Denmark International Student Statistics 2024
Denmark is one of the most suitable study-abroad destinations for international students. The international student population comprises some of the most ambitious and highly accomplished individuals. Danish universities are internationally recognized for their academic excellence and experienced and inspiring academic staff.
International students in Denmark are introduced to various degree types and programs. With low tuition fees and numerous English-taught degree programs, universities in Denmark offer one of the best study-abroad experiences. A great social life and a high quality of life add to the attraction of Danish higher education institutions for international students.
Quick Summary
- According to the Institute of International Education's latest higher education statistics, there are currently 25,366 international student enrollments.
- The majority of exchange students in Denmark are
- enrolled in master’s degree programs, precisely 1,766 students.
- The majority of international students in Denmark are German students, a total of 2,810 students.
- The majority of international students in Denmark are enrolled at The University of Southern Denmark, with 6,400 students.
- Of all Danish students studying abroad, the majority, or 65.26%, study abroad in other European countries (excluding the Nordic countries).
Historical International Student Statistics in Denmark
The table below shows the latest statistics on inbound student mobility in Denmark from 2017 to 2022.
- There are currently 25,366 international students enrolled in higher education institutions in Denmark.
- The number of international students in Denmark decreased by 14.6% from the previous year (2021 - 2022).
- There is a considerable difference of 23.2% between the number of international students in 2017 and 2022.
- The highest number of international students in Denmark occurred in 2019, with a total of 32,106 students.
| Year | International Students |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 25,366 |
| 2021 | 29,718 |
| 2020 | 30,733 |
| 2019 | 32,106 |
| 2017 | 32,034 |
International Higher Education Exchange Students in Denmark
- There are four-degree levels available for international exchange students to choose from in Denmark's higher education institutions.
- The majority of exchange students in Denmark are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs, precisely 2,692 students, an increase of 186.9% from the previous year.
- Whereas a total of 2,475 exchange students are enrolled in vocational bachelor’s degree programs, an increase of 246.1% from the previous year.
- There are 1,766 exchange students enrolled in master’s degree programs, and 190 are enrolled in short-cycle degree programs.
| Short Cycle | Vocational Bachelor’s Degree* | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 176 | 1,859 | 2,122 | 3,962 |
| 2021 | 111 | 715 | 938 | 1,802 |
| 2022 | 190 | 2,475 | 2,692 | 1,766 |
*The Vocational Bachelor’s Degree in Denmark is a non-traditional undergraduate program that awards students with certificates and training in specific careers. It also has a shorter duration than the typical undergraduate degree.
International Students in Denmark by Top Countries of Origin
- The majority of international students in Denmark’s universities come from Germany, precisely 2,810 students.
- Norway comes second for bringing the most international students in Denmark, totaling 2,479.
- There are 1,428 international students from Slovakia studying at higher education institutions in Denmark.
- A significant number of international students in Denmark are Spanish, with a total of 1,403 students, followed by Poland, with 1,354 international students.
- Another popular country of origin for international students in Denmark is Romania, with 1,219 students, followed by Italy, with 1,186 international students.
Among popular countries of origin in Denmark are Sweden, with 1,137 students; Hungary, with 1,100 students; and China, with 1,054 international students.
Top Study Abroad Countries for Danish Students
A large percentage of Danish students at higher education levels are studying abroad.
- The majority of Danish students, 8,051 in total, study abroad in European countries (excluding the Nordic countries.)
- 1,539 Danish higher education students are studying abroad in the United Kingdom outside of Denmark.
- Sweden is also a popular study-abroad destination among Danish students, with 880 university students.
- 733 Danish students are studying abroad in Norway.
- 643 Danish higher education students are enrolled in universities in Germany.
- Other Danish university students have chosen the Netherlands (560), the United States (423), and France (330), Spain (313) for completing higher education studies.
- A not-so-significant number of 189 Danish students study in China and 166 students in Italy.