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
Teaching and exam periods - autumn semester
The autumn semester runs from 1 September to 31 January, but you will not necessarily have classes and exams throughout the entire period. This depends on your courses, your timetable and your exam dates.
Exam dates for the autumn semester are published on 1 September. The specific dates for your individual exams will be published no later than one month before the exam takes place.
| Classes | Exams | Reexams | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester | September - December | December - January | February |
| 1st quarter | September - mid-October | October | December - January |
| 2nd quarter | November - December | January | February - March |
Teaching and exam periods - spring semester
The spring semester runs from 1 February to 30 June, but you will not necessarily have classes and exams throughout the entire period. This depends on your courses, your timetable and your exam dates.
Exam dates for the spring semester are published on 1 February. The specific dates for your individual exams will be published no later than one month before the exam takes place.
| Classes | Exams | Reexams | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester | February - May | May - June | August |
| 3rd quarter | February - March | Late March – early April | Mid-May – late May |
| 4th quarter | Mid-April – May | Late May – late June | August |
Public holidays
CBS follows the official public holidays in Denmark, during which there are no classes or exams.
- Christmas and New Year: There are no classes or exams between Christmas and New Year. However, you may have exams in early January that you need to prepare for.
- Summer break: There are no classes in July and August. However, reexams for the spring semester take place in August.
Do you have an autumn or winter break?
There is no break during the autumn holiday (week 42) or the winter holiday (weeks 7/8). There may be both classes and exams during these weeks, depending on your courses and lecturers.
| Holiday schedule: 2026/2027 | |
|---|---|
| 24 - 26 December | Christmas |
| 1 January | New Year’s Day |
| 29-25 March | Easter |
| 6 May | Ascension Day |
| 16-17 May | Whit Sunday and Whit Monday |
| 5 June | Constitution Day |
| July - August | Summer break - retake 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.
The 7-point grading scale
The Danish grading scale is used throughout the education system in Denmark, including universities. The grading scale is compatible with the European ECTS grading scale and your performance is assessed according to the extent that you have met the specific learning objectives set for your specific course. You can see what is included in the grade for specific courses in the course descriptions.
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.
Bachelor programmes
You can choose between 15 different bachelor programmes, all with their own specialisation. Our programmes are based on a strong and internationally renowned research base.
Master programmes
You can choose between more than 30 different master programmes, all with their own specialisation. Our programmes are based on a strong and internationally renowned research base
Single courses
CBS offers a broad range of courses within a number of academic areas. SIngle courses are open to everyone including students at other Danish universities
Exchange semester at CBS
If you are studying full-time at one of our partner universities, you can come to CBS as an exchange student.
Freemover
If you are a university student, you are a non-EU national and you do not attend a CBS partner university, you can come to CBS as a freemover.
Executive Masters, MBA and Graduate Diplomas
At CBS Executive Education professionals can tap into research-based learning opportunities throughout their career.
PhD
The PhD programme trains students to carry out research, in part through work with their project and in part through participation in courses. These two elements are – together with a requirement of research communication – the core of the PhD programme.