FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- General Academic Information
- Learn Danish
- Scholarships
- About Aarhus
- Arriving in Aarhus
- Immigration Procedures
- Housing Matters
- Health Issues
- Money Matters
- Online Application
- Self Service System
General Academic Information
What is the credit system at Aarhus University? What does ECTS stand for?
ECTS stands for European Credits Transfer and Accumulation System.
Does the number of ECTS also say something about the time needed for study?
Yes, the number of ECTS credits assigned to a course describes the students’ workload required to complete the course.
What is a full-time study load for an exchange student?
One semester of full-time study amounts to 30 ECTS credits. One year of full-time study amounts to 60 ECTS credits.
Are there any courses offered in English?
Yes, you can browse the course catalogue here.
I would like to follow a course at a department I have not been admitted to. What should I do?
Students must visit the specific department to ask for permission to follow a course and register.
How does the Danish grading system work? Does it vary per faculty?
The Danish grading scale goes from -3 (lowest) to 12 (highest). A grade of 02 is needed to pass. Learn more about the grading system here.
Do I have to register for exams?
Yes, visit your department to register for exams approximately 1 month after classes have started.
Who is my coordinator?
Your coordinator is a contact person at your department. You can talk to your coordinator about registering for courses and other academic matters. Students can find out who their coordinator is on the Self-Service site.
I have lost my Student ID card. Can you give me a new one?
Yes. We can make you a new Student ID card by reusing the photo you have already sent us by email.
I want to extend my stay. What should I do?
You must get approval from your home institution and your AU coordinator. Once the International Centre has received approvals from both of these sources, we can extend your study period and housing contract. Be aware that there are deadlines for housing contract extensions: if you extend your stay at the last minute you may not be able to get your housing contract extended.
I need to get my learning agreement signed. Can the International Centre sign it?
Yes, but your AU coordinator must sign it first. Once your coordinator has signed the learning agreement, bring it to the IC during our opening hours (Monday to Friday 10am-2pm).
I am going back home. Are there things I need to take care of?
Yes!
1) Transcript of records: arrange with your department where you would like your transcript of records sent.
2) Moving out: Arrange an inspection with the janitor and a time to return your housing folder and keys.
3) Please fill out the Reimbursement of Deposit. If you room is in good condition, the full deposit will be returned to you (except a small bank fee). You can submit the form online or you can print the form and hand it in at the IC. About 3 months after you have moved out, the deposit will be returned to you.
4) Notify the Borgerservice (at the Town Hall) of the date you plan to leave Denmark. Also, go to your local post office and tell them your new address so they can forward your mail.
5) Be sure to drop by and say good-bye to the IC staff!
How can I change my address?
If you change accommodation at any point during your stay in Århus please be sure to notify the IC so that all important information is sent to your new address. You must also visit the Borgerservice (at the Town Hall) to update your CPR card and notify the local post office of your new address.
How can I access AU's wireless internet connection?
AUWLAN is the old wireless system, where you activate the wireless network with your browser closed and then afterwards open your browser. The network will then forward you to a registration page where you log on with your user name and password. Students should use their AU email address (studentnumber@post.au.dk) as the username and the password from the self service as their password. AUWLAN is fast and easy to use but not encrypted.
Aarhus University recently joined the common European standard for wireless university networks, Eduroam. The network is a bit more complicated to log on to but it is encrypted as opposed to AUWLAN. With Eduroam you can also use your AU username and password at a number of educational institutions throughout Europe. To be able to run Eduroam you need to download a program, which helps improve the security of the network. When you have done this you can set up your computer to automatically log on to the network as soon as it is on and within coverage of Eduroam – whether you are in Aarhus or Paris. www.eduroam.au.dk
How can I access the intranet system (AULA or First Class) required for my classes?
You must have a student ID to register for the appropriate intranet system. Click on the relevant intranet ( First Class or AULA ) to find further instructions.
I would like to improve my English language skills. Are there language classes available?
There are a few opportunities around town to improve your English language skills. Studenterhus Aarhus offers a programme called Talking Link where you teamed up with someone to learn their language. Studenterhus Aarhus also offers English conversation classes in association with FO Aarhus. Visit the Studenterhus Aarhus web site for more information.
Learn Danish
I would like to learn the Danish language. Can I get help?
Yes, there are two possibilities to learn Danish.
1) Enroll in the pre-semester Danish language and culture course.
2) Danish language courses are offered through LærDansk during the semester.
Scholarships
Can I apply for a scholarship?
Aarhus University does not offer scholarships. Alternatively there are Travel grants available for students coming from specific countries.
About Aarhus
Where can I find general information regarding Aarhus University?
You can browse the IC website or visit the university's main page.
Where can I find general information regarding the city of Aarhus?
