Aarhus University Logo Aarhus University

Address: Nordre Ringgade 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
Phone: +45 8715 0000
Email: info@au.dk
Website: www.au.dk


Aarhus University offers programs both in Danish and English, and the language requirements vary depending on the language of instruction for the program you are applying to. Here's a breakdown of the general language requirements:

1. English-Taught Programs

For international students applying to English-taught programs, you must demonstrate proficiency in English. Aarhus University accepts several standardized English language tests, with the following minimum score requirements:

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 83.
  • IELTS Academic: Minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no section below 6.0.
  • Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency):
    • C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 180.
    • C2 Proficiency: Minimum score of 200.
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): Minimum score of 59.

In some cases, if you have previously completed a degree where the language of instruction was English, you may be exempt from submitting an English proficiency test. This depends on the country and the specific degree program.

2. Danish-Taught Programs

For programs taught in Danish, non-native speakers must provide proof of proficiency in Danish. This typically requires:

  • Danish as a Second Language Test (Studieprøven): Passing the Studieprøven with a minimum of 02 in each part of the exam is required.
  • Alternatively, certain applicants may fulfill the language requirement if they have completed high school or higher education in Denmark.

3. Nordic Applicants

For applicants from other Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland), proficiency in Danish is often waived if they are proficient in another Scandinavian language (Swedish or Norwegian), as these languages are mutually intelligible.

4. Exemptions and Waivers

  • Applicants from certain English-speaking countries or those who have completed education in English may be exempt from the language test requirement. These include countries like the USA, UK, Canada (English-speaking provinces), Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Some Master's programs might also consider prior university-level education conducted in English as sufficient proof of language proficiency.

Aarhus University (AU), located in Aarhus, Denmark, is one of the leading universities in Europe, known for its strong research output and interdisciplinary approach. It offers a wide range of academic disciplines and is particularly recognized for the following course specializations:

1. Natural Sciences

  • Specializations: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Nanoscience.
  • Research Excellence: AU is internationally recognized for research in climate change, molecular biology, and renewable energy.
  • Notable Programs: Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, and Geology.

2. Health Sciences

  • Specializations: Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health, Neuroscience, and Health Technology.
  • Research Excellence: The Faculty of Health is a major contributor to medical and health sciences research, particularly in the areas of neuroscience, public health, and immunology.
  • Notable Programs: Medicine, Public Health, and Biomedical Engineering.

3. Social Sciences

  • Specializations: Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Law, and Economics.
  • Research Excellence: Aarhus University’s Department of Political Science is among the top in Europe. It is known for its research in democracy, political behavior, and comparative politics.
  • Notable Programs: Political Science, Law, and Economics.

4. Arts and Humanities

  • Specializations: History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Literature.
  • Research Excellence: AU is known for its interdisciplinary approach in the humanities, and its research centers focus on digital humanities, history of ideas, and modern culture.
  • Notable Programs: Anthropology, History, and Philosophy.

5. Business and Economics

  • Specializations: Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Management, and International Business.
  • Research Excellence: The Aarhus BSS (School of Business and Social Sciences) is one of the largest business schools in Denmark, highly regarded for research in economics, finance, and business management.
  • Notable Programs: International Business, Business Administration, and Finance.

6. Engineering and Technology

  • Specializations: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, and Sustainable Energy.
  • Research Excellence: AU’s Engineering department is known for its focus on green technologies, robotics, and sustainable development.
  • Notable Programs: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

7. Environmental and Agricultural Sciences

  • Specializations: Agroecology, Animal Science, Environmental Management, and Food Science.
  • Research Excellence: Aarhus University is recognized globally for its research on sustainable agriculture, food production, and environmental management.
  • Notable Programs: Agroecology, Animal Science, and Food Science.

Research Institutes and Collaborations:

  • Aarhus University is a member of several international networks and hosts world-class research institutes, including the Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture and the Centre for Advanced Studies in Bioinformatics and Data Science.
  • It has collaborations with industry partners, especially in fields like biotechnology, climate science, and renewable energy.

Notable Rankings:

  • Aarhus University consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world for multiple disciplines, including Political Science, Environmental Sciences, and Medicine.

Aarhus University (AU) is home to many world-class professors who are leaders in their fields of research. Below are some of the top professors from various faculties, known for their outstanding contributions to science, social sciences, and humanities:

1. Professor Jens Christian Skou (Chemistry)

  • Field: Biochemistry
  • Notable Achievement: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1997) for the discovery of the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+-ATPase).
  • Contributions: Skou’s work on the sodium-potassium pump revolutionized our understanding of cellular biology, particularly ion transport and cell membrane function. His discovery remains one of the most significant findings in biophysics and medical sciences.

2. Professor Svend Brinkmann (Psychology)

  • Field: Psychology and Philosophy
  • Contributions: Svend Brinkmann is internationally renowned for his work in the areas of existential psychology, philosophy of science, and qualitative research methods. He has published widely on subjects such as identity, ethics, and the impact of societal changes on mental health.
  • Books: His books, such as Stand Firm: Resisting the Self-Improvement Craze and The Joy of Missing Out, have gained global recognition.

