Denmark offers a range of scholarship and funding opportunities for international students who want to pursue higher education, participate in student exchanges, or undertake research at Danish institutions. Funding opportunities are available through national and European programmes, institutional partnerships, exchange programmes, joint degree programmes and other international education schemes.

For international students considering studying in Denmark, the available funding routes include Erasmus+, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, Nordplus, Fulbright Denmark, Danish Government Scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students, and the Danish State Educational Support (SU), subject to the eligibility requirements of each programme.

This guide explains the major scholarship and funding options, who can apply, what each programme supports, and where prospective applicants can obtain further information.

Denmark Scholarships for International Students

International students may be able to receive financial support to study in Denmark through several different programmes. However, there is no single application deadline covering all Denmark scholarships described below. Deadlines, selection procedures and eligibility requirements vary according to the programme, university and study programme.

Some scholarships are designed specifically for exchange students, while others support students undertaking full-degree Master’s programmes, research, or joint degrees involving Danish and other European institutions.

The major opportunities include:

1. Nordplus
2. Erasmus+
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
4. Fulbright Denmark
5. Danish Government Scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students
6. Danish State Educational Support (SU)
7. Other European scholarship and research databases

1. Nordplus Scholarships and Study Opportunities

Nordplus provides opportunities for students enrolled at higher education institutions in the Nordic and Baltic regions to study in another Nordic or Baltic country as part of their degree.

The programme is therefore particularly relevant to students whose home institutions are located within the Nordic or Baltic region and whose academic programmes allow for international mobility.

Students interested in using Nordplus to study in Denmark should first contact their home university or national educational agency to determine whether their institution participates in the relevant Nordplus arrangements.

What does Nordplus offer?

Depending on the applicable mobility arrangement, Nordplus can provide an opportunity to:

• Study in another Nordic or Baltic country.
• Complete part of an existing degree programme abroad.
• Gain international academic experience.
• Experience another higher education system.
• Participate in regional academic mobility.

Students should not assume that simply being enrolled at a Nordic or Baltic institution automatically guarantees funding. The relevant institutional and programme requirements must be checked before applying.

For additional information, prospective applicants can visit Nordplus.

2. Erasmus+ Study Abroad Opportunities

The Erasmus+ programme provides opportunities for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland to study abroad as part of their higher education in their home countries.

According to the information provided by Study in Denmark, exchange periods can range from 2 to 12 months.

This makes Erasmus+ particularly relevant for students who want to gain international study experience without necessarily completing their entire degree in Denmark.

Who is Erasmus+ intended for?

The programme described on the Study in Denmark scholarship page is primarily aimed at students from:

• EU countries
• European Economic Area (EEA) countries
• Switzerland

Students normally participate through their existing higher education institutions rather than applying independently to Denmark as an entirely separate degree student.

How does the Erasmus+ process work?

Students interested in Erasmus+ should:

1. Contact their home university.
2. Determine whether their institution participates in the relevant Erasmus+ mobility arrangements.
3. Discuss available destinations and study options.
4. Confirm eligibility requirements.
5. Follow the application procedure established by their home institution.
6. Confirm the applicable mobility period and funding arrangements.

The European Commission provides additional information about studying abroad through Erasmus+.

Applicants can consult the European Commission Erasmus+ study-abroad information.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarships

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme is one of the most internationally accessible funding routes connected with Master’s-level study in Europe.

Unlike some mobility programmes that primarily target European students, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students.

This makes the programme particularly relevant to international students from countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania and other regions outside Europe, provided they meet the admission and scholarship requirements of the specific Master’s programme.

What is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master?

An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is an international Master’s programme delivered jointly by institutions in different countries.

In the Denmark-related opportunities described by Study in Denmark, the Master’s courses may be offered jointly by a Danish institution and another European university or higher education institution.

Students therefore have the opportunity to participate in an international academic programme rather than studying exclusively within one institution or country.

What can the scholarship provide?

Depending on the individual Erasmus Mundus programme, scholarships may provide substantial financial support associated with participation in the Master’s programme.

