SEA Business Academy

Esbjerg

SEA - Business Academy SouthWest: Denmark's happiest students study here

What if you could study at the academy with the most satisfied students in all of Denmark? At SEA - Business Academy SouthWest (formerly EASV), student happiness is not just a slogan - it is a fact backed by national surveys for over a decade. With small classes of maximum 30 students, teachers who know your name, and a strong focus on your personal wellbeing, SEA creates an environment where you can truly thrive.

Located in Esbjerg - Denmark's fifth largest city and the energy capital of Scandinavia - SEA offers 4 English-taught programs in IT and digital media. The academy is practice-oriented, meaning everything you learn connects directly to real jobs. Tuition is completely free for EU students, and the cost of living in Esbjerg is significantly lower than in Copenhagen or Aarhus.

Discover SEA - Business Academy in Esbjerg

See the campus and student life at Business Academy SouthWest in Denmark.

Why students choose SEA - Business Academy SouthWest

Happiest students in Denmark. National surveys confirm it: SEA has the most satisfied students among all Danish academies. The combination of small classes, personal attention, and a supportive environment makes the difference.
Maximum 30 students per class. You are never just a number. Teachers have time for your questions, you work in small teams, and everyone knows each other. This creates a family-like atmosphere that international students love.
4 IT and digital media programs in English. Computer Science, Multimedia Design, Software Development, and Web Development - all taught entirely in English with a strong practical focus.
Affordable living in Esbjerg. Rent and daily costs are significantly lower than in larger Danish cities. Your SU grant goes much further here, giving you a comfortable student life without financial stress.
Mandatory internship with real companies. Every program includes a company internship where you apply your skills in practice. Many students find their first job through their internship company.
Continue to a Bachelor in 1.5 years. After your AP degree (2-2.5 years), you can top up with a Bachelor in Software Development or Web Development - all at the same campus.

Study programs at SEA

SEA offers 4 English-taught programs in IT and digital media:

Computer Science (AP degree, 2.5 years) - system development, programming, databases, and IT solutions for businesses
Multimedia Design (AP degree, 2 years) - UX/UI design, content creation, video production, and digital marketing
Software Development (Bachelor top-up, 1.5 years) - advanced programming for Computer Science graduates
Web Development (Bachelor top-up, 1.5 years) - full-stack web development for Multimedia Design graduates

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.

Esbjerg - Denmark's energy capital by the North Sea

Esbjerg is a modern city on Denmark's west coast, known as the energy capital of Scandinavia. Major companies like Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, and Aker Solutions have operations here, creating excellent job opportunities for graduates. The city has around 72,000 inhabitants - big enough to have everything you need, small enough to feel like home.

Student life in Esbjerg is active and social. The city offers beautiful beaches, a vibrant harbor area, cultural events, and a growing food scene. Because the international student community is tight-knit, you quickly make friends from all over the world. And with affordable rent (2,700-5,000 DKK per month), your money goes much further than in larger Danish cities.

Quick facts

Type	School of Applied Sciences (Business Academy)
Students	2,500
Programs in English	2 (Computer Science, Multimedia Design)
Tuition for EU students	Free (0 DKK)
City	Esbjerg (Denmark's 5th largest city, energy capital)
Class size	Maximum 30 students
Internship	Mandatory company internship in every program
Student satisfaction	Highest in Denmark for over a decade (national surveys)

FAQ

What makes SEA different from other Danish academies?

SEA stands out for three reasons: the highest student satisfaction in Denmark (proven by national surveys for over a decade), extremely small class sizes (maximum 30 students), and a strong focus on practice over theory. Every program includes real company projects and a mandatory internship. The academy also offers a uniquely supportive environment - from student counselling to career guidance and help with housing.

What is the difference between an AP degree and a Bachelor?

An AP (Academy Profession) degree is a 2-2.5 year practice-oriented program that qualifies you directly for the job market. After completing your AP degree, you can continue with a 1.5-year Bachelor top-up program at the same campus. So in total, you can earn a full Bachelor degree in 3.5-4 years - with real work experience built in through your internship.

Is Esbjerg a good city for international students?

