Denmark is one of Scandinavia’s most innovative and internationally minded study destinations and for international students from developing countries, it offers a combination of world-class universities, English-medium programs, and accessible scholarship pathways that most applicants overlook.
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is one of Europe’s leading engineering and technology institutions. University of Copenhagen is consistently ranked in the world’s top 100. Aarhus University, Copenhagen Business School, and Aalborg University all have strong international reputations.
This guide covers every major pathway to studying in Denmark for free in 2026.
Why Study in Denmark?
World-class universities. DTU, University of Copenhagen, and Aarhus University all rank in the world’s top 150 with particular strength in engineering, life sciences, climate science, business, and social sciences.
English-medium programs. Denmark has one of the highest concentrations of English-taught Master’s programs in Europe, virtually all graduate programs at Danish universities are available in English.
Sustainability leadership. Denmark is a global leader in wind energy, sustainable architecture, environmental engineering, and climate policy, making it particularly strong for students in these fields.
Post-study work. International graduates in Denmark can apply for a job-seeking stay of up to 12 months after graduation.
Quality of life. Denmark consistently ranks among the world’s happiest countries with exceptional work-life balance, safety, and public services.
Top Scholarships to Study in Denmark for Free 2026
1. Danish Government Scholarships (CIRIUS / IFU) 🇩🇰
The Danish Government Scholarships are administered by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, offering funding for international students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition waiver at the host Danish university
- Monthly living allowance DKK 6,000–8,000 (~$850–$1,140 USD)
- Some programs include housing
Eligibility:
- Citizens of countries outside EU/EEA
- Applying for Master’s or PhD programs at Danish universities
- Strong academic record
- IELTS 6.5 minimum for English-medium programs
How to Access: Danish Government Scholarships are administered through individual Danish universities not through a central government portal. Apply for admission at your target university and indicate scholarship interest. Each university distributes government scholarship funds to their top international applicants.
Deadline: Varies by university — typically January–March 2027
2. DTU (Technical University of Denmark) Scholarships 🇩🇰
DTU — consistently ranked Europe’s top 10 for engineering and technology, offers several scholarships for outstanding international students.
President’s Graduate Scholarship:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend ~DKK 15,000 (~$2,100 USD) for PhD students
- For outstanding international PhD applicants
DTU Master’s Scholarships:
- Partial to full tuition waivers for exceptional international Master’s applicants
- Available in engineering, computer science, environmental sciences, and life sciences
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA citizens
- Outstanding academic record — top 10% of graduating class
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 88
Strongest Programs at DTU: Wind energy engineering, sustainable energy, civil engineering, computer science, biotechnology, environmental engineering, and food science.
Deadline: January–February 2027
3. University of Copenhagen Scholarships 🇩🇰
The University of Copenhagen — Scandinavia’s largest research university, offers scholarships for exceptional international Master’s and PhD students.
UCPH Excellence Programme:
- Full tuition reduction or waiver
- Available across most faculties
UCPH PhD Scholarships:
- Full tuition + monthly stipend ~DKK 30,000 (~$4,300 USD) — among Europe’s highest PhD stipends
- Funded through faculty research grants
- Contact supervisors directly
Strongest Programs at UCPH: Medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, law, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and climate research.
Deadline: January–March 2027
4. Erasmus Mundus Programs at Danish Universities 🇪🇺
Several Erasmus Mundus programs include Danish universities, particularly DTU, as lead or partner institutions.
Erasmus Programs With Danish Partners:
- EMJMD in Sustainable Energy (SELECT+) — DTU as partner
- EMJMD in Security and Cloud Computing (SECCLO) — DTU partner
- EMJMD in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) — Danish partner
- EMJMD in Nordic Master in Maritime Engineering — DTU lead
- EMJMD in Food Safety — Danish university partner
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition at 2–3 European universities
- Monthly allowance €1,400
- Travel allowance €1,000
- Health insurance
Deadline: January–March 2026
👉 Read our Erasmus Mundus 2026 Guide
5. Aarhus University Scholarships 🇩🇰
Aarhus University — Denmark’s second-largest university, strong in business, sciences, and humanities offers the Aarhus University Scholarship for outstanding international students.
