University of Southern Denmark

Sønderborg/ Odense/ Vejle

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Bachelor

SDU Engineering - the only university in Europe that guarantees your first job

What if we told you that a university can guarantee you a job after graduation? At the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), this is not a dream - it is a promise. The Faculty of Engineering offers a unique First Job Guarantee for all engineering graduates. Complete your degree, meet a few simple conditions, and your first engineering job is secured. No other university in Europe offers anything like this.

SDU is one of Denmark's largest universities with over 32,000 students, and its engineering programs are taught entirely in English across three campuses: Sonderborg, Odense, and Vejle. With free tuition for EU students, world-class facilities, and deep partnerships with companies like Danfoss, LINAK, Kamstrup, and Saab, SDU Engineering is where your career starts - literally.

Welcome to SDU Sonderborg

See what waits for you when you study engineering at SDU in Denmark.

Why students choose SDU Engineering

First Job Guarantee - unique in Europe. Graduate on time, complete your internship with a Danish company, reach Danish B1 level (free classes on campus), and your first engineering job is guaranteed. No stress, no uncertainty - just a clear path to your career.
100% free tuition for EU students. All engineering programs are completely free for EU/EEA citizens. Zero tuition fees, zero hidden costs.
22 engineering programs in English. From Mechatronics and Robotics to Software Engineering and Electronics - choose the field that excites you most.
World-class industry partnerships. SDU works directly with companies like Danfoss, LINAK, Kamstrup, Saab, and Lindab. Your internship, thesis, and first job could be at one of these global leaders.
3 campuses, 3 unique cities. Study in Sonderborg (international hub by the sea), Odense (Denmark's robot capital), or Vejle (interactive technology center). Each campus has its own character and strengths.
Small classes, personal attention. Unlike massive universities where you are just a number, SDU Engineering offers small group sizes where professors know your name and support your growth personally.

Study programs at SDU Engineering

SDU offers 32 engineering programs in English, covering fields like Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Robotics, Environmental Engineering, and Interactive Technology. Programs are available at both Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Master of Science (MSc) levels. 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.

Sonderborg, Odense, and Vejle - your engineering cities

Sonderborg is SDU's most international campus, located right by the sea in a charming town near the German border. The campus building (Alsion) is modern and stunning, with laboratories overlooking the water. This is where the First Job Guarantee was born, and where industry giants like Danfoss have their headquarters just minutes away.

Odense is Denmark's third largest city and the country's robot capital. Home to over 200 robot companies and a thriving tech scene, Odense is where engineering meets innovation. The campus is surrounded by green parks and has state-of-the-art research facilities.

Vejle is a newer SDU campus focused on Interactive Technology Engineering and Software Engineering. The city is known for its beautiful fjord, creative atmosphere, and affordable living costs.

Quick facts

University	University of Southern Denmark (SDU) - Faculty of Engineering
Founded	1966
Engineering programs in English	22 (Bachelor + Master)
Tuition for EU students	Free (0 DKK)
Campuses	Sonderborg, Odense, Vejle
First Job Guarantee	Yes - guaranteed first job for all engineering graduates
Key industry partners	Danfoss, LINAK, Kamstrup, Saab, Lindab, Gram Equipment
International students	15%+ of total student body (Sonderborg is the most international campus)

FAQ

How does the First Job Guarantee actually work?

It is simple: complete your engineering degree on time, do your internship or thesis with a Danish company, reach Danish language level B1 (free classes are provided on campus), and participate in career activities during your studies. Meet these conditions, and SDU guarantees your first engineering position. The guarantee applies to all BEng and MSc engineering graduates from SDU. You can read more on the official First Job Guarantee page.

What is student life like in Sonderborg?

Sonderborg is a small, safe, and incredibly international town. The campus is located right by the water in the modern Alsion building. Student life revolves around the campus, local cafes, and regular social events organized by student associations. Because the town is small, you quickly become part of a tight-knit community. Many students describe it as feeling like a family. The cost of living is also lower than in larger Danish cities.

Do I need to learn Danish to study at SDU?

No - all engineering programs are taught 100% in English. However, if you want to activate the First Job Guarantee, you need to reach Danish B1 level by graduation. SDU offers free Danish language classes on campus specifically for international students, so you can learn while you study. Many students find that learning basic Danish also helps with finding part-time jobs and integrating into daily life.

What kind of companies hire SDU engineering graduates?

SDU has partnerships with major companies like Danfoss (climate and energy solutions), LINAK (electric actuators), Kamstrup (intelligent energy metering), Saab (defense and security), and many more. These companies regularly offer internships, thesis projects, and full-time positions to SDU graduates. Denmark's engineering sector is booming, especially in green energy, robotics, and automation - so the job market is excellent for engineers.

What is the difference between BEng and BSc in Engineering?

SDU offers two types of bachelor engineering degrees. The BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) is a 3.5-year practice-oriented program that includes a mandatory internship semester with a company. The BSc in Engineering is a 3-year research-oriented program that prepares you directly for a Master of Science (MSc). Both are taught in English, both are free for EU students, and both qualify for the First Job Guarantee if you continue to the MSc level.

