Denmark is generally considered to be a happy and charming place with unique cultural characteristics. In fact, the country consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world thanks to factors like strong social safety nets, high quality of life, work-life balance, and trust in government and society. Additionally, the country boasts one of the best higher education systems, making it one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking high-quality education in Europe.
We agree that higher education can be quite expensive for international students globally, including Denmark. However, the opportunities that come with studying in top institutions like the University of Copenhagen or the Royal Danish Academy of Music make the journey worthwhile. To help you navigate the financial burden of studying in Denmark as an international student, check out the below affordable schools in Denmark to explore your study options.
Affordable Universities in Denmark for International Students
| UNIVERSITY NAME |
BACHELOR’S TUITION |
MASTER’S TUITION |
PhD TUITION |
| University of Southern Denmark |
EUR 6,500 |
EUR 6,200 |
No Tuition |
| Aalborg University |
EUR 7,160 |
EUR 3,582 |
|
| University of Copenhagen |
EUR 10,000 |
EUR 7,134 |
No Tuition |
| Roskilde University |
EUR 8,900 |
EUR 8,900 |
No Tuition |
| Technical University of Denmark |
EUR 15,000 |
EUR 15,000 |
|
| Royal Danish Academy of Music |
EUR 10,400 |
EUR 10,400 |
|
| IT University of Copenhagen |
EUR 13,408 |
EUR 13,408 |
EUR 1,039 |
1. University of Southern Denmark
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is one of Denmark’s leading universities, located in several cities across southern Denmark, with the main campus in Odense. It is one of the most affordable universities in Denmark with tuition fees as low as EUR 6,500 per year for undergraduate international students. Additionally, international students enrolled in the Master’s program in Robot systems receive a full tuition fee waiver.
2. Aalborg University
Another affordable university for international students in Denmark is Aalborg University. Established in 1974, the university is located in Aalborg, a vibrant city in northern Denmark known for its iconic architectural buildings and colorful street art. International students will find this university ideal thanks to a diverse student population and several English-taught programs, like the Master’s degree in Computer Science and the Master’s in Sustainable Cities.
3. University of Copenhagen
University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with a rich history dating back to 1479. It is Denmark’s leading institution of higher education and one of the top-ranked universities in the world. This success is evident with several notable alumni like the renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe and Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, a very prominent political figure in Denmark.
4. Roskilde University
Roskilde University (RUC) is a unique and innovative public university located in Roskilde, Denmark, just a short distance from the capital city of Copenhagen. International students studying at Roskilde can easily get to Copenhagen by public transport, providing easy access to the capital’s many cultural, social, and professional opportunities.
Roskilde University is ideal for international students looking for cheap tuition fees in Denmark, with annual tuition costs going as low as EUR 8,900. Additionally, international Ph.D. students get to study for free through the several financial aid opportunities offered by the university.
5. Technical University of Denmark
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is one of Denmark’s leading higher education institutions, renowned for its excellence in engineering, technology, and natural sciences. DTU also has several research centers and laboratories, including DTU Nanotech, DTU Wind Energy, and DTU Health Tech, internationally recognized for their contributions to technology and innovation.
While the university does not offer scholarships for international undergraduate students, they offer tuition fee waivers to students who demonstrate excellent academic performance. The waiver covers a period of two years.
6. Royal Danish Academy of Music
The Royal Danish Academy of Music (Det Kongelige Danske Musikkonservatorium, RDAM) is Denmark’s premier institution for music education and one of the oldest and most prestigious music conservatories in Europe. Founded in 1867, RDAM is located in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, and has a longstanding reputation for excellence in classical and contemporary music education, performance, and research.
International students can apply for a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with some of the cheapest programs being Sound Engineering, Accordion, and Church Music.
7. IT University of Copenhagen
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) stands tall when it comes to innovation in the field of Information Technology (IT). The university does not offer scholarships for undergraduate students, however, a few international master’s students get a scholarship that covers tuition fees and part of their living expenses.
Additionally, Ph.D. students get a tuition-free fee stipend to take care of expenses like supervision, computer, and administration. In case you want to do your research abroad, the university will also take care of your travel and accommodation.
FAQs: Studying in Denmark
Do Cheap Universities in Denmark Offer Scholarships to International Students?
Yes, cheap universities in Denmark do offer scholarships to international students, although the availability and eligibility criteria for scholarships can vary significantly between institutions and academic programs. For example, the University of Southern Denmark offers scholarships to international students enrolled in the Master’s program in Robot Systems. Additionally, Roskilde University offers several funding models for its Ph.D. students including university scholarships, collaboration with external funders, and industrial PhD support from Innovation Fund Denmark.
Do Universities in Denmark Offer English-taught Programs?
Yes, several universities in Denmark offer a wide range of English-taught programs, particularly at the master’s and Ph.D. levels, and to some extent at the bachelor’s level. This makes Denmark an attractive destination for international students who may not be fluent in Danish but still want to pursue higher education in the country. For example, All programs except the Music Teacher Program at the Royal Danish Academy of Music are taught in English. Additionally, Aalborg University offers several English-taught programs at the master’s level, like the Master’s Degree in Computer Science.
To be eligible for English-taught programs, international students are typically required to demonstrate proficiency in English. This may be through standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS, or previous education conducted in English.
For those looking to study abroad, Denmark stands out as a destination that combines educational excellence with a balanced, rewarding lifestyle. The above affordable universities are a testament to Denmark’s efforts to offer quality and affordable education to international students globally. From the University of Southern Denmark to the Royal Danish Academy of Music, you can get the best education affordably, thanks to the low tuition fee rates and the various scholarships available for international students.
We hope that this article on the cheap universities in Denmark was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Denmark and Programs in Europe to know more!
