1. University of Copenhagen (KU)
Overview:
The University of Copenhagen is Denmark’s largest and oldest university, welcoming 1,500+ visiting researchers and PhD students every year. Visiting positions exist in every faculty—Science, Health, Law, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology—plus many interdisciplinary research centers.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting scholars: PhD holders, postdocs, professors, and sometimes advanced PhD students.
• Visiting PhD students: Must be enrolled at an external university and have a KU faculty sponsor.
Application & Conditions:
• You must contact a faculty member in your target department first; cold applications are ignored.
• Once accepted, you’ll receive an invitation letter (needed for visa/work permit).
• No tuition is charged, but no automatic salary/stipend—you need external funding (grant, home university, national scholarship, or personal funds).
• Proof of sufficient funds is required for residence permits (roughly DKK 12,770/month for singles).
Duration:
• Visiting researchers: Up to 3 years (extendable in rare cases).
• Visiting PhD: Usually 6–24 months, but can be shorter.
Fees:
• No tuition or “bench fee” charged to visiting scholars.
• No housing is guaranteed; university can help with Carlsberg Foundation apartments (for long stays), but demand is huge and prices are high (DKK 6,000–8,000/month).
Regulations:
• EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: No visa needed for stays <90 days; longer stays require CPR registration (gives access to Danish public healthcare).
• Non-EU: Need residence/work permit (handled via the university’s HR).
• For visits >90 days, you must register with the Danish Civil Registration System (CPR) for health insurance and banking.
Support & Facilities:
• Full access to library, labs, office space (varies by faculty), university IT, and sometimes teaching opportunities.
• International Staff Mobility Office supports with visas, relocation, childcare, and tax advice.
Departmental specifics:
• Health/Medical Sciences: Lab-based research requires health and safety training; strict background checks for clinical access.
• Humanities/Social Sciences: More likely to offer desk and library access, but little to no funding.
• Science/Engineering: Departments expect proof of external research funding (Marie Curie, ERC, Fulbright, etc.).
• Some faculties may require proof of insurance or English/Danish proficiency.
Bottom line:
You need a willing host, your own funding, and paperwork game on point. If you have a strong research profile and a good match, KU is generous with access and resources, but you must hustle for your living costs.
2. Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Overview:
DTU is Denmark’s premier technical and engineering university, known globally for cutting-edge research in engineering, natural sciences, nanotech, sustainability, IT, and life sciences. The campus is modern, English is common, and international research culture is strong.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting scholars: Professors, postdocs, PhD holders, and advanced PhD students.
• Guest PhD students: Must be enrolled elsewhere, have a DTU supervisor, and a solid research plan.
Application & Conditions:
• Start by contacting a DTU faculty member—most visiting positions are built on personal/institutional networks.
• Once you have a supervisor and your plan is accepted, you’ll get a formal invitation letter (crucial for visa/work permit).
• No tuition/bench fees for research visitors, but no DTU funding—you need to bring your own salary, grant, or scholarship (Marie Curie, ERC, home institution, etc.).
• You must document sufficient finances (as per Danish law: ~DKK 12,770/month for singles).
Duration:
• Most visits last from 3 months up to 3 years. Shorter technical visits (<90 days) possible, but real research impact means staying 6–24 months.
Fees:
• No tuition or departmental fees.
• Lab and equipment access is generally free for guests, but consumables and some technical services may need separate negotiation/funding.
Regulations:
• EU/EEA/Swiss: No visa needed for ≤90 days; longer = CPR registration (access to public health care, banking).
• Non-EU: Work/residence permit needed, applied for with help from DTU HR and your host.
• Must register with Danish Civil Registration if staying >3 months (gives you health insurance, etc.).
Support & Facilities:
• DTU Corporate HR and International Staff Mobility Office help with visas, move-in, accommodation tips (but no guarantee of housing).
• Office/lab space is usually available, and you get full access to university facilities, library, sports, and networking events.
