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Aarhus University Exchange

Aarhus university library with study spaces and greenery. Students are gathered in the middle of the space.

Denmark, Aarhus

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review of applicants is based on these criteria. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Experience the beauty and culture of Denmark while studying at the internationally renowned Aarhus University located in the center of the "the world's smallest big city" of Aarhus. You can directly enroll in courses in English in over 30 subject areas while also learning Danish culture. If you have Danish proficiency, you will be able to take advantage of additional courses taught in Danish. Danish language courses are not offered on this program.

The city of Aarhus was founded during the Viking Age and you can still find remains from the Vikings in the region. Because of the high population of university students the city retains a young and exciting vibrancy of its very own. Aarhus is a hub of art, music, museums, nature, and urban living.

You’ll find Aarhus brimming with great study spots, from cosy cafés along the canal to the state-of-the-art harbor front library. If you are a fan of the outdoors, take a break in the beautiful forests that surround the city, or take a dip at one of Aarhus’s beaches. If urban is more your scene, the city offers exceptional modern architecture, and as many cultural events and activities as you can find time for.  It's a great city to get around by bike!

Students going to Denmark are eligible for an amazing scholarship - the ScanDesign scholarship - which awards $5000-$6000/semester for study abroad. You can read more about this scholarship and learn how to apply in WiSH.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in:
    -Arts, Science and Technology, Social Sciences
  • Observe Danish perspectives on academic disciplines

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student, Dissertator
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Humanities, social sciences and business.

Classroom Language

Danish, English

Housing

Apartments, Rented Room, Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year: Early September - Late June
Fall: Early September - Late January
Spring: Early February - Late June
Note: Students who participate in the Fall program may be able to arrange earlier exams with professors to return on time for spring semester at UW-Madison.

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 2/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 2/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 8/14/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

When in Aarhus you are able to meet a lot of Danes and really feel like you live in a new culture. Other programs often have many Americans and you don't get the same cultural exchange experience.

- Mackenzie W.

The University was founded in 1928 and has a student enrollment of 35,000 students in nine faculties and schools and 35 departments. Each year, Aarhus University offers more than 1,000 courses taught in English within Arts, Health, Natural sciences, Technical Sciences, and Business and Social Sciences, at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level.  As a social welfare state, Denmark offers you the unique opportunity to delve into comparative studies of government, social policy and law. Danish language is not offered for credit at the university.

You will select one of the following Aarhus University faculties to enroll in during your exchange to Aarhus University. You can only take courses within your chosen faculty. 

Aarhus BSS - Students can only take courses in their chosen subject area.
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Faculty of Technical Sciences
Faculty of Health

Please see the Course Information & Restrictions for more details. 

If requested, prior to departure you will be assigned a student mentor who will provide advice and information about studying at Aarhus University.

Affiliate Institution(s)

University of Aarhus

Program Web Pages

Semester and Academic year program

Foreign Courses

Semester and Academic year courses Course Information & Restrictions

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents