Study Abroad Semesters/Free-movers

We do not require an official language test for exchange students, but we expect exchange students to have an English proficiency level equivalent to B2. This can be confirmed by a letter issued by the home institution, stating that the level of English proficiency of students corresponds to B2 level. If deemed necessary, we may request an English proficiency test accepted by the IBA.

Students applying for programmes at the IBA are recommended to apply for accommodation through Kolding City Housing Administration, a database that controls and reserves student apartments based on a waiting list. International students will normally have priority over students who already live in Denmark, and it has generally not been difficult to find apartments in Kolding.

All the apartments in the database have their own bathroom; they are not furnished but they will have a minimum of a refrigerator and a cooking plate (or an oven).  There are many second-hand stores, as well as a Facebook IBA Market page or Marketplace, which makes finding inexpensive furniture easy.

You can find further possibilities for accommodation/private housing here or here. It is possible to find furnished rooms here.

Rent and Utilities 

Rent in Kolding varies depending on the type, size and location of the accommodation. Student housing typically costs around DKK 3,000–5,000 per month.

Utilities such as heating, water and electricity may be charged separately or included in the rent, depending on the accommodation and tenancy agreement. If utilities are paid separately, they are often charged as a monthly advance payment and may be adjusted according to actual consumption.

Always check your tenancy agreement carefully to see what is included in the rent and which additional costs you will be responsible for.

Rent and deposit

It is important to note that in Denmark, rent is generally paid in advance, often on the first day of the month, unless another payment date is specified in the tenancy agreement. If the rent is paid after the due date, a late-payment fee may be charged.

In addition to the first month’s rent, tenants will be required to pay a deposit before moving in. The deposit can be up to three months’ rent, depending on the tenancy agreement.

IMPORTANT: In Denmark, tenants are generally required to give three months’ notice to the housing company when terminating their tenancy, unless a different notice period is specified in the tenancy agreement. Please read your tenancy agreement carefully, as the notice period and termination conditions may vary.

We use 7-point grading scale in Denmark: https://ufsn.dk/english/education/the-danish-education-system/grading-system/

The current living expenses for an average student in Denmark are estimated to be approximately DKK 7,000 – 8,000 per month (approx. €900 – 1000). To avoid financial issues at the beginning of the semester, the IBA suggests that you bring or have in reserve approximately DKK 15,000 (approx. € 2,000).

It is important to take into account all living costs. This includes travelling to and from Denmark, accommodation, food, and leisure activities.

We welcome students with special needs. Please contact us at studyexchange@iba.dk, if you need support and to provide additional information.

At the IBA, the academic year consists of two semesters: a Spring semester and an Autumn semester.

Spring semester: end of January to the end of June
Autumn semester: Mid- to late August to the end of December or mid-January (depending on the programme)