Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s English
Agreement Scope Biology department exchange
Arts & Humanities faculty exchange
Exchange Places
2 full year places for Biology in 2026/2027
5 full year places for Arts and Humanities students in 2026/27
(Music students and History of Art students may not apply)
About:
Aarhus University (AU) is Denmark’s second oldest university and the country’s largest with approx. 39,000 students. Consistently ranked as one the world's top 100 universities, AU’s main campus is situated at the heart of the historic Danish city and is set in the hills and lakes of University Park.
Highlights:
The AU teaching style includes innovative teaching methods and an informal learning environment that is designed to promote creativity as well as analytical/critical thinking. The city is described as having a vibrant, youthful energy. There are always things to do across this very walkable city, from forest treks to independent flea markets and art exhibitions.
Location:
Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark. It is located on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula.
Courses / Modules:
Aarhus University offers 1000 courses taught in English across 33 study areas. For more details see the full course catalogue of modules offered in English. The University is split into faculties: Arts, School of Business and Social Services (Aarhus BSS), Health Sciences, Science and Technology. Generally, students can choose courses from one faculty only.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. Aarhus University uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.
Teaching Periods:
The full academic year spans from late August to late June. It is split into two semesters with short holidays for Christmas and other nationally observed days. Here is the academic calendar for more information.
Language:
Check the course catalogue for modules taught in English. There may be opportunities for exchange students to take part in Danish classes - check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit.
Accommodation:
There is an optional application for housing integrated into the admission application. AU housing outlines various housing options on their housing website for exchange students.
Orientation / Welcome week:
The University's welcome events are encompassed in what are known as "AU Intro Days". These are arranged by the International Centre, the Aarhus faculties and a local student organisation (Studenthus Aarhus). Have a look at a schedule of the online events being held this year for an insight into intro week.
Support Services:
Aarhus University provides a range of online resources on their Boost your student life webpages, including links to support services such as the Student Counsellors' Office (academic support), the Special Educational Support team for students with disabilities, the Student Counselling Service, Student associations and so on.
Visas:
You may need a visa to study in Denmark. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for Denmark and its Living in Denmark guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.
The AU webpage on Immigration also provides guidance.
Travel insurance:
If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).
Students in Denmark are all covered by the Danish Health Securities Act, which provides free health care. In order to access this, students must apply for a CPR number (Danish social security number). For more information, see Aarhus University's guidance on health insurance.
Christina, English, Year Abroad 2025/26
Since arriving here, I've found the atmosphere incredibly welcoming and easy to assimilate into. I'm grateful to have chosen a shared international house because it enabled me to meet students from all around the world in the same position, which was both exciting and reassuring. The university itself hosted many events for international students within the first few weeks of arriving so there were opportunities to meet people outside of your accommodation as well. I was nervous in terms of paperwork but the systems in place here are very efficient (eg. setting up a CPR so I have access to free healthcare was super easy). It's much easier to cycle here and everywhere is much more accessible by bike, but cycling on the other side of the road took a bit of adjustment.
Violet, History, Year Abroad 2024/25
"My year of living "Danishly" has broadened my world perspective, enabled me to interact with multiple cultures, and learn new approaches to study. A typical day consisted of sunrise cold dips then a cycle to class with my Danish pastry in hand. The international culture was huge here also! I felt welcomed from day one, with international events, classes and trips away. Living in a Danish dorm enabled me to socialise with Danes themselves, making life-long friends who I soon plan to visit. The Danish culture- with their values on equality and promotion of health made Denmark an amazing place to live. My future career plans are based on returning to study a Masters and develop a lifestyle here- studying abroad has changed my life, literally!
Thomas, History and Philosophy, Year Abroad 2024/25
I've had the opportunity to study modules that I never could have in York, such as the History of Denmark, which provided an invaluable non-British perspective to a matter of world history. I am highly considering my options with regards to doing a Masters programme in Denmark or elsewhere outside the UK. My year abroad acted as a gap between second and final year which gave me the opportunity to start something new. I started learning Danish at a Danish government-funded language school and by the end I was able to talk to my Danish flatmates. Overall, my year in Aarhus has been one of the best of my life and I would recommend it to anyone.
Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!
Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Revolut or Monzo: consider opening an account with one of these online banks. You can regularly transfer money over from a UK bank account, make free card payments and there are minimal fees when making withdrawals. They also have some of the best exchange rates which can be very useful while travelling.
Staying Connected:
Make plans: Making plans to meet up with your friends from York who are also abroad keeps you connected to that bit of familiarity, especially good if you are missing home. It also means you have something exciting to look forward to, which always helps.
Post: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family back home can make all the difference. Not only is it a thoughtful touch, but it keeps you connected to anyone you might be missing.
Food:
"Aarhus Central Street Food market is a great place to buy affordable food"
Grocery stores like Lidl, Aldi and Netto are recommended because they are considerably cheaper than places such as Fotex and Kvickly.
On campus, you can go to the kantine to grab food during the day at an affordable price.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
Similar to York, you will have a printing account that you can top up, just make sure you have a CPR number! (This is sorted within the first couple weeks of your arrival).
What I wished I'd known...
Denmark is a very bike friendly country and buying a second hand one for the year is very common.
Find out general living cost information in advance.
If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk
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Book a virtual appointment with one of our advisors: Emily or Stephanie, or email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk for further support.