Master of Population Studies in Population Economics

University of Southern Denmark
Population Studies in Population Economics
Masters
Arts & Humanities
Public University
Denmark

Population Economics is one of the three specialisations within the Master of Science in Population Studies at SDU Odense. Students follow the demography degree, with its focus on demographic theories and methods and on quantitative and programming skills, and approach population questions through an economic lens. The page uses population ageing and its consequences for the Danish pension system as an illustration of the kind of issue where demography and economics meet. Teaching is in English, the programme starts in September, and the degree leads to the title cand.scient.dem.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Odense
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	01-February,
Fee Per Year	8500
Application Fee	100
Currency	euro
Intake Link	https://www.sdu.dk/en/uddannelse/kandidat/optagelse/non_eu_admission
Deadline Link	https://www.sdu.dk/en/uddannelse/kandidat/optagelse/non_eu_admission
Intakes	September
Program language requirement	English level B When applying for a programme with an English language requirement, you must prove your English language proficiency in one of the ways listed below. Important Update: New English Language Test Requirements for September 2026 Intake Starting with the September 2026 intake, the English language test requirements have changed: TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition Minimum total score: 83, No section scores below 20, Test must be taken within the last 2 years Accepted: TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Not accepted: MyBest scores or TOEFL Essentials IELTS Academic Minimum overall band score: 6.5, No section band score below 6.5, Test must be taken within the last 2 years Accepted: IELTS Academic Online Not accepted: IELTS One-Skill Retake Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced (CAE): Minimum score 180, C2 Proficiency (CPE): Accepted,

Who can Choose this program?

4-year Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) in Sociology, Demography, Economics, Public Health, Geography, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field from a HEC-recognized university.

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	The page states that the skills from the programme are widely demanded in the private and public sector but does not list job titles for this specialisation. The economics orientation, combined with quantitative and programming skills, suggests work that analyses how population change affects economic systems such as pensions and public finances, in public institutions or private organisations. The link to a leading research centre in population dynamics and forecasting also supports research and forecasting careers. Concrete roles should be confirmed in the future prospects section of the programme site.
Program entry requirement	The following Bachelor Programmes from SDU and from other Danish universities offer access to the Master´s Programme in Population Studies: Sociology Political Science Biology Applied Mathematics Computer Science Economics and Business Administration Public Health Mathematics Mathematics-Economics Economics Medicine Physics Geography We require 20 ECTS in demography and population studies related courses. There is a minimum requirement of at least 10 ECTS in a quantitative foundation, while the other 10 can be from a variety of related fields. Both of the 10 + 10 must be fulfilled to be admitted to the programme. It is your responsibility to argue why the degree and its courses are relevant. 1) Quantitative Foundation Requirement (10 ECTS minimum) 2) Subject-Specific Requirement (10 ECTS minimum) Such as any course on population studies aspects, i.e. mortality, fertility, migration, ageing societies, demographic impact on welfare states, political consequences of demographic changes or other demographic change and its related aspects. Note: This list is not exhaustive. Courses cannot count towards both the quantitative foundation (10 ECTS) and subject-specific requirements (10 ECTS) In addition to the above-mentioned ECTS requirements, we require: 5 ECTS of a course on Research Methodology and Theory of Science or a Bachelor thesis (Minimum 10 ECTS). A thesis is defined as an independent scientific work written at the end of the study program. If your qualifying degree does not contain ECTS points – you need to fill out this self-assessment form.
Required GPA	Bachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE Required	No. 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 Required	No. GMAT scores are not listed as an admission requirement for this programme.
Application Process	Application 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 Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/danish-government-scholarship/
Program accreditation	The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) holds positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (Akkrediteringsinstitutionen), 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 expenses	Living 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 Details	Visa 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 timework	Part-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 opportunity	Post-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 Master's program in Population Studies at SDU?

The admission requirements include a 4-year Bachelor's degree (16 years of education) in Sociology, Demography, Economics, Public Health, Geography, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field, along with 20 ECTS credits in demography-related courses. Additionally, at least 10 ECTS must be in a quantitative foundation, and 5 ECTS in Research Methodology or a thesis is also required.

What is the duration and structure of the Master's program in Population Economics?

The Master's program in Population Economics at the University of Southern Denmark has a duration of 2 years. It includes a core demography curriculum shared with other specializations and allows students to choose an economics-oriented track focused on population issues like pension systems and economic consequences of demographic changes.

What are the English language requirements for international students applying to SDU?

International students must prove their English language proficiency through tests such as TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 83), IELTS Academic (minimum overall band score of 6.5), or Cambridge English Qualifications. The tests must be taken within the last 2 years, and certain conditions apply regarding accepted formats for these tests.

What are the living expenses for students studying in Denmark?

Living expenses in Denmark generally range from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 per month (approximately €800 to €1,350). Students should expect a heavy initial cash layout, as landlords often require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. A financial proof of around €11,000 to €13,000 is also required for visa purposes.

Can international students work while studying in Denmark?

Yes, non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. The average pay for part-time work is between DKK 130 to DKK 200 per hour. Students will need a CPR number, a NemKonto (Danish bank account), and a Tax Card to work legally.