University of Copenhagen

About: 

Founded  in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the second-oldest universities in Scandinavia, and ranks as one of the top universities in Nordic Europe. It is divided into six different faculties with teaching taking place across its four campuses, all located in the centre of Copenhagen. The university has a student population of around 37,000.

Highlights: 

The University of Copenhagen boasts 39 Nobel laureates. Some of its alumni include the President of the United Nations General Assembly and 24 Danish prime ministers. The university fosters and encourages entrepreneurship, and around 290 student start-ups and founded each year. Located in the centre of Copenhagen, the university is well-placed for students to explore the historic city.

Location: 

Copenhagen, Denmark

Courses / Modules: 

To find out about the courses on offer, consult the university course catalogue.   Ensure that you also check any course restrictions.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange.  University of Copenhagen 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 academic year is divided into two semesters, autumn and spring. Autumn semester runs from the end of August to the end of January and the spring semester runs from the start of February to the end of June. 

For the first semester, exams taught in English are scheduled just before Christmas. In the spring semester, exams take place from mid-May until late June.

There are two one-week breaks in each semester, like a half-term holiday, and a Christmas break at the end of December and through January.

The university's academic calendar offers more information on teaching periods, exams and holidays.

Language: 

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: 

The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) provides guidance on various issues including accommodation on their Practical matters webpage. They note that it can be challenging to find accommodation, particularly in July, August and September.  The Housing Foundation Copenhagen is an independent organisation that offers support for students seeking accommodation in Copenhagen for up to one year.  Most rooms in Copenhagen cost 4,000-8,000 DKK a month. 

Orientation / Welcome week:  

The University of Copenhagen puts on an orientation programme each semester for incoming international students. This is a great opportunity to get to know the campus and the city, ask any questions about the exchange and meet other international students.

Support Services: 

For more information on support services including counselling and disability support, take a look at the the student support website.

There is a buddy programme in place across each faculty. The purpose is to create a social network for international students and UCPH students through different types of activities during the semester. You will also be matched with a UCPH student or a group of UCPH students and other mentees. The UCPH student(s) will help you settle in during your stay in Denmark and give you an introduction to student life in Copenhagen. 

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 University of Copenhagen provide information about visas under their guide to practical matters. 

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). There is usually an event in the Introduction Week where you can get this sorted through a fast-track application. 

Samuel, Year Abroad in Denmark 2018/19

"This has been the best experience of my life by a long way. I've made some great friends and improved my communication skills living in an international flat. I've learnt so much from them, and I will be sad to move out. Denmark is a beautiful country and there are always exciting things to do! The work is very independent and often I was left to work out problems on my own, which was a difficulty, but has now been one of the best things I learnt here. I now have much more confidence in my own abilities."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website! 

• University of Copenhagen Visiting Students Webpage

• University of Copenhagen's guide to Practical Matters 

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

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