What’s Covered:
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Available for Master’s and PhD
Strongest Programs: Business and economics, IT, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Deadline: February 2027
6. Copenhagen Business School (CBS) Scholarships 🇩🇰
CBS is one of Europe’s largest business schools and offers scholarships specifically for international Master’s students.
CBS Scholarship:
- 50%–100% tuition reduction for outstanding international applicants
- Available for MBA and MSc programs
Strongest Programs: International business, finance, economics, management, and digital innovation.
Deadline: January–March 2027
7. Novo Nordisk Foundation Scholarships 🇩🇰
The Novo Nordisk Foundation one of the world’s largest charitable foundations funds PhD and postdoctoral research in life sciences, health sciences, and sustainability at Danish institutions.
What’s Covered:
- Full PhD funding including tuition, salary (~DKK 30,000+/month), and research expenses
- Some programs include international mobility funding
Eligibility:
- PhD and postdoctoral applicants in life sciences and health
- Research connected to Novo Nordisk Foundation’s priority areas
- Based at a Danish university or research institution
How to Access: Search for Novo Nordisk Foundation-funded positions at Danish universities on novonordiskfonden.dk and individual university job boards.
8. Aalborg University (AAU) Scholarships 🇩🇰
Aalborg University uses a unique Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach and is particularly strong in engineering, IT, and architecture. Offers scholarships for international students.
AAU International Scholarship:
- Tuition reduction for non-EU international students
- Merit-based
Strongest Programs: Engineering, architecture, IT, business, social sciences, and education.
Deadline: February 2027
Danish University Tuition Fees
| University | International Tuition (approx) |
|---|---|
| DTU | DKK 90,000–120,000/year (~$13,000–$17,000) |
| University of Copenhagen | DKK 60,000–120,000/year |
| Aarhus University | DKK 60,000–110,000/year |
| Copenhagen Business School | DKK 75,000–115,000/year |
| Aalborg University | DKK 55,000–100,000/year |
PhD programs at Danish universities are generally fully funded, Danish PhD students receive a salary, not just a stipend.
How to Apply for Danish Scholarships — Step by Step
1: Choose target university and program Go to opendoor.dk — Denmark’s central international student portal listing all English-taught programs at Danish universities.
2: Apply for admission Apply directly through the university’s online application portal. Application deadlines typically January–March for September entry.
3: Indicate scholarship interest Most Danish universities ask about scholarship interest during the admission application. Tick the scholarship consideration option.
4: Contact PhD supervisors (research programs) For PhD programs — contact potential supervisors at Danish universities. Danish academics are generally responsive and collaborative. PhD funding in Denmark comes primarily through supervisor grants.
5: Apply for Erasmus Mundus if applicable If your field has an Erasmus Mundus program with a Danish partner, apply separately through the consortium portal.
IELTS Requirements
| University | Minimum IELTS |
|---|---|
| DTU | 6.5 |
| University of Copenhagen | 6.5 |
| Aarhus University | 6.5 |
| CBS | 6.5–7.0 |
| Aalborg University | 6.0–6.5 |
| Erasmus (Denmark) | 6.5 |
📖 Use our Free IELTS & TOEFL Practice Tests
Free Tools for Your Danish Scholarship Application
- 📄 Free SOP Generator
- 💌 Free Motivation Letter Generator
- 🔬 Free Research Proposal Generator
- 📑 Free CV Builder
- 📜 Free Reference Letter Generator
- 📖 Free IELTS & TOEFL Practice
FAQ — Study in Denmark Free 2026
Q: Can international students study in Denmark for free?
PhD programs at Danish universities are fully funded by default, Danish PhD students receive a salary. Master’s study can be free through Danish Government Scholarships and university awards. Erasmus Mundus provides full funding for eligible programs.
Q: What is DTU scholarship for international students?
DTU President’s Graduate Scholarship funds outstanding international PhD students, full tuition + ~DKK 15,000/month stipend. Master’s scholarships include tuition waivers for top applicants.
Q: Do I need IELTS to study in Denmark?
Yes, most Danish universities require IELTS 6.5 minimum.
Q: Can I work in Denmark after studying?
Yes, 12-month job-seeking stay permit available after graduation. Denmark’s tech and clean energy sectors actively recruit international graduates.
Q: Is Denmark good for engineering scholarships?
Excellent, DTU is one of Europe’s top engineering universities, particularly strong in wind energy, sustainable engineering, and computer science.