How to be academic at CBS
Learn more about what it is like to study at CBS, the types of exams you can expect and the key semester and exam dates. Also, see your options to apply for studying at CBS as an iinternational.
What is it like to study at CBS?
Be curious and critical
CBS is an internationally recognised business school with deep roots in the Nordic societal model. This is also reflected in the Danish academic tradition.
At CBS, critical thinking and independent thought are skills that we highly value. As a student, you will have both the opportunity and responsibility for making the most out of your education.
Meet the students
Our international bachelor students share how they have experienced studying at CBS.
Get to know the teaching culture at CBS
Guidelines for attendance
As a general rule there is no mandatory attendance for teaching activities at CBS. Class attendance is not recorded and please also be aware that class attendance does not count toward your final grade either. You grades are neither improved by class attendance, nor are your grades reflected by non-attendance. Your grades are based on your exams 100%.
Attend the teaching activities
Although attendance is not mandatory, we recommend that you participate in teaching activities. If you choose, for example, to take a holiday in a teaching or exam period, it is your responsibility to catch up on what you miss. We therefore recommend planning your holiday outside teaching periods.
It is your responsibility to get what you want out of your programme. We recommend that you prepare for classes and that you participate actively – for your own sake, not for your lecturer’s sake.
Make use of your lecturers
Your lecturers are your sparring partners and inspirators. Many students do not make full use of their lecturers or are perhaps afraid to ask 'silly' questions. Your lecturers are committed to their field, and they would love to have active and inquisitive students. So do speak to them if there is something you do not understand or need sparring for.
Teaching and exam periods - spring
The spring semester runs from 1 February to 30 June, but you may not have classes and exams throughout the entire period. This depends on your subjects, your schedule, and your exam dates.
Exam dates are published on 1 February for the spring semester. The specific dates for your exams will be published no later than one month before the exam is held.
| Course - type | Teaching | Exam | Re-exam |
| Semester | February - May | May - June | August |
| 3rd quarter | February - March | Late March | May |
| 4th quarter | Mid April - start June | June | August |
Teaching and exam periods - autumn
The autumn semester runs from 1 September to 31 January, but you may not have classes and exams throughout the entire period. This depends on your subjects, your schedule, and your exam dates.
Exam dates are announced on 1 September for the fall semester. The specific dates for your exams will be announced no later than one month before the exam.
| Course - type | Teaching | Exams | Re-exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester courses | September - December | December - January | February |
| 1st quarter | Early September - mid October | October- November | December - January |
| 2nd quarter | November - December | January | Februar - March |
Holidays and vacations
CBS follows the regular holidays in Denmark, and there are no classes or exams on campus.
- Christmas and New Year: There are no classes or exams on campus between Christmas and New Year - however, you may have exams at the beginning of January that you need to prepare for.
- Summer vacation: There are no classes in July and August, however, the summer re-exams are in August.
Note, that there is no holiday during the autumn break (week 42) or winter break (week 7/8), when there may be both teaching and exams. It depends on your subjects and teachers.
Vacation plan 2025/2026
| 24- 26 December | Christmas |
| 1 January | New Year's Day |
| 2 -6 April | Easter |
| 14 May | Ascension Day |
| 25 May | Pentecost |
| 5 June | Constitution Day |
| July - August | Summer vacation - re-exam in August |
Exams at CBS
At CBS you conclude all courses with an exam. Along the way in your programme you will meet different exam formats such as written on-site exams , written gorup projects and oral exams.
Teaching and working methods
At CBS you will have both lectures and exercise classes. You should also expect to spend time on preparing for classes and exams both individually and in groups with your fellow students.
Read more on Student life
How to apply for a CBS programme?
There are a number of ways that you can come to CBS to study. You can come for a full programme, for a semester, or just for a course. Below find a list of how you apply for studying at CBS.