• Housing: Campus Village and dorms possible, but high demand and often waitlists.
Departmental specifics:
• Engineering/Technical Sciences: Lab safety training required. DTU is strict about HSE (Health, Safety, Environment).
• Life Sciences/Chemical Engineering: You must show proof of training, insurance, and sometimes vaccination (esp. for bio labs).
• Computing/IT: Mostly desk-based; remote work sometimes possible, but in-person collaboration preferred.
Bottom line:
DTU is open and international, but there’s zero hand-holding—get your own funding, build a real collaboration, and expect to arrange a lot of logistics yourself.
3. Aarhus University (AU)
Overview:
AU is Denmark’s second-biggest university and a leader in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health, and business. They run one of the most international-friendly research environments in Scandinavia.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting scholars: All academic levels—PhDs, postdocs, professors, and senior researchers.
• Visiting PhD students: Must be enrolled elsewhere and have an AU host.
Application & Conditions:
• Find an AU host (professor or research group leader) in your field and co-design a visit plan.
• Apply for “Guest Researcher” or “Visiting PhD” status through your host and the International Centre.
• No tuition or bench fee. All funding must be external (grants, salary, or stipends from home university, Fulbright, Erasmus+, etc.).
• Document financial self-support (at least DKK 12,770/month).
Duration:
• Typical visits are 6–24 months for research visitors, but can range from a few weeks (Erasmus+ short stays) to max 3 years.
Fees:
• No tuition, but living in Aarhus is expensive (expect 6,000–10,000 DKK/month for rent and expenses).
• No funding, but International Staff Office can help with budgeting and finding external grants.
Regulations:
• EU/EEA/Swiss: Short visits (≤90 days) are visa-free; longer stays require CPR registration for health, banking, etc.
• Non-EU: You must secure a residence/work permit—handled with International Staff’s support, but you provide paperwork and funding proof.
Support & Facilities:
• Access to library, labs, office space, seminars, and (sometimes) student housing.
• International Centre offers full arrival support—visas, housing info, tax, medical registration, orientation, social integration, etc.
• Health care: After CPR registration (for stays >3 months), you’re covered by Denmark’s public system. Short stays must buy private insurance.
Departmental specifics:
• Health Sciences: Compliance with local ethics and patient protection is strict—advance approval needed for any clinical research.
• Natural Sciences: Lab-based research is prioritized; safety/chemical training required.
• Arts/Social Sciences: Desk and archival access standard, but you arrange your own research costs.
Bottom line:
AU is extremely welcoming, but will not pay you or fund your stay. They’ll give you full institutional backing—if you show up with funding and a clear plan, you’ll get access to all the resources you need.
4. University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
Overview:
SDU is Denmark’s third-biggest, with campuses in Odense, Sønderborg, Esbjerg, Kolding, and Slagelse. It’s research-intensive, strong in health, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting researchers: Professors, postdocs, senior researchers.
• Visiting PhD students: Enrolled elsewhere, must secure SDU supervisor.
Application & Conditions:
• You need to negotiate a visit with a faculty host in advance—application is informal but must be approved at department/PhD school level.
• For visiting PhDs: No formal SDU enrollment, but you must provide research plan and funding proof.
• No tuition or bench fees, no stipend, no guaranteed accommodation—all self-arranged.
• Must prove sufficient finances (DKK 12,770+/month) for the visa/residence process.
Duration:
• Most visits: 3–6 months (PhDs), sometimes longer (up to 12–24 months for research collaborators).
• Short stays (<90 days) can be visa-free (EU/EEA), but still need a host.
Fees:
• No fees. You pay your own living costs (housing, insurance, etc.), and housing is tight—university may offer tips but not guarantees.
Regulations:
• EU/EEA/Swiss: ≤90 days = no paperwork; >3 months = CPR registration for health care.
• Non-EU: Work/residence permit mandatory; handled with department’s help, but you provide documents and funding evidence.
