Study in Denmark for Indian Students

Why Study in Denmark?

• Project-based, industry-linked learning: Danish Master's programmes use group projects and problem-based learning, often with company collaboration and thesis projects in industry.
• Renewable energy and life sciences: Denmark is known for wind energy, green technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and shipping, which shape many programmes.
• Three years to find work: Graduates of state-approved Master's programmes normally get a three-year job-seeking permit with the right to work.
• Work while you study: Students can work 90 hours a month during the academic year and full time in June, July and August.
• English everywhere: Programmes are taught fully in English and English is widely spoken, although basic Danish helps with jobs and daily life.

Masters in Denmark for Indian Students

A Master's degree (kandidat) in Denmark usually takes two years (120 ECTS credits) and ends with a thesis, often written in collaboration with a company. Teaching mixes lectures with group projects, and students are expected to work independently.

You apply directly to each university, usually through its online portal. Admission depends on how closely your bachelor's degree matches the programme's academic requirements, including specific courses or credits, rather than on grades alone. Some universities charge non-EU/EEA applicants an application fee, for example €100 at DTU.

The GRE is not usually required. English is commonly shown with IELTS Academic (often 6.5 overall) or TOEFL iBT, and requirements vary by university.

• Typical duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
• Main intakes: September; some programmes start in February
• English tests: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or accepted equivalents
• GRE / GMAT: Not usually required
• Residence permit funds: DKK 7,426 per month (2026 level)
• Work after study: 3-year job-seeking permit (state-approved programmes)

Popular Master's programmes in Denmark

• MSc Computer Science / Software Engineering
• MSc Data Science / Business Analytics
• MSc Wind Energy / Sustainable Energy
• MSc Electrical Engineering
• MSc Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Biotechnology
• MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences
• MSc Environmental Engineering
• MSc in Economics and Business Administration
• MSc Architecture / Design

Best Universities in Denmark for International Students

Denmark has eight universities plus business academies and university colleges. The universities below are among those Indian students commonly consider for Master's study.

Tuition fees, application fees and deadlines differ between universities and programmes.

• Technical University of Denmark (DTU) (Kongens Lyngby (Copenhagen area)): Engineering, wind energy, computer science, biotechnology
• University of Copenhagen (Copenhagen): Life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, computer science
• Aarhus University (Aarhus): Engineering, computer science, business, agriculture
• Copenhagen Business School (CBS) (Frederiksberg (Copenhagen)): Business, economics, finance, management
• Aalborg University (Aalborg / Copenhagen / Esbjerg): Problem-based engineering, energy, IT
• University of Southern Denmark (SDU) (Odense): Robotics, engineering, health sciences
• IT University of Copenhagen (Copenhagen): Software, data science, digital design
• Roskilde University (Roskilde): Social sciences, environmental studies

Popular Courses to Study in Denmark

• Renewable & Sustainable Energy: Wind energy, energy systems and sustainable energy engineering, a Danish speciality.
• Computer Science & Data Science: Software, AI, data science and cybersecurity programmes at DTU, Copenhagen, Aarhus and ITU.
• Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, robotics and environmental engineering with industry projects.
• Pharmaceutical Sciences & Biotechnology: Programmes linked to Denmark's pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
• Business & Economics: Business administration, finance and management, especially at CBS and Aarhus.
• Architecture & Design: Design-led programmes drawing on Denmark's design tradition.

Cost of Studying in Denmark

Non-EU/EEA students pay tuition at Danish universities. Figures below are approximate; each programme page lists the exact fee.

Copenhagen is the most expensive city; Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg are usually cheaper. Budget extra for the housing deposit in your first month.

Tuition fees in Denmark

• Master's — most programmes: approx. €6,000 – 16,000 per year (DKK 45,000 – 120,000)
• Application fee (non-EU/EEA): varies by university, e.g. €100 at DTU

Living expenses in Denmark

• Funds required for the residence permit: DKK 7,426 per month (2026 level), up to 12 months (DKK 89,112)
• Accommodation: approx. DKK 4,000 – 6,500 per month (highest in Copenhagen)
• Food, transport and personal: approx. DKK 2,500 – 4,000 per month
• Residence permit fee: DKK 3,060

Eligibility to Study in Denmark

Danish universities set programme-specific requirements. Indian applicants for a Master's in Denmark usually need:

• Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content matches the programme's specific academic requirements.
• Specific courses and credits: Many programmes require minimum credits in subjects such as mathematics, programming or chemistry.
• English proficiency: IELTS Academic (commonly 6.5 overall) or TOEFL iBT; check each programme.
• Motivation letter and CV: Often required to explain your academic fit and goals.
• Application fee: Charged to non-EU/EEA applicants by some universities.
• Grades: Competitive programmes rank applicants on grades and relevant course results.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts (with course descriptions where asked)
• IELTS / TOEFL score report
• Motivation letter and CV
• Proof of application fee payment where required
• Proof of funds for the residence permit
• Proof of tuition payment for the first semester or year

Intakes in Denmark

Most Master's programmes in Denmark start in September, with a smaller February intake:

Deadlines differ between universities, and some universities use earlier dates for non-EU/EEA applicants. Apply early to leave time for the residence permit.

• September intake: classes start September; apply Many non-EU deadlines fall around 15 January (e.g. DTU, Aarhus)
• February intake: classes start February; apply Selected programmes; e.g. DTU's non-EU deadline for spring 2027 was 15 September 2026

Scholarships in Denmark for Indian Students

Scholarships in Denmark are administered by the universities themselves. Indian students can explore:

• Danish Government Scholarships: Full or partial tuition-fee waivers and/or grants towards living costs, awarded by universities to highly qualified non-EU/EEA students.
• University tuition-fee waivers: DTU and other universities offer tuition waivers for international Master's students under their own rules.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's: EU-funded scholarships for joint programmes that include Danish partner universities.
• Funded PhD positions: Danish PhD students are usually employed on a salary, which suits Master's graduates planning research.

How to Apply to Universities in Denmark

• 1. Choose your programme: Compare two-year Master's programmes and their specific academic requirements.
• 2. Shortlist universities: Consider location, tuition, application fees and deadlines.
• 3. Check eligibility: Match your bachelor's courses and credits against the programme's requirements.
• 4. Take your English test: Take IELTS or TOEFL in time for the deadline.
• 5. Prepare documents: Transcripts, course descriptions, motivation letter and CV.
• 6. Submit applications: Apply on each university's portal and pay any application fee.
• 7. Apply for scholarships: Follow each university's process for tuition waivers and Government Scholarships.
• 8. Accept your offer and pay tuition: Accept your place and pay the first tuition instalment.
• 9. Apply for the residence permit: Complete the online application with your university, pay DKK 3,060 and submit biometrics in India.
• 10. Prepare for travel: Arrange housing early, then get your CPR number and register after arrival.

Denmark Residence Permit for Studies for Indian Students

Indian students admitted to a Danish Master's programme need a residence permit for higher education, processed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). You complete the online application together with your university, pay the DKK 3,060 fee and have your biometrics recorded at the application centre in India.

You must show funds of DKK 7,426 per month (2026 level) for each month of study, documented for at most 12 months (DKK 89,112). The permit usually lasts for the standard length of your programme.

Rights depend on your programme being approved by a state authority. From 2 May 2025, students on programmes that are not state-approved cannot work or get a job-seeking permit, so confirm the programme's status before you apply.

Danish rules change regularly. Check nyidanmark.dk before applying.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport (copies of all pages)
• Letter of admission from a Danish university
• Proof of tuition payment
• Proof of funds (DKK 7,426 per month)
• Processing fee of DKK 3,060
• Biometrics at the application centre in India

Working while studying in Denmark

Students on state-approved programmes may work up to 90 hours a month from September to May and full time in June, July and August.

Working after your studies

Graduates of state-approved Master's programmes normally receive a three-year job-seeking period together with their study permit (if their passport is valid long enough). During it you can look for work and apply for a work permit without limitations.

Living in Denmark as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: Housing is the biggest challenge, especially in Copenhagen; apply for student housing as soon as you are admitted and budget for a deposit.
• Food: Groceries are expensive, so most students cook at home; Indian groceries are available in larger cities.
• Transport: Cycling is the main way to get around, and public transport is reliable.
• Work culture: Denmark has a flat, informal work culture with a strong focus on work-life balance.
• Student support: Universities offer buddy programmes, international offices and help with the CPR number and housing.

