Denmark flag

Copenhagen, Denmark

University of Copenhagen

#79 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#79

Acceptance Rate

35%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$14,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#14

Copenhagen

Application Deadline

March 1

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

40,000

students

International Students

18%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Scandinavia's top-ranked university in Copenhagen — one of the world's happiest and most liveable cities.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#5Pharmacy & Pharmacology#24Medicine#25Biological Sciences#28Physics & Astronomy

Notes for US Students

Denmark's top university. Copenhagen consistently rated happiest city. Strong English programs.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to University of Copenhagen

Acceptance Rate

35%

Selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

March 1

Instruction Language

English/Danish

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$14,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply directly via KU's online portal by March 15
  • High school diploma equivalent to Danish upper secondary
  • IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 88+ for English programs
  • No SAT/ACT required
  • Motivation letter and CV for some programs

Class Size

Avg. Lecture150 students
Avg. Seminar20 students
Student : Faculty12:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermEarly SeptemberLate January
Spring TermEarly FebruaryLate June
BreaksJul–Aug

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English/Danish
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$14,000 / year
Application Deadline
March 1
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
35%
QS Best Student City (Copenhagen)
#14 globally

Programs Offered

SciencesMedicineArts & HumanitiesLawSocial SciencesEngineering

Scholarships to Explore

  • UCPH Excellence Programme Scholarship

Cost of Living — Copenhagen, Denmark

High Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$1,050/mo
Groceries & dining$360/mo
Transportation$80/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$230/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,720

vs. avg US college student

9% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Copenhagen is expensive, but Denmark's high quality of life is legendary. Bikes are everywhere — buy a used one to save on transit.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at University of Copenhagen as a US Student

University of Copenhagen is located in Copenhagen, Denmark and is ranked #79in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Sciences, Medicine, Arts & Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, and more. Instruction is offered in English/Danish. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$14,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 35%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of March 1. Scholarships available include the UCPH Excellence Programme Scholarship.