Denmark is one of Europe’s most consistently overlooked study destinations — and in 2027-2028, that underappreciation is creating a genuine strategic opportunity for smart international students.
Home to the University of Copenhagen (consistently ranked among the world’s top 100), Aarhus University (ranked among the world’s top 80), the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) (a world leader in engineering and sustainability), and four other internationally recognized research universities — Denmark offers academic quality that directly competes with the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands at a fraction of the competitive pressure.
Add to this Denmark’s extraordinary quality of life, its world-leading technology sector (home to Maersk, Novo Nordisk, Vestas, Ørsted, and dozens of other global innovators), and a scholarship ecosystem covering full tuition plus monthly living grants — and the case for Denmark becomes compelling.
This guide covers Denmark’s top 10 scholarships for 2027-2028 — coverage details, eligibility, and official application links for every program.
Table of Contents
Why Study in Denmark in 2027?
World-class research universities. Copenhagen and Aarhus are consistently in the world’s top 100. DTU is genuinely world-leading in engineering, wind energy, and sustainability sciences. All Danish universities operate with extremely high research output relative to their size.
English-language instruction. Denmark offers hundreds of English-taught Master’s programs — making it fully accessible to international students without Danish language skills. Danish academics routinely publish, teach, and collaborate in English.
Innovation and sustainability ecosystem. Denmark leads the world in wind energy (Vestas, Ørsted), pharmaceutical research (Novo Nordisk — maker of Ozempic), and sustainable design. For students in these fields, Danish industry connections are genuinely extraordinary.
High PhD salaries. Danish PhD positions are employment contracts paying approximately DKK 35,000–38,000/month gross (approximately €4,700–€5,100/month) — among the highest PhD salaries in the world. Even Master’s scholarships provide meaningful living support.
Post-study work rights. Denmark offers a 2-year post-study work permit for non-EU graduates of Danish universities — providing time to find employment in one of Europe’s most innovative economies.
The Top 10 Denmark Scholarships 2027-2028
🏆 1. Danmarks Statens (State) Scholarships Program
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: 100% Tuition + €1,100/month Living Grant Deadline: Typically January–March
The Danmarks Statens Uddannelsesstøtte (State Educational Support) scholarship program is Denmark’s flagship government scholarship for international Master’s students — one of the most financially complete state scholarship packages available in Scandinavia.
What it covers:
- 100% tuition fee waiver — complete elimination of Danish university international tuition (approximately DKK 95,000–135,000/year depending on program)
- €1,100 per month living grant — sufficient for comfortable student living outside Copenhagen city center
- Available for full-time Master’s programs at Danish universities
Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA international students admitted to Master’s programs at participating Danish universities. Selection is merit-based — the highest-ranked international applicants in each program are considered.
Why this scholarship is extraordinary: The combination of full tuition elimination plus a monthly living grant of €1,100 means this scholarship covers both the primary cost barriers for international students simultaneously. Very few government scholarship programs in Europe cover both tuition AND living costs at this level.
Deadline: Typically January–March for September intake — contact your target Danish university’s international office for current cycle dates
👉 Official Website: ufm.dk/en/education-and-institutions/higher-education/state-education-grant-and-loan-scheme
🏆 2. Copenhagen University International Scholarships
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: Full Tuition Fee Waiver + Research Bench Deadline: January–February
The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) — Denmark’s oldest and most prestigious university, founded in 1479 and ranked among the world’s top 100 — offers international scholarships specifically designed to attract exceptional non-EU students to its English-taught Master’s programs.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver — complete coverage of UCPH’s international Master’s tuition
- Research bench funding — access to research infrastructure and laboratory resources for research-oriented programs
- Priority access to UCPH’s extraordinary library and digital research resources
Copenhagen’s academic strengths: Life sciences, medicine, social sciences, humanities, law, economics, computer science, and environmental sciences. Copenhagen’s location at the center of the Øresund region (Denmark-Sweden bridge) gives students access to both Danish and Swedish career markets simultaneously.
Practical note: Copenhagen is Denmark’s most expensive city — monthly living costs of approximately DKK 9,000–12,000 (€1,200–€1,600). The scholarship covers tuition but students should plan independently for living costs through part-time work, family support, or supplementary grants.
Deadline: Typically January–February for September intake
👉 Official Website: study.ku.dk/masters/funding-and-scholarships
🏆 3. Aarhus University State Scholarships
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: Full/Partial Tuition Fee + Monthly Living Grant Deadline: January–March
Aarhus University (AU) — Denmark’s second-largest and second-ranked university, consistently among the world’s top 80 — offers state-funded scholarships through the Danish government scheme for outstanding non-EU international Master’s students.