Denmark vs Sweden for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering English-taught programmes and project-based learning in Denmark alongside English-taught master's programmes and innovation-focused study in Sweden. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Denmark, start with English-taught programmes and project-based learning; for Sweden, compare English-taught master's programmes and innovation-focused study. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's — most programmes: approx. €6,000 – 16,000 per year (DKK 45,000 – 120,000); Application fee (non-EU/EEA): varies by university, e.g. €100 at DTU

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. DKK 4,000 – 6,500 per month (highest in Copenhagen); Food, transport and personal: approx. DKK 2,500 – 4,000 per month; Residence permit fee: DKK 3,060

Typical Master's duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or accepted equivalents English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Danish Government Scholarships; University tuition-fee waivers Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content matches the programme's specific academic requirements.; Grades: Competitive programmes rank applicants on grades and relevant course results.

Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September; apply Many non-EU deadlines fall around 15 January (e.g. DTU, Aarhus); February intake: starts February; apply Selected programmes; e.g. DTU's non-EU deadline for spring 2027 was 15 September 2026

Student visa: Denmark Residence Permit for Studies for Indian Students. Valid passport (copies of all pages); Letter of admission from a Danish university

Post-study graduate route: Graduates of state-approved Master's programmes normally receive a three-year job-seeking period together with their study permit (if their passport is valid long enough). During it you can look for work and apply for a work permit without limitations.

Sweden — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's — humanities and social sciences: approx. SEK 80,000 – 130,000 per year; Master's — engineering, technology and sciences: approx. SEK 120,000 – 200,000 per year

Sweden — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. SEK 4,000 – 7,500 per month (highest in Stockholm); Food, transport and personal: approx. SEK 3,500 – 5,000 per month; Residence permit fee: SEK 1,500 for an adult applicant

Sweden — Typical Master's duration: 1 year (60 credits) or 2 years (120 credits)

Sweden — English-taught study and language: English 6 — IELTS Academic 6.5, no section below 5.5 English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Sweden — Funding routes (not guaranteed): KTH India Scholarship; Lund University Global Scholarship Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Sweden — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree of at least three years (180 credits equivalent) from a recognised university.

Sweden — Intakes and planning: Autumn intake (first round): starts Late August; apply 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 for autumn 2027; fee and documents by 1 Feb 2027; Autumn intake (second round): starts Late August; apply Opens 15 Mar 2027, closes 15 Apr 2027 — usually too late for a non-EU residence permit

Sweden — Student visa: Sweden Residence Permit for Studies for Indian Students. Valid passport; Notification of final admission to full-time study

Sweden — Post-study graduate route: After completing your whole Master's programme, you can apply for a residence permit of up to one year to look for work or start a business in Sweden. You must apply before your study permit expires.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Denmark

Is Denmark good for Indian students?

Yes. Denmark offers English-taught, project-based Master's programmes, strength in energy, engineering and life sciences, work rights of 90 hours a month and a three-year job-seeking period after graduation.

How much does it cost to study in Denmark?

Tuition is roughly €6,000–16,000 per year for non-EU/EEA students. For the residence permit you must also show DKK 7,426 per month (2026 level), and Copenhagen rents are high.

What are the fees for a Master's in Denmark?

Most Master's programmes cost about €6,000–16,000 (DKK 45,000–120,000) per year. Some universities also charge non-EU/EEA applicants an application fee.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Denmark?

A relevant bachelor's degree that meets the programme's specific course and credit requirements, English proficiency such as IELTS 6.5, and often a motivation letter.

What are the intakes in Denmark?

The main intake is September, with deadlines often around 15 January for non-EU applicants. Some programmes also start in February.

Can I work while studying in Denmark?

Yes. Students on state-approved programmes can work 90 hours a month from September to May and full time in June, July and August.

How much money do I need for a Denmark student residence permit?

You must show DKK 7,426 per month (2026 level) for each month of study, up to 12 months (DKK 89,112). The processing fee is DKK 3,060.

Can I stay in Denmark after my Master's?

Yes. Graduates of state-approved programmes normally get a three-year job-seeking period, during which they can apply for a work permit without limitations.

Is education free in Denmark for Indian students?

No. Higher education is free only for EU/EEA and Swiss students. Indian students pay tuition unless they receive a scholarship or tuition waiver.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in Denmark?

Yes. Universities award Danish Government Scholarships and their own tuition waivers to highly qualified non-EU/EEA students, and Erasmus Mundus programmes offer further funding.