International Admission

The Jonas Thomsen Sekyere Scholarship

International students can apply through the Jonas Thomsen Sekyere Scholarship. The scholarship was created in 2012 and is dedicated to the memory of an inspirational member of the college whose time among us was cut tragically short: Jonas Thomsen Sekyere.

Living at Regensen will introduce you to many joys and benefits. Besides living in central Copenhagen (‘Indre By’), you will also live in one of the oldest colleges in Denmark and become part of a community full of traditions and events. Questions concerning the application procedure should also be directed to Regensen's Klokkers at klokker@regensen.dk.

Jonas Thomsen Sekyere in Copenhagen

Expenses

The scholarship covers the monthly rental costs of a room at Regensen for the full term of residence. Students are asked to contribute toward the cost of utilities, at a rate of DKK 1804 per month as well as DKK 140 per month for membership of the college residents’ society. The contribution towards utilities is periodically adjusted in accordance with the rate of inflation. All rooms are unfurnished.

Admission Requirements

International candidates must fulfill all of the following requirements to be eligible to apply to Regensen:

  • cannot have Danish citizenship, including dual citizenship. Danish citizens must apply through the Danish admission process;
  • be enrolled fulltime at the Univeristy of Copenhagen (KU/UCPH) or Denmark's Technical University (DTU);
  • have at least two consecutive semesters of study remaining (PhD-students and students having less than one year (two semesters) left of their studies are not eligible).
Admission Procedure

We admit two international citizens once a year. The deadline for the next round of applications for international citizens is 2. juni 2025.

To apply, applicants are required to send the following by e-mail to Regensen's Klokkers at klokker@regensen.dk:

  • an application and signature form (Download form)
  • a one-page motivated application (see application form for guidelines)
  • their official academic transcript
  • their letter of admission from either KU/UCPH or DTU

Candidates who do not complete the admission requirements and submit all the required application materials will not be considered. A commitee consisting of the College Provost's wife ('Provstinden') and elected student representatives will select the two successful candidates in June of each year. The chosen candidates can expect to move into Regensen in July of the same year.

Please consider

Candidates should be aware that Regensen provides each resident an unfurnished, private room and access to a storage room. Kitchen, toilet, and shower facilities are shared and some shower facilities are communal.

Since the majority of Regensens residents ('regensianere') are Danish, living here as an international is both rewarding and challenging at times. The more you engage, the more you will to learn about Danish traditions and language. Everyone is of course able and willing to speak english and all official information will be provided in both languages.

Furthermore, all new residents are expected to take part in arranging three traditional dinner parties/balls as well as a few other tasks during their first semester at Regensen. The parties are part of a longstanding tradition in the college for which all of the college is invited. You will arrange the party together with other new residents at Regensen. This is often a nice way to get to know other residents. As a new resident, you can also expect to be invited to dinners by different societies (‘foreninger’) within the college, which will also help you get to know your new neighbours. You will also have the possibility to visit the Provost and his family, who live at Regensen. You can read more about life and traditions at Regensen in the 'Year' tab of this website.

Where international regensianare come from

Insights from international residents of Regensen

Lucie from South Korea, moved in August 2021

What is Regensen to you?

Opening the big green gate to Regensen, I felt like Alice falling down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. Right in the heart of Copenhagen, it’s a world of its own. The lives of Regensianere shape this 400-year-old institution—creating party themes, dining with different associations, watching elections or football matches in the fencing basement (without actual fencing), and debating how to improve Regensen late into the night. That’s what I love about it: spaces and traditions are lived through us.

Joining such a tight-knit community and interacting with many Danes can feel overwhelming for international students. Honestly, it wasn’t always easy despite my fascination. But with time, I learned to enjoy configuring my life here. Thankfully, Regensen is welcoming, and fellow Regensianere are there to support you, allowing you to find your way at your own pace. I was nervous when applying — wondering about room sizes, furnishing an empty space, or whether my limited Danish would be enough. But soon, I embraced the unexpected: swapping rooms, finding free furniture, or learning random Danish phrases while cooking with friends. You never know until you’re here, but that’s part of the fun in this warm, genuine community.

Veronika from Slovenia, moved in August 2022

What is your favourite place at Regensen?

My absolute favourite spot at Regensen is my lovely room at Kongens gang (4x3). I was fortunate enough to move into it immediately upon arrival and loved it so much that I never moved away. From the magnificent view of Frk. Lind's full-leafed glory in the spring to hearing Klaus' dogs in the morning, this room has witnessed my brightest and darkest moments. It is where I hosted parties, experienced homesickness, enjoyed tea and movie nights with friends, cried into my pillow, learned first Danish vowels and gradually became a true Regensianer.

But since living in that room is a luxury granted to only one lucky person, I'd like to share another favourite spot of mine – the ‘secret’ rooftop above Admiraliteten. It's the perfect spot for watching the orange glow of a summer sunrise after an endless night of hanging out or enjoying the chaotic display of a firework-filled sky on New Year’s Eve – and if you’re there during the day, you might even be able to wave to some tourists from Rundetaarn!

Milena from Russia, moved in August 2023

How has Regensen changed you?

Moving to Denmark after a whirlwind life in the US and years of constantly moving around, I had one concrete goal: to build a community around myself and “settle” in a place. Even though I haven’t shaken off my love for traveling (hence a few missed food clubs – you’ll understand later), Denmark, and Regensen especially, have transformed me.

I am now best friends with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I can enjoy dinners that last five or six hours – and sometimes, I even cook for them (which once felt unimaginable!). But most importantly, I’ve found a sense of inner peace and the ability to slow down and enjoy the present moment.

At Regensen, you’ll experience plenty of these moments, whether during late night tea sessions with friends or alone – perhaps while furnishing your third Regensen room at two in the morning. Regensen has opened up my world to the beautiful hearts of Danish people, which are not so easy to get into. But here at Regensen, it is not even possible – it is easy if you stay curious and open minded.

David from Germany, moved in August 2021

What do you wish you had known when you moved in?

Regensen is all about traditions—associations, parties, songs, and responsibilities. Yet nobody told me this when I first moved in: Not all traditions here share Regensen’s 400-year history.

What might seem trivial can actually be liberating. Do you want to change something? Do you envision your own post, association, songs—your own Regensen? Just gather a few friends and make it happen.

Indeed, many traditions, customs, and associations here have endured for generations, and taking a genuine interest in them might be crucial if you wish to create a lasting chapter in Regensen’s history. However, perhaps nowhere else is it easier to create new traditions than at Regensen. Before you know it, just a few semesters later, you'll find yourself standing in front of a group of curious new Regensianere, explaining life behind our red walls.Instead of merely repeating what others have told you, why not share your own unique version? Instead of singing what others have sung, why not sing your own songs? Instead of doing what others have done, why not forge new paths?

Take advantage of having the world's most enthusiastic and lovable audience to share your songs, stories, and melodies.

Mati from Mexico, moved in August 2023

What is your favourite memory you made at Regensen?

The moment that I realized that I was living in the absolute best place in the world was when I heard the choir singing during my first Julebal. During the first semester at Regensen, you’re supposed to prepare 3 parties with your “generation” of newcomers, which is an amazing way to get to know everyone and figure out how everything works in the dorm. However, my first semester at Regensen was also my first semester living abroad and by myself, so every single thing that was happening was completely new to me. When I heard the choir singing, by people that I’ve talked to and live in the same place as me, I realized that I was in the right place. Of course, to hear the choir singing at the end of each semester reminds me that I’m in the right place. It meant the world to arrive at this castle-like spot in the middle of Copenhagen. It has always provided me with support, warmth and fun.