5 Best Reasons To Do An MBA In Copenhagen | Top Jobs, Sustainability & MBA ROI
Copenhagen is a hub of culture and sustainability, offering a unique MBA experience
Jobs in sustainability and a good return on investment are just some of the reasons to study an MBA in Copenhagen. Find out why you should study in Copenhagen for your MBA
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By Matt Kefford
Wed Sep 28 2022
You’ll probably recognize Copenhagen—the city is famous for its colorful houses and picturesque harbor—but while the Danish capital is renowned as a tourism destination, it also offers a unique study experience for MBA students.
Every year people from across the globe flock to Copenhagen to study. At top institutions like Copenhagen Business School, the typical one-year and full-time MBA cohort is comprised of students from Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Africa.
Anne-Sofie Rasmussen was born in Copenhagen but grew up in Australia before moving back to study her MBA. “I wanted to explore what the potential opportunities would be and figure out if my life was going to be here going forward,” she says.
Now a CBS graduate continuing to live in the city, Anne-Sofie has identified five key reasons to study an MBA in Copenhagen.
1. Copenhagen is a city of culture
It’s no surprise that Copenhagen offers a vibrant cultural life. It’s the reason why millions of people flock to Copenhagen every year—almost 15 million pre-pandemic.
The city is home to a wealth of food and drink spots, museums, and even excursions including boat tours and visits to nearby castles.
Anne-Sofie (pictured) took advantage of her free time while studying to immerse herself in the local arts and sample the city’s drinking culture—Copenhagen is famously the home of Carlsberg beer.
“As the CBS MBA was a one year full-time program it was quite intense and usually you’d be in classes for most of the day,” she explains.
“But you do get a lot of flexibility and you have the evenings to spend how you want, that’s when you can explore the city and get those classic Denmark and Copenhagen experiences.”
2. Copenhagen has a thriving business sector
For many MBA students, a key thing to bear in mind when choosing a study destination is the level of opportunity available to gain work experience in the local business sector.
For Anne-Sofie it was no different. She felt studying in Copenhagen—which houses the offices of top companies like IBM, Accenture, Microsoft, and Deloitte—would help her gain experience that could help launch her career.
While studying, she landed an internship with a healthtech firm where she focused on virtual reality (VR) technology. She also had various other opportunities to gain experience during projects and business simulators.
“While studying I had experience working on projects with large companies as well as helping smaller startups to grow, so I got exposure on both ends,” she says.
“There's a big learning opportunity while you're in the program, whether it’s through advising companies or listening in to board meetings.”
3. Copenhagen is a sustainability hub
Copenhagen regularly ranks among the world’s most sustainable cities. Just 29% of residents own a vehicle, with the vast majority choosing to cycle instead. City officials have also launched an ambitious plan to become the world’s first zero carbon capital city by 2025.
Studying in Copenhagen allows you to experience this forward-thinking ecosystem. You can also land opportunities among the many green startups nearby.
That includes firms like Lokalist, which specializes in creating a circular economy for unwanted mobile phones; and Carcel, a slow fashion label employing marginalized women in prison.
“Copenhagen is very big on sustainability and so it’s a big focus in the MBA program. There’s also a really big focus on entrepreneurship and digitalization, with lots of startups and incubators in Denmark,” says Anne-Sofie.
4. Copenhagen offers great career prospects
With internships and practical in-company experience available, it’s no surprise that Copenhagen offers strong career prospects.
Within three months of graduating from the CBS MBA, 70% of students are employed. That number rises to 100% after six months, with the majority of students landing roles in Denmark.
Anne-Sofie was one of the many students who landed a top job after graduation, working as an associate for big three consulting firm, McKinsey.
“I was pleased I got a good job afterwards, but I think a lot of people landed really great jobs [after graduating],” she says. “A number of my classmates have ended up working with startups.”
5. Studying in Copenhagen means good ROI
With a host of top companies offering employment opportunities nearby—as well as the opportunity to study in locations across Europe and further afield—MBA students in Copenhagen tend to go on to earn impressive salaries after graduation.
According to the Financial Times, the average MBA graduate from CBS sees a 47% increase in their salary between enrolling and leaving the program. The program ranks among the top 50 worldwide for value for money.
While a key factor in this are the employers who recruit from the program—Amazon, Bain & Company, KPMG, and Nestle, for example—the program’s relatively low tuition fees mean you can expect a strong return on your investment.
The CBS MBA costs around $50,000 for tuition, but within three years of graduating from the program, alumni average salaries sit at around $102,000. That means you can expect to pay back the cost of tuition in a relatively short amount of time. Additionally, the school offers a range of scholarships to assist in financing your MBA.
For Anne-Sofie, enrolling in the program was worthwhile. “You might not reap the benefit in terms of making the money back in the first year after the MBA,” says Anne-Sofie, “but it will give you benefits that will be ongoing throughout your career.”
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Stella
Verified
24/04/2019
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
Student
Verified
13/04/2019
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
Stefani
Verified
12/04/2019
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
José Pedro
Verified
22/09/2019
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Cathy
Verified
5/02/2019
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Philip
Verified
15/04/2018
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Student
Verified
27/09/2017
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
Student
Verified
22/09/2017
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
Student
Verified
29/09/2019
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Stella
Verified
24/04/2019
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
Student
Verified
13/04/2019
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
Stefani
Verified
12/04/2019
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
José Pedro
Verified
22/09/2019
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Cathy
Verified
5/02/2019
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Philip
Verified
15/04/2018
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Student
Verified
27/09/2017
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
Student
Verified
22/09/2017
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
