The Danish Government Scholarship: A Complete Guide

Is the Danish Government Scholarship Open to Indian and UAE-Based Applicants?

Yes, to both. Eligibility is based on citizenship of any country outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, a broad classification with no separate restricted country list, so both Indian and UAE nationals are covered.

What Is the Danish Government Scholarship?

Denmark charges non-EU/EEA students tuition fees typically ranging from €6,000 to €16,000 a year, considerably higher than the EU/EEA rate, which is essentially free. This scholarship exists to offset that gap for outstanding applicants, and comes in two possible forms depending on the specific university's allocation: a full or partial tuition fee waiver, and/or a grant toward living costs. Because it's distributed institution by institution rather than through one central government body, the exact combination and value of benefits genuinely varies depending on which Danish university you apply to.

Who Is Eligible for the Danish Government Scholarship?

According to Denmark's official Study in Denmark guidance:

• A citizen of a country outside the EU, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland
• Enrolled, or applying for enrolment, in a full degree higher education programme, primarily at Master's level, though some universities extend eligibility to Bachelor's or PhD programs
• Eligible for, or already granted, a time-limited Danish residence permit for the purpose of education
• Not seeking admission to an Artistic Higher Education Institution, these are explicitly excluded from the scheme
• Not already holding legal claim to the rights of Danish citizens, and not covered by certain specific family-based residence permit categories under Danish immigration law
• Not otherwise eligible for a grant under the Danish State Educational Support (SU) system, which is generally reserved for Danish residents

What Does the Danish Government Scholarship Cover?

• Because this is administered separately by each university, exact benefits vary, but generally include:
• A full or partial tuition fee waiver, covering the entirety or a portion of your program's duration
• A living cost grant, where offered, at institutions like the University of Southern Denmark this has been structured as a monthly grant of DKK 3,000 before tax, alongside the full tuition waiver
• Some universities offer tuition waivers only, without an accompanying living grant, so confirm the exact package your specific target university offers rather than assuming a uniform benefit across all of Denmark

The scholarship is genuinely limited in number, each university receives only a specific allocation from the government each year, so being a non-EU/EEA student and being admitted does not automatically guarantee funding, this remains a competitive, merit-based selection among admitted international applicants.

How Do I Apply for the Danish Government Scholarship?

1. Research which Danish universities participate, and check that specific institution's own scholarship page for its exact benefits, eligible programs, and deadline, since there's no single unified national application
2. Apply for admission to your chosen Master's (or eligible Bachelor's) program, since at most participating universities your admission application also functions as your scholarship application, with no separate scholarship form required
3. Upload all required supporting documents directly through the online application system, including academic transcripts, English proficiency proof, and a copy of your passport or ID, documents sent by email or post are generally not accepted
4. Submit before your specific university's deadline. These vary by institution and by degree level, commonly falling around February for Master's programs and March for the rarer Bachelor's scholarship opportunities
5. If admitted and awarded funding, apply separately for your Danish residence permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), including a biometric appointment, in India this is arranged through a VFS Global centre

What About the Visa and Financial Proof Requirements?

Once admitted, you'll need to separately apply for a Danish residence permit for education. As part of that process, you must show proof of financial self-sufficiency, currently set at DKK 6,397 a month for the duration of your stay. If your scholarship includes a living cost grant, this can generally be used as part of that proof of funds, though you should confirm the exact current requirement directly with SIRI at the time of your application.

FAQs About the Danish Government Scholarship

Are Indian and UAE citizens eligible for the Danish Government Scholarship?

Yes. Eligibility is based on citizenship outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, a broad classification that includes both countries.

Is there one central application for all Danish universities?

No. Each participating university administers its own allocation of government scholarships, with its own specific benefits, eligible programs, and deadlines.

Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?

At most universities, no, your admission application also serves as your scholarship application, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Does every non-EU/EEA student who gets admitted receive this scholarship?

No. The number of scholarships each university receives from the government is limited, so admission alone doesn't guarantee funding, this remains a competitive selection process.

Does the scholarship cover living costs as well as tuition?

It depends on the specific university. Some offer a full tuition waiver plus a living grant, others offer tuition waivers only, confirm the exact package at your target institution.

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Sources: Official Study in Denmark website (studyindenmark.dk), and university-specific Danish Government Scholarship pages from the University of Southern Denmark.