VisitAarhus is the tourist bureau for the city of Århus.
Where is Aarhus located?
Source: www.maps.google.com
Aarhus is located in the east Jutland region of Denmark. It is the second largest city in Denmark with app. 300,000 inhabitants. The city is surrounded by the countryside and by beaches that can be explored all year around.
What is there to do in Aarhus?
Aarhus is a vibrant city full of events and activities. There are many music and cultural festivals throughout the year. Especially evident are the Christmas festivities around town in December. Studenterhus Aarhus often holds evening concerts, or day-time events such as a second-hand clothing bazaar etc. The Aarhus International Theatre Company has performances in English that are free for foreigners to attend. These are just a taste of the events around Aarhus, you will find out more as you expand your social network and explore the city on your own.
What forms of transportation are available in Aarhus?
Aarhus has a reliable and comprehensive public transportation system. Buses run regularly throughout the day, and night buses are available on weekends during the semester.
Denmark’s vast network of trains and buses makes it easy to travel from Aarhus to any city in Denmark. For local Aarhus trips as well as trips outside of the city, use the Travel Planner to find out transport times and costs.
Aarhus is a bike friendly city with bike lanes on many streets. Biking is a fast and cheap way to get around the city. Denmark is well equipped for bikers as there is a bike path network extending all over the country. Students can buy a second hand bicycle online or at the monthly Police auction.
Am I allowed to work while studying in Aarhus?
Yes, but non-EU/EEA students require a work permit and are furthermore restricted to a maximum of 15 hours per week (the work permit must be applied for after the residence permit has been approved). Jobs for students who do not speak Danish may, however, be difficult to find, and we therefore encourage students NOT to rely on a student job as a way of financing their stay in Denmark.
Some resources to assist you in finding a job include:
Arriving in Aarhus
Can someone pick me up at the airport or train station?
Every exchange student is assigned a mentor before they arrive in Aarhus. Students can find their mentor’s contact information on the Self-Service site before you leave for Denmark. Students can arrange with their mentor for assistance upon arrival in Aarhus.
How do I travel from the Airport to Aarhus?
From Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) to Aarhus:
You can either take the airport shuttle to Copenhagen’s central railway station or, more conveniently, take a direct train to Aarhus from the airport train station located in terminal 3. Please note that you may have to change trains at the main central station in Copenhagen (Hovedbanegården). The train ride takes 3–4 hours and there are trains leaving for Aarhus every half hour during the day and the evening. When travelling in Denmark, there are special discount tickets for people below the age of 26, but you must obtain a Wild Card (ID card) from DSB first. Alternatively, you can fly from Copenhagen to Aarhus Airport (Tirstrup) - see info below.
From Aarhus Airport to Aarhus Centre: There is a shuttle bus service from Aarhus Airport to the city centre. The bus leaves shortly after each arrival in front of the arrival hall. Tickets, which cost 95 DKK, are sold on board the shuttle bus. In addition to Danish Kroner, Norwegian Kroner, US dollars, Pounds and Euro will also be accepted. The ride to Aarhus takes approx 45 minutes and the final stop is the train station.
From Billund Airport to Aarhus Center: there is a shuttle bus service from Billund Airport to the city centre in Aarhus (last stop SAS Radisson Hotel, near the train station). Tickets cost 180 DKK and are sold on board the shuttle bus. Euros are accepted. The ride to Aarhus takes approx 1 hour and 20 minutes.
What is the weather like in Denmark?
The weather in Denmark is mild throughout the year, ranging in temperature from -5 to +30 degrees Celsius. Due to the windy climate, the weather can change rapidly. Wind and rain dominate the winter climate while the late night sun can be seen in the summer time.
Immigration Procedures
Do I need a visa to enter Denmark?
Citizens from certain non-EU/EEA countries require a visa to enter Denmark. Visit this website to see a list of these countries. After official acceptance to the university, students will be sent necessary documents. Deadline: 3 months before arrival.
How long does it take to get a Visitors Visa?
Approximately 3 months. Learn more about Visitors Visa here.
Do I need to apply for a residence permit?
Yes. (Only if you are staying in Denmark for more than 3 months)
Non-EU/EEA citizens: you must apply for a Danish residence permit through your local Danish embassy or consulate before you leave for Denmark. Apply at least 3 months prior to arrival.
EU/EEA citizens: you must apply for a residence permit once you arrive in Denmark. The necessary application and instructions will be given to you when you register at the International Centre.
Do I have to go to the Borgerservice in Aarhus and register there?
Yes.
Non-EU/EEA citizens: you must already have a residence permit when you arrive in Denmark. Therefore, within 5 days of arrival you must visit the Town Hall to register.
