Denmark is an attractive study destination for international students due to its high-quality education, innovative research opportunities, and global recognition. However, studying abroad can be costly, and many international students look for scholarships to support their studies. Denmark offers various scholarship opportunities for international students, ranging from government-funded scholarships to university-specific programs. This article explores the different types of scholarships available in Denmark and how international students can benefit from them.
1. Government-Funded Scholarships
The Danish government provides several scholarships to non-EU/EEA students through various programs. These scholarships aim to support talented and highly motivated international students who wish to pursue higher education in Denmark. The two primary government-funded scholarship programs are:
Danish Government Scholarships under the Cultural Agreements: These scholarships are available to students from specific countries with cultural agreements with Denmark. They are primarily aimed at students in fields such as language and culture studies, but some other fields may also be eligible. The scholarships are typically offered at the master's level or for research-related programs.
Danish Government Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Students: These scholarships are offered to non-EU/EEA students who wish to pursue a full-degree higher education program in Denmark. The scholarship is awarded either as a full or partial tuition waiver, and in some cases, it may include a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. The scholarships are granted by Danish universities, and students need to apply for them directly through the institutions where they intend to study.
Each university sets its own criteria for awarding these scholarships, and competition is typically high. To be eligible, students must demonstrate academic excellence and a strong motivation for their chosen field of study.
2. Erasmus+ Program
The Erasmus+ program is an initiative by the European Union that supports student mobility across Europe. While this program is primarily aimed at students from EU/EEA countries, non-EU students may also be eligible in certain cases, especially if they are enrolled in an Erasmus+ program at their home institution. Through Erasmus+, students can study or do an internship in Denmark as part of their degree.
Erasmus+ provides financial support in the form of scholarships to cover travel and living expenses during the exchange period. This program encourages intercultural learning and provides international students with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in Denmark while benefiting from financial assistance.
3. University-Specific Scholarships
Many Danish universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and may cover partial or full tuition fees. Some of the top universities in Denmark offering scholarships to international students include:
University of Copenhagen: The University of Copenhagen offers the Danish Government Scholarship, which is available to highly qualified international students from non-EU/EEA countries. The scholarship may cover full or partial tuition and may include a living stipend.
Aarhus University: Aarhus University provides the Aarhus University Scholarship for talented international students pursuing a master’s degree in specific fields of study. The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, and they can cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Technical University of Denmark (DTU): DTU offers a range of scholarships for international students in various fields, particularly in science, engineering, and technology programs. Scholarships typically cover tuition fees, and in some cases, a stipend for living expenses is also included.
Roskilde University: Roskilde University offers the Danish State Scholarship, which is available to students from non-EU/EEA countries who demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship covers tuition fees and may include a partial stipend for living expenses.
To apply for university-specific scholarships, students usually need to submit a separate scholarship application along with their degree program application. The specific criteria and deadlines vary by university, so it is important for students to check the individual university websites for detailed information.
4. Nordplus Program
The Nordplus program is another scholarship opportunity for international students studying in Denmark. This program supports student mobility among the Nordic and Baltic countries. It is available to students from Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) as well as the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). The Nordplus program provides financial support for students to study in Denmark as part of an exchange agreement between their home and host institutions.
5. Private Scholarships
In addition to government and university scholarships, there are also private foundations and organizations that offer scholarships to international students in Denmark. Some of these scholarships are field-specific, while others may be available to students from certain countries or regions. For example:
- The Fulbright Program offers scholarships to American students who wish to study or conduct research in Denmark.
- The Danish-American Fulbright Commission provides grants to Danish and American students seeking to study in each other’s countries.
6. How to Apply for Scholarships in Denmark
The application process for scholarships in Denmark varies depending on the type of scholarship and the institution offering it. Generally, students will need to submit the following documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A motivation letter explaining why they deserve the scholarship
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- A completed application form (specific to the scholarship)
It is important to start the scholarship application process early and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
Conclusion
Denmark offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students, including government-funded programs, university-specific scholarships, and private grants. These scholarships make studying in Denmark more affordable for talented students and provide financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and international collaboration, scholarships in Denmark can help international students achieve their educational goals while enjoying the benefits of studying in a high-quality education system
