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Københavns Universitet

Copenhagen, Denmark Founded 1479 World Rank #76

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: University of Copenhagen
Local Name: University of Copenhagen
Acronyms: KU
Founded: 1479
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #76
Rank in Denmark: #1
Motto: Coelestem adspicit lucem
Front view of Københavns Universitet
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Established in 1479, the Københavns Universitet (University of Copenhagen) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Copenhagen (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Capital Region of Denmark.

This institution also has a branch campus in Tåstrup and Fredensborg. Officially recognized by the Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet (Ministry of Higher Education and Science of Denmark), Københavns Universitet (KU) is a very large-sized coeducational Danish higher education institution.

Københavns Universitet (KU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 545-year-old Danish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

KU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Københavns Universitet. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.

Address: Krystalgade 25
Postal Code: 1172
Phone: +45 3532 2626
Fax: +45
Social Media:

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for Københavns Universitet: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.

Academic Year: September to June (September-January; February-June)
Recognition: Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Higher Education and Science
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (studentereksamen), or foreign equivalent, and entrance examination in Danish language. Bachelor’s degree for admission into Master's programmes. Foreign exchange and guest students should be enrolled at a University in their home country or elsewhere abroad during their proposed stay at the University of Copenhagen
Student Enrollment: 35
Academic Staff Range: over-5,000
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
European University Association (EUA) International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) League of European Universities (LERU) 4EU+

Academic Structures

Københavns Universitet's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.

Unit 6 items
  • Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Humanities
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Theology

Degrees

Bachelor programmes taught in Danish. Many Master programmes taught in English

Bachelor's 9 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Health Sciences
  • Law
  • Medical Science
  • Medicine
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Theology
  • Veterinary Science
Master's 9 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Health Sciences
  • Law
  • Medical Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Political Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Theology
  • Veterinary Science

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet.

Health and Medical Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dentistry
  • Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health
  • Veterinary Science

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Clinical Researcher
  • Healthcare Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Humanities (Faculty) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Cultural Studies
  • English
  • Germanic Languages
  • Information Sciences
  • Library Science
  • Linguistics
  • Media Studies
  • Nordic Studies
  • Regional Studies
  • Romance Languages

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Editor
  • Cultural Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science (Faculty) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Science
  • Mathematics
  • Nanotechnology
  • Natural Resources
  • Natural Sciences
  • Nutrition
  • Physics
  • Science Education
  • Sports

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Social Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Theology (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • African Studies
  • Religious Studies
  • Theology

Common Career Paths

  • Religious Educator
  • Pastoral Counsellor
  • Faith Community Leader

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

The programmes you can apply for at Københavns Universitet are grouped by degree level. Programme-level accreditation (separate from institutional) matters for regulated professions like law, medicine, and engineering.

137 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Denmark

Other Programs 137 programmes

Advanced Migration Studies
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 2 years · English

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Agriculture
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences · 2 years · English

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Animal Science
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences · 2 years · English

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Antropologi, København K, Studiestart: Sommerstart
Asienstudier (japanstudier), København S, Studiestart: Sommerstart
Danish

Showing 10 of 137.

How to apply to Københavns Universitet

Application guidance for Københavns Universitet, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Københavns Universitet

    Københavns Universitet's catalogue includes 137 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Københavns Universitet's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Submit your completed application through Københavns Universitet's official website at www.ku.dk. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +45 3532 2626. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Københavns Universitet

Common questions students ask about Københavns Universitet — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

When did Københavns Universitet open?

Københavns Universitet traces its founding to 1479 (approximately 547 years ago).

What city is Københavns Universitet in?

Københavns Universitet operates from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Is Københavns Universitet a public or private institution?

Københavns Universitet is a public institution.

How big is Københavns Universitet's student body?

Københavns Universitet serves approximately 35,000-39,999 students.

How is Københavns Universitet ranked?

It ranks #76 globally and #1 in Denmark.

What programmes are available at Københavns Universitet?

Københavns Universitet offers bachelor's and master's programmes.

How many faculties does Københavns Universitet have?

The institution comprises 6 academic units.

Is Københavns Universitet accredited?

Københavns Universitet is accredited by Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

Where can I learn more about Københavns Universitet?

Københavns Universitet's official website is www.ku.dk.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

Membership in European University Association (EUA) signals a shared commitment to academic quality and cross-institutional exchange. These other members of the same network sit alongside Københavns Universitet in that ecosystem, and may offer mobility benefits or programme partnerships.

Faculties at nearby universities

Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Københavns Universitet. Worth knowing during shortlisting.

Where Else to Study Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

For students considering Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, these Denmark institutions deliver the discipline alongside Københavns Universitet. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.

Universities Compared with Københavns Universitet

Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Københavns Universitet in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.

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