Tuition fees and scholarships for international students
When planning to study at the University of Copenhagen, you will need to make a budget and assess whether you have sufficient funding for your studies. To help you get started on making your own individual estimates of expenses and funding, the following information may be useful.
Tuition fees, Application fee and Living costs will give you a general idea of expenses. The Scholarships and loans section can help you get started, if you are looking for funding.
Tuition fees - who must pay?
Applicants with citizenship from countries outside of the EU/EEA or Non-Nordic Countries must pay tuition fees. Applicants with a permanent residence permit in Denmark – or permit with a possibility of permanent residence in Denmark – are exempted from this rule.
The University of Copenhagen uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The ECTS system defines a full study load for one year as 60 ECTS. Tuition fees are in the range of EUR 10,000 to 17,000 per 60 ECTS/academic year, depending on the programme.
Fees are paid either annually for 60 ECTS or biannually for 30 ECTS depending on the programme. Along with an offer of admission, students will receive information on how and when to pay tuition, as well as term of payment. For September admission, the first rate is due in April-May.
The master programmes last two years and are made up of 120 ECTS. Students must always pay for 120 ECTS/four semesters, even if you take longer – or finish faster. The tuition fee covers up to three attempts to pass each course.
Please consult the specific Master’s degree programme for further information about its tuition fees.
Exemptions from payment of tuition fee
There are certain situations, where you are exempted from paying tuition fee. Please see the examples below.
You are exempted from paying tuition fee if you:
- hold a permanent residence permit in Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands).
- hold a temporary residence permit “with a view to” or “with the possibility of” permanent residency in Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands) and your permit states: “mhp. varigt ophold” or “mmf. varigt ophold”.
- hold a permanent residence permit in one of the other Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland), cf. Article 1 of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Order No 54 of 17 June 1999 between Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden regarding access to further education, provided you maintain your official residence in that country while enrolled at the University of Copenhagen.
- have become an EU citizen or enjoy equality of treatment with an EU citizen pursuant to the Executive Order on Residence in Denmark for Aliens Falling within the Rules of the European Union (EU Residence Order).
- have been granted a temporary residence permit cf. section 7 and section 8(1) or 8(2) of the Danish Aliens Act.
- have been granted a temporary residence permit on the grounds of family reunification, cf. section 9(1) or 9C(1) of the Danish Aliens Act as a consequence of a familial relationship to a foreigner with a residence permit pursuant to section 7 or section 8(1) or (2).
- have been granted a temporary residence permit cf. section 9B(1) of the Danish Aliens Act.
- have been granted a residence permit pursuant to Section 9M (previously 9C) of the Danish Aliens Act as a consequence of your parents having been granted residence permits pursuant to Section 9A of the Danish Aliens Act.
- have been granted a residence permit under the Danish Act on Temporary Residence Permit for Persons who Have Assisted Danish Authorities, etc. in Afghanistan, cf. Danish Ministerial Order no. 1957 of 15 October 2021 as amended by Danish Ministerial Order no. 2141 of 24 November 2021.
- hold dual citizenship (EU/EEA + non-EU/EEA) and decide to enter Denmark as an EU/EEA citizen.
- have been granted a residence permit under the Danish Act on Temporary Residence Permit for Displaced Persons from Ukraine; cf. Danish Act no. 324 of 16 March 2022.
Applicants with a temporary work permit in Denmark (e.g. Green Card) have to pay the tuition fee.
If you are unsure whether you must pay the tuition fee, please contact the Master’s degree programme before the application deadline.
Application fee
If you are a citizen from outside EU/EEA or Switzerland, as of October 2017 you are required to pay an application fee of DKK 750 (app. EUR 100), when applying for one or more master’s degree programmes in the same application round.
You will only have to pay the application fee once each application round regardless of whether you choose to apply for one, two or the maximum of three Master's degree programmes per application round.
Terms of payment, refund policy and exceptions from payment
- Payment can only be made in DKK and only through the webshop.
- You need to pay the application fee before you send your application(s) to the University.
- You have to upload your receipt of payment along with each of your applications for admission.
- If you do not receive your receipt for payment of the application fee, you can still apply for admission. In that case, you upload a document explaining the issue under the application fee question, and complete and submit your application. Subsequently, you must email the Faculty at which you apply for admission and inform them of the missing receipt.
- If you are exempt from paying the application fee (see below), you have to upload documentation and an explanation along with each of your applications for admission.
- Your application(s) will only be processed if the total amount is paid and your receipt (or documentation and explanation for right to exemption) is uploaded.