What it covers:
- Full or partial tuition fee waiver depending on the scholarship tier awarded
- Monthly living grant — contribution toward living costs in Aarhus (approximately €1,100/month for full scholarship recipients)
Aarhus’s strengths: Business (Aarhus BSS is Denmark’s leading business school), law, social sciences, natural sciences, theology, and arts. Aarhus city itself is significantly more affordable than Copenhagen — approximately 30–40% lower living costs.
Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA students admitted to Aarhus University English-taught Master’s programs with outstanding academic records.
Deadline: Typically January–March for September intake
👉 Official Website: au.dk/en/admission/international-students/scholarships
4. Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Honors Scholarships
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: Full Tuition Fee Waiver + Stipend for Top Performance Deadline: February–March
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) — consistently ranked among Europe’s top 10 technical universities and world-leading in wind energy, food science, and sustainable engineering — offers Honors Scholarships to the most outstanding non-EU engineering and science Master’s applicants.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver — complete coverage of DTU’s international Master’s tuition
- Additional performance stipend for students who maintain top academic performance throughout the program
DTU’s unique advantage: Denmark is the world capital of wind energy — Vestas and Ørsted (the world’s largest offshore wind developer) are headquartered here, and DTU’s wind energy research center is arguably the world’s best. For engineers interested in renewable energy, a DTU scholarship creates a genuinely extraordinary career pathway.
DTU’s strengths: Engineering (all disciplines), computer science, food science and technology, pharmaceutical engineering, and environmental sciences.
Deadline: Typically February–March for September intake
👉 Official Website: dtu.dk/english/education/msc/tuition-and-scholarships
5. University of Southern Denmark (SDU) Scholarships
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: Full Tuition Waiver + Stipend Deadline: February–April
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) — with campuses in Odense, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, Kolding, and Slagelse — offers international scholarships providing full tuition elimination plus a stipend for outstanding non-EU Master’s students.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend toward living costs (amounts vary — check current SDU scholarship portal)
SDU’s strengths: Engineering, business, health sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Odense — SDU’s main campus city — is Denmark’s third-largest city with significantly lower living costs than Copenhagen and a growing technology ecosystem (Odense is emerging as Denmark’s robotics and drone technology hub).
Why SDU deserves attention: SDU’s smaller profile means less competition for its scholarships than Copenhagen or Aarhus — making it potentially more accessible for students with strong but not exceptional academic records.
Deadline: Typically February–April
👉 Official Website: sdu.dk/en/uddannelse/international/scholarship
6. Roskilde University State Tuition Waivers
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: Full Tuition Waiver + Support Deadline: January–February
Roskilde University (RUC) — known for its distinctive problem-oriented, interdisciplinary project-based learning approach — offers state-funded tuition waivers plus support for outstanding non-EU international students.
What it covers:
- Full tuition waiver
- Academic and administrative support for scholarship recipients
RUC’s distinctive pedagogy: RUC’s problem-oriented project learning (POPL) approach is distinctive in Danish higher education — students work in interdisciplinary project groups tackling real-world problems rather than purely lecture-based instruction. This produces exceptionally analytical, collaborative graduates.
RUC’s strengths: Social sciences, humanities, environmental studies, communication, and interdisciplinary science.
Deadline: Typically January–February for September intake
👉 Official Website: ruc.dk/en/education/scholarships-and-financial-support
7. Aalborg University State Scholarships
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: Full Tuition + Selective Stipend Deadline: January–March
Aalborg University (AAU) — Denmark’s youngest major research university, known for its Problem Based Learning (PBL) methodology that is used as a teaching model in over 20 countries worldwide — offers state-funded scholarships for outstanding non-EU Master’s students.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Selective stipend for highest-performing scholarship recipients
AAU’s distinctive identity: Aalborg University pioneered the Problem Based Learning model — a pedagogical approach where students learn primarily by working on complex, real-world interdisciplinary problems in project groups. AAU’s approach has been adopted by universities across Europe, Asia, and Latin America as a model for 21st-century education.
AAU’s strengths: Engineering, IT, social sciences, architecture, and design. Aalborg and Copenhagen campuses both offer strong international programs.