However, scholarship conditions are not identical across all Erasmus Mundus programmes.

Prospective applicants should therefore examine the individual Master’s programme carefully to determine:

• Admission requirements
• Academic qualifications
• Scholarship availability
• Application deadline
• Required documents
• Selection criteria
• Mobility requirements
• Participating universities
• Study locations
• Financial support available

How to apply for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Applicants do not generally apply through one universal Denmark scholarship application.

Instead, students should identify an approved Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme that matches their academic background and then contact or apply directly through the individual programme’s official application process.

The Study in Denmark information specifically advises students and scholars to contact the individual Erasmus Mundus Master’s courses for details concerning scholarships and application procedures.

A list of approved Erasmus Mundus Master’s courses in Denmark is available through the EACEA Erasmus Mundus Catalogue.

4. Fulbright Denmark Grants

The Fulbright Denmark programme supports educational exchange between the United States and Denmark and focuses on strengthening cultural and academic understanding through international exchange.

The programme is particularly relevant to American scholars and postgraduate students at Master’s or PhD level who want to undertake study and/or research in Denmark.

What does Fulbright Denmark support?

Eligible applicants can apply for a Fulbright grant for an entire academic year of study and/or research in Denmark.

The programme can therefore be relevant to postgraduate students and scholars whose academic or research objectives align with opportunities available at Danish institutions.

Who can apply?

The information provided by Study in Denmark identifies:

• American scholars
• American postgraduate students
• Master’s-level students
• PhD-level students

as potential applicants.

Applicants should consult Fulbright Denmark directly for the current eligibility requirements, selection criteria and application procedures.

Further information is available from Fulbright Denmark.

5. Danish Government Scholarships for Highly Qualified Non-EU/EEA Students

One of the most important funding routes for international students is the Danish Government Scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students.

Danish universities receive a limited number of government scholarships each year to support highly qualified full-degree students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

This means that the opportunity can be particularly relevant to international students from countries such as those in Africa, Asia, the Americas and other regions outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, provided they satisfy the applicable requirements.

Importantly, these scholarships are not necessarily awarded to every eligible student. Danish universities administer the scholarships and select the recipients.

Eligibility for the Danish Government Scholarship

According to Study in Denmark, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be a citizen of a country outside the European Union.
• Be from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
• Not be a citizen of Switzerland.
• Be enrolled in a full-degree higher education programme.
• Have been granted a time-limited residence permit in Denmark because of education.

The scholarship is therefore different from an ordinary exchange arrangement because it concerns students pursuing a full degree programme in Denmark.

Who is not eligible?

Study in Denmark identifies several circumstances in which a student is not eligible for a Danish Government Scholarship.

You may not qualify if you:

• Are seeking admission to an Artistic Higher Education Institution.
• Have a legal claim to the rights of Danish citizens.
• Hold a residence permit at the time of admission under the specific provisions described in the Danish Aliens Consolidations Act concerning certain family members of foreign citizens.
• Are eligible for a grant under the Danish State Education Fund.

Because residence and immigration rules can be complex, applicants should carefully review the applicable requirements with their chosen Danish institution.

Learn More HERE

6. What Does the Danish Government Scholarship Cover?

The Danish Government Scholarship has two main components.

It may consist of:

1. A full or partial tuition fee waiver, and/or
2. A grant toward living costs.

Importantly, not every recipient necessarily receives the same combination or level of support.

The exact scholarship arrangement depends on the Danish university administering the award.

This is an important point for prospective applicants: being eligible for consideration does not necessarily mean receiving a full scholarship covering every expense.

Students should therefore carefully review the scholarship information published by their chosen university.

Learn More HERE

7. How the Danish Government Scholarship Application Process Works

The scholarships are administered by Danish universities, which are responsible for selecting the students who receive the awards.

Consequently, prospective applicants should not treat the scholarship as a single centralized national application.