Contact the faculties for more information
Please note that you are exempted from paying the application fee if you:
- hold a Danish Bachelor’s degree or a Danish Professional Bachelor’s degree.
- hold a permanent residence permit in Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands).
- hold a temporary residence permit “with a view to” or “with the possibility of” permanent residency in Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands) and your permit states: “mhp. varigt ophold” or “mmf. varigt ophold”.
- hold a permanent residence permit in one of the other Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland), cf. Article 1 of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Order No 54 of 17 June 1999 between Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden regarding access to further education, provided you maintain your official residence in that country while enrolled at the University of Copenhagen.
- have become an EU citizen or enjoy equality of treatment with an EU citizen pursuant to the Executive Order on Residence in Denmark for Aliens Falling within the Rules of the European Union (EU Residence Order).
- have been granted a temporary residence permit cf. section 7 and section 8(1) or 8(2) of the Danish Aliens Act.
- have been granted a temporary residence permit on the grounds of family reunification, cf. section 9(1) or 9C(1) of the Danish Aliens Act as a consequence of a familial relationship to a foreigner with a residence permit pursuant to section 7 or section 8(1) or (2).
- have been granted a temporary residence permit cf. section 9B(1) of the Danish Aliens Act.
- have been granted a residence permit pursuant to Section 9M (previously 9C) of the Danish Aliens Act as a consequence of your parents having been granted residence permits pursuant to Section 9A of the Danish Aliens Act.
- have been granted a residence permit under the Danish Act on Temporary Residence Permit for Persons who Have Assisted Danish Authorities, etc. in Afghanistan, cf. Danish Ministerial Order no. 1957 of 15 October 2021 as amended by Danish Ministerial Order no. 2141 of 24 November 2021.
- hold dual citizenship (EU/EEA + non-EU/EEA) and decide to enter Denmark as an EU/EEA citizen.
- only apply for an Erasmus Mundus programme.
- have been granted a residence permit under the Danish Act on Temporary Residence Permit for Displaced Persons from Ukraine; cf. Danish Act no. 324 of 16 March 2022.
Applicants with a temporary work permit in Denmark (e.g. Green Card) have to pay the application fee.
If you are unsure whether you must pay the application fee, please contact the master’s degree programme before the application deadline.
- If your application is successful, the application fee will be deducted from the first tuition fee payment that you make to the University of Copenhagen.
- If your application is successful and you are awarded a tuition fee waiver, a refund will not be given.
- If your application is unsuccessful, or if your application is successful but you choose not to accept the admission offer, a refund will not be given.
- A direct refund of the application fee is only possible if you have made one or more payments of the application fee without having submitted the relevant number of applications, or if you have paid the application fee even though you are exempt from it. Once you have submitted an application, you are liable for the application fee, even if you cancel the application. This means that if you pay the application fee, but change your mind about applying, you can only get a refund if you have not yet submitted the application. If you wish to request a refund, please contact the master's degree programme.Refund policy
- If your application is successful, the application fee will be deducted from the first tuition fee payment that you make to the University of Copenhagen.
- If your application is successful and you are awarded a tuition fee waiver, a refund will not be given.
- If your application is unsuccessful, or if your application is successful but you choose not to accept the admission offer, a refund will not be given.
- A direct refund of the application fee is only possible if you have made one or more payments of the application fee without having submitted the relevant number of applications, or if you have paid the application fee even though you are exempt from it. Once you have submitted an application, you are liable for the application fee, even if you cancel the application. This means that if you pay the application fee, but change your mind about applying, you can only get a refund if you have not yet submitted the application. If you wish to request a refund, please contact the master's degree programme.
Scholarships and loans by country
The underlying pages contain information about your opportunities concerning funding for your studies. E.g. you will find information about scholarships listed by country, the possibilities of funding through scholarships from world-wide institutions and the limited number of tuition waivers and grants from the Danish Government Scholarships programme (Statsstipendier).
Scholarship opportunities for prospect students - by country
The following list contains scholarship opportunities for prospective students from specific countries. Prospective students may also have an opportunity to fund their education through a home-country loan programme, also listed below. For enquiries, please contact the respective institutions.
Please note that the list is by no means exhausted, and there are many institutions and foundations offering scholarships, awards, and loans. You can, for example, use scholarship databases in your search for funding.
General Sir John Monash Scholarships
The John Monash Scholarship is a postgraduate award for Australian citizens. It is awarded to students who aim to pursue a taught master’s programmes or doctorates at top-tier international universities.
