Denmark has quietly become one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations for international students. Its universities combine strong academic standards with practical learning, research opportunities, English-taught programs and close connections with industry. For students interested in engineering, technology, business, medicine, sustainability, renewable energy, life sciences and social sciences, Denmark offers an especially interesting combination of education and career opportunities.

But there is another side of the story that prospective international students need to understand before applying: Denmark is not a low-cost study destination for most non-EU/EEA students.

If you are from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan or another country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you will normally need to pay tuition fees unless you qualify for an exemption or scholarship. Official Danish guidance currently puts typical full-degree tuition at approximately €6,000–€16,000 per year, although individual universities and programs can charge more.

The good news is that Denmark offers competitive scholarships, including Danish Government Scholarships administered by universities. Some awards provide tuition waivers, while others combine tuition support with living-cost grants.

This guide explains how to study in Denmark in 2027, including the best universities, tuition fees, scholarships, admission requirements, student residence permit, work opportunities, cost of living and practical tips for international students.

Why Study in Denmark in 2027?

Denmark is more than a beautiful Scandinavian country.

For international students, it offers an education system built around:

Independent thinking
Problem-solving
Research
Collaboration
Innovation
Sustainability
Practical learning
Industry interaction
Internationalisation

Danish universities offer programmes in English across multiple academic areas, including bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes.

The official Study in Denmark portal lists English-taught opportunities across areas such as:

Engineering
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Biotechnology
Business
Economics
Health Sciences
Environmental Science
Renewable Energy
Architecture
Design
Social Sciences
Humanities
Natural Sciences

Denmark also has a strong reputation in areas such as wind energy, sustainable technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, design and advanced engineering.

Official Study in Denmark information confirms that Danish higher education institutions offer internationally recognised programmes at different levels, including bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes.

Best Universities in Denmark for International Students

Denmark has several internationally respected universities.

Some of the strongest options for international students include:

1. University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is one of Denmark’s largest and most internationally recognised universities.

It has more than 38,000 students and offers programmes across areas such as:

Health Sciences
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Law
Humanities
Theology
Life Sciences

It can be particularly attractive for students interested in:

Medicine
Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical Science
Biology
Environmental Science
Public Health
Food Science
Data-related disciplines

For international master’s applicants, the university has specific application deadlines and scholarship arrangements.

Non-EU/EEA applicants should pay close attention to the January application cycle.

For September master’s entry, UCPH currently lists 15 January as the application deadline for applicants from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland.

2. Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

If your goal is engineering, technology or science, DTU should be high on your list.

DTU is particularly strong in:

Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science
Biotechnology
Chemical Engineering
Wind Energy
Environmental Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Energy Technology
Communication Technology

DTU is also known internationally for its connection with technology and industry.

For non-EU/EEA applicants seeking an autumn master’s intake, DTU currently lists 15 January as the application deadline.

DTU also has a limited number of tuition fee waivers for excellent non-EU/EEA MSc applicants. These waivers can cover tuition for two years.

However, they are highly competitive.

3. Aarhus University

Aarhus University (AU) is another major destination for international students.

The university offers English-taught programmes in areas including:

Business
Economics
Engineering
Computer Science
Natural Sciences
Health
Agriculture
Environmental Science
Social Sciences
Humanities

Aarhus is also an attractive student city because it combines a major university environment with a smaller and more manageable atmosphere than Copenhagen.

Aarhus University currently lists numerous master’s programmes for international students and publishes programme-specific tuition rates.

For example, current non-EU/EEA tuition rates for many English-taught master’s programmes are in the region of €13,000–€17,300 per year, depending on the programme.

These rates can change for future intakes, so applicants targeting 2027 should always check the specific programme page before budgeting.

4. Copenhagen Business School (CBS)

Students interested in business, finance, economics, marketing and management should consider Copenhagen Business School.

CBS offers programmes related to:

International Business
Finance
Accounting
Economics
Marketing
Business Analytics
Strategy
Management
Entrepreneurship
International Relations
Business and Society

For non-EU/EEA students, CBS currently lists master’s tuition of approximately:

€8,000 per semester

or approximately:

€16,000 per year.

CBS also offers a limited number of Danish Government Scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA applicants.

