Copenhagen Business School (CBS) welcomes approximately 1,200 international exchange students each year from partner universities across the globe, along with a few freemovers from non-affiliated institutions. The CBS International Office’s Inbound Team is committed to offering these students a fulfilling and enriching experience. Below, you’ll find essential details about applying, registering for courses, deadlines, orientation activities, and more. We hope the information proves helpful and look forward to having you at CBS.
Information for Partner Institutions
Dear Partner,
This section outlines the key details needed when sending exchange students to CBS. If you require additional clarification, feel free to contact us. Our details are provided at the bottom of the page.
Nominations
Nomination requests are sent via email to the designated contact person at your institution. Nominations should be submitted by completing the nomination sheet included in the email and returning it to: inboundexchange@cbs.dk.
Communication with Students
Once nominated students are pre-registered, CBS begins sending them key information via email, including instructions for setting up their CBS email account, registering at CBS, applying for a Danish residence permit (if needed), and an official acceptance letter. Due to privacy concerns, we do not copy partner institutions on these messages. If you wish to track your students’ application status, please reach out to them directly.
CBS only issues electronic versions of forms and documents—no printed, signed, or mailed copies will be provided.
Residence Permit Requirements
- Non-EU students must secure a residence permit before entering Denmark. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) aims to process applications within 60 days of receiving all required documents. Incomplete applications reset this timeframe.
- CBS cannot influence the decisions or timelines of Danish diplomatic missions or SIRI. Non-European students should apply as soon as they receive the form from CBS.
- Two fees apply for non-EU students: one to the Danish embassy or consulate (amount varies) and one to SIRI in Copenhagen. See here.
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can apply for a residence certificate after arriving in Denmark.
- Nordic nationals do not require a residence permit.
English Language Requirements
CBS requires all students to demonstrate English language proficiency suitable for academic study. Acceptable documentation must be uploaded during online registration. For specific requirements, see: English proficiency requirements.
Registration Process
Students will receive a registration link via their CBS email prior to the registration window. Required documents include:
- CV/resumé
- Most recent academic transcript (official or certified copy)
- Passport scan (photo page)
- Valid English proficiency proof (or exemption)
Documents must be:
- In English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, or Norwegian
- In color
- Clearly legible
Students must upload all documents via the registration platform by the deadline. No documents should be emailed, faxed, or posted.
Course Registration
Course selection is part of the online registration process. Tentative course lists for spring are published in October, and for fall in April. While some changes occur yearly, many courses remain consistent. To ensure flexibility, students should submit at least 10 pre-approved alternative courses.
Enrollment priority may be granted if the student uploads relevant documentation from their home institution. Students must enroll in 30 ECTS credits per semester, as required by Danish law.
Housing Information
Details about CBS student housing, residence options, and application deadlines are available here. For all housing-related queries, contact: housing.intoff@cbs.dk.
Cancellation Policy
If a nominated student cancels before arriving, CBS does not count that individual against the exchange quota. However, students who arrive but later withdraw are counted in the institutional balance, even if no credits were earned.
ECTS and Student Workload
Full-time students must enroll in 30 ECTS per semester. Credits reflect total workload—not just classroom hours—and include lectures and independent study. One ECTS equates to 27.5 hours of student work. Most courses have 30–36 lecture hours, though some have fewer.
CBS does not issue official documentation verifying contact hours, so partner institutions relying on such measures should take note.
Information for Prospective Exchange Students
Dear Prospective Student,
Whether you've already been nominated or are still exploring options, the information below is designed to help you prepare for your CBS experience.
How to Apply
If you attend a CBS partner university, apply for exchange through your study abroad office. Once nominated, you’ll receive:
- A CBS email account
- Registration and course application instructions
- Your acceptance letter
- Residence permit application form (if needed)
Registration occurs online:
- Late October for spring semester
- Late April for fall semester
You will need to upload:
- CV in English
- Passport scan
- Latest academic transcript with grading scale
- Approved English test results
All documents must be in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, or Norwegian; in color; and high quality.
Accepted English Tests
- CAE (Level C1)
- CPE (Level C2)
- IELTS (minimum 7.0)
- TOEFL iBT (minimum 94) — Note: TOEFL ITP is not accepted. Additional accepted tests are listed under English proficiency requirements.
Exemptions apply to:
- Scandinavian students
- Students pursuing or having completed a degree taught entirely in English
- CEMS students
- English language degree students
- Students from French-speaking Canada
Introduction Week
- Spring 2022: January 24–28
- Fall 2022: August 25–26 & 29–31
Participation in daytime activities is mandatory, covering academic orientation, exam rules, campus and city tours. Questions? Email: esp.intoff@cbs.dk
Information for Freemovers
If you’re not from a CBS partner institution, and you’re a non-EU national, you may still apply as a freemover.
- Freemovers must pay tuition:
- Bachelor: €11,200/year or €5,600/semester
- Master: €15,200/year or €7,600/semester
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are not accepted as freemovers
- Housing is not guaranteed; priority goes to exchange students
- Freemovers cannot participate in Erasmus programs or submit Erasmus documents
- Course registration for freemovers begins only after exchange students are processed
Withdrawals: If you cancel before orientation, your fee will be refunded. After orientation begins, fees are non-refundable.
To apply for Spring 2022, submit your application by October 15, 2021.
Upload:
- Proof of credit transfer from home university (30 ECTS minimum)
- Proof of current enrollment
- CV in English
- Passport scan
- Academic transcript
- Valid English test result (as listed in the accepted exams above)
Courses (Spring & Fall 2022)
Course lists:
Fall 2022 course lists will be posted by March–April 2022.
Residence Permit for Freemovers
Once accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter and a residence permit form.
- Non-EU students must apply before arriving (unless visa-free, in which case they can apply after arrival and avoid one of the two application fees).
- Fees apply to both the embassy/consulate and SIRI unless applying after arrival (in which case only the SIRI fee applies).
- For more information: click
Cultural and Social Integration
Exchange Social Programme (ESP)
The ESP supports integration through:
- Two orientation weeks
- Social activities
- A buddy program
- A trip to Berlin
Crash Course Week
Held two weeks before the semester starts and paired with the optional Danish language course (DKK 1600).
- Spring 2022: Jan 17–21
- Fall 2022: Aug 22–24
Buddy Programme
Each exchange student is matched with a local CBS student ("Buddy") for help with early arrival logistics, navigating campus, and local insights. You’ll receive your Buddy’s contact information before arriving and should reach out with arrival details.
Questions? Email: buddy.intoff@cbs.dk
Learn Danish
- Danish Crash Course: Intensive 1-week language class during the orientation period.
- Semester Course: Ongoing Danish lessons throughout the semester
- Language Partner Programme (LPP): A peer-based language exchange program available to all CBS students.
Work Opportunities
A valid student residence permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week. Job postings are available at the CBS career portal.
Get Involved
Joining a student organization is a great way to meet Danish students and become part of the CBS community.