It is no news that the country Denmark has constantly ranked among the top 3 countries in the world happiness index in the last years. This says a lot about their society, development, prosperity, and overall quality of life.
This cuts across how well-equipped its hospitals are, its high representation of the population in medicine, and the investment in high-quality medical schools. Medical schools in Denmark are among the best in the world.
Education at Danish universities involves to a large extent your passion, dedication, creativity, hard work, and lots of opportunities that will help you to learn with professionals and explore new ideas and knowledge.
Moreover, updated teaching techniques, favorable environment, global recognition and collaboration, intensive world-class research centers and cutting-edge infrastructures provide students with global job opportunities.
With such strategic educational impact, it is only normal that Denmark houses though few but the best medical schools.
MBBS in Denmark
In Denmark, MBBS is one of the most enriching programs in terms of world-class facilities, highly educated faculty, and immense industry exposure.
If you wish to study MBBS in Denmark, then you have made the best decision because Denmark as a study abroad destination offers great opportunities to study medicine in the best medical schools for both home and international students.
Known for its extensive research programs, along with a praiseworthy, technologically advanced infrastructure, Denmark has a long history of innovation, intelligence and creativity and MBBS in Denmark is currently gaining a lot of traction among the study abroad international student population.
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
Danish Universities always welcome students from different nationalities and provide them opportunities to learn and work in favor of the human race.
However, all non-EU/ EEA candidates have to fulfill the requirements in order to take admitted to Bachelor’s courses at Danish Universities.
Candidates with Upper secondary/high education are welcomed in Denmark.
General admission requirements include a grade point average or equivalent to 6.0.
Candidate must have to pass the Danish proficiency test.
Additionally, Indian candidates must have qualified for the NEET exam with good scores.
Tuition Fees in Denmark for Non-EU/EEA Students
Denmark is one of the most popular study destinations among international candidates, the basic reason behind this statement is its outstanding education, world exposure and a great lifestyle.
Fortunately, the candidates of European and sister European countries, Switzerland as well as students of exchange programs enjoy the benefits that citizens of the European nationalities enjoy because tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s Courses for these candidates are totally free.
Non-EU/EEA students might have to pay tuition fees between 6000-16000 Euros/per year for bachelor’s Courses. Whereas a specialized program is slightly costlier and also depends upon the university profile and city.
Scholarship for MBBS in Denmark
There are various types of scholarships provided by the Danish Government and Universities to help outstanding students cover study and living costs in Denmark, this scholarship will provide you a deduction on your tuition. Scholarships you should look out for include:
- The Danish Government Scholarship.
- The Danish State Educational Support.
- The Fulbright Programme.
- The Nordplus Programme.
Cost of Living in Denmark
The tuition fees policy may attract many EU/EEA students but a high standard of living and cost of things, in general, are relatively higher than in other countries.
So if you want to study any program or MBBS in Denmark you have to be very careful and have to maintain your monthly budget to cover these expenses and survive there.
As an international candidate in Denmark, your monthly living expenses may cost around 800-1200 Euros monthly.
These numbers can go up or down depending upon your spending habits, type of accommodation, eating habits, and daily expenses.
How To Become a Doctor in Denmark
Studying MBBS in Denmark is really a good decision. Danish Universities will provide you with extreme knowledge in your specific area and they will also provide you with various opportunities to grow and explore. Here’s how to become a doctor in Denmark.
Step 1: Become Proficient in Danish
Living and working in Denmark is extremely difficult if you don’t speak Danish, and so would completing a medical degree in the country. You’ll need to be fluent in Danish and this is a pre-requisite for attending medical school, among others.
As a result, the first step to becoming a doctor in Denmark is knowledge of the language, either by studying it to a proficiency level or by living and studying in Denmark on one of the many immersion language programs available.
Step 2: Attend Danish medical schools
Medicine in Denmark is split into a 3-year Bachelor’s degree and a 3-year Master’s degree in Medicine (Health Science).
If you have the required language level and are able to secure admission at one of Denmark’s medical schools, this is the best way to learn about the culture and work environment as well.
To be admitted into Danish medical school, you need to have graduated from high school level and your GPA needs to be equivalent to a Danish 6.0.
There are then specific subject requirements such as sciences. You also need to provide proof that you are proficient in Danish. There are a number of Danish language qualifications you can provide to this end.
Medical school in Denmark finishes with the awarding of a degree of Cand. Med. You can then go on to do your residency and become a doctor in Denmark.
Step 3: Residency and Medical License
Once you graduate from medical school in Denmark, you need to do at least a one-year internship program (residency) before you can register as a medical doctor in Denmark with the Danish Patient Safety Authority.
The Authority also recognizes the medical degrees awarded outside Denmark, in the EU or in non-EU countries.
Once you register with the Danish Patient Safety Authority as a foreign-trained doctor, you will also have permission to work independently.
Then, you can begin training to become a specialist. This means you will not be able to obtain a medical license directly from the moment your studies are recognized, except if you are looking to work as a generalist.