Some scholarships include:

Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend

CBS currently states that its government scholarship provides a monthly grant of DKK 8,000, with a maximum duration of 22 months for eligible recipients.

5. Aalborg University

Aalborg University (AAU) has a distinctive project-based learning approach.

This can be particularly useful for students who prefer learning through:

Projects
Research
Teamwork
Practical problem-solving
Industry collaboration

AAU offers programmes in:

Engineering
Computer Science
Information Technology
Architecture
Energy
Biotechnology
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health Sciences

AAU also awards a limited number of Danish Government Scholarships to selected non-EU/EEA master’s applicants.

The university currently says it awards approximately 15 scholarships per year, although this number can change.

Its scholarship normally includes:

Tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend

The published 2026 stipend for new students is DKK 11,225 per month, although future rates may be revised.

6. University of Southern Denmark (SDU)

The University of Southern Denmark offers international study opportunities across several fields.

SDU has campuses in:

Odense
Kolding
Esbjerg
Sønderborg
Vejle

Popular areas include:

Engineering
Computer Science
Robotics
Business
Health Sciences
Biotechnology
Economics
Social Sciences

SDU is particularly interesting for students who want a university environment outside Copenhagen.

7. IT University of Copenhagen

For students interested specifically in technology and digital careers, the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is worth considering.

Relevant areas include:

Computer Science
Software Development
Data Science
Artificial Intelligence
Digital Design
Games
Cybersecurity
Digital Innovation

Students targeting careers in Europe’s technology sector may find Copenhagen particularly attractive.

Best Universities in Denmark at a Glance

University	Strong Areas	Location
University of Copenhagen	Medicine, Life Sciences, Business, Science	Copenhagen
DTU	Engineering, AI, Technology, Energy	Lyngby/Copenhagen
Aarhus University	Business, Science, Engineering, Health	Aarhus
CBS	Business, Finance, Economics	Copenhagen
Aalborg University	Engineering, IT, Energy, Architecture	Aalborg
SDU	Engineering, Robotics, Health, Business	Odense
IT University of Copenhagen	Computer Science, IT, Data, Digital Design	Copenhagen

Tuition Fees in Denmark for International Students in 2027

This is one of the most important things to understand before applying.

Is University Free in Denmark?

For eligible students, yes.

Higher education is generally tuition-free for:

Danish citizens
EU/EEA citizens
Swiss citizens
Certain students covered by EU law
Eligible exchange students
Some students holding qualifying Danish residence permits

However, most non-EU/EEA/Swiss students applying for full-degree programmes are required to pay tuition.

Official Study in Denmark guidance currently gives a broad annual tuition range of approximately:

€6,000–€16,000 per year

or around:

DKK 45,000–120,000 per year.

However, this is only a general guide.

Some specialised programmes and universities can charge considerably more.

For example, current published rates show:

Aarhus University: many master’s programmes around €13,000–€17,300 annually
Copenhagen Business School: around €16,000 annually for many master’s programmes
DTU: currently around €30,000 total for a two-year MSc under its published fee structure, subject to revisions

Therefore, never budget solely from the national average.

Always check your specific programme.

Tuition Fees at the University of Copenhagen

UCPH states that non-EU/EEA applicants generally have to pay tuition.

The university charges programme-specific tuition based on the number of ECTS credits.

Most master’s degrees are:

120 ECTS

and normally take:

Two years.

UCPH also requires an application deposit from many non-EU/EEA applicants.

The current application deposit is:

DKK 1,120

approximately €150.

This fee is paid once per application round even if the applicant applies to multiple eligible master’s programmes.

Tuition Fees at Aarhus University

Aarhus University publishes tuition fees according to individual programmes.

Current examples for English-taught master’s programmes include approximately:

€13,000 per year for some programmes
€17,300 per year for many science and engineering programmes

Applicants should expect 2027 rates to be confirmed by the university before applying.

Tuition Fees at Copenhagen Business School

CBS currently lists:

€8,000 per semester

for many full-time master’s programmes.

That works out to approximately:

€16,000 per year.

This is an important figure for non-EU/EEA students planning to study business in Denmark.

Tuition Fees at DTU

DTU currently lists a tuition fee of approximately:

€7,500 per semester

for paying students under its published fee structure.

