Dreaming of studying in Denmark? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of international students are drawn to this Scandinavian country for its high-quality education, innovative teaching style, and excellent quality of life. But let’s be honest—studying abroad can be expensive. That’s where scholarships come in.

If you’re a non-EU/EEA student looking for funding, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Danish Government Scholarship and other funding options available for 2026–2027.

Why Study in Denmark?

Denmark consistently ranks among the world’s happiest countries. Its universities are known for problem-based learning, close collaboration between students and professors, and strong links to industry. Most master’s programmes are taught entirely in English, making it accessible for international students.

The catch? Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students usually range between €6,000 and €16,000 per year. Living costs are also relatively high. This is exactly why scholarships matter so much.

Danish Government Scholarships – What You Need to Know

The main funding option for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students is the Danish Government Scholarship. Unlike many other countries, there is no single central application portal. Instead, the Danish government allocates a limited number of scholarships to universities, and each university decides who receives them.

Who is eligible?

You must be a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland
You must be applying for a full-degree Bachelor’s or Master’s programme
You must not be eligible for the Danish State Educational Support (SU)

What does the scholarship cover? It can include a full or partial tuition fee waiver and, in some cases, a monthly grant to help with living costs. The exact package depends on the university. Some institutions offer stronger living support than others.

Which Universities Offer Danish Government Scholarships?

Most of the major public universities participate, including:

University of Copenhagen (UCPH)
Aarhus University
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
Aalborg University (AAU)
University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
Roskilde University
IT University of Copenhagen

Always check the specific university’s website, because the number of scholarships and the level of funding can vary from year to year and even between faculties.

How to Apply for a Danish Government Scholarship

Here’s the most important thing to understand: you usually don’t apply for the scholarship separately.

In most cases, you simply apply for admission to the programme. If you’re a strong non-EU/EEA candidate, the university will automatically consider you for the scholarship. A few universities (such as DTU and CBS) may ask you to submit an extra statement or indicate your interest in funding during the application process.

Typical timeline for September 2027 intake:

Applications usually open in autumn 2026
Main deadlines often fall around 15 January 2027
Scholarship decisions are typically announced along with (or shortly after) admission results

Because competition is high and the number of scholarships is limited, early preparation is key. Strong academic results, a clear motivation letter, and relevant experience significantly improve your chances.

Other Scholarship Options in Denmark

While the Danish Government Scholarship is the main state-supported option, you should also explore:

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees – Fully funded programmes that include Danish universities
University-specific scholarships and excellence awards
External foundations and home-country funding schemes

EU/EEA students generally do not pay tuition fees and may qualify for the Danish State Educational Support (SU) under certain conditions.

Official Resources You Should Bookmark

Study in Denmark (official portal): studyindenmark.dk
Scholarships overview: studyindenmark.dk/study-options/scholarships
Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science: ufm.dk

Final Tips for a Strong Application

Start researching programmes early — many popular courses fill up quickly.
Prepare strong academic documents and a focused motivation letter.
Apply to more than one university to increase your chances.
Even if you receive a tuition waiver, you still need to show sufficient funds for the residence permit.
Always double-check deadlines and requirements on the official university pages, as details can change.

Studying in Denmark is a fantastic opportunity, but funding is competitive. The students who succeed are usually those who prepare early, apply strategically, and present a clear academic profile.

If you’re planning to apply for the 2026 or 2027 intake, now is the perfect time to start shortlisting programmes and gathering your documents.

Would you like help shortlisting universities or understanding the application process for a specific programme? Feel free to reach out — we’re happy to guide you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Denmark Scholarships for International Students

1. What is the Danish Government Scholarship?

The Danish Government Scholarship is a limited funding scheme provided by the Danish government and managed by individual universities. It is designed for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students who want to pursue a full-degree Bachelor’s or Master’s programme in Denmark. The scholarship can cover full or partial tuition fees and, in some cases, a monthly living grant.

2. Who is eligible for the Danish Government Scholarship?

You are generally eligible if you:

Are a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland
Are applying for a full-degree programme (not exchange or short courses)
Do not qualify for the Danish State Educational Support (SU)

Each university may have additional academic requirements.

3. Do I need to submit a separate application for the scholarship?

In most cases, no. When you apply for admission to a participating university, you are automatically considered for the Danish Government Scholarship if you meet the eligibility criteria. Some universities (such as DTU and CBS) may ask you to submit an extra motivation statement or indicate your interest in funding during the application process.

4. How much funding does the scholarship provide?

The amount varies by university. Some scholarships cover only tuition fees (full or partial waiver), while others also include a monthly living allowance. Living grants, when offered, typically range between DKK 7,000 and DKK 11,000 per month, depending on the institution.

5. Which universities offer Danish Government Scholarships?

Major participating universities include:

University of Copenhagen
Aarhus University
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
Aalborg University
University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
Roskilde University
IT University of Copenhagen

Always check the official website of your chosen university for the latest information.

6. When is the application deadline?

Deadlines vary by university, but for the September intake, many universities have a main deadline around 15 January. Some institutions may have earlier or later deadlines. It is strongly recommended to apply as early as possible.

7. Can EU/EEA students apply for the Danish Government Scholarship?

No. EU/EEA and Swiss students generally do not pay tuition fees at public universities in Denmark and are not eligible for this particular scholarship. They may, however, qualify for the Danish State Educational Support (SU) under certain conditions.

8. Does the scholarship cover living expenses and visa costs?

Not always. Some scholarships include a living grant, while others only cover tuition. The scholarship does not automatically cover visa application fees, travel costs, or health insurance. You must still show sufficient funds for the residence permit even if you receive a tuition waiver.

9. How competitive is the Danish Government Scholarship?

It is quite competitive because the number of scholarships is limited. Universities select students based mainly on academic excellence. Strong grades, a clear motivation letter, and relevant experience significantly improve your chances.