Aarhus University (AU) is located in the middle of Aarhus. Rooted in strong disciplines, researchers and students have been generating new knowledge here for over 90 years. Aarhus University is Denmark’s second-largest university, with 38,000 students, five faculties, research activities all over the country and campuses in Aarhus, Herning and Emdrup.
Research and education of the highest international quality are at the core of our mission, and strong partnerships with our society are at the heart of our activities. Thanks to its size and reputation as a leading research-intensive university, Aarhus University has a strong impact and influence across the entire spectrum of disciplines, locally, nationally and globally. Today, Aarhus ranks among the top 100 universities in the world in several international rankings – out of over 17,000 universities worldwide.
Aarhus University is a dynamic, modern, and highly international university. Since its founding in 1928, it has grown to become a leading public university with international impact and reach across the entire research spectrum. Aarhus is a great place to study and a great place to work. Here are some of the top reasons to come work or study with us.
Denmark is a great place to live
Denmark is widely cited as one of the world’s most liveable places for a variety of reasons. It has the world’s highest level of income equality, according to the OECD. Furthermore, Denmark is widely cited as one of the world’s most liveable places. Based on the Corruption Transparency Index, Denmark is the least corrupt country in the world. Levels of public trust are high and crime is low.
We’re always here for you
AU offers all the practical support and guidance you need to feel at home here. For students, the International Centre offers a full induction and introduction programme as well as professional, friendly support and guidance throughout your time at AU.
For researchers and PhD students, Aarhus University offers a full range of services to make your transition to the university as smooth as possible. IAS (International Academic Staff) assists researchers and PhD students from abroad with all practical matters, including visas, residence and work permits, housing services, child care, etc.
Our teachers are world-class lecturers
At AU, classes are taught by active researchers in an informal, stimulating atmosphere. All degree programmes are deeply rooted in the latest research and are subject to a rigorous quality assurance programme to ensure they meet the highest global quality standards.
We offer competitive tuition fees
Tuition is free for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. For other students, tuition fees range from €8,000 to €15,300 annually.
English is our second language
AU offers more than 50 full-degree programmes in English at Bachelor’s and Master’s level. All PhD programmes are in English. And Danes were recently ranked as among the best non-native English speakers in the world on the annual English Proficiency Index (EPI), so it’s easy for international students to feel at home in Denmark from day 1.
Our student body is diverse and highly international
Around 12 per cent of AU’s 36,500 students are internationals – from over 120 countries.
Denmark offers an attractive green card scheme
The green card residence permit granted to international university students in Denmark is valid for an additional six months after completion of the degree, which gives graduates time to look for work in Denmark.
A number of internationally recognised world rankings evaluate the world’s universities in relation to each other. Aarhus University ranks among the top 100 and 150 universities in the world on several of these – out of over 17,000 universities worldwide - and is among the top 25 universities in the EU.
The overall vision for AU’s campus in Aarhus is to develop and strengthen it by consolidating it around the University Park, the University City and Katrinebjerg. Meanwhile, the framework for AU activities outside of Aarhus will continue to be developed, particularly in Foulum, Herning and Emdrup.
The physical development of AU’s campus will ensure that the university can continue to provide an appealing work and study environment that attracts talented and committed students and staff.
AU’s campus development can be divided into seven themes.
Aarhus University offers a limited number of scholarships to the most talented applicants from outside Europe.
The scholarship is usually a full or a partial tuition fee waiver, and in some cases, it also includes a monthly grant towards living expenses. Typically the scholarship is for the whole duration of your Master’s degree program.
You can find more information about Danish State Scholarships on the Aarhus University website.
A number of internationally recognised world rankings evaluate the world’s universities in relation to each other. Aarhus University ranks among the top 100 and 150 universities in the world on several of these – out of over 17,000 universities worldwide - and is among the top 25 universities in the EU.
AU stands out in particular in terms of research quality and the quality of degree programmes. Regarding internationalization, AU is ranked at the top as well as no. 45 on THE’s ranking “Most International Universities in the World”.
Aarhus University is particularly focused on six of the leading world rankings. This focus is a result of the transparency and continuity of these rankings’ methods as well as their relevant indicators.
The rankings consider parameters including the quality of research, the quality of the degree programmes and the reputation of the universities. The indicators and methods used by the different rankings vary. How the rankings differ specifically from each other can be seen in the box The Methods of the World rankings.
Aarhus University is home to many international students and researchers – 12% of our students are international, from over 120 different countries! For that reason, English is our second language here at AU and we offer over 50 English-taught courses at either Bachelor’s or Master’s level. All our PhDs are English-taught. We also have a dedicated International Centre, to provide an introduction to living in Denmark and offer support and guidance.
Teaching at AU takes place in an informal and inspiring environment, with a high focus on developing critical thinking skills and encouraging open debate. Professors at AU welcome discussions and value student insights in their classes. Furthermore, many courses at Aarhus University are interdisciplinary to give students a well-rounded perspective of their chosen subject.
Aarhus University has five main faculties: Arts, Business and Social Sciences, Health, Natural Sciences and Technical Sciences. Each faculty is highly specialized with state-of-the-art research facilities available for student use. Our faculties of Natural and Technical Sciences both have a special focus on sustainability and facilitating a green transition.
Shanghai - Academic Ranking of World Universities (2021)
QS World University Rankings (2021)
Times Higher Education Ranking (2021)
US News Best Global Universities Ranking (2021)
NTU - National Taiwan University Ranking (2021)
The English Proficiency Index (EPI)
At Aarhus University, you can kick off your future and career during your studies. As a student, you have access to:
Aarhus University has a lot to offer – not only in terms of Career services. We do our very best to make sure that you have a soft landing when you arrive. And we also want to help make sure the rest of your time here turns out great.
Demonstrate your commitment and readiness to succeed in business school by taking the GMAT exam – the most widely used exam for admissions that measures your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Download the GMAT mini quiz to get a flavour of the questions you’ll find in the exam.
