Denmark Study Abroad Guide — Universities, Fees & Scholarships

Choosing Universities and Programs

Denmark has eight public universities offering hundreds of English-taught programs, from bachelor to PhD level, with strong rankings in engineering, business, and life sciences.

Denmark offers a wide range of higher education opportunities for international students. The official gateway for exploring programs is Study in Denmark, which lists more than 500 English-taught study programs across the country's universities, business schools, and professional colleges. Whether you seek an undergraduate degree, a master's, or a short exchange program, Denmark's institutions are internationally recognized and attract students from across the globe.

Types of Higher Education Institutions

Denmark's higher education system encompasses several types of institutions. Universities (universiter) offer full research-based bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. University colleges (professionshøjskoler) provide professionally oriented bachelor's programs. Business academies (erhvervsakademier) offer two-year academiprofession degrees. According to Eurydice, business academies, university colleges, and universities are all state-funded, self-governing institutions. Each institution has autonomy to allocate funding based on its strategic priorities.

Leading Universities for International Students

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is frequently ranked among Europe's top engineering institutions, and Copenhagen Business School is one of the largest business schools in Northern Europe. The University of Copenhagen, founded in 1479, is Denmark's oldest university and consistently appears in global rankings for research impact. For master's programs, Aarhus University offers a broad range of English-taught programs, particularly in economics, law, and health sciences.

Finding English-Taught Programs

The primary database for discovering English-taught programs is studyindenmark.dk, which allows filtering by subject area, degree level, and location. At the undergraduate level, Study in Denmark's overview of undergraduate programs notes that most bachelor-level programs are taught in Danish, but a growing number of master's and PhD programs are available in English. Students interested in master's programs can also use mastersportal.com to compare rankings and tuition across Danish institutions.

Exchange Programs and Summer Schools

Beyond full degrees, Denmark is a popular destination for semester exchanges and summer programs. The Study in Denmark exchange programs page provides an overview of exchange opportunities. DTU, for example, runs a dedicated incoming exchange program with specific admission requirements and course lists. The University of Copenhagen offers exchange places through its Study Abroad program, and CBS has a well-established international exchange network. Summer schools are available at multiple universities and provide a short, flexible way to experience Danish academic culture without committing to a full degree.

Folk High Schools (Højskoler)

A uniquely Danish educational experience is the folk high school (folkehøjskole). These are residential schools offering courses typically lasting between 1 week and 12 months in areas such as arts, sports, sustainability, music, journalism, and international studies. Folk high schools operate without grades or formal examinations and focus on personal development and community. As described on studentum.dk's højskole guide, costs typically range from DKK 1,200 to 2,500 per week, including accommodation and meals. Folk high schools are open to participants 17.5 years old and above with no upper age limit. They require a student residence permit for non-EU/EEA students staying longer than 90 days, using the same ST1 form as other study programs.

Admission Requirements and Language Scores

Non-EU applicants must demonstrate academic qualifications, language proficiency, and financial self-sufficiency to enroll in Danish higher education.

Each Danish institution sets its own admission requirements, but all share a common framework established by the Ministry of Higher Education. For international students from outside the EU/EEA, admission typically requires a recognized secondary school qualification equivalent to Danish upper secondary education, proof of language proficiency, and in some cases evidence of prior relevant study. The University of Copenhagen's bachelor admission page and non-EU/EEA requirements page outline the country-specific equivalencies required.

Undergraduate Admission

For bachelor programs taught in Danish, admission is generally managed through the national coordinated admission system at optagelse.dk. International applicants with foreign qualifications must have their credentials evaluated. DTU specifies detailed entry requirements for international applicants on its foreign citizen admission page. Aarhus University explains its admission processes for international applicants and requires official transcripts and credential evaluations. SDU's bachelor admission page details specific requirements for non-EU students.

