University of Copenhagen IELTS requirement: minimum band scores for 2026
University of Copenhagen based in Copenhagen publishes IELTS Academic minimums for both undergraduate and graduate study. The two cards below show those institutional baselines; the editorial body translates the bands into a study target and lists the programmes that publish their own, higher thresholds.
University of Copenhagen requires a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall for graduate admission as of 2026. Undergraduate requirements vary by school. All figures are sourced from the UCPH admissions page and verified on 2026-06-23.
No single minimum published. UCPH does not offer English-taught bachelor's programmes. All undergraduate degrees are taught in Danish and require Danish language proficiency (Studieproven i dansk som andetsprog). IELTS is not relevant at the bachelor's level.
Most master's programmes require English B: overall 6.5 with 6.0 in each sub-score. Language-intensive programmes (typically certain Humanities MAs) require English A: overall 7.0 with 6.0 in each sub-score. Each programme page specifies its tier.
Not sure if you meet the UCPH IELTS requirement?
Take a free full-length IELTS mock test with AI feedback, or use the band score calculator to convert your raw marks.
Last verified 2026-06-23. The figures on this page are taken from University of Copenhagen's own admissions page. Verify against the official source before relying on a specific number; programme directors can revise English requirements between intakes.
About UCPH and its IELTS requirement
Denmark's highest-ranked university does not offer English-taught bachelor's degrees - all undergraduate study is in Danish. Master's programmes use a two-tier English system: most require IELTS 6.5 (English B), while language-intensive Humanities programmes require 7.0 (English A). Cambridge certificates have no expiry date, unlike IELTS and TOEFL which must be within 2 years.
Translating the published minimum into a study target
For graduate study the institutional minimum is overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0 (CEFR B2). Most master's programmes require English B: overall 6.5 with 6.0 in each sub-score. Language-intensive programmes (typically certain Humanities MAs) require English A: overall 7.0 with 6.0 in each sub-score. Each programme page specifies its tier.
Programmes that raise the bar
Several UCPH programmes publish IELTS thresholds that sit above the institutional minimum. The current list on this page includes Humanities MAs (English A tier) (overall 7.0). Treat these as the target if you are applying to one of them; the institutional minimum does not over-ride a programme-level publication.
How to prepare for the UCPH IELTS minimum
A target of 6.5 (CEFR B2) is achievable for candidates with strong school-level English and 4-8 weeks of focused IELTS practice. The fastest gains usually come from Listening and Reading because the question types are predictable and trainable. Sit a full-length practice test first, identify the section that pulls your overall down most, and drill that section before scheduling the live exam.
Programme-specific IELTS minimums
These programmes publish IELTS thresholds that differ from the institutional minimum above. Verify the programme page for the most current value before you apply.
| Programme | Overall | Per-section |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities MAs (English A tier) | 7.0 | 6.0 |
Other English tests UCPH accepts
TOEFL iBT 83 with 20 in each section (English B) or 100 with 20 in each section (English A). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with 180 points accepted (no expiry). TOEFL MyBest scores and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted.
Alternatives and thresholds change between intakes. Confirm on the official admissions page before relying on a specific alternative test.
Official sources
- University of Copenhagen - official English-language requirements (primary source for the bands on this page)
- IELTS.org - IELTS scoring in detail (official nine-band scale and how each band is awarded)
- British Council - IELTS band scores explained
Common questions
What is the minimum IELTS score for University of Copenhagen?
What does 'no band below 6.0' mean at UCPH?
Does UCPH accept other English tests besides IELTS?
What if my IELTS score is below the UCPH minimum?
Are there programme-specific IELTS minimums at UCPH?
See where you stand against the UCPH minimum
Take a free, full-length IELTS practice test. Get your overall and per-section bands plus a personalised feedback report - no card required.
Start free practice test