Erasmus guide University of Copenhagen
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Copenhagen in Copenhagen, Denmark.
City
CopenhagenCountry
DenmarkSnapshot
Denmark's flagship research university and Scandinavia's highest-ranked institution (QS top 100, founded 1479) — 38,000 students, strong natural sciences and medicine, and a campus woven into one of Europe's most liveable capital cities.
Why students shortlist it
Multi-campus university across Copenhagen, with exchange options in humanities, social sciences, law, sciences and health-related fields. Strong fit for students who want cycling-based city life, English-taught course options and a structured Nordic academic calendar.
Teaching languages: Danish (primary); extensive English programme catalogue — the broadest in Scandinavia
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, academic transcript, learning agreement, English proof, and Danish residence/CPR registration for stays over 3 months.
Nomination Process
Your home Erasmus coordinator nominates you to the UCPH International Office. After nomination confirmation, UCPH sends a personal application invitation.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students don't need a Danish visa but should register for CPR (Danish civil registration) if staying over 3 months — provides access to Danish healthcare and banking. Non-EU students need a Danish residence permit via SIRI — apply at least 8 weeks before arrival.
Buddy System
UCPH International Student Network (INIS) and ESN Copenhagen buddy schemes pair exchange students with Danish students before and during arrival.
Orientation Week
UCPH International Welcome runs before semester start — registration, campus tours, admin, and social events. Essential for first-week setup.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn semester | March 1 | April 1 |
| Spring semester | October 1 | November 1 |
Arrival Checklist
- EU: register for CPR number at Borgerservice within 3 months — needed for healthcare and banking.
- Non-EU: Danish residence permit application through SIRI before departure — minimum 8 weeks.
- Book accommodation before arrival — Copenhagen housing is competitive and expensive.
- Get a Rejsekort or use contactless for Copenhagen metro, buses, and regional trains.
Academics
Course Registration
Course selection via KUnet after admission. English-taught courses available across all faculties — check the online course catalogue filtered for exchange students. Build a backup list as popular courses cap.
Credit System
Denmark uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
Grading System
Danish 7-step scale: 12 (excellent/A), 10 (very good), 7 (good/C), 4 (fair), 02 (adequate/pass), 00 (inadequate), -3 (very inadequate). Grade conversion tables provided.
Exam Culture
Mix of written exams, oral exams, and portfolio assessments. Natural Sciences and Medicine lean exam-heavy; Humanities use oral exams and essays. Confirm exam schedule before booking travel.
Library Access
Royal Library (Det Kongelige Bibliotek) and UCPH faculty libraries — extraordinary collections and superb digital access. The Black Diamond (Diamanten) main library on the waterfront is architecturally stunning.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | DKK 0 (pay home institution fees only) | Exchange students pay no tuition to UCPH. Living costs in Copenhagen: DKK 10,000–15,000/month (~€1,340–2,010) — one of Europe's more expensive cities, but qu… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | DKK 0/year (Danish-taught programmes) | EU/EEA students in Danish-taught programmes pay no tuition. English-taught programmes for EU students may have fees — verify per programme. |
| Full degree – non-EU | DKK 90,000–120,000/year (~€12,000–16,100) | Non-EU students pay programme-specific fees. Natural Sciences and Medicine typically higher. Danish Government Scholarships available for outstanding non-EU … |
DKK 0 (pay home institution fees only)
Exchange students pay no tuition to UCPH. Living costs in Copenhagen: DKK 10,000–15,000/month (~€1,340–2,010) — one of Europe's more expensive cities, but qu…
DKK 0/year (Danish-taught programmes)
EU/EEA students in Danish-taught programmes pay no tuition. English-taught programmes for EU students may have fees — verify per programme.
DKK 90,000–120,000/year (~€12,000–16,100)
Non-EU students pay programme-specific fees. Natural Sciences and Medicine typically higher. Danish Government Scholarships available for outstanding non-EU …
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — CPR + yellow health card for EU (free after registration); private insurance for non-EU.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
UCPH Student Health Service — GP, counselling, and health support at multiple campus locations.
Mental Health
UCPH Counselling and Study Skills Service — free psychological support and academic coaching. Book early — demand peaks during exam periods.
Danish public health via CPR
Free after CPR registration
Best option for EU students staying 3+ months — provides GP, hospital, and emergency care.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Useful for emergency care before CPR registration is complete.
Campus Services
International Office
Central contact for exchange admission, learning agreements, CPR letter, and arrival guidance.
KKIK Housing
Main student housing portal for Copenhagen — apply here first for exchange student rooms.
INIS / ESN Copenhagen
International student network running social events, city orientation, trips, and buddy matching.
UCPH Sports (CIRIUS Sport)
Student sports centre with gym, fitness classes, and team sports across Copenhagen campuses.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- INIS / ESN Copenhagen
- UCPH Sports (CIRIUS)
- Faculty student organisations
Buddy Program
INIS Buddy Programme and ESN Copenhagen pair exchange students with Danish students before arrival.
Sports & Recreation
- UCPH CIRIUS Sport Centre
- Cycling everywhere — Copenhagen is Europe's cycling capital
- Swimming at Harbour Baths (Islands Brygge — free in summer)
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend UCPH International Welcome — admin, CPR letter, library access, and social events.
- Register for CPR at Borgerservice — this unlocks healthcare, banking, and MitID.
- Get a Rejsekort or use contactless for metro, S-train, and buses.
- Rent a bike — cheaper and faster than public transport for most destinations in Copenhagen.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active UCPH partnership in your faculty. Medicine and Law restricted access.
Nomination deadline (Autumn)
March 1
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates — UCPH sends direct application invitation.
CPR registration
August–September
Register at Borgerservice within first weeks of arrival — unlocks healthcare, banking, and digital ID.
International Welcome
Late August
Attend before semester start — admin, housing check-in, and social on-ramp.
Exam period
January / June
Oral exams can shift — do not book return travel before all exam dates are confirmed.