Master's Admission Requirements

Master's programs in Denmark generally require a completed bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS (3 years) in a relevant field. Specific academic requirements vary by program; for instance, the Aarhus University master's admissions page requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor's. DTU's graduate admission and deadlines page outlines the application procedure for master's programs, with deadlines typically falling in January for autumn enrollment and August for spring enrollment. CBS's master's application page similarly requires relevant bachelor's qualifications and strong English proficiency.

English Language Requirements

For English-taught programs, Danish universities require proof of English proficiency from non-native English speakers. The Study in Denmark language requirements page provides general guidance, but each institution sets its own minimum scores. Common requirements include IELTS (Academic) of 6.5 overall, TOEFL iBT of 83, or equivalent. DTU specifies language requirements on its language test requirements page. The University of Copenhagen sets English language requirements for master's programs on its language requirements page. Citizens of English-speaking countries (e.g., USA, UK, Australia) are typically exempt from these requirements.

Danish Language Requirements

For programs taught in Danish, proficiency equivalent to upper secondary level Danish is required. Most bachelor programs at Danish universities are still taught in Danish, so international applicants should carefully check whether their target program is available in English. The Study in Denmark language requirements guide confirms that some Danish-taught programs accept students with Danish at a B2 level. SDU's language requirements page for bachelor programs and master's language requirements outline both Danish and English requirements clearly.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary significantly between institutions. For Danish-taught programs via the coordinated admission system, the main deadline is typically March 15 for the following autumn semester. For international applicants applying directly to English-taught programs, deadlines often fall between January 15 and March 1 for autumn start. DTU's application deadlines page lists specific spring and autumn deadlines. Aarhus University's master's deadlines page also maintains up-to-date deadline information. The University of Copenhagen's important dates page is the authoritative source for KU-specific deadlines. For exchange programs, DTU and KU typically require applications 6–8 months in advance.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

EU/EEA students pay no tuition at Danish public universities; non-EU/EEA students pay institution-set fees ranging from DKK 45,000 to 120,000 per year, with several scholarship opportunities available.

Denmark's tuition fee structure is defined primarily by citizenship. According to Eurydice's Denmark higher education funding overview, there are no tuition fees for Danish students and EU/EEA students at public higher education institutions. The Eurydice national student fees page confirms that home and EU/EEA/EFTA full-time students do not pay fees, while international students (from outside EU/EEA) pay fees set by each institution, with the overall principle being that fees match actual expenditures.

Tuition Fee Ranges

Non-EU/EEA students should expect to pay substantial tuition fees. DTU outlines its fee structure on its fees and funding page, with master's program fees typically set on a per-year basis. The University of Copenhagen master's tuition fees page provides specific fee information for each program. SDU's tuition page and fees and funding overview detail costs for non-EU students. Aarhus University's tuition fees page for master's lists per-program fees. Generally, fees at Danish public universities range from approximately DKK 45,000 to DKK 120,000 per year depending on the institution and field of study.

Danish Government Scholarships

The most significant scholarship available to non-EU/EEA students is the Danish Government Scholarship, which is administered through individual universities. According to Study in Denmark's scholarships page, the Danish Government Scholarship can cover both tuition fees and living expenses. Eligibility criteria, application processes, and available quotas vary by institution. SDU's scholarships page describes their specific scholarship programs. DTU offers tuition fee waivers detailed on its tuition fee waivers page. The mastersportal.com Danish Government Scholarship page provides an independent overview of this flagship award.

State Educational Grant (SU)

Danish and EU/EEA students enrolled in recognized programs are entitled to the State Educational Grant (SU). As detailed by Eurydice, for 2024, students living independently receive DKK 6,820 (approximately EUR 914) per month, while students living with their parents receive between DKK 1,060 and DKK 2,940 per month depending on parental income. All grants are subject to taxation. Students may also be eligible for state study loans of up to DKK 3,489 per month, with repayment beginning no later than one year after graduation. The su.dk foreign citizen page and su.dk Danish rules page explain eligibility criteria for non-Danish citizens.

