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
Choose from many career paths. Study engineering, animation, design, construction or business.
Learn by solving real problems. Combine projects, group work, theory and practical training.
Get up to 20 weeks of experience. Complete a long company internship during your studies.
Take your internship abroad. Many programs let you work with an international company.
Study animation at a leading European school. Graduates work at Disney, Pixar and other studios.
Explore global design. VIA Design students visit Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, New York and Dubai.
Learn from active researchers. VIA has ten applied research centres working with industry.
Study free and start with housing security. EU tuition is free. Horsens guarantees housing.
Study programs at VIA
VIA offers 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
Computer Graphic Arts (Viborg campus)
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
What makes VIA's engineering programs special?
VIA's engineering programs (Mechanical, Software Technology, Climate and Supply, Global Business Engineering) stand out for their extreme practice orientation. You get 20 weeks of mandatory internship - that is nearly half a year of real engineering work at a company. Programs are taught in small groups with modern lab facilities, and VIA's industry network ensures you work on real projects from semester one. Graduates are highly sought after by Danish and international companies.
Are VIA's animation programs really world-class?
Yes! The Animation Workshop at VIA in Viborg is one of Europe's most respected animation schools. Graduates work at studios like Disney, Pixar, Cartoon Saloon, and major European production houses. The programs (Character Animation, Computer Graphic Arts, Graphic Storytelling) combine artistic creativity with technical skills. Viborg has become Denmark's animation capital thanks to VIA's presence and the creative ecosystem around it.
What is student life like in Horsens?
Horsens is a friendly, affordable city in East Jutland with a growing international community. The city has a vibrant cultural scene (including a famous music festival), beautiful harbor area, and easy access to nature. Aarhus is just 30 minutes away by train for bigger city experiences. The international student community at VIA Horsens is active and welcoming, with regular social events and student organizations.
Can I work while studying at VIA?
Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. If you work at least 10-12 hours per week, you qualify for the Danish SU grant (approximately 7,426 DKK/month before tax). In Horsens, Viborg, and Herning, there are part-time job opportunities in retail, hospitality, and local companies. VIA also has a Student Incubator if you want to start your own business while studying.
What is the difference between VIA and a traditional university?
VIA is a university of applied sciences, which means a stronger focus on practice and direct career preparation. While traditional universities emphasize theory and academic research, VIA programs include mandatory internships, real company projects, and hands-on lab work. Class sizes are smaller, teaching is more personal, and the goal is clear: prepare you for a specific career. VIA also has official research status, so you still learn from researchers - but the research is applied and solves real-world problems.
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
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 Herning
Herning offers several student homes near VIA Design.
Birk Campus: around 250 apartments, only a few minutes from VIA Design.
Vibeke and Mads Eg Damgaards Kollegium: 40 rooms of about 45 m². VIA students receive priority.
Northcamp: 170 central apartments of 43-50 m². Shops, cafés and the library are nearby.
Tietgensgade: 84 youth apartments beside Herning train station.
Join the waiting lists through Lejehuset. Registration is free. Most rooms are unfurnished, so plan for basic furniture.
Housing in Viborg
VIA recommends Camp Logos. This student residence is beside the Viborg campus. Danish and international students live there together.
You must arrange your own housing in Viborg. Start early and contact Camp Logos directly. Career City Viborg also lists housing, jobs and student activities.
Viborg is compact and bike-friendly. Most student homes are within an easy cycle of campus.
FAQ
Is housing guaranteed for VIA students?
In Horsens, yes - the municipality guarantees housing for all international students before study start. For Viborg and Herning, there is no formal guarantee, but VIA provides housing guidance and the cities have sufficient student housing available. Start looking early and register on waiting lists as soon as you receive your admission confirmation.
How much does student housing cost?
Rent varies by city and room type. In Horsens, expect 2,400-5,000 DKK per month. Viborg and Herning are similarly affordable. These prices are significantly lower than Copenhagen or Aarhus. A deposit of 1-3 months rent is usually required. Remember that with the SU grant (approximately 7,426 DKK/month), housing costs are easily covered.
When should I start looking for housing?
Start as soon as you apply - waiting lists can be long. Register on Horsens Studieboliger (for Horsens) or contact VIA's international office for guidance on housing in Viborg and Herning. You can also find rooms through Facebook groups and local housing websites. VIA recommends signing up for housing when you are accepted at the very latest.
Are the rooms furnished?
It depends on the specific housing. Some dormitory rooms come furnished, while others are unfurnished. Check the description of each residence carefully when browsing options. If your room is unfurnished, you can buy affordable furniture at IKEA, Jysk, or through Facebook groups where departing students sell their belongings.
For complete information about finding housing as an international student at VIA, visit the official accommodation page.
Student stories