How to Study in Denmark from Nigeria In 2024

Studying abroad opens doors to exciting new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities that can be life-changing. As a Nigerian student looking to study overseas, you may be considering potential destinations like the United Kingdom, Canada, or the United States. 

However, Denmark presents a compelling choice that is often overlooked. With world-class universities, an innovative education style focused on creativity and critical thinking, and a high standard of living, Denmark has much to offer for international students.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn all the key details about what makes Denmark a great study abroad option, the step-by-step process for Nigerian students to apply to Danish universities, costs for tuition and living expenses, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. 

Whether you want to study your bachelor’s, pursue a master’s degree, or even a PhD, read on to find out what you need to know to study in Denmark from Nigeria and have a successful and enriching experience.

Reasons to Study in Denmark as a Nigerian Student

High-quality Education and World-Class Universities

Compared to many other European countries, Denmark’s education system consistently ranks among the world’s best. Danish universities receive excellent scores on leading international rankings like Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings, known for offering innovative research-led teaching. 

For example, The Technical University of Denmark and University of Copenhagen are considered top 100 engineering and medical research universities globally.

As an international student from Nigeria studying at a top Danish institution, you can obtain a highly-regarded degree that boosts your prospects when seeking jobs or pursuing postgraduate studies around the world.

Innovative and Progressive Teaching Methods

Beyond university rankings, the teaching style you’ll experience at Danish colleges and universities emphasizes discussion, critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity over rote memorization. Professors encourage students to challenge traditional assumptions to foster innovation in business, technology, social sciences and more.

Classrooms feature cutting-edge facilities like video conference equipment and interactive smartboards. Advanced engineering labs give hands-on experience with emerging technologies to put knowledge to practice. These progressive Danish education methods help produce graduates ready to be forward-thinking leaders in our rapidly changing world.

Opportunity to Work During and After Studies

As an international student from a non-EU country like Nigeria, you can take up part-time employment for up to 15 hours per week during semester terms in Denmark. And students can work full-time during holidays and summer breaks. This is an excellent opportunity to offset living expenses, gain practical skills, and add valuable work experience to your CV while studying.

After graduating, students have a 1-year residence and work permit allowing you time to find full-time graduate employment in Denmark. For degrees within fields like engineering, technology, IT, and sciences where skilled labor is in high demand, chances are strong to obtain work sponsorship from a Danish employer after studies so you can gain a few years of valuable work experience.

Steps to Apply for Universities in Denmark from Nigeria

Gaining admission into top universities in Denmark requires advance preparation and strategic planning as an international student. To ensure you submit a strong application, follow this step-by-step process to study in Denmark from Nigeria:

Prepare Your Documents and Meet Requirements

Similar to other destinations like the UK, USA or Canada, Danish universities ask for proof of English skills, academic history, financial guarantees, valid passport and other documents from international applicants.

Key items you’ll need include:

• Academic certificates and transcripts – Submit complete records meeting entry standards for your program level
• English proficiency scores – Take exams like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE and achieve minimum section requirements
• Passport and photos – Provide up-to-date biometric passport and standard visa-size photos
• Proof of funds – Show you can cover tuition fees and cost of living with bank statements
• Insurance – Purchase valid global health insurance plan coverage

Preparing these necessary documents in advance will save you time completing Danish university and student visa applications later.

Choose Universities and Programs to Apply To

An important early step is deciding which institutions and degree programs you want to apply for based on your budget, academic background and career plans. Consider factors like:

• Entry criteria – Check you meet language, grades, exam scores needed for Bachelors vs Masters vs PhD admission
• University rankings – Target top schools known for overall quality and program excellence
• Programs in English – Prioritize programs delivered fully in English across STEM, business, design or humanities fields

Spend time researching program details, entry standards, application procedures and deadlines for your shortlist of preferred universities.

Complete the University Application Process

With target universities selected, now complete respective admission processes carefully. Steps typically involve:

• Gather and certify all required documents
• Write any required admissions essays or personal statements
• Submit the online application along with needed forms
• Pay application fee using a VISA or Mastercard

Track the status of each university application in your checklist and ensure you meet all deadlines to avoid missing out on a spot.

Apply for a Student Visa for Denmark

After earning admission to a Danish university as a Nigerian student, the next crucial step is obtaining your student visa. Schedule an appointment at your closest Danish embassy or VFS visa application center in Nigeria to submit documents and complete biometrics registration.

Typical requirements include:

• Application form
• Proof of university admission
• Presenting financial guarantees like bank statements or sponsorship letters to meet the minimum student visa amount
• Valid passport
• Clear criminal record
• Global health insurance coverage
• Passport photos

You’ll also need to attend an in-person visa interview and get your fingerprints and photo taken at the visa center.

