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University of Copenhagen

The iconic riverfront buildings. The street is filled with people at an open-air market. Danish flags are in the foreground.

Applications for this exchange program are currently closed due to an imbalance in student participation between UW–Madison and our partner university. We will reopen applications once spaces become available.

Denmark, Copenhagen

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. To determine selection for a limited capacity program, reviewers consider a variety of 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 rich history and culture of Denmark while studying at the University of Copenhagen, the largest and oldest university in Denmark. Students interested in enrolling directly in a foreign university will find this exchange program an excellent opportunity to take courses in English while learning Danish culture and language. If you have proficiency in Danish, you will be able to take advantage of the university's wide array of regular courses and subjects.

The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen (Kobenhavn) is also the largest city in Scandinavia with a population of over 1.5 million. Officially founded in 1167 as a small fishing village, the city's name signifies "port of tradesmen" and aptly describes the bustling port city. Today, Copenhagen is the commercial and cultural center of Denmark.

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:

  • Strengthen language skills
  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in:
    - Humanities, Agriculture and Life Sciences, 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

  • It is recommended that students have completed 2 years of university at the time of their participation.

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Previous Danish language study recommended but not required.

  • Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
  • 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

Arts, humanities, law, sciences, social sciences, and theology.

Classroom Language

Danish, English

Housing

Apartments, Rented Room, Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year: Early August - Late June
Fall: Early August - Late January
Spring: Early January - Late June

Note: Students who participate in the Fall program might return too late for spring semester at UW-Madison.

Application Deadline(s)

Year 2026-27 - [Suspended] 2/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Suspended] 8/14/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

My program allowed me to directly enroll in the University of Copenhagen, thus allowing me to be submersed with other international students and other Danish students. I enjoyed being directly in a foreign education system with very little other Americans, making a very authentic and real educational experience.

-Matthew H.

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen (Kobenhavns Universitet) was the first university in Denmark and is currently the country's largest research and education institution. The university has a student enrollment of over 37,000 in eight faculties* spread across four campuses, all located a short distance from the heart of Copenhagen.

The university offers a variety of courses in English, many of which are open to Danish students as well. You may take courses in the faculties of social sciences, humanities, science, health, pharmaceutical sciences, life sciences, theology, and law. You may also choose from a selection of "Danish Culture courses" that are centered on special topics related to Danish cultural and historical issues such as cinema, philosophy, mythology, architecture, and environment. These courses are specifically geared towards international students.

This program is also a good fit for CALS students, as the Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE) is one of Europe's leading university environments in the areas of veterinary medicine, food, health, plants, biotechnology, natural resources, the environment and related academic areas.

As a social welfare state, Denmark also offers you the opportunity to delve into comparative studies of government, social policy and law.

Most faculties run courses in either the autumn or spring semester. However, both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences also use a block structure, where semesters are divided into blocks.

Blocks 1 and 2 are in the autumn semester, blocks 3 and 4 are in the spring semester.

If you choose courses with the block structure, make sure that you do not take more than 15 ECTS per block. You should also make sure courses offered in the same block are not placed in the same schedule group (i.e., taught at the same time). You can see which block the courses are offered in and their schedule group in the course catalogue.

You are highly encouraged to pursue Danish language study as one of the best ways to integrate into Danish society. You can participate in a three-week pre-semester course called Copenhagen Past & Present which introduces students to the history of Copenhagen and to Danish language course prior to the start of the semester for 4 UW credits. Students may also pursue Danish language study during the semester (though not for credit) as well.

*The University of Copenhagen does not have a Faculty of Engineering.

Affiliate Institution(s)

University of Copenhagen

Program Web Pages

UC International Office

Foreign Courses

Danish Culture Courses UC Course catalog

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