Masters Scholarships in Denmark - 2026
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Masters Scholarships in Denmark - 2026

Written by Ben Taylor

Denmark hosts around 27,700 international students in its higher education institutions. For non EU/EEA students, Master’s tuition typically ranges between €8,000 and €18,000 per year. It’s important to know what funding opportunities are available, especially when considering a Masters abroad, to help make your study plans more affordable.


In this guide, I’ll explain some of the most important scholarships available to international students. I’ll cover the main funding programmes, grants, and loans you might be eligible for, and give you tips on how to apply and maximise your chances of success.

You can also browse Danish Masters programmes listed on our website or check out our guide to Masters study in Denmark.

Masters fees for international students in Denmark

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you won’t have to pay any tuition fees for a Masters in Denmark.

However, other international students should expect to pay between €8,000 and €18,000 per year for a Masters (bear in mind that most Danish Masters are two years long).

Application fees

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals won’t usually pay a fee to apply for a Masters in Denmark, as well as those who hold permanent residence in Denmark.

Other international students may have to pay an application fee of around €100. You’ll also need to pay for a visa to study in Denmark.

Masters scholarships for international students in Denmark

Even though tuition is free at Danish universities for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, other international students will have to pay for a Masters. Fortunately, there are several funding options designed to help talented students study a Masters in Denmark, with government scholarships as well as the possibility of state benefits in certain circumstances.

Danish State Educational Support (SU)

The Danish Government operates a generous programme of grants and loans for university students.

Although this support (referred to as SU) is primarily intended for Danish citizens, there are certain circumstances in which international students are eligible to receive a government grant or loan.

These are some of the most common situations where EU, EEA and Swiss nationals may be able to apply for equal status to Danish citizens:

  • You are considered a migrant worker under EU law, having worked a minimum of 10 to 12 hours a week in Denmark for at least 10 weeks
  • You’ve lived in Denmark for at least five years

Even if you’re not an EU national, you might be able to claim SU in the following circumstances:

  • You’ve worked in Denmark for at least two years, completing at least 30 hours of employment a week
  • You’ve been ordinarily resident (i.e. not for the sole purpose of study) in Denmark for at least five years

You can find out more about SU eligibility on the official Danish Government website.

If you qualify for SU, you can claim a maximum grant of €915 per month. In addition, you can apply for an SU loan of up to €405 per month. Depending on the size of the loan, you’ll need to pay this back in seven to 15 years. Find out more about SU loans.

Danish Government scholarships for highly qualified non-European students

Every year the Danish Government funds a number of scholarships for promising non-EU / EEA students. Danish universities decide which international applicants to allocate these scholarships to, generally awarding them to students with the strongest academic record. You won’t be able to receive one of these scholarships if you’re eligible for the SU support described above.

The exact scholarship depends on the university, as well as the department you’re applying to. You should check with your institution to find out exactly how much is on offer. Generally speaking, a scholarship will be a full (or partial) tuition fee waiver and / or a contribution to your living costs in Denmark.

You don’t have to make an application to these scholarships – your university will automatically consider you for the funding and contact you if you’re successful.

Fulbright Commission scholarships

If you’re an American national, you could apply for a Fulbright scholarship to complete a year of postgraduate study at a Danish university. This could either be as an exchange / guest student or to complete a full Masters degree.

These grants are worth €16,766 for 10 months of study in Denmark. If you’re a guest student, you’ll receive a tuition fee waiver, but if you’re planning to study a full Masters, you’ll have to pay tuition fees.

You should apply online for a Fulbright scholarship, as well as making a separate application to the Danish university you’d like to attend. The application process opens in Spring and closes in October.

Tips from the author

Before you dive into scholarships and funding options for your Masters in Denmark, here are a few tips to help make the not-so- fun process of hunting for money more simpler:

  • Start researching early – many Danish scholarships have early deadlines and limited spaces, so give yourself plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
  • Check eligibility carefully – some funding schemes are only open to students from specific countries or with certain grades.
  • Explore all options – combine university scholarships, external grants, and part-time work opportunities to build a complete funding plan.
  • Keep documents ready – most applications will require academic transcripts, proof of admission, and financial information, so organise these in advance.
  • Think long-term – consider living costs, exchange rates, and travel expenses alongside tuition when budgeting for your degree.

Frequently asked questions

Are there scholarships for international students?

Yes. Denmark offers several scholarships including the Danish Government Scholarship, Erasmus+, and university-specific awards for talented non-EU/EEA students.

Do EU/EEA students pay tuition fees?

No. Tuition is free for EU, EEA, and Swiss students, as well as for exchange students under approved agreements.

Can I get a student loan in Denmark?

International students are usually not eligible for Danish state student loans (SU), but some may qualify if they hold permanent residency or meet specific work requirements.

Can I work while studying to help fund my Masters?

Yes. EU, EEA, and Nordic students can work without restrictions, while other international students may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time in summer with a valid work permit.

Are scholarships enough to cover all expenses?

Scholarships can significantly reduce costs but often do not cover all tuition and living expenses. Combining multiple funding sources is usually necessary.

Can I self-fund a Masters degree in Denmark?

Yes. Some international students self-fund their studies, but you should plan for tuition fees of around €8,000 to €18,000 per year plus living costs of €800 to €1,200 per month.

Search for a Masters in Denmark

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in Denmark on FindAMasters.com

Ben Taylor

Ben worked in the FindAMasters content team from 2017 to 2022, starting as an Assistant Content Writer and leaving as Student Content Manager. He focused on producing well-researched advice across a range of topics related to postgraduate study. Ben has a Bachelors degree in English Literature from the University of Sheffield and a Masters from the University of Amsterdam. Having also spent a semester at the University of Helsinki through the Erasmus programme, he’s no stranger to study abroad (or cold weather!).

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Last updated: 07 January 2026