Support & Facilities:
• SDU provides access to libraries, labs, and academic events. Some departments help with office space and local integration.
• International Staff Office can advise on permits and practicalities, but limited help on housing.
Departmental specifics:
• Engineering/Science: Access to labs subject to safety clearance and insurance.
• Health: Clinical/biomedical work is possible, but expect strict compliance rules and longer approval times.
• Humanities/Social Sciences: Library and seminar access is standard, but research funding is always on you.
Bottom line:
SDU offers great research environments but expects visiting scholars to arrive financially and logistically independent. If you come prepared, you’ll get professional support and all the facilities you need.
5. Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
Overview:
CBS is Scandinavia’s largest business school and highly ranked for social sciences, business, management, and economics. They’re big on global research partnerships and short-term faculty exchanges.
Who qualifies?
• Professors, postdocs, established researchers, and advanced PhD students in management, finance, economics, marketing, etc.
• Many visiting scholars come through Erasmus+, Nordplus, Fulbright, or direct institutional MoUs.
Application & Conditions:
• You must first connect with a CBS department or research group—cold applications rarely succeed.
• Formal application involves CV, research plan, and support from a CBS faculty member.
• There’s no tuition/bench fee for researchers.
• No automatic salary/stipend—bring your own funding (Fulbright, Erasmus+, Marie Curie, home university, or personal funds).
• Proof of financial self-sufficiency is needed (DKK 12,770/month for residence permit).
Duration:
• Typical stays range from a few weeks up to 6–12 months. Rarely longer, unless as a research fellow on an EU-funded project.
Regulations:
• EU/EEA: Up to 90 days is visa-free; longer stays require CPR registration.
• Non-EU: Need work/residence permit; paperwork handled by CBS HR with your department.
Support & Facilities:
• Access to CBS library, office space, research seminars, and networking events.
• No housing guarantee, but HR offers advice and sometimes lists for international scholars.
Departmental specifics:
• Most visiting scholars are placed in the Department of Management, Society and Communication, or similar.
• Teaching opportunities may be available if you stay long-term and have strong English.
Bottom line:
CBS is highly international but expects you to be self-funded and self-reliant. If you have a global business research agenda and a good CBS host, it’s a powerful environment.
6. Aalborg University (AAU)
Overview:
AAU is best known for engineering, IT, social sciences, and health. They have a big rep for problem-based learning and interdisciplinary research.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting researchers, professors, and postdocs (sometimes PhD students by arrangement).
• Typical fields: engineering, energy, planning, IT, media, social science, health.
Application & Conditions:
• All visitors must have a local host (professor or department).
• Submit a formal application with CV, research plan, and evidence of funding.
• No tuition, but no automatic salary/stipend. Funding must be secured by the visitor.
Duration:
• 3–12 months is standard; longer visits by negotiation.
Regulations:
• EU/EEA/Swiss: No visa for ≤90 days; CPR registration needed for longer stays.
• Non-EU: Work/residence permit, financial proof, insurance.
Support & Facilities:
• Access to AAU libraries, labs, workspaces, and technical facilities.
• The International Office can advise on arrival, practicalities, and bureaucratic hurdles.
• No guaranteed housing, but university sometimes provides help with listings.
Departmental specifics:
• AAU is organized into faculties (Engineering, Social Sciences, IT, etc.) and cross-disciplinary “problem-based” research groups.
• Labs and high-tech facilities are available for technical visitors (must complete safety training).
Bottom line:
AAU is welcoming, very hands-on, and international—if you’re proactive, you’ll find it supportive, but you’re on your own financially.
7. Roskilde University (RUC)
Overview:
RUC is a small, interdisciplinary university close to Copenhagen, focused on social sciences, humanities, science, and environmental studies.
Who qualifies?
• Senior researchers, professors, and postdocs.
• Advanced PhD students are sometimes accepted for co-supervision or short research stays.