For a standard two-year MSc, that is approximately:

€30,000 total.

DTU has indicated that tuition rates may be revised, so students applying for 2027 should confirm the current amount before making financial plans.

Scholarships to Study in Denmark in 2027

One of the most attractive aspects of studying in Denmark is the possibility of receiving a scholarship that reduces or eliminates tuition costs.

However, international students should understand something important:

Denmark does not offer one universal fully funded scholarship that automatically covers every international student.

Instead, funding comes from several sources.

1. Danish Government Scholarships

This is one of the most important scholarship categories for non-EU/EEA students.

Danish universities receive a limited number of government scholarships for highly qualified international full-degree students.

Eligibility generally includes:

Citizenship outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland
Admission to a full-degree higher education programme
A qualifying Danish residence permit for education

The scholarship can consist of:

Full tuition fee waiver
Partial tuition fee waiver
Grant toward living costs
Combination of tuition and living support

The exact value and selection process varies between universities.

This means you should not assume that a “Danish Government Scholarship” has the same benefits at every university.

2. University of Copenhagen Danish Government Scholarship

UCPH offers a limited number of scholarships to highly qualified non-EU/EEA applicants.

The university says eligible applicants are automatically considered.

You normally do not submit a separate scholarship application.

Selection is based primarily on academic achievement rather than financial need.

Depending on faculty and award, the scholarship may provide:

Full tuition waiver
Partial tuition waiver
Living expenses

Some faculty-specific awards can cover both tuition and living expenses.

This makes UCPH particularly interesting for academically outstanding international students.

3. DTU Tuition Fee Waivers

DTU offers a limited number of tuition fee waivers to excellent international non-EU/EEA MSc applicants.

The waiver can cover tuition for:

Two years.

The scholarship is merit-based.

DTU considers factors including:

Bachelor’s grades
University ranking
Research experience
Publications
Relevant work experience
Teaching experience
Competition awards
Extracurricular achievements

Applicants who want to be considered must submit a separate personal statement for the tuition fee waiver.

For the autumn intake, the current non-EU/EEA application deadline is:

15 January.

For a 2027 intake, applicants should prepare well before January 2027.

4. Aalborg University Scholarships

AAU offers a limited number of Danish Government Scholarships to selected non-EU/EEA master’s applicants.

The scholarship can include:

Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly living stipend

The university currently reports approximately 15 awards per year.

AAU automatically considers eligible applicants, meaning there is no separate scholarship application.

However, competition is strong.

5. Copenhagen Business School Scholarships

CBS receives a limited number of government scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA students.

The current scholarship package includes:

Tuition fee waiver
DKK 8,000 monthly stipend
Maximum duration of 22 months

The scholarship is based on:

Academic background
Motivation
Overall application strength

It is not primarily a financial-need scholarship.

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships

If you want a potentially fully funded route involving Denmark, do not ignore Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes.

Erasmus Mundus scholarships are open to students from around the world and cover selected joint master’s programmes delivered by universities in multiple European countries.

Some programmes involve Danish institutions.

Benefits under the Erasmus Mundus scheme can include:

Tuition-related costs
Monthly financial support
Travel support
Visa-related support
Installation costs
Living support

However, Erasmus Mundus is programme-specific.

You cannot simply apply for an “Erasmus Denmark scholarship” and choose any Danish master’s programme.

You must find an eligible Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme and apply according to that programme’s rules.

7. PhD Funding in Denmark

Students considering doctoral studies should approach Denmark differently.

Many Danish PhD opportunities are structured as funded employment or salaried research positions, rather than traditional scholarships.

This can be financially attractive because successful PhD candidates may receive:

Salary
Pension contributions
Research funding
Employment benefits
Access to university facilities

If your goal is a PhD, search university vacancy portals and research group pages rather than looking only for “fully funded scholarships.”

Can You Study in Denmark Without IELTS?

Possibly.

The answer depends on:

University
Programme
Previous education
Language of instruction
Country of education
Specific English-language requirements

Some universities may accept previous education taught in English as evidence of English proficiency under certain conditions.

Others may require:

IELTS
TOEFL
Cambridge English
Another approved qualification

Do not assume that “Denmark does not require IELTS.”

