Studying in Denmark as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In Denmark, tuition at a public university is DKK 75k to 120k for a master’s. For the student visa you must show DKK 7,426 / mo, you can work 90 h / month while studying, and you can stay up to 1 year after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (2 years) | Bachelor’s (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | DKK 75k to 120kEst., set by each university | DKK 75k to 120kEst., set by each university |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | DKK 100k+Est. | DKK 100k+Est. |
| Money to show for the visa | DKK 7,426 / mo2026 level, up to DKK 89,112 | |
| Visa and permit fees | About DKK 3,100, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ DKK 371,000 | ≈ DKK 555,000 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget), for the whole degree, plus visa fees once. Tuition ranges are estimates: each university publishes its own fees. Danish tuition ranges are estimates; universities set their own fees.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | No permit: EU residence document |
| United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Koreaand some other passports | Residence permit from SIRI, applied for online |
| Most other countries | Residence permit from SIRI, applied for online before you start |
Work rights
- While studying: 90 h / month (Full time June to August).
- After graduating: Up to 1 year (Job-search permit; 3 years after a PhD).
Will my degree from Denmark be recognized?
A Danish student residence permit requires a publicly accredited institution and a program approved by a state authority. Since 2 May 2025, students admitted to non-state-approved programs (with only an advisory statement from the Danish Evaluation Institute) no longer receive a work permit.
Check an institution: SIRI: conditions for higher education permits
For a bachelor’s: Applicants with a non-EU school certificate go through Quota 2 (deadline 15 March). Many university bachelor’s are taught in Danish only.
By field of study
- No field yet (undecided): You must be admitted full-time to a programme. Changing programme needs a new residence permit (you may start the new programme while it is processed).
- Medicine or dentistry: Medicine and dentistry are taught in Danish; with a non-Danish school exam you must pass the Danish test (Studieprøven) with grade 7 in every part.
- Nursing or health: To work as a nurse in Denmark you need Danish authorisation.
- Art, design or music: An entrance exam is mandatory (for example the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg).
Recent official changes for Denmark
- No rule change for Denmark has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare Denmark
See Denmark next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Denmark?
Tuition at a public university is DKK 75k to 120k a year for a master’s. With the money you must show for the visa, a 2-year master’s comes to about DKK 371,000 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Denmark?
DKK 7,426 / mo (2026 level, up to DKK 89,112).
Can I work while studying in Denmark?
Yes: 90 h / month (Full time June to August).
Can I stay in Denmark after graduating?
Up to 1 year (Job-search permit; 3 years after a PhD).
Other destinations
Official sources
- SIRI: new rules for students who apply from 1 October 2026
- SIRI (Danish immigration authority): higher education
- SIRI: work permits for students
- University of Copenhagen: Quota 1 and Quota 2
- SIRI: higher education
- University of Copenhagen: Danish requirements
- SIRI: Positive List for people with a higher education
- Royal Academy of Music: admission
Information, not legal or immigration advice.