Application & Conditions:
• You need to connect with a department or interdisciplinary research group, then apply with a CV, research plan, and reference from a RUC faculty member.
• No tuition or bench fees, but no institutional funding.
• You must prove financial self-sufficiency for permits.
Duration:
• 1 month to 1 year typical, sometimes more for faculty-level collaborations.
Regulations:
• Same as other Danish universities (EU/EEA: CPR for >3 months, non-EU: permit required).
Support & Facilities:
• Full access to RUC library, desk/office space, and lab facilities if needed.
• HR offers support on paperwork, relocation advice, but housing is up to you.
Departmental specifics:
• Strong on interdisciplinary and “problem-oriented” projects—visiting scholars expected to join active research teams.
• Many international visitors participate in workshops or short projects.
Bottom line:
RUC is ideal if you want a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. But again—fund yourself, and build a relationship with a host before arrival.
8. IT University of Copenhagen (ITU)
Overview:
A niche, highly specialized university focused on computer science, software engineering, data science, IT management, and digital design.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting scholars: Primarily professors, postdocs, and advanced PhD students in IT, human-computer interaction, AI, cybersecurity, and digital design.
• Most visiting arrangements happen via existing research networks or collaboration grants (e.g., Horizon Europe, Nordplus).
Application & Conditions:
• No open application portal; must directly approach a relevant ITU faculty member or research group leader.
• Formal acceptance requires CV, research plan, and funding proof.
• No tuition or bench fee; no salary or stipend—visitors self-fund or are grant-funded.
Duration:
• Typically, 3–12 months. Shorter stays for joint projects or external PhDs.
Regulations:
• Same as above: EU/EEA no visa for short stays, CPR for >3 months; non-EU requires work/residence permit.
Support & Facilities:
• Access to ITU’s high-end labs, computing resources, and coworking spaces.
• No guaranteed housing, but ITU offers some assistance with listings.
• HR helps with permits and practicalities.
Departmental specifics:
• Projects are usually in software development, data science, or interaction design.
• Participation in teaching or hackathons possible for longer-term visitors.
Bottom line:
If you’re cutting-edge in digital, ITU is a fantastic research environment. But you must be proactive and self-funded.
9. Danish School of Education (DPU) – Aarhus University
Overview:
The DPU, part of Aarhus University, is Denmark’s primary research hub for educational science, pedagogy, psychology, and lifelong learning.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting researchers, professors, and advanced PhDs in education, educational psychology, adult learning, or curriculum studies.
Application & Conditions:
• Start by contacting a faculty member or research unit at DPU.
• Application includes a research plan, CV, and funding documentation.
• No tuition/bench fees; must be externally funded.
Duration:
• Typically 1–12 months, depending on project and arrangement.
Regulations:
• Same national rules as AU: CPR for EU/EEA stays >3 months, residence/work permit for non-EU.
Support & Facilities:
• Full access to DPU/AU libraries, academic seminars, office/desk space.
• No housing guarantee; general advice from AU’s International Centre.
Departmental specifics:
• Many visiting scholars engage in collaborative educational research or comparative studies.
• Involvement in teaching possible for long-term visits.
Bottom line:
DPU is open to international educational researchers, but you must secure your own funding and host.
10. University Colleges (e.g., UCC, VIA University College, University College Absalon, University College Lillebaelt, etc.)
Overview:
University colleges focus on applied sciences, teacher education, nursing, physiotherapy, social work, and business administration.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting teachers, researchers, and advanced students—usually via Erasmus+ or direct institutional agreements.
• Less research-intensive, so stays are often for pedagogical exchange, practice, or short collaborative projects.
Application & Conditions:
• Arrangements are made via departmental contact or Erasmus+ coordinator.
• No tuition; self-funding required.
• Proof of finances needed for longer stays.
Duration:
• 2 weeks to 6 months common for teaching and practical exchanges.
Regulations:
• Standard Danish immigration and registration rules.
