Are you planning to study in Denmark? As an international student, it is essential to understand the costs involved before making the move. Denmark is known for its high-quality education, but tuition for non-EU/EEA students can vary widely depending on the university and program. Living expenses in cities such as Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense also add to the overall cost, with housing, transportation, and food among the main expenses. Careful budgeting is therefore important for a smooth study experience.
Let’s break down the cost of studying and living in Denmark so that you can prepare for what is ahead.
Costs of Studying in Denmark
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Academic costs for international students in Denmark vary by university and program. Official national guidance gives a general annual tuition range of €6,000 to €16,000 for full-degree students who are required to pay tuition, although current university fee schedules show that some programs charge more than this range. Full-degree students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland generally do not pay tuition at Danish public universities. Students studying in Denmark through an exchange agreement also normally do not pay tuition to the Danish host institution. For example, Aalborg University does not charge tuition to EU/EEA citizens or exchange students from partner universities.
| DANISH INSTITUTION | NON-EU/EEA UNDERGRADUATE TUITION | NON-EU/EEA POSTGRADUATE TUITION |
|---|
| Aarhus University | €13,000–€17,300 per academic year for 2026/2027 | €13,000–€17,300 per academic year for 2026/2027 |
| Technical University of Denmark | €7,500 per semester at the currently published rate | €7,500 per semester at the currently published rate; DTU states that the rate is expected to be revised for the Autumn 2026 intake |
| Aalborg University | DKK 55,600–115,700 per academic year in 2026 | Approximately €3,725–€7,745 per semester in 2026, depending on the program |
| University of Southern Denmark | €15,000–€17,300 per academic year for current English-taught programs | €10,800–€17,300 per academic year for students entering from September 2026 |
| Roskilde University | €10,000–€16,000 per academic year for September 2026 entry | €10,000–€16,000 per academic year for September 2026 entry |
Other Academic Costs
In addition to tuition, fee-paying international applicants may have to pay an application fee. At the major Danish universities checked, current fees generally range from €100 to €200, although exemptions and refund rules differ. For example, the University of Copenhagen currently charges eligible non-EU/EEA/Swiss master’s applicants an application deposit fee of DKK 1,120, or approximately €150, for one application round. Applicants should check the fee rules for their university and study level before paying. Denmark’s national student budget also suggests allowing approximately DKK 400–650 per month for books and study supplies.
Health care should also be considered when planning the move. Students who qualify as Danish residents and register for a Civil Personal Registration number, or CPR number, receive a Danish health insurance card that provides access to the national health system. EU/EEA and Swiss students should bring a valid European Health Insurance Card for medically necessary public treatment during a temporary stay or while completing their registration. Non-EU/EEA students are not universally required to pay €300–€600 per year for private health insurance. However, private travel or health insurance is advisable until Danish coverage begins and for services that are not fully covered, such as most adult dental care.
Costs of Living in Denmark
1. Copenhagen
Living in Copenhagen requires careful budgeting, particularly because housing can account for a large share of a student’s expenses. The University of Copenhagen currently estimates total monthly living costs at approximately €1,280–€1,800, depending on housing costs and personal lifestyle. This estimate includes expenses such as rent and utilities, internet and phone service, food and household supplies, local transportation, books, and leisure activities. Students should begin searching for accommodation early and consider dormitories, rented rooms, shared apartments, and sublets.
2. Aarhus
Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city and has a large student population. Aarhus University’s current model budget estimates that a student may spend approximately €1,000 per month. The example allocates about €475 for rent, €300 for food and utilities, €45 for phone and internet service, €30 for local transportation, €25 for books and study supplies, and €100 for additional expenses. Actual costs will depend on the student’s accommodation, lifestyle, and travel habits. Because student housing can be competitive, it is advisable to begin the search as early as possible.
3. Odense
Odense is home to the University of Southern Denmark. A current student budget example published by the university lists DKK 3,800 per month for rent, plus DKK 30–60 for laundry; DKK 1,400–1,800 for food; DKK 79 for phone and internet service; DKK 60 for books; DKK 819 for social activities and a university gym membership; and DKK 60 for transportation by bicycle. These items add up to approximately DKK 6,250–6,650 per month, although individual spending may be higher or lower. Students can reduce expenses by cooking at home, using university libraries, purchasing secondhand materials, and cycling when practical.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Denmark
Scholarships for International Students
International students may reduce their academic costs by obtaining a scholarship or tuition waiver. However, university-administered awards are limited and competitive. Many are intended primarily for highly qualified, tuition-paying students from outside the EU/EEA, particularly those entering eligible master’s programs. Applicants should review the eligibility rules, coverage, and application procedure for each award rather than assuming that admission automatically includes financial support.
| DANISH INSTITUTION | SCHOLARSHIPS |
|---|
| Technical University of Denmark | Tuition Fee Waivers for a very limited number of new non-EU/EEA MSc students applying for the autumn intake. The waiver covers tuition for two years, and applicants must submit a separate personal statement with their admission application. |
| University of Copenhagen | Danish Government Scholarship. Eligible non-EU/EEA applicants admitted to an MA or MSc program are automatically considered. Awards may include a full or partial tuition waiver and, in some cases, a grant toward living expenses. |
| Aalborg University | Danish Government Scholarship for International Students. Eligible non-EU master’s applicants are automatically considered. Aalborg University awards approximately 15 scholarships per year, consisting of a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. The stipend for new students is DKK 11,225 per month for up to four semesters. |
| Aarhus University | Danish State Scholarships. Aarhus University automatically considers eligible tuition-paying applicants from outside the EU/EEA. Depending on the faculty and award, support may consist of a full or partial tuition waiver and may include a monthly grant. |
| University of Southern Denmark | Danish Government Scholarships for highly qualified non-EU/EEA applicants entering selected programs at the university’s Vejle and Sønderborg campuses. Availability and coverage depend on the eligible program. |
Part-time Work for International Students
Another way to help manage expenses is to work part-time as an international student. Students from outside the EU/EEA who hold a Danish residence permit for a state-approved higher education program are currently permitted to work for up to 90 hours per month from September through May and full-time during June, July, and August. The right to work must be included in the student’s residence permit, and exceeding the permitted hours can have immigration consequences. EU/EEA and Swiss students may work in Denmark without a separate work permit and are not subject to the 90-hour student limit.
Common student jobs include positions in retail, hospitality, customer service, and university departments. Some students work as baristas, waitstaff, sales associates, or student assistants. For example, Aalborg University provides information for organizations interested in employing students. Students should not assume that a job will be available immediately, particularly when a position requires Danish-language skills.
Studying in Denmark offers access to a strong education system and a distinctive cultural experience, but international students must plan carefully for the financial commitment. Tuition depends on nationality, residence status, university, program, and intake, while living costs vary considerably by city and housing arrangement. Limited scholarships and tuition waivers are available at institutions such as the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Copenhagen, Aalborg University, Aarhus University, and the University of Southern Denmark. Eligible students may also supplement their budgets through part-time work within the limits of their residence and work rights. With realistic planning and a financial buffer, international students can better manage their study-abroad experience in Denmark.
We hope this article provides the information you are looking for. If you are interested, read more articles on our Study in Denmark Page, and browse Available Programs in Europe!