Scholarships for Study Abroad (Danish Students Going Abroad)

Danish students planning to study abroad can access the SU Udlandsstipendium (abroad scholarship). According to studentum.dk's SU abroad guide, Danish students who are enrolled in a Danish institution and take an approved exchange program abroad can bring their SU with them. To receive the abroad scholarship (udlandsstipendium), the study program must be at master's or postgraduate level, last at least one year (minimum 60 ECTS), and be approved for SU. The maximum period is 24 months (120 ECTS). The scholarship covers tuition fees — specifically administration fees, library fees, enrollment fees, and laboratory fees — but not accommodation or health insurance. Applications must be submitted via minSU after acceptance to the foreign institution, with documentation of tuition fee invoices.

Other Scholarship Sources

Beyond government scholarships, Danish foundations and private organizations offer numerous smaller grants (legater). According to studentum.dk's legat guide, there are more than 20,000 foundations and funds in Denmark, and typical grant amounts range from DKK 1,000 to DKK 30,000. The Study in Denmark scholarships overview lists major international scholarship programs. Exchange and Erasmus+ scholarships are available for students at partner institutions. Nordic students and EU exchange participants may qualify for Nordplus grants. The su.dk scholarships for study abroad page provides further guidance for Danish students going abroad.

Student Visa and Residence Procedures

Non-EU/EEA students studying in Denmark for more than 90 days must apply for a student residence and work permit using the ST1 form through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not need a separate student visa — they may enter and study in Denmark under EU free movement rules. Non-EU/EEA students who will stay for more than 90 days must apply for a residence and work permit before arrival. The official form is the [ST1 application form](https://www.nyidanmark.dk/-/media/Files/SIRI/Application-forms/Study/ST1_en.pdf?la=en-GB&hash=C12BBD16461E60FE1E2275E56AF418BA80990696), available from SIRI (the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration). The Study in Denmark permits and visas page and the SIRI higher education page are the authoritative starting points.

Who Needs a Residence Permit

According to the Study in Denmark do-I-need-a-visa page, whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. For stays longer than 90 days, non-EU/EEA students must obtain a residence permit before entering Denmark (or shortly after arrival if they entered visa-free). The SIRI page on non-EU/EEA residence permits explains the process in detail. Residence permits can be issued for higher educational programs, preparatory higher educational programs, basic and youth study programs, and folk high schools. PhD students use a different form (PHD1).

The ST1 Application Process

The ST1 application form requires completion by both the Danish educational institution (Part 2, sections 12–16) and the applicant (Part 1, sections 1–10). As the [ST1 form instructions](https://www.nyidanmark.dk/-/media/Files/SIRI/Application-forms/Study/ST1_en.pdf?la=en-GB&hash=C12BBD16461E60FE1E2275E56AF418BA80990696) explain, the institution completes its portion first, then forwards the form to the student. Applications are submitted at a Danish diplomatic mission in the applicant's country of residence, or — if the applicant is already legally in Denmark — at a SIRI branch office. The SIRI guidance for educational institutions emphasizes that SIRI prioritizes timely processing of student permits to ensure students receive their permit before their program begins.

Required Documents

• Documentation of paid tuition fee (for fee-paying students) or proof of Danish state scholarship
• Copy of all pages of your passport including cover page
• For students not paying tuition and without a Danish state scholarship: proof of financial self-sufficiency (bank statement showing equivalent to the monthly SU rate per month of stay)
• For exchange/guest students: documentation of enrollment at your home institution
• For master's programs for working professionals: employment contract and letter of acceptance from the Danish institution
• Documents not in Danish, English, German, Norwegian, or Swedish must be provided with a certified translation

Students who do not pay tuition fees and have not been granted a Danish state scholarship must demonstrate sufficient funds. According to the Bangladesh Embassy study permit page, students at folk high schools, basic/youth education programs, and students not paying tuition must document sufficient financial means of DKK 50,000. This amount must be placed in a Danish or European bank account in the applicant's name. The [ST1 form](https://www.nyidanmark.dk/-/media/Files/SIRI/Application-forms/Study/ST1_en.pdf?la=en-GB&hash=C12BBD16461E60FE1E2275E56AF418BA80990696) confirms that the documentation must be in the applicant's name and issued within the last 30 days.