The International Scholarships Program (ISP)
The International Scholarships Program (ISP) of Global Affairs Canada funds, manages and promotes scholarship opportunities for Canadian students and researchers. ISP runs a database to use for searching for Canadian international scholarship opportunities.
Learn more about The International Scholarships Program
Mackenzie King Open Scholarship
Canadian students may apply for the Mackenzie King Open Scholarship, which is open to students who wish to pursue graduate studies in Canada or abroad. Visit the website for more information about deadlines and eligibility.
Becas CONICYT
The CONICYT Becas Chile is a scholarship awarded to Chilean citizens to start or continue post-graduate studies at highly ranked international universities. Visit the website for more information about the application process, deadlines and eligibility.
COLFUTURO loan and scholarship program
Colombian students can apply for funding for their Master’s studies through the COLFUTURO loan and scholarship program. The main objective of COLFUTURO is to provide financial support and increase the possibilities of Colombian citizens to access high-quality postgraduate study programmes abroad. The foundation offers loans of up to USD 50,000. Students may be awarded scholarships for 50% of the loaned amount, provided they fulfill certain requirements such as returning to Colombia upon completion of a programme, and remain in the country for three to five years.
Citadel Capital Scholarship Foundation
The foundation is funded by an endowment from Qalaa Holdings. Scholarships are granted to talented and promising young Egyptian men and women to pursue master degrees abroad in all fields of study. Applicant must be under the age of 35, an Egyptian citizen, and residing in Egypt. Upon completion of program, graduates must be committed to return to work in Egypt for a minimum of two years.
DAAD Annual Scholarships for Graduates of All Disciplines
DAAD Jahresstipendien für Graduierte aller wissenschaftlichen Fächer is a scholarship for graduates provided by the DAAD. The aim is to enable graduates of all disciplines to gain international study experience.
Learn more about DAAD Annual Scholarships
Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung (FES)
The FES offers scholarships for German citizens pursuing their postgraduate studies in Germany but also at European universities. The foundation encourages students committed to the core social democratic values of freedom, justice and social cohesion. As such, not only academic achievement but the involvement of the applicant in social and political affairs and activities, as well as personal views, is taking into account.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
Scholarships are granted to high achieving students of Indian citizenship with an undergraduate degree, who pursue postgraduate studies at a highly ranked university abroad. Tuition fees, living expenses and one-way travel are covered by the scholarship.
Learn more about Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships
The J. N. Tata Endowment awards a one-time loan scholarship only at the beginning of the course to Indian nationals for full time Postgraduate/Ph.D./Postdoctoral studies abroad, in all fields, irrespective of caste, creed, gender or community. Visit the website for more information on repayment of the loan, deadlines and application process.
Learn more about JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships
Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships
The scholarship is granted to female Indian graduates who have studied at a recognized Indian university and who wish to continue their education at a recognized university abroad (including EU). It is possible to apply while still awaiting admission to the desired programme.
Learn more about Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships
The Indonesian Education Scholarship
The Indonesian Education Scholarship is awarded to Indonesian citizens who aim to pursue their Master’s studies abroad. The University of Copenhagen is a listed target university. Visit the website to get more information about deadlines, application process and eligibility.
The CONACYT Mexican Scholarship
The scholarship consists of a monthly award granted to students seeking graduate studies at an international university. The scholarship is awarded by the Mexican government and Mexican citizens are eligible.
Learn more about the CONACYT Mexican Scholarship
FUNED
Fundación Mexicana para la Educación, la Tecnología y la Ciencia supports the professional development of future Mexican leaders by offering financial support to study for a Master’s degree at a top tier international university. Applicants should be Mexican citizens. Subject areas include information technology, international relations, political science, economics, and law.
The Tamim bin Hamad Scholarship
The Tamim bin Hamad Scholarship awarded under the Qatar government scholarship programme offers scholarships to Qatari citizens who wish to study at a recognized university abroad. University of Copenhagen is included in the list of approved universities.
Global Education Programme
GEP funds full-time post-graduate studies in the areas of science, engineering, medicine, education, and management. The grant covers tuition fees, international travel expenses, medical insurance, accommodation, meals, and academic literature. Program participants are expected to return to Russia upon completion of their studies and to obtain employment in accordance with the qualification gained for a period of at least three years.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) Postgraduate Scholarhips
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) under the Government of Singapore’s Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, offers the SFA Postgraduate Scholarship (Master’s/PhD) for both full-term/mid-term graduate coursework/research studies at international universities in various subject areas (E.g. Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Food Science, Plant Science, Toxicology). The SFA is the national authority entrusted with the mission to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore.
