VIA University College
Horsens/Herning/Viborg
- Combination of up-to-date research-based theoretical teaching with professional training;
- Scandinavian approach to teaching (problem-based learning, group work, research and innovation activities, hands-on experience through internships);
- small-size classes (students are expected to actively engage and exchange ideas);
- informal teaching environment based on mutual respect with easy access to lecturers and staff.
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
VIA University College - from engineering to animation, your career starts here
VIA University College is one of Denmark's largest institutions of higher education, with over 18,000 students across 8 campuses. What makes VIA special is the incredible range of English-taught programs - from mechanical engineering and software technology to character animation and fashion design. Whether you dream of building bridges, creating animated films, or developing software, VIA has a program for you.
As a university of applied sciences, VIA focuses on practice over theory. Every program includes real company projects, mandatory internships (up to 20 weeks!), and close collaboration with industry. VIA also has official status as a research institution, meaning you learn from lecturers who are actively pushing the boundaries of their fields. And of course - tuition is completely free for EU students.
Life as an international student at VIA
Why students choose VIA University College
- 15 English-taught programs across 5 fields. Engineering, animation, design, construction, and business - VIA offers one of the widest selections of English programs among Danish university colleges. Whatever your passion, there is likely a program for you.
- Up to 20 weeks of mandatory internship. Engineering students get 20 weeks of real company experience. This is not a short placement - it is half a year of professional work that transforms your CV and often leads directly to a job offer.
- World-class animation programs. VIA's animation programs in Viborg (Character Animation, Computer Graphic Arts, Graphic Storytelling) are internationally renowned. Graduates work at studios like Disney, Pixar, and major European animation houses.
- Housing guarantee in Horsens. Horsens municipality guarantees housing for all international students before study start. No stress, no uncertainty - your home is secured.
- Free tuition for EU students. All programs are completely free for EU/EEA citizens. Zero tuition fees.
- Applied research institution. VIA has official research status with 10 research centres. You learn from lecturers who conduct cutting-edge applied research in collaboration with industry.
Study programs at VIA
VIA offers 15 English-taught bachelor and AP degree programs across multiple campuses:
Engineering (Horsens campus): Mechanical Engineering, Software Technology Engineering, Software Technology - Cybersecurity, Climate and Supply Engineering, Global Business Engineering
Animation and Digital Arts (Viborg campus): Character Animation, Computer Graphic Arts, Graphic Storytelling, Software Technology Engineering - XR
Construction (Horsens/Aarhus campus): Architectural Technology and Construction Management, Construction Technology
Design and Business (Herning campus): Fashion Design, Design Technology and Business, Branding and Marketing Management, Design and Business
The exact list of study programs available through the Kastu platform can be found at the top of this university description, next to the logo.
Horsens, Viborg, and Herning - your campus cities
Horsens is VIA's main campus for engineering and construction programs. It is a medium-sized city in East Jutland with a growing international community, affordable living, and excellent connections to Aarhus (30 minutes by train). The city has a housing guarantee for international students.
Viborg is home to VIA's world-famous animation programs. The city has a creative atmosphere and is known as Denmark's animation capital. The Animation Workshop at VIA is one of Europe's leading animation schools.
Herning hosts VIA's design and business programs. Known as Denmark's textile and fashion capital, Herning has strong industry connections in design, retail, and manufacturing.
Quick facts
| Type | University of Applied Sciences (University College) |
|---|---|
| Total students | 18,000+ (800+ international) |
| Programs in English | 6 (Bachelor + AP degrees) |
| Tuition for EU students | Free (0 DKK) |
| Campuses | Horsens, Herning, Viborg |
| Internship duration | 9-20 weeks depending on program |
| Research centres | 10 |
| Housing guarantee | Yes - in Horsens (municipality guarantee for international students) |
FAQ
Bachelor
Entry qualification
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
English language requirements
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- English Language Hours – The total number of English language hours completed in Grades 10, 11 and 12 should be at least 210 hours (1 hour = 60 minutes), and the English grade should be at least 6 on a 10-point grading scale.
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Finding your home near VIA University College
Good news for students in Horsens: the municipality offers a housing guarantee for all international students before study start. This means you are guaranteed a place to live when you arrive. For students in Viborg and Herning, VIA provides housing guidance and connections to local providers.
VIA has campuses in several cities, each with different housing options. Below you will find practical information for the main campus cities.
Housing in Horsens (Engineering and Construction programs)
Horsens municipality guarantees housing for all international students. The city has dedicated student housing through Horsens Studieboliger - affordable rooms close to VIA's campus with free parking included.
Additional options include private rentals and shared apartments. The city is affordable compared to larger Danish cities, with rent typically ranging from 2,400-5,000 DKK per month. Visit Study in Horsens for a complete overview of housing options.
Housing in Viborg (Animation programs)
Viborg is a smaller city with a creative atmosphere. Student housing options include dormitories and private rentals. VIA provides housing guidance for animation students. The city is compact and bike-friendly, with most housing within easy cycling distance of campus.
Housing in Herning (Design and Business programs)
Herning offers affordable student housing through local providers. VIA helps design students find accommodation through its network. The city has a lower cost of living than larger Danish cities, making it an attractive option for students on a budget.
FAQ
For complete information about finding housing as an international student at VIA, visit the official accommodation page.
Student stories