Government of Denmark - Scholarships for study abroad

Danish State Educational Grant (SU) for studies abroad

Whilst studying abroad, you will receive a monthly cash allowance of approximately 995 EUR per month (7,426 DKK before tax in 2026, approximately 6,000 to 6,500 DKK after tax). This is the Danish state education grant (SU), which the Danish government transfers to your bank account every month. You also have the option of taking out a government loan of up to approximately 3,799 DKK per month, which you will repay within 7 to 15 years after completing your studies. This funding is taxable in Denmark. It covers a period of study abroad that counts towards a Danish degree, or a full degree programme completed abroad. You can receive it for up to 4 years for countries outside the Nordic region, or for the standard duration of your studies plus up to 12 additional months in another Nordic country.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Danish citizen. EU/EEA citizens and their close family members may also be eligible if they can prove that they have sufficiently close ties to Denmark. Foreign nationals who are already entitled to SU in Denmark may retain this entitlement whilst studying abroad.
• Level: For a full degree abroad, only higher education counts. The International Baccalaureate is supported worldwide. Language courses, foundation courses, open university, distance learning and the first year of a US Bachelor do not count.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Recognition: Your degree programme and your university must be officially recognised in the country where you are studying. The qualification must be eligible for recognition in Denmark without the need for additional courses.
• How you study: You are studying full-time and are not in paid employment. If you undertake a paid work placement, you will not receive student finance for the months in which you are paid.
• Study period abroad: If your period abroad forms part of your Danish degree programme, your Danish higher education institution must recognise it and award the corresponding credits. You will then receive SU for the months for which the credits have been recognised.

How to apply

You apply online via the minSU self-service system. You log in using MitID, Denmark’s digital ID. If you are planning to complete a full degree programme abroad, you should apply no earlier than 3 months before your departure. The deadline is the last day of the month from which you wish to receive your first payment; for an annual application, this is 5 December. No separate application is required for a period of study that counts towards your Danish degree, provided your higher education institution accepts and recognises it.

If you are exploring ways to supplement SU while studying abroad, our guide Scholarships in Denmark brings together further funding options available in Denmark.