Study in Denmark: Free Education, Top Universities & Scholarships for EU and International Students

Denmark is one of the few countries in Europe where education is completely free for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens—even at the university level. It’s no wonder thousands of young people across Europe choose Denmark as their destination for high-quality, affordable education and free university education in Denmark.

If you’re from the EU, you can study in Denmark without paying tuition fees, and even receive a monthly scholarship of up to €600 through the SU grant system—EU student grants in Denmark—if you’re working part-time in Denmark as a student (10–12 hours/week).

Non-EU students, however, usually pay tuition fees ranging from €6,000 to €16,000 per year—non-EU tuition fees in Denmark—depending on the program and university. Non-EU students also need to apply for a Denmark student residence permit and obtain a student visa for Denmark.

Top Danish Universities for International Students

Denmark is home to some of the highest-ranked universities in the world. These institutions offer a wide range of Bachelor’s (BA) and Master’s (MA) programs—many of which are taught in English. These are some of the leading Danish universities for international students:

University of Copenhagen (KU)

Denmark’s largest and oldest university, strong in humanities, health, sciences, and social sciences

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

One of Europe’s best technical universities—ideal for engineering, robotics, IT, and sustainability

Aarhus University (AU)

Renowned for business, education, health, and research

Aalborg University (AAU)

Famous for its problem-based learning model—great for engineering, IT, and architecture

University of Southern Denmark (SDU)

Offers programs in robotics, health tech, and social sciences

Copenhagen Business School (CBS)

Specializes in Business, Administration, Economics, Marketing, Management, and International Trade

All of these universities offer English-taught programs—especially at the graduate level—making Denmark a top destination for international students.

Denmark is home to over 30,000 international students, most of whom come from Europe, Asia, and North America. EU/EEA students pay no tuition fees and receive Denmark scholarships for EU students through the SU system. Non-EU students pay tuition fees and must apply for a Denmark student residence permit before arriving.

Most students live in student housing in Denmark such as dorms or shared apartments
Working part-time in Denmark as a student (up to 20 hours/week) is common and legal for internationals

How to Apply to Universities in Denmark

Want to know how to apply to universities in Denmark?

EU/EEA students apply via the platform www.optagelse.dk for BA and MA programs.
You’ll need to upload:
- Proof of secondary or upper-secondary education
- English language test (IELTS, TOEFL) or proof of English-taught schooling
- Passport, motivation letter, and possibly a portfolio
Non-EU students apply directly through university websites. You will need to pay the application fee, provide proof of insurance, and apply separately for a student visa for Denmark and a Denmark student residence permit.

Student Visa and Residence Permit for Denmark

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don’t need a student visa for Denmark. They just need to apply for a CPR number (civil registration number) after arrival. Proof of enrollment at a Danish university and sufficient funds or a part-time job are required—especially if staying more than 3 months.

Non-EU students, however, must apply for a student residence permit in Denmark before arriving. You’ll need:

Admission letter from a recognized university
Valid passport and passport photos
Proof of finances (approx. DKK 6,500/month or 75,000 DKK/year)
Health insurance (private coverage required)

The processing time for the student residence permit is typically 2–3 months. You apply online through the Danish Immigration Service, create an account, upload your documents, and follow the process step by step. You may be invited for an interview, though this is not always required.

Once approved, your student visa for Denmark will cover the full duration of your study program.

Why Choose Denmark?

Denmark offers a unique combination of free university education, top-ranked universities, and generous EU student grants in Denmark. Whether you’re interested in engineering, IT, health, humanities, or business, you’ll find high-quality programs with a practical focus and strong industry links.

For EU students, it’s not just free—you may also get paid to study!

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.

At Clever Immigrant, we guide students step-by-step through:

How to apply to universities in Denmark
Checking your Denmark scholarship eligibility
Applying for a Denmark student residence permit
Finding student housing in Denmark
Navigating life, work, and study as a newcomer

👉 Want to learn more about studying in Denmark? Check out our immigration guide: Study in Denmark

👉 Want to download our mini-guide? Get Start Smart in Denmark (Free Download)

👉 Looking for student housing in Denmark? Visit our Housing in Denmark section

❓ Have more questions? Browse our FAQ for Students & Workers in Denmark

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