Instead, the recommended approach is to:

Step 1: Identify a suitable Danish degree programme

Applicants should first identify a full-degree programme that matches their academic background and career objectives.

Step 2: Check the university’s admission requirements

Every university and programme may have its own academic and application requirements.

These may include:

• Academic qualifications
• Previous degree requirements
• English-language requirements
• Programme-specific prerequisites
• Supporting documents
• Application forms
• Application deadlines

Step 3: Check scholarship eligibility

Applicants should determine whether their nationality and personal circumstances meet the Danish Government Scholarship requirements.

Step 4: Review the university’s scholarship procedure

Because universities administer the scholarships themselves, prospective students should consult the admission and scholarship information provided by their selected institution.

Step 5: Submit the required application

Applicants should follow the university’s instructions carefully and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the applicable deadline.

The official Study in Denmark information on higher education institutions can be accessed through Study in Denmark’s higher education institutions directory.

8. Is There a Deadline for the Denmark Scholarships?

There is no single deadline for all of the scholarship opportunities described on the Study in Denmark page.

This is because the opportunities are administered by different programmes, universities and organizations.

For example:

• Erasmus+ deadlines can depend on the student’s home institution.
• Erasmus Mundus deadlines are established by individual Master’s programmes.
• Fulbright Denmark has its own application cycle.
• Danish Government Scholarship deadlines depend on the relevant Danish university and degree programme.
• Nordplus arrangements depend on the participating institutions and mobility procedures.

Therefore, applicants should not rely on a single national deadline.

Instead, prospective students should identify their preferred programme and institution and check its current official application deadline.

For students considering the Danish Government Scholarship, this is particularly important because Danish universities determine their own application and scholarship procedures.

Learn More HERE

9. Danish State Educational Support (SU)

The Danish State Educational Support, commonly known as SU, is another source of educational financial support.

However, international students should understand that SU is generally awarded to Danish residents.

International students may nevertheless be able to apply for equal status for purposes of state educational support under certain circumstances.

Equal status may be granted under:

• Danish rules
• European Union law

This means that international students should not automatically assume that they qualify for SU simply because they have been admitted to a Danish university.

Eligibility depends on the applicable rules and the student’s individual circumstances.

More information is available through the Danish Education Support Agency.

10. Other Sources of Scholarship Information for Studying in Denmark

Students looking for funding to study in Denmark should also explore broader European scholarship databases.

The Study in Denmark information points prospective students toward Ploteus, which lists scholarship programmes and educational opportunities for both EU and non-EU students.

PhD students and researchers are also encouraged to explore the European Researchers’ Mobility Portal, now associated with the EURAXESS network.

These resources can help prospective students and researchers identify additional opportunities beyond the scholarships administered directly by Danish institutions.

Learn More HERE

11. Who Can Apply for These Denmark Scholarship Opportunities?

Eligibility differs significantly depending on the programme.

There is therefore no single nationality or academic qualification requirement covering all the opportunities.

International students from outside Europe

Non-EU/EEA students may be eligible for certain opportunities, particularly:

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
• Danish Government Scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students

The Danish Government Scholarship specifically targets highly qualified full-degree students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, subject to the stated conditions.

EU/EEA students and Swiss students

Students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can participate in certain European mobility programmes, including Erasmus+ opportunities described by Study in Denmark.

They may also be eligible for Erasmus Mundus programmes, which are open to both European and non-European students.

Students from Nordic and Baltic countries

Students enrolled at Nordic or Baltic higher education institutions may have opportunities through Nordplus to study in another Nordic or Baltic country.

American postgraduate students and scholars

Fulbright Denmark is specifically relevant to American scholars and postgraduate students at Master’s and PhD level seeking study and/or research opportunities in Denmark.

12. Academic Levels Covered

The programmes described cover different stages of higher education.

Undergraduate and exchange students

Students participating in higher education mobility programmes may benefit from:

• Erasmus+
• Nordplus

The exact level and eligibility depend on the participating institution and programme.

