Located in northern Europe, Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries. The Baltic Sea lies to the east and the North Sea to the north and west. Sweden and Norway lie beyond the North Sea and Germany lies to the south, the only country to share a border with Denmark. The nation is made up of the peninsula of Jutland and 443 islands. The land is low and flat, with arable plains inland and many sandy beaches and dunes along the coast. The climate is temperate, with mild winters and cool summers. Although it is a constitutional monarchy, the monarch is a symbolic ruler and the nation is governed by an elected parliament and prime minister. It is known as the home of Hans Christian Anderson and the Lego Corporation.
The people of Denmark are extremely educated. It boasts the fourth highest number of tertiary degree holders in the world. Degree seeking students may choose to attend one of the nation’s excellent universities, university colleges or business academies. It was the first country to implement environmental law, and many of its universities and institutions specialize in environmental research.
All colleges and universities are free to the residents of Denmark, and students may apply for stipends to cover their living expenses as well. Students from the European Union and Switzerland and those participating in exchange programs may also study for free. Students outside the EU who wish to study undergraduate studies in Denmark are required to pay tuition, which varies from one institution to another but can range from around 6,000 to 16,000 Euros. However, many programs and scholarships are available to assist with the cost of a Danish education.
Most universities are on a two-semester system that runs from September to June, with semester exams in January and June. July and August are set aside for the summer holidays. Some universities have changed to a four quarter academic year. Each quarter consists of eight weeks of lessons followed by one week for exams and another week of break before the next quarter begins.
Depending on the institution and the program chosen, it can take three to four and a half years to earn a bachelor’s degree in Denmark. Most programs combine theoretical study with research and practical application, and many offer the opportunity to complete internships with industry professionals.
Denmark’s high quality learning institutions and excellent standard of living make it an attractive option for students pursuing undergraduate studies. It offers over 500 degree programs taught entirely in English. Many programs are project and research based and encourage collaboration among students and with industry experts. Denmark is frequently listed as one of the happiest countries in the world.