicants

Study Destination

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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Nuclear Engineering Graduate Program

The School of Nuclear Science and Engineering offers three graduate degrees in nuclear engineering: master of science, master of engineering, and doctor of philosophy. Graduate students work with world renowned faculty and have access to a breadth of unique research facilities and laboratories.

You can put your innovative stamp on real world research projects such as advanced reactor design and medical isotope production with partners like Idaho National Laboratory, NuScale Power, and the Department of Energy. Please refer to our  research areas . 

The program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities ( view our accreditation information ).

Academics and Admission

Prospective graduate students apply through the  Oregon State University Graduate School  and will be required to submit the following. 

• Statement of purpose.
• University-level academic references are preferred.
• An official transcript from every institution attended. 

Applicants must meet the  minimum academic requirements . International applicants must meet the  minimum requirements for international applicants . GRE scores are currently being waived for Fall 2023 admission cycle.

Admission decisions are based on many factors, such as the quality of the applicant’s prior academic degree and record of accomplishment, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation from professors or others familiar with the applicant’s academic work, performance in aptitude and achievement tests, relevant work experience, preparation in the proposed field of study, and the suitability of the applicant’s academic goals with the faculty’s research interests.

Particularly at the graduate level, a critical consideration in the decision is whether your academic objectives can be satisfactorily fulfilled by the graduate programs at Oregon State. Admission to Oregon State is competitive and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Following approval of the School, the Office of Admissions will determine whether the general university admission requirements have been met.

The  four-year undergraduate program example plans  provide an indication of the level of math and science required of our undergrads in preparation for our graduate programs. 

Each applicant is judged on their entire application and a decision is made on the strength of each application in relation to the pool of applicants in any given year.  Meeting the minimum application requirements does not guarantee admission. 

Questions regarding applications and the program should be directed to  Heidi Braly , NSE graduate student liaison. 

Application Dates

Admissions Fall 2023

• Applications open Sept. 17, 2022
• Final Deadline: May 1, 2023
• Full priority funding consideration (GTA/GRA positions) Dec. 31, 2022

Degree Requirements

• Nuclear Engineering Graduate Majors
• Nuclear Engineering Graduate Minor

Graduate Learning Outcomes

M.Eng. 

• Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.    
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.    
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.   

Ph.D. 

• Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge. 
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.   
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.  

Assistantships and Fellowships

NSE offers a limited number of graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) and graduate research assistantships (GRA). There is no separate application process. Students whose applications are complete by the priority funding deadline are automatically considered for available GTA/GRA positions.

Graduate teaching assistants and research assistants are appointed on a term-by-term basis. They receive tuition remission, a monthly stipend starting at $1,700*, and a $430* per term lump sum for fees. 

Fellowships are also available to incoming graduate students. Stipends range from $1,160* to $2,200* per month for the nine-month academic year. There are typically four to six fellowships awarded per academic year. There is no separate application process for fellowships, qualified graduate applicants to the department are automatically considered for available fellowships.

*Award offers and amounts are subject to change at the discretion of department administrators.