Instead, check the English-language requirements for your exact programme.

For example, DTU and other Danish universities publish programme-specific language requirements.

The safest approach is to confirm your eligibility directly with the admissions office.

Admission Requirements for Denmark in 2027

Requirements vary by programme.

However, international students typically need to demonstrate:

Bachelor’s Applicants

You may need:

Secondary school certificate
Academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency
Programme-specific subject requirements
Passport
Application documents

Some bachelor’s programmes are taught in Danish, while a selection is taught in English.

Master’s Applicants

A typical master’s application may require:

Relevant bachelor’s degree
Academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency
CV
Motivation letter
Course descriptions
Grading scale
Passport
Programme-specific documentation

Some programmes may require:

Portfolio
GRE
GMAT
Work experience
Specific prerequisite courses
Research proposal

Always check the individual programme.

PhD Applicants

PhD requirements are more research-focused.

You may need:

Relevant master’s degree
Strong academic record
Research proposal
CV
Publications
Research experience
Academic references
Potential supervisor contact

Some PhD positions are advertised as employment vacancies.

How to Apply to Study in Denmark in 2027

Step 1: Choose Your Programme

Start with the official Study in Denmark database.

Search for programmes based on:

Subject
Degree level
University
Language
Location

Step 2: Check Entry Requirements

Read the official programme page carefully.

Confirm:

Academic qualifications
Required subjects
English requirements
Application deadline
Tuition
Scholarship arrangements
Supporting documents

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Common documents include:

Passport
Academic certificates
Transcripts
CV
Motivation letter
English test
Course descriptions
Reference letters
Portfolio where applicable

Make sure names and dates match across all documents.

Step 4: Apply Before the Deadline

Deadlines differ between institutions.

For master’s applicants outside the EU/EEA, January deadlines are common.

For example:

UCPH currently lists January 15 for September master’s entry for non-EU/EEA applicants.
DTU currently lists January 15 for autumn MSc applications from non-EU applicants.
CBS programme deadlines vary by programme.

Do not wait until the final day.

Step 5: Apply for Scholarships

Some Danish universities automatically consider eligible students for government scholarships.

Others may require separate scholarship documentation.

Read the scholarship instructions carefully.

A strong scholarship application should demonstrate:

Excellent grades
Relevant academic background
Clear career goals
Leadership
Research experience
Relevant work experience
Strong motivation
Programme fit

Step 6: Receive Your Admission Offer

If admitted, you will receive instructions from the university about:

Tuition payment
Scholarship
Enrolment
Residence permit
Housing
Orientation

Denmark Student Visa 2027: Residence Permit Requirements

For non-EU/EEA students, Denmark generally refers to this as a student residence permit, rather than simply a “student visa.”

If you are from Nigeria or another country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you normally need to obtain the residence permit before travelling to Denmark.

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) handles the process.

Who Can Get a Danish Student Residence Permit?

You generally need to:

Be admitted to an eligible higher education programme
Study full-time
Meet language requirements
Demonstrate sufficient financial support
Meet immigration requirements

The educational programme must generally be state-approved or otherwise meet the applicable approval conditions.

How Much Money Do You Need for the Denmark Student Visa?

This is an important requirement.

SIRI currently uses a financial-support rate of:

DKK 7,426 per month

for 2026.

For applicants studying longer than one year, the authority generally requires documentation for up to 12 months.

That means the current maximum figure is:

DKK 89,112

for 12 months.

The amount used for 2027 may be adjusted, so applicants should check the official SIRI rate when submitting their application.

Acceptable evidence can include:

Personal bank statement
Scholarship documentation
Student loan documentation

A bank statement must meet the authority’s requirements, including being recent and showing the applicant’s name and available balance.

Denmark Student Residence Permit Application Process

The process normally involves:

Step 1: Receive Admission

You must first have an admission offer.

Step 2: Create a Case Order ID

You begin the residence permit application process through SIRI.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

The current processing fee listed by SIRI for higher education applications is:

DKK 3,060.

Because immigration fees can change, confirm the amount immediately before applying.

Step 4: University Completes Its Portion

The educational institution completes its part of the application.