3. Professor Ole Winther (Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence)

  • Field: Bioinformatics and Machine Learning
  • Contributions: Ole Winther is a leading researcher in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to bioinformatics. His work focuses on computational biology and how AI can be used to understand complex biological data and systems.
  • Research Impact: His research spans a variety of applications, from genetics and neuroscience to personalized medicine.

4. Professor Flemming Besenbacher (Nanoscience)

  • Field: Nanoscience and Surface Physics
  • Contributions: Besenbacher is one of the leading scientists in the field of nanoscience, focusing on surface physics and scanning tunneling microscopy. He has made pioneering contributions to the development of nanotechnology and the study of material surfaces at the atomic level.
  • Awards: Besenbacher has received multiple international accolades for his work and has also played a key role in promoting sustainable energy technologies.

5. Professor Lene B. Kaspersen (Political Science)

  • Field: Sociology and Political Science
  • Contributions: Lene Kaspersen is recognized for her extensive research in the fields of state formation, military sociology, and civil society. Her interdisciplinary work has influenced how scholars understand the role of social structures in governance and state institutions.
  • Notable Work: Her research covers topics such as the welfare state, democracy, and the changing roles of civil society in modern states.

6. Professor Dorthe Berntsen (Cognitive Psychology)

  • Field: Cognitive Psychology
  • Contributions: Berntsen is an expert in the field of memory research, particularly in how humans recall autobiographical events. She has conducted ground-breaking research on involuntary memories and how memories influence mental health.
  • Awards: Her contributions to psychology have earned her international recognition, including the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Psychological Association.

7. Professor Poul Nissen (Structural Biology)

  • Field: Structural Biology and Molecular Biology
  • Contributions: Nissen is a world-renowned structural biologist who has made key contributions to understanding the structure and function of proteins involved in cell transport mechanisms. His research focuses on molecular pumps and how they function within cells.
  • Awards: He has been awarded several prestigious research grants, and his work is highly cited in the field of molecular biology and biochemistry.

8. Professor Liselotte Højgaard (Medical Science)

  • Field: Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine
  • Contributions: Højgaard is a leading figure in medical imaging and nuclear medicine, focusing on the development of advanced imaging techniques for the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer and heart conditions.
  • Research Impact: Her work has been pivotal in improving the accuracy of PET scans and other imaging technologies used in clinical settings.

9. Professor Mogens Flensted-Jensen (Classical Studies)

  • Field: Classical Studies and Ancient History
  • Contributions: Flensted-Jensen is a scholar of ancient Greek history and classical studies, with a particular focus on Hellenistic history and the politics of ancient Greece. His work has contributed to a deeper understanding of ancient Mediterranean cultures.

10. Professor Christian Bjørnskov (Economics)

  • Field: Economics
  • Contributions: Bjørnskov is a prominent economist known for his work on social trust, happiness economics, and institutional economics. His research on how social trust and economic institutions influence national well-being has had a global impact, influencing both academic and policy-making circles.

Aarhus University (AU) has a strong connection to the Nobel Prize, particularly through its researchers and contributions to science. Here's a key highlight related to the Nobel Prize:

Jens Christian Skou – Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1997)

One of Aarhus University’s most notable achievements is Professor Jens Christian Skou’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which he was awarded in 1997 for his discovery of the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+-ATPase).

What is the Sodium-Potassium Pump?

  • The sodium-potassium pump is a crucial cellular mechanism that maintains the balance of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane. This process is essential for maintaining the cell's electrical potential, helping nerve cells communicate, and playing a vital role in many physiological processes like muscle contraction and heart function.
  • Skou’s discovery fundamentally advanced the understanding of how ions are transported across cell membranes, which is important in fields like neuroscience, biophysics, and medicine.

Impact of the Discovery

  • The discovery of the sodium-potassium pump has been considered one of the most important in physiology and medicine. It is a key mechanism in understanding how cells function and respond to their environments.
  • Skou’s work at Aarhus University contributed significantly to research in fields ranging from neuroscience to pharmacology, making it a cornerstone of cellular biology.

Other Nobel Prize Affiliations and Contributions

While Jens Christian Skou is the most prominent Nobel laureate from Aarhus University, many researchers at the university have contributed to Nobel Prize-winning research or are affiliated with collaborative projects that involve Nobel-level work.

  • Collaborative Research: AU has partnerships with other global research institutions that have resulted in important breakthroughs in medicine, chemistry, and physics. These contributions, while not always directly awarded to AU scientists, have positioned Aarhus University as a major hub for cutting-edge research.

Aarhus University in Denmark

Aarhus University is more than just a Top 100 university with research-based teaching and numerous programmes in English. It is a community.