Master’s students

Master’s-level students may find opportunities through:

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
• Danish Government Scholarships
• Fulbright Denmark for eligible American postgraduate students

PhD students and researchers

PhD students and researchers may find opportunities through:

• Fulbright Denmark
• European research mobility resources
• Individual Danish university opportunities
• Relevant Erasmus-related programmes

The exact eligibility requirements should always be verified against the specific programme.

13. Important Considerations Before Applying

Students considering studying in Denmark should carefully distinguish between admission, scholarship eligibility and scholarship selection.

Being academically qualified for a programme does not necessarily guarantee a scholarship.

Similarly, being eligible to apply for a scholarship does not necessarily mean that funding will be awarded.

Applicants should consider the following:

1. Confirm your nationality eligibility

Check whether your country falls within the programme’s eligibility requirements.

2. Confirm your academic level

Determine whether the opportunity is designed for undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, exchange or research applicants.

3. Check whether the programme is full-degree or exchange-based

Some opportunities support students completing part of a degree abroad, while others support students enrolled in a complete degree programme.

4. Check the specific university

For Danish Government Scholarships, the individual university plays a central role in administering and selecting scholarship recipients.

5. Check the exact deadline

Do not assume that all Danish scholarships have the same deadline.

6. Review funding carefully

Determine whether the scholarship provides:

• Full tuition coverage
• Partial tuition coverage
• Living-cost support
• Exchange funding
• Research funding
• Other forms of financial assistance

7. Prepare documents early

Depending on the programme, applicants may need academic transcripts, certificates, proof of language proficiency, motivation statements, research information, references and other supporting documentation.

14. Why Denmark Is an Attractive Destination for International Students

Denmark has a broad higher education system offering hundreds of programmes taught in English.

Study in Denmark indicates that Danish higher education institutions offer more than 500 English-taught study programmes.

This provides international students with opportunities to search for programmes that align with their academic interests without necessarily requiring Danish-language proficiency for the programme itself.

Students interested in studying in Denmark can explore available programmes through Study in Denmark’s programme portal.

15. Useful Official Resources

Prospective applicants should use official sources when researching scholarships because eligibility requirements, application procedures and deadlines can change.

Erasmus+

European Commission – Erasmus+ Study Abroad

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

European Commission – Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Erasmus Mundus Catalogue

EACEA Erasmus Mundus Catalogue

Nordplus

Nordplus Official Website

Fulbright Denmark

Fulbright Denmark

Danish State Educational Support

Danish Education Support Agency

Study in Denmark

Study in Denmark

Deadline

There is no single overall deadline for these Denmark scholarship opportunities. Application deadlines vary according to the specific scholarship, university, degree programme or exchange scheme.

Applicants should therefore check the official deadline for the particular opportunity they intend to pursue.

For Erasmus Mundus, the deadline is determined by the individual Master’s programme. For Danish Government Scholarships, applicants should check the deadline published by their chosen Danish higher education institution.

Conclusion

Denmark provides several pathways for international students seeking financial support for higher education, student exchange, postgraduate study and research. The opportunities range from Nordplus and Erasmus+ mobility programmes to Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, Fulbright Denmark and Danish Government Scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students.

One of the most important points for prospective applicants is that these programmes do not operate under one common application system. Each programme has its own eligibility requirements, application procedure, funding structure and deadline. Danish Government Scholarships, in particular, are administered by individual Danish universities, meaning that students must consult the institution and degree programme they are interested in for precise scholarship information.

International students should therefore begin by identifying an appropriate study programme, checking whether they meet its academic and nationality requirements, reviewing the available funding options, and then following the official application procedure.

For students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, the Danish Government Scholarship and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters can provide important potential routes to funded Master’s-level study, while exchange students and eligible European students may find opportunities through Erasmus+ and Nordplus. American postgraduate students and scholars can also explore Fulbright Denmark for study and research opportunities.

Because deadlines and requirements can change, applicants should always verify the latest information directly with the relevant Danish university, programme administrator or official scholarship provider before submitting an application.

Discover more global Scholarship opportunities on OFY HERE.