Within about 2 weeks after your appointment, you can expect to receive an email with your visa approval letter!

Plan Your Arrival and Studies in Denmark

With your passport and student visa approval secure, you can book flights to arrive in Denmark to embark upon your academic journey! Be sure to plan ahead for key items:

• Housing – Book student accommodation on or near campus in advance
• Orientation – Sign up for introductory international student activities
• Residence card – Pick up your Danish residence permit card within 2 months of arrival
• Bank account- Open a Danish bank account to receive deposits and pay expenses

Tuition Fees at Danish Universities

Tuition fees at Danish universities differ significantly based on whether you are an EU/EEA student or a non-EU international student.

Student Type	Tuition Fee
EU/EEA students	Free (paid by the Danish government)
Non-EU international students	Between DKK 80,000-140,000 per year (~US $11,000-$20,000)

In addition, many graduate programs at Danish universities charge an annual tuition of around DKK 100,000 for all students regardless of origin.

Scholarships and financial aid options do exist for international students from countries like Nigeria to help offset the costs of education. Be sure to thoroughly research what scholarships you can apply for in advance.

Estimated Cost of Living Expenses in Denmark

When budgeting to study abroad in Denmark, be sure to account for these typical living costs:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Accommodation (shared housing)	DKK 4,000-8,000 per month (~US $550-$1,100)
Health insurance	DKK 1,000-2,000 per month (~US $140-$280)
Food and groceries	DKK 2,500 per month (~US $350)
Transportation (bus/train)	DKK 500 per month (~US $70)
Leisure activities	DKK 1,000 per month (~US $140)

• Many international students can offset expenses with income earned working part-time jobs during studies and full-time during holidays. Inquire directly with your university about student work opportunities open to you.

As you can see, Denmark offers high-quality education and life standards that make worthwhile long-term career investments for Nigerian students.

In Summary

Studying abroad in Denmark delivers life-shaping experiences both inside and outside the classroom for students from Nigeria. With renowned universities pursuing cutting-edge research and teaching using forward-thinking methods, graduates gain not just substantive knowledge within their fields but also creativity, adaptability, critical thinking and cultural fluency prized in the global economy.

The application process takes advance preparation including documentation, language exams, finances and more. Yet by researching universities finding programs aligned to your academic and career goals, the investment promises strong returns. Denmark’s high living standards, part-time work permissions, and welcoming environment further enhance international students’ social, professional and intellectual growth.

If you found this guide outlining how to study in Denmark from Nigeria helpful, be sure to bookmark and share it with others. And reach out to Uni education if you have any other questions during your application journey to Denmark’s outstanding universities where first-rate education intersects with first-rate living.

FAQs

Q: Is Denmark a good country to study abroad in?

Yes, Denmark is considered one of the best study destinations abroad for several reasons:

• Danish universities are globally top-ranked for research, innovation, and teaching quality
• The progressive Nordic education style emphasizes critical thinking and creativity
• Graduates gain an internationally valued degree for global career opportunities
• Part-time work opportunities help cover costs and gain experience while studying
• The high standard of living, safety, environmental sustainability, work-life balance, and vibrant cultural scene enhance student experiences

Q: What documents do I need to study in Denmark?

Typical documents international students from Nigeria need when applying include:

• Academic credentials and transcripts meeting entry requirements
• English language certificates (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
• Valid passport
• Standard passport-size photos
• Statements of financial resources to cover tuition and living costs
• Proof of health/medical insurance
• Any program-specific supplements (i.e. essays, recommendations, portfolio samples)

Q: What exams like GRE or GMAT do I need for Denmark?

For most programs, Danish universities do not require globally standardized tests like GRE or GMAT scores for admission unlike countries like the US. As an applicant from Nigeria focus instead on:

• Maintaining a strong academic record
• Achieving English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Writing high-quality application essays

Q: How can I get a scholarship to study in Denmark?

Top options for Nigerian students to receive financial aid for studies in Denmark include:

• Excellent Academic record scholarships awarded by individual universities
• Danish state scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA applicants
• Scholarships and assistantships from individual university departments
• Global third-party scholarship programs based on merits and financial need

Q: Do I need to learn Danish to study there?

It’s not essential to learn Danish as Denmark has over 500+ English-taught programs at undergraduate and graduate level. But optionally taking beginner Danish language lessons can help you better integrate locally.

Q: Can I work part-time as a student in Denmark?

Yes, as a Nigerian student you can legally work up to 15 hours weekly alongside full-time studies, with flexible shifts available in retail, hospitality, events, IT or office support roles. You can also work full-time during summer and winter breaks.