Challenges posed by the rising cost of living are positioning Denmark as an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional study destinations, despite ongoing housing challenges.
Higher education
In 2024, there were approximately 250,000 students enrolled in the Danish higher education sector. Denmark’s higher education system includes prestigious institutions such as the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, and Copenhagen Business School.
International students
Denmark’s international student figures have fluctuated over the past few years as a result of government policy changes. In 2024, there were 27,741 international students studying in Denmark. This is significantly less than 2019, when Denmark hosted 32,106 international students.
Denmark’s largest international student cohort is from Germany (3,340 students), followed by Norway (2,784), Spain (1,574), and Italy (1,524). Denmark’s European-heavy international cohort reflects Denmark’s strong regional appeal and the country’s participation in various EU mobility programmes. The two largest non-European sending countries in 2024 were China (1,396 students) and the United States (1,223).
Government policy initiatives
Denmark’s approach to international education has experienced notable policy shifts in recent years. The government initially dramatically reduced the number of university places available in English-taught programmes in 2021 in an effort to make higher education more accessible to Danish students, but has since reversed course following pressure from employers and industry groups highlighting labour market needs.
In early 2023, the government agreed to open 1,100 new places for international students in English-medium programmes annually from 2024 through 2028, with a further 2,500 places per year from 2029 onward. This policy reversal reflects Denmark’s recognition that the Danish economy is facing labour market shortages and will need an additional 130,000 workers to address shortfalls across various sectors.
In announcing the policy reversal, Education Minister Christina Egelund said that “We should be grateful when foreign young people want to study in Denmark”, signalling a more welcoming stance toward international students.
English-taught programmes and tuition
While Denmark’s international student enrolment figures are more modest than those of other larger European destinations, research conducted in Spring 2025 by ApplyBoard shows that 26.1% of students were considering an alternative destination in response to affordability concerns, with Denmark one of the most popular alternative destinations, being considered by students.
This rising interest is not surprising, given that Denmark offers over 600 English-taught programmes across its universities. These figures include around 70 English-taught undergraduate courses and 390 master’s programmes, providing extensive choice for international students.
For EU/EEA students, public universities in Denmark are free, while non-EU/EEA students typically pay between €6,000 and €16,000 per academic year – significantly lower than fees in traditional English-speaking destinations. This cost advantage creates an attractive proposition for international students.
Academic rankings
Danish universities consistently perform well in international rankings. The University of Copenhagen consistently ranks among the top 100 universities globally, while the Technical University of Denmark is recognised as one of the world’s best engineering schools, and Copenhagen Business School is world-renowned for its top-ranked MBA programme.
Housing challenges
Denmark faces significant student housing challenges which particularly impact international students. Danish universities generally do not provide on-campus housing, and incoming students are expected to arrange their own accommodation -often via ‘kollegier’ (student halls) located off campus.
A Savills Q2 2025 report on the student housing market in Copenhagen highlights that since January 2024, Copenhagen and Frederiksberg have added 2,611 new PBSA units across 13 properties, but demand still outweighs supply, averaging 3.5 students per unit. Rents have risen more than 2% in six months, with central Copenhagen now averaging DKK 8,100 (€1,085) per month (up 44% since 2015) and outer districts around DKK 6,500 (€870)–8,000 (€1,070).
According to Savills, Copenhagen’s PBSA stock is dominated by privately owned, unsubsidised PBSA (61%), while 39% is subsidised youth housing. Of the 6,247 units in the pipeline to 2032, 37% are social housing student units and 63% are privately owned. More than 40% of this pipeline (2,553 units) is expected within the next 2.5 years.
Yet, as reported previously in GSL News, Denmark has also been at the forefront of experimenting with more creative solutions – from innovative student housing designs such as shipping container student housing and converted water towers, to 3D-printed student housing to intergenerational living schemes pairing students with older residents – highlighting the diversity of responses emerging alongside more conventional PBSA development.
Outlook
Denmark’s trajectory as a study destination appears positive, with government policy now aligned toward growth rather than restriction. The combination of high-quality institutions, affordable tuition for EU students, comprehensive English-language offerings, and strong post-graduation employment prospects creates an attractive offer for international students.
However, the housing crisis continues to present ongoing challenges. Denmark’s supply-demand imbalance in student accommodation represents both a significant barrier to continued international student growth and an opportunity for investors and developers in the purpose-built student accommodation sector.