Step 5: Complete Your Portion

You then complete your section and upload required documentation.

Step 6: Biometrics

You may need to provide biometric information.

Step 7: Wait for the Decision

SIRI currently lists a normal processing time of around two months, although cases requiring additional information can take longer.

Major Denmark Student Visa Change You Need to Know for 2027

Students planning to study in Denmark in 2027 need to pay particular attention to rules that took effect on 1 October 2026.

For certain third-country students in state-approved professional bachelor’s, bachelor’s, part-time master’s and master’s programmes, the post-study job-seeking period was reduced.

Students who apply on or after October 1, 2026 can generally receive up to one year of job-seeking residence after completing an eligible programme.

This is a significant change for students planning a 2027 intake.

PhD students are treated differently and can still have access to a job-seeking period of up to three years under the applicable rules.

Therefore, students should not rely on older articles claiming that every international graduate automatically receives three years to search for work.

Can You Bring Your Family to Denmark as a Student in 2027?

This is another major change.

For certain third-country students applying for residence permits on or after 1 October 2026, accompanying spouses, partners and children generally can no longer receive residence permits under the student accompanying-family rules.

PhD students are not affected by this change in the same way and retain broader accompanying-family rights.

This makes it particularly important for married applicants and parents to check the rules before choosing Denmark for a 2027 study plan.

Can International Students Work in Denmark?

Yes.

Students in state-approved higher education programmes receive a limited work permit alongside their residence permit.

The current rules allow:

90 hours per month from September through May

and:

Full-time work during June, July and August.

This can help students earn additional income and gain work experience.

However, students should not build their entire financial plan around part-time employment.

Your residence permit requires you to demonstrate sufficient funds, and living expenses in Denmark can be substantial.

Cost of Living in Denmark for International Students

Denmark is one of Europe’s more expensive countries.

However, the actual cost depends heavily on:

City
Accommodation
Lifestyle
Food choices
Transport
Personal spending

Official Study in Denmark guidance currently provides the following rough monthly budget:

Expense	Approximate Monthly Cost
Rent	DKK 3,000–6,500
Insurance	Around DKK 300
Books & supplies	DKK 400–650
Mobile phone	Around DKK 250
Food	DKK 2,000–3,500
Transport	Around DKK 300
Personal expenses	Around DKK 2,000

That means a student could easily need approximately:

DKK 8,250–13,500+ per month

depending on accommodation and lifestyle.

Students living in Copenhagen may need to budget more, particularly for private accommodation.

Cost of Living in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is generally one of the most expensive places in Denmark for students.

Major expenses include:

Rent
Food
Transport
Deposit
Utilities
Insurance
Personal spending

A student who secures university accommodation or shares a room can significantly reduce expenses.

Cycling is also one of the easiest ways to reduce transportation costs.

Cost of Living in Aarhus

Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city and a major student centre.

Accommodation can still be expensive, but students may find more manageable options than in central Copenhagen.

Aarhus also has:

Excellent cycling infrastructure
Strong public transport
Large student population
International communities
Major university facilities

Accommodation for International Students

Students can consider:

University Housing

University-managed accommodation may be convenient because it can provide:

Furnished rooms
Shared kitchens
Student communities
Easy access to campus

However, availability is limited.

Private Student Housing

Private student residences can offer:

Furnished rooms
Shared facilities
Internet
Study areas
Social spaces

Shared Apartment

Sharing an apartment with other students can reduce:

Rent
Utility costs
Internet costs
Household expenses

This is often a practical option for students on a budget.

Health Insurance and Healthcare

Denmark has a comprehensive public healthcare system.

Once properly registered and eligible, international students can access Danish healthcare under the applicable rules.

However, students should understand their health insurance obligations during the period before registration and any specific requirements attached to their residence status.

Your university’s international office can provide practical guidance after admission.

Is Denmark Safe for International Students?

Denmark is generally regarded as a safe and well-organised country.

Students benefit from:

Reliable public transport
Strong public institutions
Good healthcare
Safe cities
Extensive cycling infrastructure
High living standards

However, international students should still take normal precautions concerning:

Personal belongings
Accommodation
Banking
Online scams
Bicycle theft

Best Courses to Study in Denmark in 2027

Denmark is especially attractive for students pursuing:

Engineering

Strong areas include:

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Energy Engineering

Renewable Energy

Denmark is a global leader in wind energy.

