University College Absalon
Kalundborg
- Good career opportunities;
- smaller campuses;
- guranteed housing option;
- close to Copenhagen.
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
University College Absalon - study biotechnology in Denmark's Biotech City
Imagine studying biotechnology engineering surrounded by world-leading companies like Novo Nordisk, Lundbeck, Novozymes, and Equinor - all within cycling distance of your campus. At University College Absalon in Kalundborg, this is your reality. The city is known as Denmark's Biotech City, hosting the world's largest insulin production and the world's first industrial symbiosis.
Absalon is the first University College in Denmark to achieve institutional accreditation - the highest official recognition for quality in Danish higher education. With a strong focus on practice-based learning, mandatory internships at top biotech companies, and close collaboration with industry, Absalon prepares you for a career in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors.
Biotechnology at University College Absalon
Why students choose University College Absalon
- Study in Denmark's Biotech City. Kalundborg hosts Novo Nordisk (world's largest insulin producer), Novozymes (world leader in enzymes), Lundbeck (biopharmaceuticals), and many more. Your campus is literally surrounded by world-class biotech companies.
- Internships at world-leading companies. Every student completes a 5-month internship at a real company. Students regularly intern at Novo Nordisk, Lundbeck, and other industry leaders - some even get sent to the US for their internship.
- Highest quality recognition in Denmark. Absalon is the first University College in Denmark to receive institutional accreditation - proof that the education meets the highest standards.
- Direct path to employment. The recommended minimum salary for newly graduated biotechnology engineers is 45,100 DKK per month (approximately 6,042 EUR) before taxes. The biotech industry is booming and actively recruiting.
- Free tuition for EU students. The entire 3.5-year engineering program is completely free for EU/EEA citizens.
- "Roof-over-your-head" guarantee. Kalundborg Municipality guarantees that every new student has a place to sleep from day one. No stress about housing.
Study programs at Absalon
Absalon offers the following English-taught full-degree programs:
- Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology (3.5 years, 210 ECTS) - biochemistry, biotechnological processes, pharmaceutical production, food technology, environmental chemistry, and quality assurance
- Engineering in Robot Systems (3.5 years, 210 ECTS) - robotics, automation and digitalisation.
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.
Kalundborg - Denmark's Biotech City
Kalundborg is a unique city on the west coast of Zealand, about 1 hour from Copenhagen by train. What makes it special is the extraordinary concentration of world-leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The city is home to the world's first industrial symbiosis - a system where companies share resources and waste streams, creating a model of sustainable production that is studied worldwide.
For students, this means unmatched access to industry. Guest lectures from company engineers, visits to production facilities, mentorship programs, and internship opportunities are all part of daily life. The city is small, safe, and surrounded by beautiful nature - forests, beaches, and the fjord are all within reach.
Quick facts
| Type | University College (first in Denmark with institutional accreditation) |
|---|---|
| Main English program | Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology (3.5 years) |
| Tuition for EU students | Free (0 DKK) |
| Campus | Kalundborg (Denmark's Biotech City) |
| Key industry partners | Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, Lundbeck, Equinor, Ørsted |
| Internship | 5-month mandatory internship at biotech companies |
| Graduate salary | Minimum 45,100 DKK/month (6,042 EUR) before taxes |
| Housing guarantee | Yes - "Roof-over-your-head" guarantee from Kalundborg Municipality |
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.
Note:
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.
- 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 in Kalundborg
Great news: Kalundborg Municipality offers a "roof-over-your-head" guarantee for all new students moving to the city. This means you are guaranteed a place to sleep from day one, even if you have not yet found permanent housing. The municipality has a dedicated Settlement Team that helps international students find accommodation.
Kalundborg has several student housing options, all affordable and located close to campus. The city is compact and bike-friendly - everything is within a 30-minute bike ride, including campus, beaches, forests, and the city center.
Student housing options
Kalundborgkollegiet - the main student dormitory in Kalundborg. A beautifully renovated former hospital building with modern apartments and rooms. All units have private bathrooms. Some have their own kitchen, others share a large communal kitchen. Shared facilities include common areas, table tennis, barbecue, storage rooms, internet, and central heating.
Mobilhouse - affordable modular student apartments designed for students and young professionals. A modern, practical housing solution.
Rynkevangen (new - opening 2026/2027) - a brand new student housing area near Campus Kalundborg with modern 23-25 m² apartments with private kitchen and bathroom. The first units will be available from September 2026.
Rent and practical details
- Typical rent: 3,000-4,500 DKK per month
- With housing benefit (boligstøtte): rent can be reduced to approximately 3,100 DKK
- Most rooms come partially furnished
- All housing is within cycling distance of campus
- Deposit required before moving in
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 Kalundborg.
FAQ
For complete information about student housing in Kalundborg, visit the official page from the municipality.
Student stories