Biometric Requirements and Processing

Applicants must have biometric features (digital facial image and fingerprints) recorded for the residence card. As specified in the [ST1 form documentation](https://www.nyidanmark.dk/-/media/Files/SIRI/Application-forms/Study/ST1_en.pdf?la=en-GB&hash=C12BBD16461E60FE1E2275E56AF418BA80990696), if you reside in a country where Denmark has a diplomatic mission, you must appear in person to have biometrics recorded when submitting the application. If you reside in a country covered by a representation agreement with another nation's diplomatic mission, you submit one passport photo at application and have biometrics recorded after arriving in Denmark. Application fees must be paid — current fees are listed at newtodenmark.dk/fee. The SIRI application forms page provides a complete list of all SIRI forms for different residence permit categories.

Accompanying Family Members

International students may bring their spouse/registered partner, cohabiting partner, or children under 18 as accompanying family members. The SIRI page on accompanying family for students explains that the accompanying family permit runs for the same period as the main student permit. The processing fee for a family extension is DKK 3,080, and processing takes approximately 3 months. For the student to sponsor a family member, they must demonstrate financial resources of DKK 7,426 per month (2026 level) for each month the family member will be in Denmark, for up to 12 months. Accompanying family members holding a permit have the right to work in Denmark without needing a separate work permit.

Campus Life and Student Support

Denmark offers comprehensive student support services including affordable housing networks, student jobs, Danish language courses, health coverage, and a vibrant social life centered on student organizations.

Living and studying in Denmark involves a distinctive combination of high academic standards, strong welfare systems, and a work-life culture that values balance. International students at Danish universities benefit from well-organized support services, from housing assistance to career guidance. The Study in Denmark student jobs page notes that in Denmark, most students — both Danish and international — work alongside their studies. Work experience gained during studies is particularly valued by Danish employers, often more so than grades.

Student Accommodation

Finding accommodation is one of the first practical challenges for incoming international students. Major university cities — particularly Copenhagen — have high demand for student housing. Universities typically maintain partnerships with student housing foundations, and applicants should apply for student housing as early as possible, often at the same time as their university application. Copenhagen has purpose-built student residences such as those listed at universityliving.com Copenhagen page and housingfoundation.dk, which provides price-range overviews for student accommodations. The University of Copenhagen provides its own housing information page, and DTU's living in Denmark guide offers practical advice for new arrivals.

Part-Time Work Rights

Working while studying is both legally permitted and culturally encouraged in Denmark. The Study in Denmark student jobs page clearly outlines work rights: Nordic, EU/EEA, and Swiss citizens may work without restriction. Non-EU/EEA citizens on a student residence permit may work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during June, July, and August. The work permit sticker is included in the student residence permit if applied for together. Working more than the permitted hours risks having your residence permit revoked or not renewed. According to thinkeurope.de, Denmark updated rules to allow international students to work up to 90 hours per month (approximately 20 hours per week), with the hours calculated monthly rather than weekly, providing more scheduling flexibility. Students who work illegally — including exceeding the 20-hour limit — risk deportation, and both the student and employer may face fines or imprisonment.

Finding Student Jobs

The official Danish website for international recruitment, workindenmark.dk, provides tools for finding student jobs, writing Danish-style applications, and understanding work culture. Academic institutions often have online job banks or career centers. The Study in Denmark student jobs page lists key portals including jobindex.dk, stepstone.dk, it-jobbank.dk, and studenterguiden.dk/en/studiejob. Most student jobs in Denmark require at least basic Danish language ability, and international students are strongly encouraged to take Danish courses to improve their employability. Initial employment is often found in hospitality, retail, or language-specific roles.

