Going for higher education often requires not just ambition, but also financial support. For those eyeing the esteemed halls of the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), the Danish Government Scholarship program stands as a beacon of opportunity. Designed to nurture the brightest minds from beyond the EU/EEA borders, these scholarships offer a gateway to academic excellence in one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions.

At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to excellence. Each year, a select number of tuition waivers and grants are bestowed upon students whose academic prowess shines brightly on the global stage. These scholarships, whether partial or full, not only alleviate the burden of tuition fees but also extend a helping hand to cover essential living costs, ensuring that financial constraints never hinder the pursuit of knowledge.

Eligibility for these coveted scholarships extends to non-EU/EEA applicants who have secured admission to UCPH, their academic achievements serving as a testament to their potential. Yet, beyond the realms of eligibility criteria lies a spirit of inclusivity; every non-EU/EEA applicant offered admission automatically becomes a contender for this prestigious award, democratizing access to educational opportunities.

As aspirants navigate the intricate pathways of higher education, the Danish Government Scholarship program stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to academic excellence. With its unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering diversity, this program not only transforms lives but also enriches the academic tapestry of UCPH and Denmark as a whole. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of this esteemed scholarship program, uncovering the opportunities it presents and the journeys it catalyzes.

Types of Scholarships Available

1. Undergraduate Scholarships:

Undergraduate scholarships offered by the Danish Government provide financial assistance to talented students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at the University of Copenhagen. These scholarships cover tuition fees and may also include additional support for living expenses. They aim to attract high-achieving students from non-EU/EEA countries, fostering diversity and excellence within the undergraduate student body. Recipients of undergraduate scholarships benefit not only from financial aid but also from the opportunity to study in a vibrant academic environment known for its research excellence and innovative teaching methods.

2. Postgraduate Scholarships:

Postgraduate scholarships cater to graduate students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at the University of Copenhagen. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and provide support for tuition fees and living expenses. Postgraduate scholarship recipients have the opportunity to engage in advanced studies, research, and academic pursuits in their chosen fields. The scholarships enable talented individuals from non-EU/EEA countries to access top-tier education and contribute to the academic community at UCPH. They play a crucial role in fostering intellectual exchange and innovation within the university’s graduate programs.

3. Research Scholarships:

Research scholarships offered by the Danish Government support scholars engaged in cutting-edge research at the University of Copenhagen. These scholarships are available for both doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers and provide financial assistance for research expenses, living costs, and travel. Research scholarship recipients have the opportunity to work alongside world-renowned faculty members and contribute to groundbreaking research projects. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional researchers from around the world, enhancing the university’s reputation as a hub for innovative research across various disciplines. They also facilitate international collaboration and knowledge exchange, driving forward the frontiers of scientific discovery.

Eligibility Criteria for the Danish Government Scholarships

1. Citizenship Requirement: Eligible candidates must hold citizenship in a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. This criterion ensures that the scholarships are accessible to international students, promoting cultural diversity and global collaboration within the academic community at the University of Copenhagen.

2. Admission to a Master’s Degree Programme: Prospective applicants must have secured admission to a master’s degree program at the University of Copenhagen. This requirement underscores the scholarship’s focus on supporting students pursuing advanced academic qualifications. Admission to a master’s program serves as an indicator of the candidate’s academic merit and readiness for higher education.

3. Time-Limited Residence Permit: Candidates must be granted a time-limited residence permit explicitly for the purpose of studying a higher educational program in Denmark. This condition ensures that scholarship recipients have the legal authorization to reside and study in Denmark for the duration of their academic pursuits. It aligns with immigration regulations and helps facilitate a smooth transition for international students relocating to Denmark for education.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential for prospective applicants to be considered for the Danish Government Scholarships. By adhering to these requirements, the program ensures fairness, transparency, and compliance with both educational and immigration standards. Additionally, these criteria reflect the program’s overarching goals of promoting academic excellence, fostering global cooperation, and providing opportunities for talented students from diverse backgrounds to thrive at the University of Copenhagen.

Exclusions from Eligibility: Who Doesn’t Qualify for Danish Government Scholarships?

If you fall under any of the following categories, you are not eligible for a Danish Government Scholarship:

1. Legal Claim to Danish Citizenship Rights: Individuals who hold a legal claim to the rights of Danish citizens are ineligible for Danish Government Scholarships. This criterion ensures that scholarships are reserved for international students, supporting the program’s objective of promoting diversity and fostering international collaboration within the academic community.