Potential areas include:

Wind Energy
Sustainable Energy
Energy Systems
Climate Technology
Environmental Engineering

Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science

Students can explore:

AI
Machine Learning
Data Science
Software Engineering
Computer Science
Robotics
Cybersecurity

Biotechnology

Denmark’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries make programmes in:

Biotechnology
Biomedicine
Molecular Biology
Pharmaceutical Science
Bioinformatics

particularly interesting.

Business and Finance

Copenhagen provides access to a major Nordic business ecosystem.

Relevant areas include:

Finance
International Business
Economics
Marketing
Business Analytics
Management
Entrepreneurship

Agriculture and Food Science

Denmark also has a strong agricultural and food-production sector.

Students can explore:

Agricultural Science
Food Technology
Food Science
Animal Science
Agribusiness
Sustainable Agriculture

Aarhus University, in particular, has strong programmes and research in agricultural and biological sciences.

Study in Denmark Without Paying Tuition: Is It Possible?

For non-EU/EEA students, there are several possibilities.

You may avoid tuition if you:

Qualify for a tuition exemption.
Receive a university scholarship.
Receive a Danish Government Scholarship.
Win an eligible Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
Qualify under another applicable legal exemption.

But remember:

Tuition-free does not automatically mean fully funded.

A scholarship may cover tuition without covering rent, food, transportation or other living costs.

Always read the scholarship benefit description carefully.

How to Win a Denmark Scholarship in 2027

Competition is strong.

If you want to improve your chances:

Have Excellent Grades

Academic performance is especially important because many Danish government scholarships are merit-based.

Apply to the Right Programme

Your previous degree should strongly align with your intended master’s.

For example:

Computer Science → AI/Data Science

is generally easier to justify than:

History → Chemical Engineering

unless you have additional qualifications.

Write a Strong Motivation Statement

Explain:

Why Denmark
Why the university
Why the programme
What you want to research
Your career goal
Your impact plan
Why your background fits the programme

Avoid generic statements such as:

“I want to study in Denmark because Denmark is a beautiful country.”

Instead, explain the academic and professional reason.

Best Scholarship Strategy for Nigerian Students

If you are applying from Nigeria, do not rely on one scholarship.

A stronger strategy is to apply across several funding channels.

Consider:

Denmark Government Scholarships

Check:

UCPH
DTU
AAU
CBS
Other participating universities

Erasmus Mundus

Search for joint master’s programmes involving Danish universities.

External Scholarships

Also investigate:

Home-country scholarships
Employer sponsorship
International foundations
Research grants
Government-sponsored programmes

The objective should be to create several funding possibilities rather than waiting for one scholarship.

Study in Denmark 2027: Application Timeline

A practical timeline could look like this:

June–August 2026

Research universities
Identify programmes
Compare tuition
Check eligibility
Start preparing documents

September–October 2026

Take IELTS/TOEFL if required
Prepare CV
Draft motivation letter
Request references
Research scholarships

November 2026

UCPH application portals for September master’s admission may open around November.
Prepare final application documents.

December 2026

Finalise applications
Check scholarship requirements
Verify passport validity
Prepare financial documents

January 2027

This is a crucial month.

Many non-EU/EEA master’s applications have deadlines around:

15 January 2027

depending on the university and programme.

DTU and UCPH currently use January deadlines for many relevant master’s applications.

February–April 2027

Admission decisions
Scholarship assessments
Tuition instructions
Housing applications

Spring/Summer 2027

Apply for residence permit
Complete biometrics
Arrange accommodation
Prepare finances
Book travel after approval

August/September 2027

Travel to Denmark
Register
Attend orientation
Begin studies

Always verify the exact deadline for your programme because application dates vary.

Common Reasons Denmark Applications Fail

1. Applying for the Wrong Programme

Always confirm that your previous degree meets the academic requirements.

2. Missing the Deadline

A late application can be rejected without your documents being reviewed.

3. Weak Motivation Letter

A generic essay can weaken an otherwise strong academic application.

