Master of Population Studies

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

The Master of Science in Population Studies at SDU in Odense leads to the title cand.scient.dem. and teaches demographic theories and methods, with strong emphasis on quantitative and programming skills. It is taught in English, starts in September and is linked to a leading research centre in population dynamics and forecasting. Students choose one of three specialisations, Population Economics, Population Politics or Population Health. The page uses population ageing and its pressure on the Danish pension and healthcare systems as an example of why an interdisciplinary demographic approach matters. Student housing is guaranteed for international students.

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 says the skill set taught in this programme is widely demanded by both the private and the public sector, and it does not list specific job roles. Because training centres on demographic theory, quantitative methods and programming, graduates are prepared for analytical work with population data, forecasting and policy-relevant analysis. The connection to a leading research centre in population dynamics and forecasting also makes research a natural path. Challenges such as ageing populations and their effect on pensions and healthcare illustrate the kind of problems graduates are trained to analyse.
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 entry requirements for the Master's in Population Studies at the University of Southern Denmark?

To apply for the Master's in Population Studies, you need a 4-year Bachelor's degree (16 years of education) in relevant fields such as Sociology, Demography, Economics, Public Health, or Political Science. You must also have completed 20 ECTS in demography and population studies, with 10 ECTS in a quantitative foundation and 10 ECTS in subject-specific courses.

What is the English language proficiency requirement for the program?

The program requires proof of English language proficiency. For the September 2026 intake, acceptable tests include a minimum score of 83 on the TOEFL iBT with no section scores below 20, or an overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic, with no section band scores below 6.5. The test must be taken within the last 2 years.

What are the living expenses for students in Denmark?

Monthly living expenses in Denmark generally range from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (approximately €800 to €1,350). Initial costs may include a significant cash layout as landlords often require three months' rent as a deposit along with the first month's rent upfront. Additionally, students need to show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 for visa requirements.

How does the visa process work for non-EU students applying to study in Denmark?

The visa process for non-EU students includes submitting an online application, paying the SIRI processing fee, and providing necessary documents such as passports, academic transcripts, ID photos, and proof of financial means. Additional documents may be required, and processing times can vary.

Can students work while studying in Denmark?

Yes, non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during the semesters and full-time during the summer months from June to August. Average pay rates range from DKK 130 to DKK 200 (approximately €17 to €27) depending on the sector.