EU/EEA citizens: you will be required to apply for a residence permit once you arrive in Denmark. It will take approximately 3 weeks to obtain a residence permit. Once you have received a residence permit you must go to the Town Hall to register.
Housing Matters
How do I apply for a room?
Students must apply for housing when they fill out the online application form. Read more here.
What are my housing options?
The housing options are clearly outlined on our housing website.
Can I change accommodation?
As a rule, the International Centre provides only one housing offer per student. This means that the International Centre cannot relocate you to another residence if you are not satisfied with your current accommodation.
Should such a situation occur, you are responsible to make your own arrangements. Please note that you cannot apply for alternative housing through the Central Housing Office in Aarhus (Kollegiekontoret) as they only allow a limited number of exchange students in their residence halls. Their quota has already been filled by the International Centre and other higher education institutions.
Even though there might be vacant residences due to students leaving Aarhus early, these rooms may not be distributed by the university and therefore cannot be given to other exchange students.
Also, please be advised that your housing offer registered on the self-service system might be subject to last minute changes.
How much is my monthly rent?
Once you find out the housing you have been allocated, you can find the monthly rent on this list.
Are the rooms furnished?
Yes, rooms are furnished with basic necessities. You can learn more about what is included on our housing website.
Besides the Housing Office, are there other ways to find accommodation?
Yes, you can find housing on your own. Read more here.
For more housing questions, see the Housing FAQ page.
Health Issues
Which health insurance do I need?
All students arriving in Denmark are covered by the Danish Health Securities Act, which offers free health care (from doctors and in hospitals). The Danish Health insurance does not cover evacuation, repatriation, or personal liability, therefore, separate personal travel insurance is highly recommended. For more information about the Danish Health insurance and other recommended insurances, click here.
Students must apply for a CPR number (Personal identification number) to have continued access to the free health care system in Denmark.
Non-EU/EEA citizens: Students must apply for a CPR number at the Town Hall within 5 days of arrival in Denmark.
EU/EEA citizens: Students must apply for a CPR number at the Town Hall once they have received a residence permit.
For more information about CPR number, click here.
Money Matters
How much money will I need?
Click here to see an example of a budget and some sample prices on groceries. However, a student’s budget varies depending on how much their personal spending amounts to.
As an international student can I open a bank account? If so, where and how?
Yes you can. Visit any bank and they will guide you on the process.
Can I withdraw money from an ATM machine?
Yes you can. ATM machines are located all around the city. Be aware of any extra charges that your bank may assess you or limits for taking out money that your bank may set.
Online Application
Which application on the Self-Service website do I complete?
The only application you need to complete is the ‘Application form for exchange students’ on the Self Service site.
I have to upload my transcript of records. What is that and where can I find it?
Your transcript of records is a list of results (grades) from the courses you have completed at your home university. You should ask your home coordinator where you can request a copy of these academic records.
My coordinator does not receive the confirmation e-mail. What do I do?
First, check that you have filled in all the information correctly. Second, send the e-mail again and ask your coordinator to check his/her junk e-mail folder. If this does not work then contact International Centre at ic@au.dk and we will find a solution.
I am not able to click on the ‘Submit’ button. What do I do?
There is only one reason for not being able to submit an application – it is not complete. Please make sure you have completed all the required sections. Before you submit your application, your coordinator has to confirm your nomination. Once your coordinator has confirmed this, you will be able to submit your application.
I have received an acceptance e-mail. What is the next step?
You will receive a welcome package in the mail shortly after receiving the acceptance e-mail. The welcome package will contain instructions for the next steps as well as any necessary documentation.
If you are experiencing any problems with the online application other than those listed above, please contact us at ic@au.dk so we can fix the problem.
Self Service System
How do I create a new user?
Click on the ‘new user’ button in the bottom left corner of the Self Service page and follow the instructions.
I do not understand the instructions. What do I do?
After you have clicked on the ‘new user’ button, you will have a short form to fill in. This form only requires you to fill in some of the fields. You must include your e-mail address on the first line, and date of birth, sex and name in the third line. The second line requires a CPR number which you do not have and therefore, do not need to include.
Once you have submitted this page you will receive an e-mail. If you do not receive the e-mail, make sure you check your junk mail folder. This e-mail will direct you to another page where you will create a password and include other information. All the information on this page must be completed.
The following is an explanation of each line:
- c/o name is your name.
- Address is your address in your home country.
- Danish postal office, choose (not Danish) because you are not likely from Denmark.
- Foreign city and zip code is the name of your home city and the postal code for that city corresponding with your address. For example, Aarhus 8000 would be appropriate for this line, where Aarhus is the city and 8000 is the zip code.
- Country is your home country corresponding to your address.
Once you complete and submit this page you will have access to the Self Service website where you can begin the online application procedure.