2. Eligibility for State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme (SU): Candidates who are eligible for a grant under the Danish State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme (SU) are not eligible for Danish Government Scholarships. The SU scheme provides financial assistance to Danish citizens and eligible residents pursuing higher education in Denmark. Excluding SU-eligible individuals from scholarship consideration helps allocate resources to those who do not have access to alternative forms of financial support.

3. Residence Permit Status: Individuals who have been granted a residence permit at the time of admission under specific clauses of the Danish Aliens Consolidations Act are ineligible for Danish Government Scholarships. This includes individuals granted residence permits as children of foreign citizens under specific circumstances. Excluding these individuals from scholarship eligibility ensures alignment with immigration regulations and helps prioritize support for international students who may face greater financial barriers to pursuing higher education in Denmark.

By delineating clear criteria for ineligibility, the Danish Government Scholarships program maintains transparency, fairness, and compliance with relevant regulations. These exclusions help ensure that scholarships are awarded to deserving candidates who genuinely require financial assistance to pursue their academic aspirations at the University of Copenhagen.

Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria for Danish Government Scholarships at the University of Copenhagen prioritize academic excellence above all else, with financial need playing no role in the decision-making process. Here’s a breakdown of the selection process and criteria:

1. Academic Achievement: The primary criterion for awarding Danish Government Scholarships is academic merit. Candidates are evaluated based on their academic achievements, including grades, research experience, and relevant academic accomplishments. The emphasis on academic excellence reflects the University of Copenhagen’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and scholarly rigor among its student body.

2. Automatic Consideration: All non-EU/EEA applicants applying to the University of Copenhagen’s MA/MSc degree programs are automatically considered for the Danish Government Scholarship, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. This streamlined approach simplifies the application process for prospective students and ensures that deserving candidates are not overlooked.

3. Nomination Process: The University of Copenhagen will nominate selected candidates through DANS’ application portal. This nomination serves as an acknowledgment of the candidate’s exceptional academic credentials and makes them eligible for consideration for the Danish Government Scholarship.

4. Acceptance Deadline: Candidates who are offered a Danish Government Scholarship must adhere to the specified deadline for accepting the scholarship offer. Failure to accept the scholarship within the stipulated timeframe will result in the revocation of the offer, and the scholarship will be reallocated to another deserving applicant.

In essence, the selection criteria for Danish Government Scholarships at the University of Copenhagen prioritize academic excellence and ensure a fair and transparent process for all applicants. By focusing on merit-based selection, the University aims to attract the brightest minds from around the world and provide them with the support they need to excel in their academic pursuits.

What Expenses Does the Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship may be awarded in two ways:

• It can cover both tuition fees and living expenses.
• Alternatively, it may solely cover the tuition fee.

Who is Eligible for Consideration for a Scholarship?

All non-EU/EEA applicants meeting eligibility criteria are automatically considered for a scholarship during the academic assessment process. Scholarships are awarded based on outstanding academic performance.

How Can I Seek the Scholarship?

There’s no need to submit a separate application for a scholarship. All eligible non-EU/EEA applicants are automatically considered during the academic assessment. Therefore, no additional application form is required.

Faculty-Specific Conditions: Danish Government Scholarships Across Departments

Faculty-specific conditions for Danish Government Scholarships vary across different departments at the University of Copenhagen. Here’s an overview of the requirements and processes for each faculty:

Faculty of Social Sciences

This faculty offers a very limited number of Danish Government Scholarships, typically 2-3 per year, exclusively for the September intake. Applicants are notified of their scholarship status upon receiving their admission offer. If no scholarship is mentioned, tuition fees apply.

Faculty of Humanities

Non-EU/EEA students applying for master’s degree programs are automatically considered for Danish Government Scholarships. No separate application process or additional documents are required.

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

This faculty awards scholarships to outstanding non-EU/EEA students. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic merit, with no separate application process.

Faculty of Science

Exceptional non-EU/EEA MSc applicants with a GPA above 85% of their bachelor’s degree are considered for scholarships. No separate application is needed. Scholarships cover tuition fees or, in exceptional cases, both tuition fees and living expenses.

Faculty of Theology

Scholarships at this faculty are limited, generally less than four per year, and are granted as partial tuition fee waivers. Scholarship decisions are made after admission offers are extended, so applicants must pay tuition fees as instructed. If awarded a scholarship later, tuition fees will be reimbursed.

Each faculty has its own selection criteria and application process for Danish Government Scholarships. Understanding these faculty-specific conditions is crucial for prospective applicants to determine their eligibility and navigate the application process effectively.