Absolutely! Esbjerg has a growing international community thanks to the energy sector and multiple educational institutions. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Copenhagen or Aarhus - rent is 30-40% cheaper. The city is safe, bike-friendly, and has everything you need within cycling distance. The international student community is tight-knit, and SEA organizes regular social events including the famous International Day where students from 35+ countries celebrate their cultures together.

Can I work while studying at SEA?

Yes! As an EU student in Denmark, you can work alongside your studies. 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 Esbjerg, there are job opportunities in retail, hospitality, and the energy sector. The academy also has a job portal to help students find part-time work and internships.

What career opportunities exist after graduation?

SEA graduates work as software developers, UX designers, frontend developers, IT consultants, web developers, and digital marketers. Esbjerg's energy sector (Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, Aker Solutions) and the broader Danish IT industry offer excellent job prospects. Many students find employment through their internship company or through the academy's industry network.

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.

Note:

Motivation Letter – A motivation letter is 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:

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
Oxford Online Placement Test – A score of 75 points in each section is required. Only the test organised by Kastu is accepted
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 in Esbjerg

SEA - Business Academy SouthWest helps international students find housing in Esbjerg. The academy has access to rooms in dormitories (kollegier) located near the campus. For exchange students, housing is offered directly through the International Office. For full-degree students, the academy provides guidance and connections to local housing providers.

Esbjerg has affordable student housing compared to larger Danish cities. Most dormitory rooms are furnished and located within cycling distance of the campus. The key rule: start looking for housing as soon as you receive your admission confirmation.

Your housing options in Esbjerg

Option 1: SDU Housing (recommended for guaranteed housing) - SDU also has a campus in Esbjerg and offers guaranteed housing for international students who apply before the deadline (May 1 for September start, November 1 for February start). Even though you study at SEA, you can use the SDU housing system. Rooms are a mix of dormitories and private rooms, furnished with basic items. Apply through the SDU Housing portal.

Option 2: SEA International Office - contact the academy directly at international@s-e-a.dk for help finding housing. They have connections with local dormitories and can guide you through the process.

Option 3: Private market - you can also find rooms independently. Websites like boligportal.dk and local Facebook groups list available rooms. Be careful of scams - never pay before viewing and signing a contract.

Rent and practical details

Student housing in Esbjerg is affordable:

Dormitory rooms: approximately 2,700-5,000 DKK per month
Deposit: typically equivalent to 1-3 months rent
Most rooms are furnished with bed, desk, chair, and lighting
Kitchens and bathrooms may be shared
Some residences include internet; others require you to arrange it yourself

Remember: if you work at least 10-12 hours per week, you qualify for the Danish SU grant (approximately 7,426 DKK/month before tax), which easily covers rent and living expenses in Esbjerg.

FAQ

Is housing guaranteed for SEA students?

Exchange students receive housing offers directly from SEA's International Office. For full-degree students, the best option is to apply through the SDU Housing portal - SDU guarantees housing in Esbjerg for international students who apply before May 1 (for September start) or November 1 (for February start). You can apply even before your admission is confirmed.

How much does student housing cost in Esbjerg?

Expect to pay between 2,700-5,000 DKK per month depending on room size, condition, and location. Cheaper rooms are usually older but all meet acceptable living standards. A deposit of 1-3 months rent is required before moving in. Compared to Copenhagen or Aarhus, Esbjerg is 30-40% cheaper for housing.

When should I apply for housing?

As early as possible! For the SDU housing guarantee, apply before May 1 (September start) or November 1 (February start). You can apply even before your admission has been confirmed. If your admission is later rejected, your housing application is cancelled automatically. Also contact SEA's International Office early for additional options.

What are the dormitory rooms like?

Most dormitory rooms in Esbjerg are single rooms (10-16 m²) furnished with basic items: bed, desk, chair, and lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms are typically shared with other students. The general condition varies - cheaper rooms are usually older but functional. Some residences include internet access, while others require you to arrange it yourself. Many dormitories are located within walking or cycling distance of the SEA campus.

Can I find housing before arriving in Denmark?

Yes - and you should! Apply through the SDU Housing portal online from anywhere in the world. You can also contact SEA's International Office at international@s-e-a.dk for guidance. They can help you secure a room before you arrive. Avoid trying to find private housing remotely, as this increases the risk of scams.

For all practical information about studying at SEA as an international student, visit the official FAQ page.

SEA - International students FAQ

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