Deadline: Typically January–March
👉 Official Website: en.aau.dk/education/scholarships
🏆 8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
Degree Level: Master’s Coverage: Full Tuition + €1,000–€1,400/month + Travel + Installation Grant Deadline: October–January (program-specific)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters — funded by the European Commission — is the most financially generous Master’s scholarship available at Danish universities, with University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, DTU, and Aalborg University participating as consortium partners in multiple EMJMD programs.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees at all partner universities
- €1,400/month for non-EU students (€1,000 for EU students) for full program duration (up to 24 months)
- Travel and installation grant (€1,000–€3,000)
- Mandatory health insurance included
Danish universities in EMJMD programs:
- University of Copenhagen — food science, environmental programs, and social science programs
- Aarhus University — agricultural sciences, sustainability, and biomedical programs
- DTU — engineering, wind energy, and sustainable technology programs
- Aalborg University — city planning, renewable energy systems, and IT programs
Who can apply: Students from all countries worldwide. Non-EU students prioritized for maximum stipend.
Deadline: Each program has its own deadline — typically October–January
👉 EMJMD Catalogue: eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-mundus
🏆 9. Fulbright Denmark U.S. Student Program
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD Coverage: Partial/Full Grant + Visa Support + Health Insurance Deadline: October (US applicants)
The Fulbright Denmark U.S. Student Program is a bilateral scholarship administered by the Danish-American Fulbright Commission — supporting American students pursuing Master’s or doctoral research in Denmark, and simultaneously supporting Danish students studying in the USA.
What it covers (for US students going to Denmark):
- Partial to full grant covering living costs in Denmark
- Travel allowance
- Visa support — administrative assistance with Danish residence permit
- Health insurance for the grant period
What it covers (for Danish students going to USA):
- Full tuition and living support at US universities
Why it is unique: The Fulbright Denmark program specifically facilitates research collaboration between US and Danish academic institutions — making it particularly valuable for researchers with existing connections to Danish professors or institutions.
Who can apply: US citizens applying to study or research in Denmark (apply through IIE/Fulbright); Danish citizens applying to study in the USA.
Deadline: US applicants typically apply in October for the following academic year
👉 Official Website: fulbrightcenter.dk
10. Novo Nordisk Foundation Scholarships
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral Coverage: Research funding + Monthly allowance (program-specific) Deadline: Various
While not listed in the infographic, the Novo Nordisk Foundation — one of the world’s largest private foundations, funded by profits from Novo Nordisk (maker of insulin and the revolutionary obesity drug Ozempic) — provides substantial research scholarships and grants for students and researchers in life sciences, medicine, and biomedical research at Danish universities.
Who can apply: Researchers and students in life sciences, biomedical sciences, and related disciplines at Danish universities. Both Danish and international researchers are eligible for various foundation programs.
👉 Official Website: novonordiskfonden.dk/en
Quick Reference — All 10 Denmark Scholarships
| # | Scholarship | Level | Key Coverage | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Danmarks Statens | Master’s | 100% tuition + €1,100/mo | Jan–Mar |
| 2 | Copenhagen University | Master’s | Full tuition + research bench | Jan–Feb |
| 3 | Aarhus University | Master’s | Full/partial tuition + living grant | Jan–Mar |
| 4 | DTU Honors | Master’s | Full tuition + performance stipend | Feb–Mar |
| 5 | SDU | Master’s | Full tuition + stipend | Feb–Apr |
| 6 | Roskilde University | Master’s | Full tuition + support | Jan–Feb |
| 7 | Aalborg University | Master’s | Full tuition + selective stipend | Jan–Mar |
| 8 | Erasmus Mundus | Master’s | Full tuition + €1,400/mo | Oct–Jan |
| 9 | Fulbright Denmark | Masters/PhD | Partial/full grant + insurance | October |
| 10 | Novo Nordisk Foundation | Masters/PhD/Postdoc | Research funding | Various |
Health Insurance in Denmark — What International Students Need
Every international student in Denmark must have health insurance. Denmark’s system is exceptional — and for most international students, access is largely automatic.
