Top Scholarships in Denmark
Denmark offers a range of prestigious scholarships for international students, especially at the master's level. These scholarships, provided by the Danish government and top universities, typically cover tuition fees and offer monthly stipends to help with living expenses.
Aarhus University Danish State Scholarships
Offered to outstanding non-EU/EEA master’s applicants, this scholarship is funded by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science.
Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver; many include monthly grants
- Prioritized selection for Indian applicants in natural & technical sciences
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA student admitted to a master’s program
- Strong academic record
- Application deadlines: Jan 15 (summer), Sept 15 (winter)
This scholarship is ideal for academically strong applicants seeking affordable, top-tier education in Denmark.
University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Government Scholarship
The University of Copenhagen offers a limited number of government scholarships to highly talented students applying for master’s programs.
Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend for living costs
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA master’s applicants
- Excellent academic performance
- Automatic consideration during admission
A competitive and prestigious scholarship option offered at one of Scandinavia’s top-ranked universities.
Technical University of Denmark (DTU) International Scholarships
DTU offers targeted tuition waivers for top-performing non-EU master’s students.
Benefits:
- Tuition waivers (partial/full)
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA admitted to eligible master’s programs
- Academic excellence required
DTU scholarships are perfect for those aiming to combine research, innovation, and sustainability.
Copenhagen Business School (CBS) Scholarships
CBS awards merit-based scholarships to international students entering select business-related graduate programs.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Some awards include a monthly stipend
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA students admitted to MSc programs at CBS
- Strong academic profile and motivation
CBS scholarships reward business-oriented students pursuing a globally recognized education.
University of Southern Denmark (SDU) Merit Scholarship
SDU offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships each year for select master’s programs taught in English.
Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly living allowance (up to DKK 3,000)
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA applicants to eligible full-degree master’s programs
- Academic excellence and motivation letter required
With solid academic performance, students can secure quality education at SDU with minimal financial burden.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship
This EU-funded scholarship supports students enrolled in select joint master’s programs, some of which are hosted by Danish universities.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend for travel, insurance, and installation grant
Eligibility:
- Acceptance into an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program
- Completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree with strong grades
An excellent option for students seeking mobility, global exposure, and fully funded education in Europe.
Nordplus Programme
The Nordplus scholarship supports academic exchanges in Nordic and Baltic countries, including short-term study or internships.
Benefits:
- Monthly living support
- Travel grant for the exchange period
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in a participating institution in a Nordplus network
- Part of a recognized exchange program
This is a good fit for those already enrolled in Europe and seeking short-term learning experiences in Denmark.
Danish Government Cultural Agreements Scholarship
Offered under Denmark’s bilateral cultural agreements, this scholarship supports full-time studies in specific fields like environmental sciences, design, and architecture.
Benefits / Award:
- Tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA applicants in selected fields at Danish institutions
- Academic excellence and motivation required
Best suited for students in culturally aligned fields seeking state-supported education in Denmark.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
Privately funded scholarship supporting graduate study abroad in top institutions, including those in Denmark.
Benefits:
- Tuition fees up to USD 100,000 (85,50,000 INR)
- Living expenses, travel, and health allowance
Eligibility:
- Acceptance to a full-time postgraduate course
- Age under 30, with strong academic and extracurricular record
This prestigious private scholarship supports talented students aiming for elite international universities.
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
A partial loan scholarship that enables students to pursue postgraduate education overseas, repayable after securing employment.
Benefits:
- Loan scholarship of ₹1 lakh to ₹20 lakhs
- Subsidized interest, plus gift scholarships for select achievers
Eligibility:
- Indian passport holders with confirmed admission
- Good academic record and professional promise
This flexible, low-interest loan option helps bridge funding gaps for global education in Denmark and beyond.
Types of Scholarships in Denmark
Denmark provides a variety of scholarships aimed at assisting international students, which can be generally divided into three groups:
1. Government-Provided Scholarships: These are granted by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science to students from outside the EU/EEA, typically in collaboration with public universities.
- They cover tuition costs (either fully or partially)
- May offer monthly stipends for living expenses
- Automatically considered when applying to the university
These government-led scholarships can help you study abroad with a nominal expense.
2. University Scholarships: Numerous Danish universities provide their own merit-based scholarships, often associated with specific programs or departments.
- These are offered by institutions such as Aarhus University, DTU, and the University of Copenhagen.
- They may provide tuition waivers and/or financial aid.
- Typically, no additional scholarship application is necessary.
Perfect for students with excellent academic records applying to particular universities.
3. External Scholarships: These are financed by international organizations or government bodies and assist with studies or exchanges in Denmark.
- Programs like Erasmus+ and Nordplus are included.
- They may cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- The application process is distinct from the university admission procedure.
Most suitable for students involved in joint programs or international research exchanges.