Health Coverage and Social Services

EU/EEA students arriving with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have access to the Danish public healthcare system. Non-EU/EEA students who have a residence permit and register at the national population register (CPR registration) also gain access to the Danish public health system. According to lifeindenmark.borger.dk/working/social-security-cover, residents in Denmark are covered by Danish social security. International students are encouraged to obtain a CPR (civil registration) number promptly upon arrival, as this is needed for accessing healthcare, banking, and other services.

Cost of Living

Denmark, and Copenhagen in particular, is one of Europe's more expensive cities. Students should budget realistically for all costs. According to general guidance available from multiple sources including mastersportal.com's cost of studying article, students in Copenhagen typically spend DKK 10,000–15,000 per month on living expenses including rent, food, transport, and personal items. Rent alone for student accommodation in Copenhagen typically ranges from DKK 4,000–7,000 per month. Outside Copenhagen — in cities such as Aarhus, Odense, or Aalborg — living costs are moderately lower. International students cannot rely on part-time work alone to cover all expenses, and financial planning before arrival is essential.

Post-Graduation Work Visa

After completing a degree in Denmark, non-EU/EEA graduates can apply for a 3-year job-seeking residence permit, which may lead to permanent residency if employment is secured.

Completing a degree in Denmark opens the door to legal employment in the country. The Danish government offers several pathways for graduates wishing to remain and work after their studies. The Study in Denmark post-graduation work page and the practical details page are the primary official resources. For EU/EEA citizens, the right to remain and work in Denmark after graduation continues automatically under EU free movement rights. For non-EU/EEA graduates, specific post-study work permits are available.

Post-Study Job-Seeking Permit (3 Years)

Non-EU/EEA graduates from Danish higher education institutions are eligible for a job-seeking residence permit of up to 3 years after graduation. This permit allows graduates to remain in Denmark while actively seeking employment matching their qualifications. According to SIRI's Study — 3 years job seeking page, the permit is specifically for individuals who have completed a higher education program in Denmark. Applications are submitted through SIRI. The shakiledu.com post-study work permit page and snycosmos.com guide provide additional guidance on eligibility and procedures, though the SIRI official page is the authoritative source.

Path to Permanent Residency

After securing employment, international graduates can transition to a work-based residence permit. Continued legal residence and employment in Denmark can eventually lead to eligibility for permanent residency. According to international.au.dk's page on extending your stay, graduates who find employment consistent with their qualifications have a pathway to longer-term residence. Aarhus University also maintains guidance on the transition from student to employee for international students. Permanent residency generally requires continuous legal residence in Denmark for 8 years, meeting income requirements, passing a Danish language test, and fulfilling other integration criteria.

Unemployment Benefits for Graduates

Non-EU graduates may face restrictions regarding unemployment insurance (A-kasse) access. According to a-kasser.dk's non-EEA graduates page, non-EEA graduates who find employment in Denmark can access unemployment insurance benefits after meeting membership and contribution requirements. EU/EEA graduates have the same rights as Danish citizens in accessing the social security system, including unemployment benefits. Understanding these rights is important for planning long-term career prospects in Denmark.

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

For graduates with qualifications from outside Denmark, recognition of foreign credentials is an important step. The lifeindenmark.borger.dk recognition page explains that foreign qualifications can be assessed by SIRI or sector-specific bodies. The [UFM recognition guide](https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/recognition-guide/admission-he?set_language=en&amp=&cl=en) and assessment application page provide pathways for formal recognition of academic credentials. For regulated professions (medicine, law, engineering), additional recognition from professional licensing bodies is required. The lifeindenmark.borger.dk school and education recognition page provides sector-by-sector guidance.

Fast-Track Scheme for Skilled Workers

Graduates who secure employment with a certified Fast-Track company (virksomhedscertificering) benefit from a streamlined visa process. According to SIRI's Fast-Track page, certified companies can sponsor employee work permits more quickly than the standard process. This scheme is particularly relevant for graduates in high-demand fields such as technology, engineering, and finance. The scheme does not apply directly during the job-seeking period but becomes available once a graduate secures employment with a participating employer.