Learn more about The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) Postgraduate Scholarhips
Firstrand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship
South African citizens can apply to the Firstrand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship which is awarded for postgraduate studies at a recognized university outside of South Africa.
The Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme
The Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme supports academic studies at graduate level. Scholarships are granted exclusively for academic studies directly related to Turkey’s EU harmonisation process and the EU acquis. Visit the website for more information about deadline, application and eligibility.
Fulbright Commission
American citizens can apply for a scholarship awarded by the Fulbright Commission. Applications will be considered for all graduate degree levels and in all fields of study.
Learn more about Fulbright Commission
The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF)
The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) in New York City offers a range of fellowships, grants and scholarships for US students to study or do research in Scandinavia.
Learn more about The American-Scandinavian Foundation
Federal Student Loans – Title IV
The University of Copenhagen is no longer participating in the Title IV Loan Program.
Private Lenders
Many private lenders base their policy on the school being certified for the Title IV Loan Program. Make sure to ask if this is the case, so that you do not falsely rely on a lender that is not independent of Title IV certification by the school.
Veteran Aid – VA
The University of Copenhagen is no longer servicing Veteran Aid. The university’s programmes are not being certified, nor is the university able to receive funds on your behalf. This means that you will not be able to use VA funds for your studies at UCPH.
Scholarships from external institutions
The following list contains scholarship opportunities from external institutions. For enquiries, please contact the respective institutions.
Please note that the list only contains a few of the many institutions and foundations offering scholarships and awards. You can for example use scholarship databases in your further search for funding.
You can for example use scholarship databases in your further search for funding.
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis through a competitive application process.
An academic scholarship, awarded based on academic performance, leadership, and impact on the community of women in tech. To be eligible to apply for the scholarship you must identify as female and be studying computer science, computer engineering or a closely related technical field. Visit the website for more specific information about the scholarship.
The OFID Scholarship Award by the OPEC Fund for International Development is granted for students from developing countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in a development related field at an internationally recognized university. The scholarship covers tuition fees and a monthly allowance.
The Rotary Foundation provides scholarships for students through their Rotary Foundation Global Grants programme. Applicants have to be nominated by a local Rotary club, which are located in 70 countries around the world. In general, applications can be made on a rolling basis but the different local clubs might have internal application deadlines. Interested students should contact their local Rotary club.
The Gen Foundation is a charitable trust, which principally provides grants to students and researchers in natural sciences, in particular food sciences and technology.
Scholarship databases
The University of Copenhagen does not recommend or endorse any particular databases or agencies. However, the following databases may be useful as a way of getting started in your search for funding of your studies.
International Scholarships' portal
The portal allows the user to search for scholarships world-wide based on criteria such as subject area and destination.
Learn more about international Scholarships' portal Scholarship Portal
Information on scholarships, awards, fellowships and other types of student financing is available.
Danish Government Scholarships
The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) offers a limited number of tuition waivers and grants through the Danish Government Scholarship programme. The scholarships are competitive and offered to highly talented students with outstanding academic records from non-EU/EEU countries. All non-EU/EEA applicants offered admission will automatically be considered for the scholarship.
The Danish Government Scholarship is granted either as full or partial tuition fee waivers and/or as an amount that covers basic living costs.
FAQ about Danish Government Scholarships
Who is eligible?
In order to be eligible for a scholarship, you must be:
- a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA (the European Economic Area) or Switzerland
- admitted to a master’s degree programme at the University of Copenhagen
- granted a time-limited residence permit for the purpose of studying a higher educational programme in Denmark.
You are not eligible for a Danish Government Scholarship if you:
- have a legal claim to the rights of Danish citizens
- are eligible for a grant in accordance with Danish law regarding the State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme (SU)
- have been granted a residence permit at the time of admission by the Danish Aliens Consolidations Act §9c, subsection 1, as the child of a foreign citizen who has been granted a residence permit in accordance with the Danish Aliens Consolidations Act §9m, and who is a citizen of a country that is not acceded to the EU or covered by the EEA agreement.
How do we award the scholarship?
The University awards the scholarships solely on the basis of academic achievement; thus, financial need is not considered.
All non-EU/EEA applicants to the University of Copenhagen’s MA/MSc degree programmes will automatically be considered for the Danish Government Scholarship, provided they are eligible. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply.
