How to Secure a Scholarship for Studies in Denmark
Types of Scholarships Available
1. Danish Government Scholarships
- Target Group: Mainly aimed at highly qualified non-EU/EEA students enrolling in full-degree higher education programmes.
- Administration: Scholarships are managed by Danish universities that select recipients based on academic merit and eligibility criteria.
- Benefits: Scholarships may consist of full or partial tuition fee waivers and/or grants to assist with living costs.
2. University-Specific Scholarships
- Overview: Many Danish universities provide their own scholarships for international students, often based on academic excellence.
- Notable Examples: The University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University have competitive programs that may cover tuition and/or living expenses for eligible non-EU/EEA students.
3. EU Programmes (e.g., Erasmus+, Erasmus Mundus, Nordplus)
- Target Group: Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland can benefit from mobility and exchange scholarships such as Erasmus+ and Nordplus.
- Erasmus Mundus: This program offers generous scholarships for select master’s programmes conducted in collaboration with Danish institutions.
4. The Danish State Educational Support (SU)
- Eligibility: Primarily intended for Danish residents; however, international students may apply for equal status under specific conditions, such as holding EU/EEA citizenship and working in Denmark during their studies.
Scholarship Eligibility: Key Criteria
- Citizenship: Most government scholarships target non-EU/EEA citizens, while certain EU programs are exclusively for EU/EEA students.
- Academic Excellence: Scholarships are awarded based on prior academic performance, relevance of previous studies, motivation, and references.
- Admission to a Degree Programme: Applicants must have been conditionally or fully admitted to an eligible Danish higher education programme to be considered for a scholarship.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English (or Danish, if the program is in Danish) must be documented through standardized tests or prior qualifications.
- Other Requirements: Application materials often include motivation letters, CVs, recommendation letters, and sometimes an interview.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Identify Opportunities | Research and shortlist scholarships that align with your academic background and study objectives. |
| Check Eligibility | Review eligibility requirements carefully for each scholarship and your chosen programme. |
| Prepare Documents | Gather essential documents such as transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendations, and proof of language proficiency. |
| Apply for Admission | Submit your application for a degree programme at a Danish university prior to scholarship applications. |
| Submit Scholarship Application | Follow specific instructions provided by the university or programme for the scholarship application. |
| Track and Respond | Monitor your email and applicant portal for updates regarding interviews and final selection outcomes. |
Note: Most scholarships require applicants to be admitted or conditionally admitted to a Danish university before consideration. Application processes and deadlines vary, so it’s crucial to consult the specific requirements outlined by your chosen institution.
Scholarship Selection Criteria
- Academic Performance: 30%
- Relevance of Academic Background: 25%
- Motivation: 20%
- References: 15%
- Language Proficiency: 10%
Additionally, some scholarships may include an interview in the selection process.
Popular Scholarship Programmes in Denmark
| Scholarship Programme | Target Group | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Danish Government Scholarships | Non-EU/EEA full-degree students | Tuition waivers and living cost grants; competitive |
| Erasmus/Erasmus Mundus | EU/EEA & international students in joint programmes | Tuition/living grants for joint or double degrees |
| Nordplus | Students at Nordic/Baltic institutions | Exchange mobility between Nordic and Baltic countries |
| University Scholarships | Non-EU/EEA students (vary by university) | Merit-based; may include tuition waivers and other grants |
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
- Start Early: Begin your scholarship research and document preparation well before application deadlines.
- Tailor Your Application: Craft a compelling motivation letter and ensure all submitted documents are relevant and complete.
- Understand Requirements: Each university or scholarship may have specific guidelines—it’s essential to read and follow these instructions carefully.
- Meet Academic and Language Standards: Fulfill all academic and language criteria, as these are mandatory for eligibility.
Summary
Denmark’s academic framework offers numerous scholarship opportunities for international students, particularly for those coming from non-EU/EEA countries. Successfully securing a scholarship requires diligent research, adherence to academic and language requirements, admission to applicable programs, and submission of a comprehensive application. The Study in Denmark platform serves as a valuable resource for detailed, up-to-date information and guidance throughout this process.
Take the Next Step with Study in Denmark
If you are an agency or education professional looking to support students in navigating scholarship opportunities, or if you want to explore potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities, please contact us. Let’s work together to pave the way for international students to study in Denmark successfully.
