Denmark is one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations, known for its innovative education system, modern campuses, and strong emphasis on research and sustainability. Non-EU/EEA students have to pay tuition, but the country has many scholarships that can lower the cost of studying by a lot or even cover it completely.
This complete guide will show you the best scholarships in Denmark for international students, including fully funded and high-value options, who can apply, and useful tips on how to improve your chances of getting one.
How to Understand Scholarships in Denmark
It’s important to know how scholarships work in Denmark before you look at the list.
Denmark has a decentralised scholarship system, which is different from countries with large centralised scholarship systems.
- Universities are the main organisations that give scholarships.
- The Danish government provides money, but institutions choose who gets it.
- Usually, awards are tuition waivers and living grants.
Depending on the university, the Danish government scholarship usually covers all or part of the tuition costs and sometimes provides money for living costs.
Also, non-EU students have to pay between €6,000 and €16,000 a year in tuition, so scholarships are very beneficial.
Why study
Denmark has several important benefits:
- Education based on research and of high quality
- A strong focus on sustainability and new ideas
- The language of instruction for many programs is English.
- A safe and welcoming place for students
- Access to the European
But living expenses are pretty high, so most international students need scholarships.
Different kinds of scholarships in Denmark
In Denmark, scholarships usually fit into one of these groups:
1. Scholarships that cover all costs
Pay for school, living costs, travel, and sometimes even a place to stay.
2. Waivers for Tuition Fees
Pay for part or all of the tuition (most common).
3. Scholarships from the government
Funded by the Danish government but awarded through universities.
4. Scholarships for college
Individual universities award scholarships based on merit.
5. Scholarships for Europeans and people from other countries
For example, Erasmus programmes that include Denmark are available.
Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Denmark
These are the best.
1. Scholarships from the Danish government
This is the most prestigious scholarship in Denmark.
What It Covers
- Full or partial waiver of tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance (in some cases)
- Sometimes help with travel
This scholarship is very difficult to get and is mostly given to students from outside the EU/EEA who have good grades.
At some colleges, it can pay for both tuition and living expenses, making it one of the best options for a fully funded scholarship.
Main Feature
- When you apply for admission, you are often automatically considered.
2. Joint Master’s Degrees from Erasmus Mundus
One of the best fully paid scholarships in Europe.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
- Study in more than one country
A lot of Erasmus programs include Danish universities, which is a great choice.
3. The Erasmus+ Programme
Another important way to earn money in Europe.
What It Covers
- Help with tuition
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
It helps students in Denmark and all over Europe who are working on their bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees.
4. The Nordplus Programme
A scholarship programme for the Nordic region.
What It Covers
- Help with tuition
- Travel and mobility grants
- Contributions to the cost of living
Available to undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students who study in the Nordic countries
5. The Danish Government offers scholarships to students at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU).
A particular instance of a scholarship financed by the government.
What It Covers
- Full waiver of the tuition fee
- Covers the whole length of the programme
Students who excel in school receive this scholarship, which is among the most difficult to secure.
Best College Scholarships in Denmark
Many Danish universities have their own scholarships.
6. Scholarships from the University of Copenhagen
What It Covers
- Waiver of all or part of tuition
- Limited cases of living expense grants
This scholarship is automatically given to the best international students who are accepted into master’s programmes.
7. Scholarships for Aarhus University
What It Covers
- Waivers of tuition fees
- Monthly payment (in some cases)
Very competitive and based on merit.
8. Scholarships from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
What It Covers
- Waivers of tuition fees
- More money depending on the programme
Concentrates on engineering and technical areas.
9. Scholarships for Copenhagen Business School
What It Covers
- Covering all or part of the tuition
- Awards based on merit
Great for students studying business and management.
10. Scholarships for Aalborg University
What It Covers
- Waivers of tuition fees
- Sometimes gives out living grants
It is available for some master’s programs.
Grants for PhD and research students
Denmark is one of the best places to get a fully funded PhD.
What You Get
- Monthly pay, not just a stipend
- Full coverage of tuition
- Funding for research
In Denmark, PhD students are usually treated like employees, which makes this one of the safest ways to study financially.
Requirements for eligibility
Most scholarships in Denmark are needed:
- Good grades in school
- Getting into a Danish university
- IELTS/TOEFL tests for English language skills
- Letter of motivation or personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
For scholarships from the government:
- Must not be a student from the EU or EEA
- Must meet the requirements for admission to the university
How to Get a Scholarship in Denmark
There is a set way to apply for scholarships in Denmark.
Step 1: Pick Your Programme
Choose a course that fits with your career goals.
Step 2: Apply to get in
Most scholarships are linked to getting into college.
Step 3: Automatic consideration for scholarships
For many scholarships:
- You don’t need to fill out a separate application.
- Your admission application is how universities judge you.
Step 4: Get the paperwork ready
- Transcripts from school
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Passport
Step 5: Wait for the Results
When you get an offer of admission, you usually also get a decision about your scholarship.
Timeline for Applications
A normal timeline:
- November to January: Applications are open
- Deadlines from January to March
- Results of admissions and scholarships from March to May
- August to September: The programme starts
Sample Checklist for Scholarship Applications
- Passport that is still good
- Transcripts from school
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Results of the English test
- Finished application
Denmark Scholarships Without IELTS
Some colleges may let you apply without the IELTS test if:
- Their previous education was in English.
- You show that you know English well.
But many programs still require IELTS.
Ways to Improve Your Odds
1. Strive for Academic Excellence
Most scholarships are based on merit.
2. Apply Early
Deadlines are strict and difficult to meet.
3. Choose universities carefully
Some colleges and universities have more ways to earn money.
4. Write a letter of strong motivation
Explain clearly:
- Your objectives
- Why Denmark?
- What you will do in the future
5. Send applications to more than one university
This makes it more likely that you will get funding.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- If all scholarships are fully funded
- Not meeting deadlines
- Sending in applications that aren’t complete
- Writing general personal statements
- Only applying to one programme
Last Thoughts
Denmark has a lot of good scholarships for international students, especially through government-funded university and European programs like Erasmus. There aren’t as many fully funded opportunities as in some other countries, but there are many scholarships that can pay for tuition and even help with living costs.
To do well, you need to know how the Danish system works: most scholarships are tied to universities and are given out based on academic excellence.
You can get money to study in Denmark with little financial stress if you plan ahead, apply wisely, and write a strong application.
