How Denmark Converts IB Scores for Public Universities.

How Denmark Converts IB Scores.

Denmark has become an increasingly popular destination for IB students looking for high-quality, affordable public university education in Europe. With strong research universities, English-taught bachelor’s programs, and a transparent admissions system, Denmark attracts students from across the world.

However, one common question IB students and parents ask is:

“How exactly are IB scores converted for Danish public universities?”

Unlike some countries that simply look at your final IB diploma score out of 45, Denmark uses a grade conversion system to fit IB results into the Danish 7-point grading scale. Understanding this conversion is extremely important — especially for competitive programs like Medicine, Engineering, Business, and Computer Science.

IB to Danish Grade Conversion

Topic	What You Should Know
Danish Grading Scale	7-point scale (12 is highest)
IB Diploma Required?	Yes, full IB Diploma
Minimum Passing IB Score	Generally 24+ (but varies by program)
Conversion System	IB scores converted into Danish GPA equivalent
Competitive Programs	Often require very high converted averages
Subject Requirements	Specific HL subjects may be mandatory
Quota System	Quota 1 (grades only) and Quota 2 (holistic review)

1. Understanding the Danish 7-Point Grading Scale

Denmark uses a 7-point grading scale:

Danish Grade	Meaning
12	Excellent
10	Very Good
7	Good
4	Fair
02	Sufficient (pass)
00	Inadequate
-3	Fail

For admissions, the focus is on grades from 12 down to 02.

When IB students apply, their diploma results are converted into this scale to calculate an average Danish grade.

2. Does Denmark Accept the IB Diploma?

Yes. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is fully recognized by Danish public universities.

However:

• You must complete the full IB Diploma.

• Individual course certificates are usually not sufficient.

• Subject requirements must match the Danish upper secondary equivalent.

For example:

• Engineering → Mathematics HL often required.

• Medicine → Biology HL + Chemistry HL typically required.

• Business → Mathematics HL or strong SL in some cases.

3. How Denmark Converts IB Scores

Denmark does not simply compare IB scores out of 45. Instead, it converts IB grades into the Danish 7-point scale using official equivalency guidelines.

Step 1: Individual Subject Grade Conversion

Each IB subject grade (1–7) is mapped into Danish grades.

While exact conversion tables may vary slightly depending on the evaluation authority, generally:

• IB 7 → Danish 12

• IB 6 → Danish 10

• IB 5 → Danish 7

• IB 4 → Danish 4

• IB 3 → Danish 02

IB grades below 3 may not qualify for admission.

Step 2: Average Calculation

• All six IB subject grades are considered.

• Extended Essay and TOK may or may not be included depending on evaluation.

• The converted Danish grades are averaged.

• This final number becomes your admission GPA equivalent.

This means a student with:

• 6, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5will receive converted Danish grades of:

• 10, 10, 10, 7, 7, 7

Then an average is calculated.

4. What IB Score Is Competitive in Denmark?

This depends heavily on the program.

For Less Competitive Programs

• IB 28–32 may be sufficient.

• Converted average around Danish 7–10 range.

For Competitive Programs

• Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering → IB 36–40+

• Business (Copenhagen Business School) → Often 35+

• Computer Science → Mid to high 30s

Because Denmark calculates a converted GPA, even small IB grade differences can significantly affect your average.

5. Quota 1 vs Quota 2 Admissions

Danish universities use a quota system.

Quota 1 – Grades Only

• Admission based purely on converted IB GPA.

• Most seats are allocated here.

• No motivation letter or CV required.

If your converted average meets the required cut-off, you are admitted.

Quota 2 – Holistic Assessment

• Fewer seats available.

• Consideration of:

  • Motivation letter

  • Work experience

  • Relevant activities

  • Entrance exams (for some programs)

Quota 2 is useful if:

• Your IB score is slightly below the Quota 1 cut-off.

• You have strong extracurricular or relevant experience.

6. Subject-Level Requirements Matter

Even if your overall IB score is high, subject requirements must be met.

For example:

Medicine

• Biology HL

• Chemistry HL

• Mathematics (specific level depending on university)

Engineering

• Mathematics HL required

• Physics HL often required

Business / Economics

• Strong mathematics background expected

• HL preferred for competitive universities

If your IB subject combination does not meet Danish equivalency requirements, you may need supplementary courses.

7. English Language Requirements

Most IB students automatically satisfy English requirements if:

• They completed IB in English, OR

• Achieved sufficient English subject performance.

Some universities may still request proof, but IB usually covers it.

8. Are Bonus Points Added for IB

Core?

Unlike some countries, Denmark generally:

• Focuses on converted subject grades.

• Does not heavily reward CAS or extracurriculars in Quota 1.

• May consider overall profile in Quota 2.

The 3 bonus IB core points (EE + TOK) are usually reflected in total score but the key factor remains subject grades.

9. Examples of IB Conversion Scenarios

Example 1: IB 34 Student

Grades:

• 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 4

Converted:

• 10, 10, 7, 7, 7, 4

Average ≈ Around Danish 7–8 range.

Competitive for many programs, but maybe borderline for top-demand courses.

Example 2: IB 39 Student

Grades:

• 7, 7, 6, 6, 6, 5

Converted:

• 12, 12, 10, 10, 10, 7

Average ≈ Around Danish 10–11 range.

Very competitive for most public universities.

10. Important Deadlines

For EU/EEA students:

• Application deadline usually mid-March.

• Applications submitted via centralized Danish admissions portal.

IB students must submit:

• Predicted grades (if applying before final results).

• Final IB results once available.

Conditional offers are common.

11. Tuition at Danish Public Universities

For EU/EEA students:

• Tuition is free.

For non-EU students:

• Tuition fees apply.

• Scholarships may be available but are competitive.

IB students from EU countries benefit most financially.

12. Common Mistakes IB Students Make

• Ignoring HL subject requirements.

• Assuming total IB score is the only factor.

• Not checking Danish grade cut-offs.

• Applying only through Quota 1 when Quota 2 could help.

• Not calculating converted GPA early.

Understanding conversion early helps you choose realistic programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is an IB 30 enough for Denmark?

Yes for some programs, but not for highly competitive ones like Medicine or top Business programs.

2. Do Danish universities look at predicted grades?

Yes. You can receive a conditional offer based on predictions.

3. Are IB retakes accepted?

Generally yes, but policies vary by university.

4. Do they care about extracurriculars?

Only mainly in Quota 2. Quota 1 is strictly grade-based.

5. Is IB HL Mathematics mandatory?

It depends on the course. Engineering and Economics programs often require HL.

6. Do bonus IB core points help?

They contribute to your overall diploma score, but the main factor is converted subject grades.

Final Takeaway

Denmark offers one of the most transparent admissions systems in Europe for IB students — but it is also highly structured and grade-focused.