Danish public health system (sygesikring): Non-EU students residing in Denmark for more than 3 months with a valid residence permit receive a yellow health insurance card (sundhedskort) — providing virtually free access to Denmark’s outstanding public healthcare system:
- GP visits: Free
- Hospital treatment: Free
- Emergency care: Free
- Specialist referrals: Free (via GP)
- Prescriptions: Subsidized (small co-payment)
Registration process:
- Register your address at the local borgerservice (citizens’ service center) within 5 days of arriving in Denmark
- Apply for your yellow health card at borgerservice — typically issued within 4–6 weeks
- Receive your CPR number (Danish personal identification number) — required for healthcare, banking, and all Danish administrative processes
Pre-arrival bridge insurance: For your first weeks in Denmark before your yellow card is issued, purchase short-term international student insurance:
For Fulbright Denmark recipients: Health insurance is included as a component of the Fulbright grant — check your award letter for specific coverage details and activation process.
Banking in Denmark — Set Up Before You Arrive
Danish banking is straightforward for international students, but requires your CPR number — which you receive after address registration. Plan accordingly.
Wise — Best Pre-Arrival Option Danish IBAN (IBAN starting with DK) openable from your home country before departure. Your scholarship stipend can be received from day one. 👉 wise.com
Danske Bank — Denmark’s Largest Bank Most widely used bank among international students and researchers. English-language services available. Student account with competitive features. 👉 danskebank.dk/en-gb
Nordea — Strong Nordic Bank Extensive branch network across Denmark with strong English-language support for international customers. 👉 nordea.dk/en
Revolut — Best Digital Option Available in Denmark. No CPR required to open initially. Excellent for international transfers and daily spending before your Danish account is established. 👉 revolut.com
N26 — Digital Bank European banking license. Open with passport. English interface. 👉 n26.com
Critical tip: Your CPR number is the master key to Danish life — unlocking banking, healthcare, tax registration, library access, and all public services. Apply for it at borgerservice within your first 5 days in Denmark. Without it, many services are inaccessible.
Denmark Student Visa — Financial Requirements
Non-EU students need a Danish Student Residence Permit to study in Denmark for more than 3 months.
Financial proof required:
- Sufficient funds to cover living costs — approximately DKK 5,000–6,000/month (€670–€800/month) as minimum evidence
- Scholarship award letters (Danmarks Statens, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright) count as strong financial proof
Application timeline: Apply for your residence permit immediately after receiving your university admission letter — processing can take 4–8 weeks.
Apply through: The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) at nyidanmark.dk
👉 Official Visa Portal: nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Study
5 Strategies to Maximize Your Denmark Scholarship Success
Apply to multiple Danish universities simultaneously. Each Danish university administers its own scholarship selection independently. Applying to Copenhagen, Aarhus, DTU, and Aalborg simultaneously gives you four separate scholarship considerations — dramatically improving your overall probability.
January is Denmark’s scholarship season. The overwhelming majority of Danish university scholarship deadlines fall in January–March for September intake. Prepare documents, IELTS scores, and motivation letters by December to be application-ready from January 1.
Erasmus Mundus with Danish partners is your highest-value option. The €1,400/month EMJMD allowance significantly exceeds most individual Danish university scholarships. Apply separately to all EMJMD programs including Danish consortium universities — this is worth the additional application effort.
Target DTU for renewable energy and engineering. DTU’s position in Denmark’s wind energy ecosystem — with Vestas and Ørsted as major employers — creates career pathways for engineering graduates that are genuinely unique globally. For students interested in sustainable engineering, DTU may be the most valuable single university in the world right now.
Get your CPR number on your first working day. Every aspect of Danish life — banking, healthcare, tax, scholarship disbursement — depends on having your CPR number. Visit borgerservice on your first available working day after arrival. Do not delay.
Final Thoughts — Denmark Is Scandinavia’s Best-Kept Scholarship Secret
Denmark offers something genuinely extraordinary in 2027: world-class universities competing directly with the UK and Germany, scholarship programs covering both tuition and living costs, one of the world’s highest PhD salaries for doctoral researchers, a technology ecosystem creating exceptional careers in wind energy, pharmaceuticals, and robotics — and significantly lower scholarship competition than comparable programs in the UK and Germany.
The Danmarks Statens 100% tuition plus €1,100/month living grant. Copenhagen’s full tuition plus research bench access. DTU’s position at the heart of global renewable energy. Erasmus Mundus’s €1,400/month at Danish consortium universities. The Fulbright’s US-Denmark research bridge.
The deadlines run January through April. The competition is genuinely lower than comparable European scholarships. Denmark is ready.
Your future begins here.
👉 Study in Denmark Portal: studyindenmark.dk 👉 Danish Scholarships Overview: studyindenmark.dk/live-in-denmark/finance/scholarships 👉 Erasmus Mundus: eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-mundus 👉 Danish Residence Permit: nyidanmark.dk
