Master of African Studies

The MA in African Studies is an interdisciplinary area studies degree for students who want to specialise in a continent of increasing global importance. It runs for two years full-time across four semesters of about fourteen weeks, with 30 ECTS per semester, and admission requires English B. Teaching is research-based and mixes lectures, seminar-style classes, practice-oriented workshops, group discussions, opponent sessions, films and panel discussions, with active student participation encouraged. The Centre of African Studies also hosts international guest speakers, and Kiswahili is available as an elective language option.

Course Details

CategoryDetails
TimeFull Time
CampusCopenhagen
Duration2
Deadline-Date01-September,15-January,
Fee Per Year100000
Application Fee750
Currencydkk
Intake Linkhttps://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Deadline Linkhttps://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
IntakesFebruary
Program language requirementUnless you apply with a bachelor's degree which provide legal right of admission, you must document that you fulfil the language requirements. English language requirement When you apply for admission to a master's degree programme, you must document your English language proficiency, which means you must have passed English (level A or B) at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition (MyBest scores are not accepted): Minimum 83 with at least 20 in each subscore, IELTS Academic, IELTS Online (One Skill Retake are not accepted): 6.5 with at least 6 in each subscore, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE/CP1),Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE/CP2): 180 (C1-level), Danish language requirement If you apply for admission to a master's degree programme taught in Danish, you must have acquired Danish language skills prior to admission equivalent to level A Danish at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example the study test (studieprøven).

Who can Choose this program?

Relevant Bachelor’s degrees African Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, History, Political Science, Development Studies, Area Studies, Geography, or Languages (with a focus on Africa).