A community of Danes and internationals

As an international student at Aarhus University, you will never be alone. You will be part of a group of more than four thousand international students, representing 120 nationalities. At the same time, the university and your fellow Danish students, all of whom speak fantastic English, are ready to help you feel safe and welcome in your new home country.

A community in the city

Students at Aarhus University benefit from the strong connection between the university, the city, and its many international businesses that support their study possibilities and opens the way to a successful future career.

A community of staff and students

Studying at Aarhus University means taking research-intensive courses, all taught by active researchers. The study environment is informal, and the open and critical discussions between students and professors make for a very exciting and dynamic learning experience. Many former students have told us how much they appreciate that the professor’s door is always open and their teachers are always ready to help them succeed in their studies.

These – and the fact that students have access to amazing facilities – are some of the reasons why former and current international students chose Aarhus University. 

Why choose Aarhus University?

  • Top 100 university - Aarhus University is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top universities. It was ranked number 65 in the 2018 Shanghai ranking.
  • Study in English - Aarhus University offers more than 50 complete programmes in English at Bachelor and Master’s level. Furthermore, all PhD programmes are in English.
  • Research-based teaching, where teachers are active researchers and teaching takes place in an informal context. All programmes are deeply rooted in research and are reviewed on an ongoing basis to meet the highest national and global quality standards.
  • World Class research - in the last 25 years, two researchers from Aarhus University have won Nobel Prizes. Jens Christian Skou was awarded the prize in Chemistry 1997 and Dale T. Mortensen was awarded the prize in Economics in 2010. More than 35 researchers have been awarded ERC grants since 2007
  • Aarhus University’s School of Business and Social Sciences (BSS) is accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS for the school’s core business activities. This means that BSS is a Triple Crown accredited business school.
  • Favorable tuition fees - tuition is free for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. For other students, the tuition fee rates are highly competitive. They are set annually and can be found online.
  • English – no problem - Danes were recently ranked among the best non-native English speakers in the world, so it is easy for international students to get along in Denmark even if they don’t speak Danish.
  • Safe, secure, equal - Denmark is widely cited as one of the world’s most liveable places. It has the world’s highest level of income equality according to the OECD.

Aarhus University is renowned for several reasons, making it one of the top institutions in both Denmark and Europe. Here are the key factors contributing to its fame:

1. Strong Research Output

  • Research Excellence: Aarhus University is recognized for its high-impact research in various fields, including climate science, molecular biology, political science, neuroscience, and renewable energy.
  • International Collaborations: It actively collaborates with research institutions globally, contributing to advancements in interdisciplinary studies, especially in the areas of sustainability, health sciences, and social sciences.
  • Nobel Prize Affiliation: Researchers affiliated with Aarhus University have contributed to Nobel Prize-winning discoveries. For instance, Professor Jens Christian Skou won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1997 for his discovery of the sodium-potassium pump.

2. Interdisciplinary Approach

  • AU is known for its interdisciplinary research centers that bring together experts from different fields. Examples include the Interacting Minds Centre, which studies human interaction from perspectives of anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience.
  • This approach allows for innovation across disciplines, making AU a hub for cutting-edge research that combines diverse academic perspectives.

3. Top Rankings

  • Aarhus University consistently ranks among the top 100-150 universities worldwide in international university rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.
  • It excels in particular fields such as political science, agricultural sciences, and environmental science.

4. Focus on Sustainability and Green Energy

  • The university is a leader in environmental sciences and is at the forefront of sustainability research, focusing on renewable energy and climate change. This focus aligns with global challenges, making the university an attractive destination for students and researchers interested in addressing critical environmental issues.

5. World-Class Education

  • Aarhus University offers a wide variety of English-taught programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, attracting students from all over the world.
  • It has a reputation for providing high-quality education with a student-centered approach and for fostering critical thinking and innovation.

6. Cultural and Academic Hub

  • Aarhus University is located in the city of Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city and a thriving cultural hub. The city’s vibrant student life, combined with its modern facilities and historic charm, creates an appealing environment for both Danish and international students.
  • The university is also home to prestigious academic events and conferences, which further enhance its status in the academic community.

7. Pioneering Political Science and Social Sciences

  • The Department of Political Science at Aarhus University is regarded as one of the best in Europe and has produced influential research on democracy, public policy, and international relations.
  • AU also leads in sociology, psychology, and law, contributing significantly to the global social sciences research landscape.

8. Innovation and Industry Partnerships

  • AU has strong ties with industry, especially in biotechnology, healthcare, and engineering, making it a significant player in both academic research and practical innovation.
  • It fosters entrepreneurship and has initiatives to support startups and innovation projects, providing students with opportunities to engage with real-world challenges.

9. Global Outlook

  • Aarhus University maintains a strong international profile through its partnerships with other leading global institutions and participation in exchange programs.
  • Its focus on internationalization makes it a diverse and inclusive environment, with a large community of international students and staff.