Support & Facilities:
• Access to libraries, classrooms, and student facilities.
• Basic relocation advice but little help with housing.
Departmental specifics:
• Applied fields (health, education, social work) may require proof of professional registration and insurance.
• Some offer co-teaching or observation programs for visiting educators.
Bottom line:
Great for short-term, practice-based exchanges or European mobility, but not research-heavy. Self-funding and proactive coordination are musts.
11. Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts & Danish National Academy of Music
Overview:
These are Denmark’s leading institutions for art, design, architecture, and music.
Who qualifies?
• Artists, designers, architects, and musicians with proven track records or institutional support.
Application & Conditions:
• Highly personalized: secure an invitation from a faculty member or participate through artist-in-residence calls.
• No fees, but no living stipend—external funding is a must.
Duration:
• Usually 2 weeks to 6 months (residencies or research stays).
Support & Facilities:
• Studio, lab, and instrument access provided.
• Housing rarely arranged; local networks sometimes help.
Departmental specifics:
• Participation in workshops, exhibitions, performances often expected.
Bottom line:
Prestigious, but only for self-driven, independently funded creative scholars.
12. VIA University College
Overview:
VIA is Denmark’s largest university college, with campuses across Jutland, focusing on applied sciences: teacher education, engineering, health, design, social education, and business.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting teachers, guest lecturers, Erasmus+ scholars, short-term researchers in applied fields.
• They host mainly through European mobility (Erasmus+, Nordplus) or by departmental invitation.
Application & Conditions:
• Initiate contact via international office or with a department/teaching unit.
• CV and plan of activity (lectures, workshops, joint teaching, etc.) are required.
• No tuition or program fee, but no funding either; visitors self-fund or use Erasmus+.
• Must show financial sufficiency for a visa (>3 months: DKK 12,770/month).
Duration:
• 2 weeks to 1 semester (occasionally up to a year if part of a funded project).
Support & Facilities:
• Access to teaching resources, IT, library, sometimes shared office space.
• Advice on accommodation, but no guaranteed housing.
• Invitation letter provided for visa/residence paperwork.
Departmental specifics:
• Teacher education, engineering, health (nursing, physiotherapy, midwifery), and design are strongest.
• For health/social programs: proof of professional status/registration may be needed.
• Observational visits and co-teaching are common.
Bottom line:
A strong choice for applied, practice-based collaboration and teaching exchange—self-funding is the norm, and all arrangements are one-to-one.
13. University College Absalon
Overview:
Covers southern Zealand, focusing on nursing, teaching, engineering, and social sciences.
Who qualifies?
• International faculty, researchers, or students—typically through Erasmus+ or formal exchange agreements.
• Some departments accept short-term visiting scholars for curriculum development or applied research.
Application & Conditions:
• Initiate via International Coordinator and department.
• Submission of a collaboration proposal, CV, and funding plan.
• No fees or stipend; self-funding necessary.
• Proof of finances and insurance required for long stays.
Duration:
• 1 week to 6 months, depending on project and arrangement.
Support & Facilities:
• Desk space, access to libraries and teaching facilities, participation in conferences and staff seminars.
• No housing but guidance on finding accommodation.
Departmental specifics:
• Teacher education and health are primary focus; social sciences possible.
• Involvement in practical courses or local schools is encouraged.
Bottom line:
Ideal for short-term, hands-on collaborations—stronger for teaching than pure research.
14. University College Lillebaelt (UCL)
Overview:
Located in central Denmark (Odense, Vejle, etc.), with strengths in nursing, physiotherapy, social education, and business.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting faculty/teachers and researchers via EU mobility or partner agreements.
Application & Conditions:
• Contact relevant department/international office.
• Plan for activities (guest teaching, workshops, joint projects).
• No tuition; no stipend.
• Proof of funding required for permit/visa.
Duration:
• 2 weeks to 6 months (semester-length rare).