Additional Information

CategoryDetails
Scope of the programGraduates receive the title Master of Arts in African Studies and can work in international development and humanitarian organisations, national government agencies, the private sector including consultancy and corporate social responsibility, and media and communications. Some continue in academia through further graduate study. Employers listed on the programme page include UNHCR, the Danish Refugee Council, Oxfam IBIS and the Danish Immigration Service. The optional internship or fieldwork in the third semester, combined with strong regional knowledge and research methods training, helps students build contacts and experience that link directly to these career areas.
Program entry requirementTo apply for admission to this master's degree programme, you must have completed a qualifying bachelor’s degree or a similar Danish or international degree programme which is assessed to be relevant. Apply for admission via the application portal. Below, you can read more about admission requirements and which documents to upload in the application portal. Admission to a master’s degree programme African Studies requires at minimum successful completion of a qualifying and recognised university degree equivalent in level and content to a Danish bachelor’s degree. If you have completed a bachelor’s degree or are enrolled in the final semester of a bachelor’s programme you are eligible to apply for the master’s degree programme in African Studies. Bachelor's degrees that automatically fulfil the academic requirements If you hold one of the degrees listed below, you are considered to meet all academic admission requirements and have direct access to apply to the master’s degree programme in African studies. BSc in Political Science, Geography. Antropology, Public Health from a Danish University. BA in History, Religion, International Studies, Cultural Studies from a Danish University. Check which master’s programmes at UCPH your bachelor programme is pre-approved for admission to. Please note that the admission tool is only available in Danish. Other bachelor's degrees and professional bachelor's degrees To be admitted to the programme, you must hold a recent and relevant Bachelor’s degree and meet the language requirements. Academic requirement Students with a bachelor’s degree or professional bachelor's degree in other fields related to African Studies may be considered qualified for admission. Admission will only be granted if applicants, after a thorough assessment by the Assessment Committee, are deemed to possess educational qualifications equivalent to those required to qualify for admission. The applicant must have passed at least 30 ECTS within the fields of political science, anthropology, geography, history, religion, international studies, cultural studies or public health. Limitation on second degrees If you have already completed a Danish Master's degree, please check out the rules concerning a second degree. If your non-Danish master's degree corresponds to a Danish master's degree, you are subject to the master's degree admission rule. When you apply for admission, you need to create an application at the application portal and upload relevant documentation. This is the only way you can apply for admission. In order to make sure we have all the information needed to evaluate your past achievements and future potential, you are required to submit the following items together with the application form: An original or certified copy* of your academic transcript from your Bachelor degree. If the transcript is in a language other than English or a Scandinavian language, please include an official English translation. A certified copy* of your Bachelor diploma. If you are yet to receive your diploma, please provide a letter from your university stating the expected graduation day and the expected date when the diploma will be issued. A photocopy of your passport if you are non-Danish citizen. Documentation for proficiency in English. Documentation for relevant academic experience in Africa - if you have experience. Documentation for academic qualifications which relate to the disciplines that makes up the applied programme. Statement of how your academic profile fits the programme and an outline of your academic knowledge of Africa. * An official certified copy is a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true and correct copy by a person who is authorised to witness a statutory declaration. Official certified copies are usually a photocopy of the original document stamped, signed and verified by an official in your country. Each country varies in whom is qualified to certify documents, however generally speaking your university, lawyers and embassies can certify documents for you, so that we can verify that what we have is a true replica of the original.
Required GPABachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE RequiredNo. GRE scores are not listed as an admission requirement; admission is based on a relevant bachelor's degree, programme-specific requirements and proof of English proficiency.
GMAT RequiredNo. GMAT scores are not listed as an admission requirement for this programme.
Application ProcessApplication Process: University Application Documents • Completed university application form • All academic transcripts (officially translated into English or Danish) • Passport/Travel document • ID Photo • CV • LoM / SOP (Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose) • Proof of English/Danish language proficiency • Proof of financial support • Any other required documents depending on the University (e.g., references, medical certificates) 2. Attestation & Legalization (For Visa ONLY – Not for University Application) • Legalization of educational documents is a must for Visa Apply not for applying in University. (Depends case to case) • Attestation from IBCC, HEC and MOFA is also mandatory for Visa application but not for applying in university. (Depends case to case) 3. Visa Fee & Financial Requirements • Visa fee: 334 Euros • Bank Statement: 11k Euros • Bank statement age: 6 months old • Sponsor: Self or Parents
Available Scholarshipshttps://studyabroadupdates.com/danish-government-scholarship/
Program accreditationThe University of Copenhagen holds a positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (decision of February 2025, valid until 2031), so its degree programmes are quality-assured and state-recognised within the Danish higher education system. The programme page lists no separate programme-specific accreditation.
Living expensesLiving Expenses in Denmark • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (~€800 to €1,350). Copenhagen is significantly more expensive than regional cities. • Upfront Costs: Expect a heavy initial cash layout—landlords frequently require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. • Visa Proof of Funds: You must show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 in a bank account under your name to satisfy SIRI visa requirements for the first year. • Perk: Public healthcare is 100% free once you receive your CPR number.
Visa Process DetailsVisa Checklist 1. Paper/Online Application Form (Online Preferred) 2. SIRI Processing Fee Receipt 3. Travel Document / Passport 4. Previous Visa History Documents (if any) 5. Recent ID Photos (recent, white background, no headwear) 6. All Academic Transcripts 7. Previous Work Experience (if any) 8. Original CNIC & Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA (in English) 9. Police Character Certificate 10. Medical and Travel Insurance (covers €30,000 in Schengen Area) 11. Proof of English/Danish Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) 12. Verification of payment for studies provided by the educational establishment 13. Proof of Accommodation and Flight Reservation (both ways) 14. LOM / SOP 15. Financial Means Proof: Bank statement for the last six months in your own name or your guardian's name, containing funds to support your stay – €914 per month. You must multiply the amount by the number of months you will be studying in a higher educational program in Denmark (for a maximum of 12 months, approximately €11,000). However, the bank statement must not be older than 30 days. 16. The Consular might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Part timeworkPart-Time Work in Denmark • Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. • Average Pay: High hourly wages, typically DKK 130 to DKK 200 (~€17 to €27) depending on the sector. • Essentials: Requires a CPR number (residence registration), a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card (Skattekort) to avoid a default 55% tax rate.
Post-study work opportunityPost-Study Work Opportunities • 3-Year Job-Seeking Permit: Automatically granted or easily accessible upon graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. • Work Rights: You can continue working part-time (90 hours/month) while searching for a career-level role. • Switching to a Full Work Visa: Once you find a full-time professional job, you can transition smoothly into a regular work permit via fast-track systems like the Pay Limit Scheme (minimum salary requirement applies) or the Positive List (shortage occupations).

What are the admission requirements for the MA in African Studies at the University of Copenhagen?

To apply for the MA in African Studies, you must have completed a qualifying bachelor's degree or a similar degree assessed as relevant. Additionally, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements and submit various documents such as academic transcripts and proof of relevant academic experience.

What is the tuition fee for the MA in African Studies at the University of Copenhagen?

The tuition fee for the MA in African Studies is 100,000 DKK per year. An application fee of 750 DKK is also required when applying for admission.

What language requirements must be met to apply for this program?

You must document your English language proficiency, which requires passing English at level A or B at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation, you can take an approved language test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, with specific minimum score requirements.

Are there any scholarships available for international students applying to the University of Copenhagen?

Yes, there are scholarships available for international students. Interested applicants can find more information about available scholarships through the official scholarship link provided by the university.

What are the post-study work opportunities for graduates of the MA in African Studies?

Graduates can obtain a 3-year job-seeking permit after graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. While searching for a job, graduates can work part-time, and once they secure a full-time professional position, they can transition to a regular work permit.

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