Denmark is generally considered to be a happy and charming place with unique cultural characteristics. In the 2026 World Happiness Report, Denmark ranked among the top three 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 has a strong higher education system, 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 in Denmark. However, the opportunities that come with studying in top institutions like the University of Copenhagen or the Royal Danish Academy of Music can make the journey worthwhile. To help you navigate the financial burden of studying in Denmark as an international student, check out the affordable schools in Denmark below 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 | From EUR 10,800/year | From EUR 10,800/year | Varies by funding model |
| Aalborg University | From approx. EUR 7,450/year | From EUR 7,450/year | Varies by funding model |
| University of Copenhagen | Program-specific | Program-specific | Varies by faculty/funding |
| Roskilde University | From EUR 10,000/year | From EUR 10,000/year | Varies by funding model |
| Technical University of Denmark | EUR 15,000/year | EUR 15,000/year | Varies by funding model |
| Royal Danish Academy of Music | From EUR 11,500/year | From EUR 11,700/year | Varies by program |
| IT University of Copenhagen | EUR 16,500/year | EUR 16,500/year | Varies by enrolment/funding |
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. For incoming students from the September 2026 intake, SDU lists annual tuition from EUR 10,800 for Humanities, while other faculties and some IT programs charge higher annual rates. The Danish Government Scholarship is available for selected SDU engineering master’s programs and selected bachelor’s programs at Vejle; it may provide a full or partial tuition fee waiver, depending on the award.
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 architecture and colorful street art. International students will find this university attractive thanks to its diverse student population and several English-taught master’s programs, such as the Master’s degree in Computer Science and the Master’s in Sustainable Cities. For 2026, the lowest listed bachelor’s annual fee is DKK 55,600, while the lowest listed master’s fee is EUR 3,725 per semester, or EUR 7,450 per year, for selected programs. Aalborg University does not list bachelor’s scholarships, but it automatically considers eligible non-EU/EEA master’s applicants for a limited number of master’s scholarships.
3. University of Copenhagen
University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is Denmark’s oldest university, with a rich history dating back to 1479. It is one of Denmark’s leading institutions of higher education and is consistently among the country’s highest-ranked universities. Non-EU/EEA master’s applicants pay program-specific tuition fees and an application deposit, while eligible non-EU/EEA master’s applicants are automatically considered for Danish Government Scholarships. Because fees vary by program, students should use UCPH’s official tuition fee page for the exact current amount.
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 remains a relatively affordable Danish option. Bachelor’s and master’s tuition for non-EU/EEA students starts at EUR 10,000 per year for selected programs. Master’s scholarships for the September 2026 intake are limited to selected programs, such as Media and Communication, Environmental Science, Nordic Urban Planning Studies, and Computer Science, and they can include a tuition fee waiver and DKK 7,800 per month for living costs. PhD funding depends on the doctoral school and funding model.
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 is recognized internationally as a leading university in technical and natural sciences and is known for its contributions to technology and innovation.
For paying students, DTU lists EUR 7,500 per semester, or EUR 15,000 per year, for MSc studies, while the BSc in General Engineering also uses EUR 7,500 per semester after the application fee arrangement. For MSc students, DTU has a very limited number of tuition fee waivers for new non-EU/EEA applicants applying for the Autumn intake; the waiver covers tuition for two years.
6. Royal Danish Academy of Music
The Royal Danish Academy of Music (Det Kongelige Danske Musikkonservatorium, RDAM) is one of Denmark’s premier institutions for music education and one of the country’s oldest professional institutions for musical education. Founded in 1867, RDAM is located in Copenhagen and has a longstanding reputation for classical and contemporary music education, performance, and research.
International non-EU/EEA students can apply to undergraduate and graduate programs. For 2026–2027, listed annual fees include Piano at EUR 11,500, Tonmeister/Sound Engineer at EUR 11,700, Orchestral Instrument at EUR 13,400, and Church Music at EUR 14,000.
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 to bachelor’s students. However, every year, ITU offers state scholarships to three or four exceptional non-EU/EEA MSc applicants; the scholarship includes free tuition and partial coverage of living expenses.
For applicants admitted in 2026, tuition is EUR 8,250 per semester for both bachelor’s and master’s programs, equal to EUR 16,500 per academic year. ITU’s PhD program normally consists of three or four years and uses employed PhD and industrial PhD enrolment/funding routes, so prospective PhD students should check the specific position or enrolment type before budgeting.
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, degree levels, and academic programs. For example, the University of Southern Denmark offers Danish Government Scholarships for selected programs, while Roskilde University offers tuition fee waivers and scholarships for selected master’s programs. Aalborg University also automatically considers eligible non-EU/EEA master’s applicants for a limited number of master’s scholarships.
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 PhD 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, the Royal Danish Academy of Music lists study programs in English, and Aalborg University offers several English-taught programs at the master’s level, such as the Master’s Degree in Computer Science.
To be eligible for English-taught programs, international students are typically required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Study in Denmark states that applicants to English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs must generally prove English proficiency comparable to Danish English B, while some programs require English A.
For those looking to study abroad, Denmark stands out as a destination that combines educational excellence with a balanced, rewarding lifestyle. The affordable universities above show that Denmark offers several study options for international students, although tuition can vary significantly by program, intake, citizenship status, and funding availability. From the University of Southern Denmark to the Royal Danish Academy of Music, students can explore quality education in Denmark while comparing official tuition rates and scholarship opportunities before applying.
We hope that this article on cheap universities in Denmark was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Denmark and Available Programs in Europe to know more!