4. Ignoring Tuition

Do not apply without knowing whether you will need to pay.

5. Poor Financial Planning

Even with a tuition waiver, you may still need money for:

Rent
Food
Insurance
Transport
Residence permit
Travel
Deposits

6. Relying on Part-Time Work

Part-time work should supplement your finances, not replace your main funding plan.

7. Ignoring New Immigration Rules

Applicants planning to bring a spouse or children should pay particular attention to the rules introduced from October 2026.

Is Denmark Better Than Sweden or Norway for International Students?

There is no universal answer.

Denmark

Best for:

Engineering
Renewable energy
Business
Biotechnology
Design
Industry connections

Sweden

Best for:

Technology
Innovation
Engineering
Sustainability
Startups

Norway

Best for:

Energy
Marine sciences
Sustainability
Natural resources
Some tuition-free opportunities depending on institution and programme

Your decision should depend on:

Tuition
Scholarship
Programme quality
Immigration rules
Cost of living
Career opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denmark free for international students?

It depends on your nationality and immigration status. EU/EEA and Swiss students generally do not pay tuition, while most non-EU/EEA students must pay unless they qualify for an exemption or scholarship.

How much does it cost to study in Denmark?

Official national guidance currently estimates typical full-degree tuition at around €6,000–€16,000 per year, although individual programmes can cost more.

Can Nigerians study in Denmark?

Yes. Nigerian citizens can apply for eligible Danish programmes and, if admitted, apply for the required student residence permit.

Can I study in Denmark in English?

Yes. Denmark offers English-taught programmes at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels.

What is the Denmark student visa called?

For non-EU/EEA students, it is generally a student residence permit rather than simply a student visa.

How much money do I need for a Danish student residence permit?

SIRI currently uses a 2026 self-support figure of DKK 7,426 per month, with documentation generally required for up to 12 months. The applicable amount for a 2027 application should be confirmed when you apply.

Can international students work in Denmark?

Yes. Students in state-approved higher education programmes can generally work up to 90 hours per month from September through May and full-time during June, July and August.

Can I stay in Denmark after graduation?

Eligible graduates can receive a job-seeking residence period, but the rules changed on October 1, 2026. For many third-country bachelor’s and master’s graduates applying under the new rules, the period is generally up to one year. PhD graduates retain different rules.

Can I bring my spouse to Denmark as an international student?

For many third-country students applying from October 1, 2026 onward, accompanying family members generally cannot receive residence permits under the student rules. PhD students are treated differently.

Does Denmark offer fully funded scholarships?

Some scholarships can provide full tuition waivers and living-cost grants, but they are limited and highly competitive. Danish Government Scholarships, university scholarships and selected Erasmus Mundus programmes are important options.

Can I get a scholarship without IELTS?

Possibly, depending on the university and how you demonstrate English proficiency. Check the exact programme’s language requirements.

What is the best university in Denmark?

There is no single best university for every subject. UCPH is strong across many academic fields, DTU is particularly strong in engineering and technology, CBS in business, Aarhus University across a broad range of disciplines, and AAU is known for project-based learning.

Official Resources to Explore

Study in Denmark

Study in Denmark – Scholarships

University of Copenhagen

Final Thoughts

Studying in Denmark in 2027 can be an excellent choice for international students who want a high-quality European education, strong research opportunities and exposure to an innovative economy.

The biggest challenge for students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland is usually financing. Tuition fees can be significant, and Denmark’s cost of living is relatively high. That is why scholarships should be part of your strategy from the beginning rather than something you investigate after receiving admission.

The Danish Government Scholarship system, university-specific awards at institutions such as UCPH, DTU, CBS and AAU, and Erasmus Mundus opportunities can substantially reduce the financial burden for exceptional students.

At the same time, applicants planning for 2027 must pay close attention to Denmark’s new immigration rules introduced from October 1, 2026, particularly the changes affecting post-study job-seeking periods and accompanying family members.

For students who plan carefully, choose the right programme, submit a strong application and secure adequate funding, Denmark can provide much more than a degree. It can offer access to a highly international academic environment, innovative industries and valuable European work experience.

The key is simple: start early, verify every requirement directly with the university and SIRI, and never build your 2027 study plan around outdated immigration information.