Erasmus guide Aarhus University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Aarhus University in Aarhus, Denmark.
Study abroad at Aarhus University: overview
Study abroad at Aarhus University means choosing Denmark's second-largest research university (QS ~170, founded 1928) with 44,000 students, strong natural and social sciences, and a compact campus that wraps around the city centre — one of Scandinavia's most liveable student destinations. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Approx. 44,000 students; international mix: Approx. 2,500 inbound exchange students per year, with strong Erasmus+ and bilateral mobility; academically it fits best around Molecular Biology and Genetics, Business and Social Sciences, Computer Science and IT, Health Sciences. The part to check without romanticising it: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Enrollment
Approx. 44,000 students
International Mix
Approx. 2,500 inbound exchange students per year, with strong Erasmus+ and bilateral mobility
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Molecular Biology and Genetics, Business and Social Sciences, Computer Science and IT, Health Sciences in Aarhus, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Language of instruction: Danish (primary); extensive English programme catalogue at master's level and in exchange-specific courses
Exchange & application at Aarhus University
Exchange at Aarhus University starts with partner nomination and an online AU application. The practical work is course backup, housing timing, insurance and arrival admin, because the city is easier once those pieces are settled before semester start.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, completed online application, learning agreement, proof of enrollment, language documentation, and valid insurance for Denmark.
📨Nomination Process
Your home coordinator nominates you by AU's deadline (typically March for autumn, October for spring). After nomination, AU sends a direct invitation to complete the online application.
🛂Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a Danish visa. Non-EU students staying over 3 months need a Danish residence permit — apply at least 8 weeks before arrival through the Danish Immigration Service (SIRI).
👥Buddy System
AU International Club and the ESN Aarhus chapter organise buddy matching, welcome events, and cultural trips throughout the semester.
🧭Orientation Week
AU runs a dedicated International Week before semester start — mandatory attendance recommended; includes campus tours, admin setup, and social events.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn intake | March 1 | April 1 |
| Spring intake | October 1 | November 1 |
Arrival Checklist
- Book housing before arrival — AU housing lists fill fast in August.
- Bring CPR number registration documents if staying over 3 months.
- Download MitID app steps in advance — Danish digital ID needed for most services.
- Confirm learning agreement courses are still available on the semester schedule.
Academics & courses at Aarhus University
Academics at AU use the Danish ECTS rhythm: 30 ECTS for a full semester, independent study and exams that vary by faculty. Oral exams, written exams and portfolios all appear, so check the assessment format before locking travel plans.
📝Course Registration
Course registration via AU's online system after admission. English-taught course availability is confirmed each semester — always build a backup list as popular modules fill quickly.
🎓Credit System
Denmark uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS; exchange load depends on home university agreement.
💯Grading System
Danish 7-step scale: 12 (excellent), 10, 7, 4, 02 (minimum pass), 00, -3. Conversion tables provided by AU for home university transcripts.
✍️Exam Culture
Mix of written exams, oral exams, and portfolio assessments depending on faculty. Oral exams are common in Arts and Social Sciences — prepare for direct discussion format.
📚Library Access
State Library (Statsbiblioteket) on campus — one of Denmark's largest. Full digital and physical access with student card.
Tuition & fees at Aarhus University
Costs at Aarhus University are gentler than Copenhagen but still Danish. Exchange tuition is handled through the home university, while rent, groceries and transport shape the real monthly budget.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | DKK 0 (pay home institution fees only) | Exchange students pay no tuition to AU — fees stay at home university. Erasmus+ grants available for EU students. Estimated living costs DKK 9,000–12,000/mon… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | DKK 0/year | EU/EEA students admitted to Danish-taught programmes pay no tuition. English-taught degree programmes for EU students may have programme fees — verify per pr… |
| Full degree – non-EU | DKK 55,000–100,000/year (~€7,400–13,400) | Non-EU students pay programme-specific fees. Engineering and Computer Science programmes at the higher end. Scholarship options available through the Danish … |
DKK 0 (pay home institution fees only)
Exchange students pay no tuition to AU — fees stay at home university. Erasmus+ grants available for EU students. Estimated living costs DKK 9,000–12,000/mon…
DKK 0/year
EU/EEA students admitted to Danish-taught programmes pay no tuition. English-taught degree programmes for EU students may have programme fees — verify per pr…
DKK 55,000–100,000/year (~€7,400–13,400)
Non-EU students pay programme-specific fees. Engineering and Computer Science programmes at the higher end. Scholarship options available through the Danish …
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Aarhus University
Housing is manageable only if you start early. AU housing, kollegium options and shared rooms are realistic, but August arrivals should not wait until the final weeks to understand deposits, locations and transport routes.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Aarhus
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Aarhus University
AU support is useful because it connects admin with real arrival life: International Week, AU International Club, ESN Aarhus, housing guidance and CPR preparation. Use those channels early rather than trying to solve everything privately.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes — bring proof of health coverage for the full exchange period.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
AU Student Counselling and Psychology (Studenterrådgivningen) — free confidential support for all enrolled students.
🧠Mental Health
Free counselling and psychological support through Studenterrådgivningen. Book early — demand is high during exam periods.
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
Free (home-country issued)
Covers medically necessary public healthcare for EU/EEA students.
Danish public health (via CPR)
Free after CPR registration
Gives access to Danish public health system — best option for stays over 3 months.
Campus services
International Centre
Main contact for exchange admission, learning agreements, arrival documents, and residence permit guidance.
ESN Aarhus
Erasmus Student Network chapter running social events, trips, buddy matching, and ESNcard discounts.
Student Counselling (Studenterrådgivningen)
Free, confidential counselling for academic stress, mental health, and social difficulties.
AU Sport
Student sports centre with gym, swimming pool, fitness classes, and team sports — very affordable with student card.
Student life at Aarhus University
Student life at Aarhus University is one of the strongest reasons to choose the city. Campus, Friday bars, student housing, music venues, harbour spaces and forests sit close enough that social routines form faster than in a bigger capital.
Student Clubs
- ESN Aarhus
- AU International Club
- Faculty student associations
- AU Sport
Buddy Program
ESN Aarhus buddy matching connects international students with Danish peers before arrival.
Sports & Recreation
- AU Sport Centre (gym, pool, group fitness)
- Student football and volleyball leagues
- Cycling — Aarhus is highly bikeable
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend AU International Week — admin setup, campus orientation, social events all happen here.
- Register for CPR number at Aarhus Borgerservice if staying over 3 months — needed for healthcare and banking.
- Get a Rejsekort (travel card) for Danish buses and trains — cheaper than single tickets.
- Confirm course registrations and swap out any full modules with backup options.
Key exchange dates at Aarhus University
The key dates are usually March and October nominations, April and November applications, and arrival before International Week. Keep course confirmation, housing and CPR documents in the same checklist so the first fortnight is not overloaded.
-
1
Before nomination
Confirm your home university has an active AU partnership in your subject area.
-
2
Nomination window (Autumn)
March 1
Home coordinator submits nomination; AU sends online application invitation.
-
3
Application deadline (Autumn)
April 1
Complete AU online application + learning agreement.
-
4
Welcome Week
Late August
Mandatory orientation week before semester start. Housing must be booked before this date.
-
5
Exam period
January / June
Do not book return travel before exam schedule is published — oral exams can shift dates.