With these varied options, students can find a scholarship that suits their background, study level and career goals.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Denmark
While each scholarship may have particular requirements, most scholarships in Denmark share some common criteria:
- Nationality: Many scholarships are aimed at non-EU/EEA students. EU/EEA students might qualify for alternative types of financial aid or tuition waivers.
- Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance and high grades are typically essential.
- Admission to a Full-Degree Program: You must be accepted into a full-time degree program at a Danish institution.
- Language Proficiency: Because most programs are conducted in English, proof of language skills (like IELTS or TOEFL scores) is generally necessary.
Additional factors such as extracurricular involvement, research experience, or community service may enhance your eligibility, especially for more competitive scholarships.
In the following cases, you will not be eligible for scholarships in Denmark:
- If you possess a legal claim to the rights of citizens in Denmark.
- If you are applying for an Artistic Higher Education Institution.
- If you are qualified for some kind of grant, funding, or financial aid under Danish law for the State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme (SU).
- If you already own a legal residence permit at the time of admission.
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How to Apply for Scholarships in Denmark?
Curious about how to apply for a university scholarship in Denmark? Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step process you can follow for your application.
- Step 1: You need to apply for admission to any university recognized in Denmark and receive acceptance. For September entry, applications should be submitted between March and April of the same year. If you wish to enter in February, applications must be made from September to October of the prior year.
- Step 2: Obtain a residence permit for educational purposes. You'll need to provide the following documents:
- University admission/acceptance letter
- Certificate of language proficiency (either Danish or English)
- Birth and educational certificates
- Passport along with passport-sized photographs
- ST1 Form
- Step 3: Look for available scholarships in Denmark and review the eligibility requirements.
- Step 4: If you qualify, submit your scholarship application online. Be mindful of the respective deadline for the scholarships, which usually varies depending on the university, academic program, and kind of scholarship for which you are applying.
- Step 5: While completing the online scholarship application, ensure you input accurate information and verify it thoroughly. Include all necessary documents prior to submission.
- Step 6: For many scholarships, you will need to submit a personal statement or an essay, which will be assessed during the selection process. Emphasize your academic accomplishments and illustrate how the scholarship can benefit you.
- Step 7: Once you submit your scholarship application, the scholarship provider will evaluate your submission. Keep in mind that this review process may take several weeks to several months.
- Step 8: Scholarships in Denmark typically prioritize merit, so applicants with outstanding academic records and additional achievements are likely to be favored.
- Step 9: If you satisfy all eligibility requirements, the scholarship providers may conduct further interviews. If you successfully pass the interview, you will receive notification that your scholarship application has been accepted.
Note: All scholarships are governed by Danish laws, meaning that any violation can result in the revocation of the scholarship. Therefore, ensure you comply with the laws while studying in Denmark.
Scholarships In Denmark: Benefits
There are numerous scholarships in Denmark that are available for students which can minimize their cost of studying in Denmark. These scholarships have additional benefits like:
- Lower Tuition Fees
- Scholarships at Danish universities often cover part or even 100% of your tuition fees.
- Government-funded and university-specific awards reduce the cost of studying in top institutions like DTU, CBS, and Aarhus University.
- This makes high-quality education much more affordable and accessible.
- Support for Living Expenses
- Many scholarships also offer monthly stipends to cover housing, food, transport, and study materials.
- This financial support eases the burden of living in cities like Copenhagen or Aarhus.
- Students can focus on studies instead of worrying about part-time jobs or rising living costs.
- No Extra Applications Needed
- Most universities automatically consider applicants for scholarships during the admission process.
- No separate form, essay, or extra documentation is required for merit-based awards.
- This streamlined approach increases your chances without adding to your workload.
- Access to Academic and Career Networks
- Scholarship recipients are often invited to join mentorship groups, academic forums, and exclusive events.
- These platforms offer valuable networking with faculty, industry experts, and fellow scholars.
- They can lead to internships, research projects, or future job opportunities.
- Improved Job Prospects
- A scholarship-backed degree from a top Danish university showcases academic excellence and global readiness.
- Employers in Europe and beyond recognize the value of Danish education and scholarship achievements.
- Graduates often land roles in leading companies across tech, sustainability, business, and healthcare sectors.
Scholarships in Denmark go far beyond financial aid offer holistic support for academic and career success. If you're aiming for an international degree that’s affordable and future-focused, Denmark is a smart choice.
Conclusion: Scholarship in Denmark
Denmark stands out as an excellent destination for international education, and its scholarship offerings enhance its appeal. With various funding options available, from full scholarships to partial tuition assistance, students can pursue their higher education in Denmark without facing overwhelming financial burdens.
With highly ranked universities, numerous research opportunities, student-friendly environments, and programs taught in English, Denmark meets the aspirations of any global learner. If you’re a motivated student aiming to study in Europe, now is the ideal moment to assess your options and apply for scholarships that could significantly impact your educational journey.
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