IT University of Copenhagen

About IT University of Copenhagen

The IT University of Copenhagen stands as Denmark's youngest and most specialized university, founded in 1999 with an exclusive focus on information technology and its applications across society. With approximately 26,000 students, ITU occupies a striking modern building in the Orestad district of Copenhagen, a purpose-built campus designed to encourage collaboration and reflect the institution's forward-thinking mission. Unlike traditional universities that evolved over centuries, ITU was created specifically to address the growing importance of digital technology in every field, from business to government to creative industries. This focused mandate has allowed the university to build deep expertise in computing, digital design, and the intersection of technology with human society. The university's relatively small size creates an intimate academic community where students and faculty interact closely, a stark contrast to the anonymity possible at larger institutions. International students make up a substantial portion of the student body, drawn by Copenhagen's reputation as a tech hub and ITU's English-taught programs at both bachelor's and master's levels. The acceptance rate of approximately 68% reflects ITU's mission to train the technology professionals Denmark needs while maintaining admission standards that ensure students can handle the technical rigor of the programs. Graduates have gone on to found successful startups, join major tech companies, and bring digital expertise to traditional industries throughout Scandinavia and beyond.

Admission to the IT University of Copenhagen follows Danish higher education standards with some variations reflecting the technical nature of the programs. Bachelor's applicants need completed upper secondary education equivalent to Danish gymnasium, with specific requirements in mathematics for most programs. The BSc in Software Development, for example, requires mathematics at a high level, while the BSc in Digital Design and Interactive Technologies has more flexible prerequisites. English proficiency is essential, demonstrated through IELTS (minimum 6.5), TOEFL iBT (minimum 83), or equivalent examinations. Applications for bachelor's programs go through the national Danish application system with a March 15 deadline. Master's programs attract applicants from around the world and require a completed bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Computer science graduates form the core applicant pool for technical programs, but several master's degrees welcome students from humanities, social sciences, or business backgrounds who want to develop technology skills. The MSc in Games, for instance, attracts designers, artists, and storytellers alongside programmers. Application review considers academic transcripts, motivation letters, and sometimes portfolios or work samples depending on the program. ITU provides clear guidance for international applicants unfamiliar with the Danish system, and the admissions office responds promptly to questions about credential evaluation. The straightforward process reflects the university's practical orientation and respect for applicants' time.

ITU organizes its academic programs into four departments covering software development, digital design, business IT, and computer science fundamentals, with significant overlap and collaboration across these areas. The software development programs produce skilled programmers ready for industry positions, emphasizing practical coding skills alongside theoretical computer science foundations. Digital design programs train students to create user experiences, games, and interactive media, combining technical skills with design thinking and creativity. Business IT programs prepare graduates to bridge the gap between technology teams and organizational leadership, a role increasingly important as digital transformation reshapes every industry. The teaching approach at ITU emphasizes project-based learning, with students working in teams on substantial projects each semester alongside traditional coursework. These projects often involve external partners from industry or government, giving students experience with real clients and deadlines before graduation. The university maintains strong connections with Copenhagen's tech sector, including major companies like Microsoft, Google, and numerous startups that regularly hire ITU graduates. Research at ITU focuses on applied problems with real-world impact, and master's students often contribute to ongoing research projects as part of their thesis work. The combination of practical skills, theoretical foundations, and industry connections has made ITU graduates highly sought after in the Danish job market.

Key Highlights

• Public research university with strong academic tradition
• large_city setting in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Respected institution with quality programs
• International student community with diverse perspectives

Student Life & Environment

Life at ITU centers on the iconic building in Orestad, a modern district of Copenhagen built on reclaimed land between the city center and the airport. The building itself was designed to encourage interaction, with open atrium spaces, informal seating areas, and glass walls that create visual connections between different parts of the structure. Students spend long hours in the building, working on group projects in dedicated rooms, coding in computer labs, or socializing in the cafeteria and common areas. The Friday Bar tradition brings students and faculty together weekly for drinks and conversation, building community in an environment that might otherwise become purely academic. Student organizations at ITU cover gaming, entrepreneurship, women in tech, international students, and numerous other interests. The university's tech focus means that many social activities incorporate digital elements, from LAN parties to hackathons to game jams where students create playable games in 48 hours. Sports and outdoor activities provide balance, with student groups organizing hiking, football, and other activities to break up screen time. Copenhagen itself offers endless entertainment options within easy reach by metro, with the Orestad station adjacent to campus providing direct connections to the city center, the airport, and residential neighborhoods throughout the metropolitan area. Housing is challenging in Copenhagen's tight market, but the university provides guidance and some guaranteed housing for international students.

Location & Surroundings

Copenhagen consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities, offering ITU students a quality of life that enhances their educational experience. The city combines historic charm with modern infrastructure, featuring bicycle-friendly streets, efficient public transit, and a harbor clean enough for swimming in summer. The Orestad district where ITU is located represents Copenhagen's newest development, with striking contemporary architecture, the national concert hall, and easy metro access to the rest of the city. The campus sits just 15 minutes by metro from the central train station and 10 minutes from Copenhagen Airport, making international travel convenient for students from across Europe. The Danish capital offers cultural attractions from world-class museums to the legendary Tivoli Gardens amusement park, alongside a thriving food scene and famously active nightlife. The startup and tech community is well-developed, with regular meetups, conferences, and networking events that students can attend to build professional connections. Living costs in Copenhagen are high by European standards, though lower than cities like London or Zurich, and students from EU countries can work without restriction to supplement their budgets. The city's international character means that English is widely spoken, easing the transition for students who haven't yet learned Danish. Cold, dark winters challenge some newcomers, but Danes have developed the concept of "hygge" (cozy togetherness) as an antidote, and students quickly learn to appreciate candlelit cafes and warm social gatherings.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at ITU is free for students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, a major draw for European students considering technology degrees. Non-EU students pay tuition ranging from approximately 7,500 to 15,000 euros per year depending on the program, with technical programs generally at the higher end of this range. Living expenses in Copenhagen run between 1,000 and 1,400 euros monthly for modest student living, covering housing, food, transportation, and basic personal expenses. The university offers a limited number of scholarships for non-EU students, and part-time work is available for those with valid work permits, though the demanding academic programs limit how many hours students can realistically work. Career outcomes for ITU graduates are excellent, with the university boasting some of the highest employment rates in Denmark. The tech sector in Copenhagen and across Scandinavia actively recruits ITU graduates, and the university's career services office facilitates connections through job fairs, company presentations, and networking events. Starting salaries for software developers in Denmark are among the highest in Europe, and graduates with specialized skills in areas like machine learning or cybersecurity command premium compensation. The university's emphasis on practical skills means graduates enter the job market ready to contribute immediately, rather than requiring extensive on-the-job training. Alumni have founded numerous successful startups, and the entrepreneurial culture at ITU encourages students to consider launching their own ventures alongside traditional employment options.