As an EU citizen, you’re not required to hold a work visa to be able to practice as a doctor in Denmark, but you do need to get your studies recognized and obtain Danish authorization to practice.
This process involves submitting a CV, the EU diploma, its translation, a certificate of current professional status/standing from your country of origin, a certificate of completion of specialist training if you have already done this, and a certificate of conformity issued by the competent authority confirming that the training leading to your medical degree meets the standards of the Danish system.
5. Getting Jobs as a Doctor in Denmark
You can find healthcare jobs in Denmark online, but you’ll need to speak fluent Danish to fully navigate the adverts and all requirements at the hospital level.
You will find that most employers will require you to have obtained your Danish authorization to practice, a residence card (if you are not an EU citizen), and to prove that you are fluent in Danish.
The Average Salary for a Doctor in Denmark
The estimated total pay for a Doctor is $215,596 per year in Denmark, with an average salary of $182,350 per year. The estimated additional pay is $33,246 per year. Additional pay could include cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing.
In as much as Denmark provides top-notch medical education for students, more could be said about practicing medicine in Denmark.
Applying for a job in Denmark gives you the opportunity to move to a safe country with great career opportunities, and where you and your (future) family will have everything you need to enjoy a comfortable life.
Here Are Some Reasons Why You Should Consider Practicing in Denmark.
- Many openings due to a big shortage in many specialties
1. Many Openings Due to a Big Shortage in Many Specialties
Denmark has been dealing with a shortage of specialists for years. In certain specialties, it is very difficult for Danish hospitals to find Danish candidates when a doctor retires. It does seem to change over the years to come.
In Denmark, hospitals depend on international specialist doctors. Many departments have a high percentage of International specialists, especially in specialties such as psychiatry, pathology, neurology and dentistry. The need for international specialists is increasing, and you will find career opportunities in Denmark for years to come.
2. High-Quality Healthcare
Denmark is known for having a very strong healthcare system. There is a huge focus on patient satisfaction and on efficiency and quality and as a young doctor, you will be respected and offered the possibility to grow and develop alongside other professionals.
3. Doctors are Respected
Danish patients trust the Danish healthcare system and they trust that the doctor they meet will give them the best treatment. Nationality is not an issue, if you are able to make the correct diagnosis and provide a fitting treatment plan the patient is satisfied.
4. Good working conditions; A stable balance between life and work
Being a doctor in Denmark provides you with a good balance between life and work. You will be offered a permanent position with a very good salary and the possibility to grow.
Doctors have busy schedules and requirements are high at work, but it does not get in the way of a healthy work and life balance.
There is plenty of time for a life outside of the hospital for being with friends and family or doing sports or spending time on your favorite hobby.
5. Social security
Denmark has a stable social safety net. There are opportunities to receive government support in case of unemployment, disease or other issues.
You are also entitled to certain child benefits as a parent. Retirement funds for doctors are also very generous.
6. A safe country
Denmark is known as a very safe country where corruption almost not existing. As an international doctor, you will be accepted for who you are, regardless of ethnicity, sexual identity or religious beliefs.
And while Denmark has excellent universities, which attract numerous international students, which medical schools in Denmark should you consider?
The List of Medical Schools in Denmark
- University of Copenhagen
- Aarhus University
- University of Southern Denmark
- Aalborg University
University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen, in Danish: Københavns Universitet(KU) is a public research university in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the second oldest university in Scandinavia after Uppsala University and ranks as one of the top universities in the Nordic countries and Europe.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #1 in Denmark
- #12 in Europe
- #57 in the World
Programs offered: All Bachelor’s programs are taught in Danish and they include: Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Health Informatics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Health, Veterinary medicine, Animal Science, Biotechnology, Medicine &Technology, Medical Chemistry and Molecular Biomedicine.
Admission requirements: In order to apply, you must have an upper secondary school education (high school).
When you apply, you do so through either quota 1 or 2 or both. Click here to learn more about the quota system. See all admission requirements as it applies to various programs.
Tuition: Applicants with citizenship from countries outside of the EU/EEA or Non-Nordic Countries must pay tuition fees.
Applicants with a permanent residence permit in Denmark or a permit with a possibility of permanent residence in Denmark are exempted from this rule.
The University of Copenhagen uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The ECTS system defines a full study load for one year as 60 ECTS.
Tuition fees are in the range of EUR 10,000 to 17,000 per 60 ECTS/academic year, depending on the program.
Fees are paid either annually for 60 ECTS or biannually for 30 ECTS depending on the program. Here are the tuition exception criteria.
Aarhus University
Aarhus University, in Danish: Aarhus Universitet(AU) is a public research university with its main campus located in Aarhus, Denmark.
It is the second largest and second oldest university in Denmark. The university was founded in 1928 and is a member of the European University Association.
The Faculty of Medicine at Aarhus University (AU) was established in 1936, eight years after the foundation of the university itself. However, the university had actually started teaching its first medical students to take what was known as “the medical science preparatory examination” as early as 1933.
