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8-03-2022

University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen (Danish Kobenhavns Universitet; abbr. The University of Copenhagen (Danish: Kobenhavns Universitet, abbr.) is a public university for research in Copenhagen, Denmark. The University of Copenhagen, founded in 1479, is the second oldest University in Scandinavia, after Uppsala University. It is a public research university located in Copenhagen, Denmark. Christian I of Denmark founded the University of Copenhagen as a Catholic teaching institution with a predominant theological focus. It was restored by King Christian III in the Lutheran Reformation. The University's primary purpose was to educate clergymen until the 18th century. Through reforms during the 18th and nineteenth centuries, the University of Copenhagen became a secular university. The University of Copenhagen is now a conglomerate of Copenhagen University Hospital.

University of Copenhagen Ranking

  • Academic Ranking of World Universities: #30 for 2021
  • QS World University Rankings: #79 for 2022
  • World University Rankings: #96 for 2022
  • Rankings of the Best Global Universities: #34 in 2021

University of Copenhagen History

The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is Denmark's oldest University. It is also the oldest University in Northern Europe. The University of Copenhagen's central location makes its development, key people, and events part of Denmark's history. On 4 October 1478, Christian I of Denmark issued an official royal decree establishing the University of Copenhagen. Christian, I established the rules and laws that govern the University in this decree. Peder Albertsen, a magister, was elected vice-chancellor of the University by the royal decree. His task was to hire learned scholars and establish the first four faculties, theology, law, and medicine. The royal decree granted royal patronage to the University of Copenhagen from its inception. The University was also explicitly made an independent institution. This gave it great juridical freedom. The University of Copenhagen was, therefore, to be administered independently of the royals and was not subject to the Danish laws.

University of Copenhagen Campuses

There are four main campus areas at the university located in the Capital Region, three in Copenhagen and one each in Frederiksberg.

  • North Campus is home to the majority of the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

  • City Campus is home to the Faculty of Social Sciences and Central Administration, as well as other parts of the Faculty of Science and Health.

  • South Campus houses the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Law. The Faculty of Theology is also here.

  • Frederiksberg campus is home to sections of both the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health use the Taastrup Campus. It is located in Taastrup, on the western edge of Copenhagen.Facilities are also available in Helsingor and Horsholm for the Faculty of Science.

University of Copenhagen Campus life

  • There are four campuses at the University of Copenhagen. It is very easy to travel from one campus to another in Copenhagen by bike or public transport, as the distances are not too great. Students use the facilities in Copenhagen, and the campus areas are integrated into the urban core. This adds a lively atmosphere to the streets and cafés.
  • The University's buildings range from historical buildings located in the medieval center of the city to modern buildings that were constructed to develop campus areas and provide state-of-the-art research and teaching capabilities.

University of Copenhagen Sport facilities

KSI, the University's student sports association ('Forening), offers more than 70 sports teams at levels ranging from beginner to advanced, experienced, and skilled.

Here are some examples of sports:

  • Indoors: Basket, badminton, and yoga; pilates and various dance styles; handball, handball, and football.
  • Outdoors: Running, mountain biking, tennis, hiking, and beach volley.
  • Water: Kayak, swimming (both indoor and open water), SUP/stand-up paddleboard.

University of Copenhagen Services for students

Services for students

  • For current and prospective students, the University of Copenhagen offers a variety of guidance options.
  • The Student Counselling Service has a team of psychologists and social workers available to assist you if you are feeling anxious, fearful, or depressed, or if you have had problems with your family or grieve, or if you are having difficulties working with others, or financial difficulties, or any other issues that could seriously impact your studies.

Services for housing

The University of Copenhagen Housing Foundation (UCPH Housing Foundation), is an independent entity that assists international students and researchers in finding accommodation within Copenhagen.

Library services

Copenhagen University Library serves approximately 5,000 researchers as well as 39,000 students. Our library provides access to millions upon millions of articles, books, and digital journals. We also provide top-quality learning environments.

University of Copenhagen Research

The University's research activities are financially and politically self-motivating. The University's research activities are economically and politically independent. However, there is room for specific collaborations with other companies and institutions. Research at the University includes the dissemination of knowledge and findings to other research environments as well as the general public.

University of Copenhagen Education

  • The University of Copenhagen is Denmark's largest educational institution. The six faculties together offer more than 200 programs in the fields of health and medical sciences as well as law, science, and social sciences.
  • The University is committed to preparing students for a wide range of jobs.
  • To achieve this, teaching and research must be closely integrated. This is done by giving them equal importance in the day to the scientific staff. Also, if possible, the teaching should be based on research.

Frequently asked questions

Is it hard to get into University of Copenhagen ?
The acceptance rate at the University of Copenhagen is typically between 40 and 50 percent, making it one of the most difficult universities to get admission to. UCPH is quite selective in enrolling students from all over the world, despite the fact that it admits roughly 37,500 students each year
Is Copenhagen University free ?
"Universities with no tuition fees for EU/EEA studentsFor EU/EEA students, here are a few examples of free universities in Denmark: Copenhagen University"
Is University of Copenhagen a good University ?
The Institution of Copenhagen is Denmark's top university, and it is frequently the top university in the Nordic region. The University of Copenhagen is among the top 1% of universities in the world
Is University of Copenhagen free for international students ?
Higher education is free for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees for both domestic and international students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. You will be obliged to pay tuition fees at Danish institutions if you are an international student from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland
Is University of Copenhagen International ?
More than 1,700 foreign students from all around the world attend the University of Copenhagen each year. International students give the campus a global feel
How do international students apply to University of Copenhagen ?
To apply for admission to Quota 2, you must:
  1. Have a qualifying examination.
  2. Pass all admission requirements for the degree programme.
  3. Fulfil the language requirement.
  4. Pass the Quota 2 exam Please note that you will be invited to a quota 2 exam if you meet all of the admission requirements for the degree programme.
Which country is the University of Copenhagen ?
The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479, making it Denmark's oldest university and research organisation
Does the University of Copenhagen teach in English ?
At the University of Copenhagen, all undergraduate programmes are taught in Danish. We only give thorough information about undergraduate programmes in Danish because we do not offer any full bachelor's programmes in English
Is University of Copenhagen accredited ?
The University of Copenhagen will be recognised as a university. Quality — According to a panel of experts, the University of Copenhagen does not evaluate whether specific study programmes are research-based regularly enough
How much does University of Copenhagen cost ?

nnual tuition fees at the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University (2019/20, full-time)

University of Copenhagen

Aarhus University

Undergraduate (EU students)

Free for EU and Swiss students

Free for EU and Swiss students

Undergraduate (non-EU students)

€10,000 to 17,000 (US$10,860 to $18,470)

€8,000 to 15,300 (US$8,690 to 16,620)

Graduate (EU students)

Free for EU and Swiss students

Free for EU and Swiss students

Graduate (non-EU students)

DKK 75,000 per year (around US$10,920

€8000 to 15,300 (US$8690 to 16,620) 

Is University of Copenhagen prestigious ?
The Institution of Copenhagen is Denmark's top university, and it is frequently the top university in the Nordic region. The University of Copenhagen is among the top 1% of universities in the world.