UCPH will contact those who get nominated through DANS' application portal.
If you are offered a scholarship, but do not accept it within the deadline specified, the scholarship offer will be revoked, and the scholarship will be offered to another applicant.
Faculty-specific conditions
The Faculty of Social Sciences only has a very limited number of Danish Government Scholarships available – generally 2-3 per year.
Please note that the scholarships are awarded solely in connection with the September intake.
If you are offered admission to one of the Faculty’s degree programmes, the offer of admission will either contain the information that you have been awarded a scholarship or that you are required to pay tuition fees. If it contains the information that you must pay tuition fees, it means that you have not been granted a scholarship.
All non-EU/EEA students applying for a master’s degree programme at the Faculty of Humanities are automatically considered for the Danish Government Scholarships. This means that there is no separate scholarship application process or any additional documents required for applying
The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences has a very limited number of scholarships to award outstanding non-EU/EEA students. The scholarships are awarded to the academically most outstanding students.
What does the scholarship cover?
The Admissions Committee can choose to grant a scholarship in two different ways:
- The scholarship is granted to cover both tuition fees and living expenses
- The scholarship is granted to cover the tuition fee.
Who are considered for a scholarship?
All eligible non-EU/EEA applicants are considered for a scholarship as part of the academic assessment.
The scholarships are allocated to students with excellent academic performance.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
You do not apply for a scholarship, as all eligible non-EU/EEA applications will be taken into consideration for a scholarship. Therefore, there is no separate application form.
The Faculty of Science has a very limited number of scholarships to award outstanding non-EU/EEA MSc students. All non-EU/EEA applicants with a grade point average above 85% of their bachelor’s degree are considered for a scholarship/tuition fee waivers. This means that you do not need to make a separate application for the scholarship.
The scholarship is granted to cover the tuition fees, or in exceptional cases both tuition fees and living expenses. Exceptional cases are the qualified non-EU applicants who have the highest GPA.
Furthermore, the Faculty considers the academic performance by fee-paying students who have completed the first year at the faculty regarding a full one year scholarship. The very best will be awarded a scholarship to cover both tuition fees and living expenses for the second year of the programme.
The Faculty of Theology only has a very limited number of Danish Government Scholarships available – generally less than four per year. The Scholarship is only granted as partial tuition fee waivers, and not as an amount that covers basic living costs.
Please be advised that the decision as to who will be awarded the scholarships is in general made after applicants are offered admission and charged tuition fee. Consequently, you cannot rely on receiving the tuition fee waiver, when making the decision whether to accept an offered place or not. The date for payment mentioned in the email listing the terms of payment of the tuition fee (sent around mid-May) must be met – or your offer of admission will be revoked.
If you subsequently are awarded the Danish Government Scholarship, the tuition fee will be reimbursed.
Fulbright Scholarship for full-degree master's students for US Students
The Fulbright programme is a scholarship for US students to study in Denmark.
Contact The Fulbright office in Copenhagen
Contact the Fulbright office in Copenhagen via e-mail; info@fulbright.dk and phone; +45 33 18 10 02
Fulbright Scholarship application FAQ
The application process to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship for a full-degree master’s programme consists of 2 parts:
Part 1: Apply for a Fulbright Scholarship
Read about the application process on Fulbright’s website.
Part 2: Apply for a Master's programme at UCPH
Head to see the different master's degrees programmes and read the specific requirements here.
If you want to study as a Fulbright student for one or two semesters, please see the list of scholarships aimed at exchange and guest students applying to UCPH. Here you can read about the application process.
You will have to pay a tuition fee if you are studying as a full-degree master's student. You can read more about tuition fees here.
The Fulbright Foundation requires a letter of application. Please reach out to your contact person at the relevant department to ask if they would like to sign the letter of affiliation.
You can find a template to the letter of affiliation at the Fulbright website. International Education cannot sign your letter of affiliation.
Find out how to apply for a Fulbright scholarship.
Living costs
When planning to study at University of Copenhagen budgeting right early on is important. Your budget should consist of items such as tuition fees (if it applies to you), international travel expenses, insurance, settling expenses, and monthly living expenses in Copenhagen.
Monthly living expenses include items such as rent and utilities, internet and phone subscriptions, food and household supplies, local transportation, books and other study material, as well as sport and leisure activities. Living expenses will vary on an individual basis depending on cost of housing and your personal lifestyle choices. Living in Copenhagen is estimated at EUR 1,280-1,800 per month.