Support & Facilities:
• Access to classroom, lab, and teaching materials; support for onboarding.
• Housing advice; short-term visitors may get help with homestays or private rental lists.
Departmental specifics:
• Health and applied science programs are strongest.
• Observation and co-teaching most common; research limited to applied/practice projects.
Bottom line:
Most valuable for applied health/social programs—proactive contact and personal initiative required.
15. University College Copenhagen (KP, formerly UCC)
Overview:
Major player in teacher education, social work, nursing, and midwifery.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting educators, faculty, and some applied researchers via partnerships/Erasmus+.
Application & Conditions:
• Apply through departmental or international office contact.
• Activity plan (teaching, staff development, curriculum collaboration).
• No fee/stipend.
• Self-funding is standard; visa/permit requirements as usual.
Duration:
• Few days to 6 months.
Support & Facilities:
• Access to teaching environments, library, staff events.
• No university housing.
Departmental specifics:
• Teacher education and nursing most active for exchanges.
• Practice and pedagogical innovation are common collaboration areas.
Bottom line:
A good fit for short-term practice-focused exchange in teaching/education, not for research-intensive visits.
16. Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX)
Overview:
Specialist institution for journalism, media production, photojournalism, and communication.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting journalists, media faculty, industry professionals, and students via Erasmus+ or media networks.
Application & Conditions:
• Direct contact with international office or program coordinator.
• Proposal of activities (lectures, joint productions, workshops).
• No tuition or fees.
• No stipend; funding via home institution, grants, or Erasmus+.
Duration:
• 1 week to 1 semester.
Support & Facilities:
• Access to studios, editing suites, newsroom facilities.
• Networking events, professional conferences.
• Accommodation help, but not guaranteed.
Departmental specifics:
• Media production, journalism, and photography programs open to collaboration and project work.
Bottom line:
Great for practitioners or faculty with a media/communications angle—short-term, hands-on engagement.
17. Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation
Overview:
Copenhagen-based, high-prestige in art, architecture, design, and conservation.
Who qualifies?
• International faculty, artists, designers, researchers (postdoc level and above) via direct invitation or project grants (e.g., Horizon Europe).
Application & Conditions:
• Invitation and project plan required.
• No tuition or fee; self-funding is the rule.
• Residencies and studio access via competitive calls.
Duration:
• 1 month to 1 year (residency, collaboration, or project duration).
Support & Facilities:
• Studio, lab, and workshop access.
• Peer critique sessions, exhibitions, and academic events.
• No institutional housing but local network help.
Departmental specifics:
• Architecture and design fields most active; often tied to ongoing research or exhibitions.
Bottom line:
Elite environment for creatives—proactive, portfolio-driven, and grant-funded.
18. Aarhus School of Architecture
Overview:
Specialist school for architecture, urban planning, and design.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting architects, researchers, educators in urban design, sustainable building, and landscape.
Application & Conditions:
• Direct negotiation with research group or academic host.
• No fees; self-funding expected.
• Project-based invitation.
Duration:
• 1 month to 1 year by project needs.
Support & Facilities:
• Access to studios, fabrication labs, and workshops.
• Participation in reviews, lectures, and design competitions.
Departmental specifics:
• Strong focus on Nordic and sustainable design; interdisciplinary welcome.
Bottom line:
Best for architect-researchers with an ongoing project or collaborative agenda.
19. National Film School of Denmark
Overview:
Prestigious film academy in Copenhagen; key for film, scriptwriting, animation, and TV production.
Who qualifies?
• Visiting filmmakers, animators, writers, directors, and academics.
Application & Conditions:
• Invited via program director or industry network.
• Activities: masterclasses, workshops, joint productions.
• No fees, no stipends, must self-fund.
Duration:
• Few days to a semester.
Support & Facilities:
• Studio, editing, and production facilities; access to student crews.
• Participation in film festivals and showcases.
Bottom line:
Highly competitive, creative-focused—best for those with industry links or project funding.