Find the answers to the most common questions for international students in Denmark.
FAQ
Danish academic culture is characterised by an informal relationship between students and lecturers, and many courses are taught in small classes, which encourages students to ask questions and actively participate in discussions.
As a student in Denmark, you are expected to be proactive in classrooms and in relation to the curriculum, but also in the administration of your studies, e.g. to register for courses and exams, observe deadlines and ask for help, if you need it.
Denmark has a rich cultural heritage, and it is a country with many traditions.
Equality is a core value in Danish society, and it is reflected in gender roles, low poverty rates, flat organisational structures in the workplace, etc. For example, it is perfectly normal to address professors or high-ranking employees by their first name.
Many Danes speak English and are very helpful if you ask for help or directions. There is a high level of societal trust in Denmark and virtually no corruption.
For life-threatening emergencies, call (+45) 112 for the police, ambulance and fire services.
For non-acute medical assistance, you should call your doctor. The phone number is at the top of your yellow health card.
For non-acute out-of-hours assistance (16.00–8.00 + weekends and holidays), you can call the medical helpline in the Region of Southern Denmark on (+45) 7011 0707.
The service number to the Danish police is (+45) 114. Use this number for general enquiries.
The Danish country code is +45.
A Danish phone number is often required for online verification for many things: from booking an appointment with a hairdresser to ordering a pizza. You will also need a Danish phone number (and a Danish bank account) for the app MobilePay, which is commonly used to make payments and for money transfers.
The 5G network covers almost all of Denmark, and the connection is good in most of the country and in all cities. Wifi is free in libraries and in many cafés and shops.
Sim cards are available in many small shops and supermarkets.
Most shops in Denmark accept credit cards as payment. Visa or Mastercard are the most common international cards. You can also use the credit card function on your phone. You rarely need cash for payment, so you will not need to bring much, as long as you have an international credit card or two.
The app MobilePay is very common for making payments and money transfers. Many grocery stores also have their own app, and self-service is very common.
Grocery stores in larger cities in Denmark are usually open every day from 8.00–20.00 or later. High street shops and similar are usually open from 10.00–17.00 on weekdays and 10.00–14.00 on Saturdays.
If you want to get around in true Danish style, you need to get yourself a bike. Cycling is the main form of transport for commuting and getting around in Danish cities – even on a rainy day or on a cold winter morning. Remember to familiarise yourself with the biking rules in Denmark before you head out.
If you are travelling longer distances in Denmark, public transport is fairly convenient and easy to use – although services are not as frequent in rural areas. Taxis are quite expensive, and Uber does not operate in Denmark.
A student job is a good way to make money, practice your Danish skills and get to know the Danish work culture.
You will need a Danish bank account for your salary, and you should familiarise yourself with the Danish tax rules before you start working in Denmark.
It is highly recommended that you take out accident insurance, third party liability insurance and home insurance while you are in Denmark.
You are not covered by any insurance policies from the University of Southern Denmark.
Once you have your Danish CPR number, you are covered by the Danish health insurance system, which means you have access to free healthcare. However, it is recommended that you have your own health insurance for the initial period of your stay until you are covered by the Danish system.
Although many Danes speak English quite well, understanding and speaking Danish is the key to becoming fully integrated in Danish society and Danish workplaces.
There are different providers of Danish lessons in SDU's campus cities that can teach you basic language skills and introduce you to Danish culture. The lessons are free; you only pay a deposit which will be refunded when you pass the test.
All SDU campuses offer a range of extra-curricular activities – often arranged by other students – and participating in sports or other social activities is a very good way to make new friends and get to know some Danes.
Many Danes are part of associations for sports, acting, history, art or other activities, and there are many associations at SDU and in all campus cities, so you will surely be able to find something to match your interest.
Your partner and your children can come with you to Denmark when you come to study.
SDU's student housing options are primarily designed for one person, but there are couple accommodations available. For large accommodation options you will have to look for private renting.
All children in Denmark are guaranteed a place in a childcare institution, and most Danish families use child daycare.