In 1992, the Aarhus College of Dentistry merged with the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the faculty changed its name to the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #2 in Denmark
- #59 in Europe
- #189 in the World
Programs offered: Clinical Medicine, Biomedicine, Dentistry & Oral Health, Public Health and Forensic Medicine.
Admission requirements: All applicants must fulfill the specific admission requirements for the desired program in addition to having a qualifying entrance examination.
See requirements for all international applicants and all entrance examination information by the Danish Ministry for Science and Higher Education.
Tuition: All tuition information is available here for all programs and is based on the ECTS.
University of Southern Denmark
The University of Southern Denmark, in Danish: Syddansk Universitet ( SDU) is a university in Denmark that has campuses located in Southern Denmark and in Zealand. The University of Southern Denmark was established in 1998.
The medical study program at the University of Southern Denmark is unique, partly because theory and practice are combined in a patient-oriented examination form.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #3 in Denmark
- #116 in Europe
- #334 in the World
Programs offered: University of Southern Denmark School of Medicine offers an array of programs and including Clinical Biomechanics, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, Sports & Health, Psychology, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Midwifery, Nursing and Health Sciences.
Admission requirements: The requirement for admission is a Bachelor’s degree (or other degree based on at least three years of higher education after the high school level).
You must have qualifications in mathematics, numerical analysis and statistics corresponding to at least 50 ECTS.
Tuition: The Southern University of Denmark uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The tuition rates below apply to one ECTS. Visit the tuition page to see tuition rates that apply to all programs.
- Master of Pharmacy EUR 270
- Master of Science in Public Health EUR 170
- Bachelor or Master of Science in Medicine EUR 270
- Master or Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health EUR 170
Aalborg University
Aalborg University (AAU) is a Danish public university with campuses in Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Copenhagen founded in 1974.
The medical school, its mission is to contribute to increased quality of life for the benefit of human beings and society.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #4 in Denmark
- #145 in Europe
- #414 in the World
Programs offered: Sports Medicine, Medicine with Industrial Specialization and Health Technology.
Master programs: Sport, Sports Technology, Clinical Science & Technology, Medicine, Medicine with Industrial Specialization and Health Technology.
Admission requirements: All applicants must fulfill the general entry requirement as well as the specific entry requirements.
The assessment in regards to whether you fulfill the entry requirements is based on information and guidelines from the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science.
See all requirements on the admission page.
Tuition: Students from outside EU/EEA are required to pay tuition fees in order to study at Aalborg University unless you hold one of the residence permits mentioned below:
- 1. A permanent residence permit.
- 2. A residence permit with the possibility of permanent residency.
- 3. A temporary residence permit with a view to temporary residence in Denmark after the Danish Aliens Act, Consolidation section 7 (1 and 2), and section 8 (1 and 2).
- 4. A temporary residence permit with a view to temporary residence permit or with the possibility of a permanent residency after the Danish Aliens Act, Consolidation section 9 (1), or section 9 c (1) as a result of a familiar association to a foreigner with a residence permit after section 7 (1 and 2) or section 8 (1 and 2).
- 5. A residence permit after the Danish Aliens Act, Consolidation section 9 m (1) as an accompanying child of a foreigner, who hold a residence permit based on employment, etc. after the Danish Aliens Act, Consolidation section 9 a.
- 6. A residence permit after Danish Aliens Act, Consolidation section 9 b (1) (foreigners with humanitarian protection status)
Exchange students from partner universities outside EU/EEA will not be charged tuition fees.
The Prestigious Medical Universities in Denmark for Medical Courses
There are many other universities in Denmark that offer medical-related programs:
- Medicine and Technology | Technical University of Denmark.
- Biological and molecular medicine | Copenhagen University.
- Chemical medicine | Aarhus University.
- Nursing | VIA University.
- Public Health | The faculty of science of the University of Southern Denmark.
- Pharmacy | Technical University of Denmark.
- Management and healthcare | University of Southern Denmark.
- Health and nutrition development | The faculty of science of Copenhagen University.
Can I Study Medicine in English in Denmark?
Yes! Most medical programs in Denmark are taught in Danish. However, there are some universities that provide international students the option to study medicine in Denmark in English.
Is Medical School in Denmark Free?
Medical school is 100% free for citizens of EU/EEA and exchange students, as the government supports their costs of living by about 150-750$ a month.
However, non-EU/EEA citizens are required to pay tuition.
How Long is Med School in Denmark?
It takes 6 years to complete a Medical degree in Denmark. This includes a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, which should be followed by another 3 years for a Master’s degree in Medicine (Health Science).
Do Students in Denmark Get Paid to Study?
Every Danish student receives about $900 (5,839 Danish krones) per month under a scheme known as SU (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte).
Is Denmark Good for International Students?
Denmark is one of the most popular international study destinations in Europe due to its low study costs, high-quality English-taught Master’s degrees, and innovative teaching methods.
Is Denmark Expensive to Study?
Denmark is an expensive country but the standard of living is among the highest in the world.
Although Denmark’s no tuition fee policy is very attractive to EU students, living costs are generally higher than most places, well above the European average. Do you have suggestions about medical schools in Denmark? Please leave a comment below.