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.

UniTest – SDU requires applicants to pass an entrance test in order to successfully complete the application process. The test takes place online in March/April (the university will provide information about registration in advance). The test assesses reading comprehension and logical thinking skills.

Note:

Engineering programmes require a high level of mathematics knowledge. If the university considers your grades too low, you may be asked to complete a special online course.
A motivation letter is not a required document when applying to the programmes at this university.

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 5 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.

Master

Entry qualification

ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.

Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.

Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.

English language requirements

Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:

TOEFL iBT*
IELTS Academic
A Cambridge English qualification
Higher education degree completed in English
Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
Other

Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme 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 as an SDU Engineering student

Good news: SDU offers guaranteed housing in Vejle and Odense if you apply on time. In Sonderborg, housing is not automatically guaranteed for full-degree students, but the university has a dedicated housing office and partnerships with local providers to help you find a place. The key rule everywhere: apply early.

SDU Engineering has campuses in three cities - Sonderborg, Odense, and Vejle. Each city has different housing options and conditions. Below you will find practical information for each location.

Housing in Sonderborg

Sonderborg is a small, affordable town where most students live within walking or biking distance from campus. Full-degree students must find housing themselves, but SDU helps through its housing office and partnerships with local providers.

Your best option is Studiebolig Syd - the main student housing provider in Sonderborg. They offer different room types at various price points. Apply for as many options as possible to increase your chances of getting an offer before the semester starts.

You can also apply through the SDU Housing portal. The more applications you send, the higher your chances.

Tips for Sonderborg:

Rent is generally affordable: expect 2,500-4,500 DKK per month depending on room type
Deposit is usually 2-3 months rent
The town is small and safe - you can walk or bike everywhere
Start searching as soon as you receive your admission offer

Housing in Vejle

Great news for Vejle students: housing is guaranteed if you apply before the deadline (May 1 for September start, November 1 for February start). You can apply even before your admission is confirmed.

SDU has agreements with several housing providers in Vejle, including Terminalen, Bomuldsspinderierne, Grejsdalsvej, and Nova Living. These are modern student residences located throughout the city with easy access to campus and public transport.

Rent in Vejle is affordable compared to larger Danish cities. Before arrival, you must pay a deposit (usually 2-3 months rent). You can also search the private market - visit Study in Vejle for general housing information.

Housing in Odense

International full-degree bachelor students in Odense are guaranteed housing if they apply before May 1 (for September start) or November 1 (for February start). Apply through the SDU Housing portal.

Odense is Denmark's third largest city with a well-developed student housing market. Options range from university dorms to private apartments. The city is bike-friendly and most student areas are within 15-20 minutes cycling distance from campus.

FAQ

Is housing guaranteed for engineering students?

It depends on your campus. In Vejle and Odense, housing is guaranteed for international full-degree students who apply before the deadline (May 1 for September start). In Sonderborg, housing is guaranteed only for exchange students. Full-degree students in Sonderborg must find housing themselves, but SDU's housing office helps you through the process. Apply early and to multiple options!

How much does student housing cost?

Prices vary by city and room type. In Sonderborg, expect 2,500-4,500 DKK per month. In Vejle and Odense, prices are similar - generally 3,000-5,000 DKK per month. A deposit of 2-3 months rent is required before moving in. Remember that working students can apply for the Danish SU grant (approximately 7,426 DKK/month before tax) which easily covers rent and living expenses.

When should I apply for housing?

As early as possible! The deadlines are: May 1 for September study start and November 1 for February study start. You can apply for housing even before your admission has been confirmed. If your admission is later rejected, your housing application is cancelled automatically. For Sonderborg, also register on Studiebolig Syd as soon as possible.

Are the rooms furnished?

It depends on the specific residence. Some student housing options come fully furnished, while others are unfurnished. When browsing available rooms on the SDU Housing portal or Studiebolig Syd, check the description of each residence carefully. If your room is unfurnished, you can buy affordable furniture at stores like IKEA, Jysk, or through Facebook groups where departing students sell their belongings.

What if I cannot find housing before arriving?

Do not panic - but do apply early to avoid this situation. If you are in Vejle or Odense and applied on time, your housing is guaranteed. For Sonderborg, if you have not secured permanent housing before arrival, consider temporary options like Airbnb or hostels for the first few weeks. Contact SDU's housing office at housing@sdu.dk for advice - they are experienced in helping students find solutions.

A day as an engineering student at SDU

See what daily life looks like for engineering students at SDU.

Ready to find your home near SDU? Visit the official SDU student housing page for all options, deadlines, and application links.

SDU Student Housing - all campuses

Student stories

Alfredas Kerulis

Bachelor

I knew from a young age that I wanted to study abroad, but choosing the right country and programme took time. After visiting universities with Kastu, I found the perfect fit in Denmark. Studying Mechatronics at the University of Southern Denmark has given me practical learning opportunities and the confidence to live independently....

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