The University of Southern Denmark Scholarship offers international students a fully funded path to a master’s degree in Denmark. This guide breaks down the eligibility criteria, the application process, the coverage details, and the deadlines you need to know. You will also find practical tips to strengthen your application and avoid common mistakes.
What Is the University of Southern Denmark Scholarship?
The University of Southern Denmark Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based award aimed at highly qualified non-EU/EEA students. It covers your full tuition fee and provides a monthly grant to help with living costs. The scholarship is available for specific full-degree master’s programs taught in English.
Unlike many other European scholarships, this one does not require a separate application form in most cases. Your admissions application automatically places you in the candidate pool. That makes the process simpler, but it also means your academic profile must stand out on its own.
Who Can Apply for This Scholarship?
Before you invest time in an application, check whether you meet the basic nationality and academic requirements. The scholarship targets students from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. If you hold Danish citizenship or a residence permit for reasons other than education, you are not eligible.
- You must be a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
- You must have a bachelor’s degree with strong academic results.
- You must apply for a master’s program that is eligible for the scholarship.
- You must be admitted to the university as a full-degree student, not an exchange student.
- You must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test or prior education.
“The scholarship is not a loan. It is a grant that you do not need to repay, but you must maintain good academic standing to keep it.”
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The University of Southern Denmark Scholarship covers two main expenses: tuition and living costs. The tuition waiver applies for the full duration of your two-year master’s program. The monthly grant is meant to cover rent, food, transport, and other basic needs.
The exact monthly amount can vary slightly depending on the faculty and the program. However, it is generally set to match the Danish state student support rate. This is not a full luxury package, but it is enough to live modestly in cities like Odense, Sønderborg, or Esbjerg.
| Expense | Coverage | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | 100% waived | Up to 24 months |
| Monthly stipend | Fixed amount for living costs | Up to 24 months |
| Travel costs | Not covered | N/A |
| Health insurance | Not covered | N/A |
| Visa application fee | Not covered | N/A |
Which Master’s Programs Are Eligible?
Not every program at the University of Southern Denmark is eligible for the scholarship. You need to check the specific program page to confirm. Generally, the scholarship applies to full-degree English-taught programs across the faculties of science, engineering, business, and humanities.
Some of the popular eligible programs include MSc in Engineering, MSc in Economics and Business Administration, and MA in International Business and Politics. However, the list changes from intake to intake, so always verify the current list on the official website.
How to Check Eligibility for Your Program
- Visit the official University of Southern Denmark program catalog.
- Open the specific master’s program you are interested in.
- Look for a section called “Scholarships” or “Tuition Fees”.
- Confirm that the program lists the University of Southern Denmark Scholarship as an option.
- Contact the international office if the information is unclear.
How to Apply for the University of Southern Denmark Scholarship
The application process is straightforward because the scholarship is tied to your admission application. You do not need to write a separate motivational letter for the scholarship. Instead, your admission documents serve as the basis for the selection.
You must submit your application through the national Danish application portal, which is called the Digital Application System. This portal handles all applications for higher education in Denmark. You will need to upload your transcripts, degree certificates, passport copy, and proof of English proficiency.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Choose your eligible master’s program at the university.
- Check the specific entry requirements for that program.
- Prepare your academic documents and translations.
- Take an approved English test like IELTS or TOEFL if required.
- Create an account on the Digital Application System.
- Fill in your personal details and educational background.
- Upload all required documents in PDF format.
- Pay the application fee if you are a non-EU citizen.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
“A well-prepared application with high grades and relevant coursework gives you a real advantage. The selection committee looks for academic excellence first.”
What Are the Selection Criteria?
The university does not publish a fixed cutoff grade, but the selection is highly competitive. Your Grade Point Average from your bachelor’s degree is the most important factor. The committee also considers the relevance of your previous studies to the master’s program you choose.
Relevant work experience and extracurricular activities can help, but they are secondary to academic performance. The university also checks whether your previous degree is from a recognized institution with a grading system comparable to the Danish system.
Key Factors That Influence Selection
- Your overall grade point average.
- The level of your individual course grades.
- The academic reputation of your home university.
- Your motivation for choosing that specific program.
- The quality of your written application documents.
What Is the Application Timeline?
The application window opens in the autumn for admission the following year. You need to be careful with the deadlines because they are strict. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
You should start preparing your documents at least three months before the deadline. This gives you enough time to order transcripts, take an English test, and get your documents translated if they are not in English, Danish, or a Scandinavian language.
Important Steps to Follow Before the Deadline
- Request official transcripts from your university early.
- Book your English test slot at least two months in advance.
- Check if your documents need legalization or a sworn translation.
- Prepare a clear scan of your passport.
- Draft a concise CV if the program requires one.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
Your academic record is the core of your application, but how you present it matters. A clean, organized document package makes a good impression. Avoid submitting blurry scans or incomplete transcripts.
If your university issues transcripts in a language other than English, get a certified translation. Also, include a brief explanation of your grading scale if it is not widely known. This helps the admissions team understand your performance accurately.
Practical Advice for a Stronger Profile
- Focus on your grades in courses directly related to your master’s field.
- If your overall GPA is average, highlight your final year performance.
- Mention any thesis or research project you completed.
- Include any academic awards or scholarships you received previously.
- Write a clear and specific motivation letter if the program asks for one.
What Happens After You Apply?
After the application deadline, the university reviews all submissions. This process takes several weeks. You will receive a notification through the Digital Application System when a decision is made.
If you are offered admission, the scholarship decision is usually communicated at the same time. In some cases, you might receive admission without the scholarship. If that happens, you can still enroll, but you will need to pay the tuition fee yourself.
Living in Denmark as a Scholarship Holder
Denmark has a high cost of living, but the monthly stipend helps you manage. You should still budget carefully, especially for rent and food. Student housing in Odense and other university cities is available through the university’s housing office.
As a scholarship holder, you are expected to maintain full-time enrollment and pass your exams. If you fail to make satisfactory progress, the university can revoke your scholarship. Make sure you attend classes and submit your assignments on time.
Conclusion
The University of Southern Denmark Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students with strong academic records. The application process is simple because it is linked to your admission application, but the competition is intense. Focus on your grades, prepare your documents carefully, and apply before the deadline. If you secure this scholarship, you can complete a quality master’s degree in Denmark without worrying about tuition fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
No, you do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. Your admission application automatically enters you into the scholarship selection pool if you are eligible. Just ensure you apply for an eligible program and meet all the requirements.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I am from an EU country?
No, the scholarship is only for students from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. EU students do not pay tuition fees at public universities in Denmark, so they do not need this scholarship.
Does the scholarship cover my flight ticket to Denmark?
No, the scholarship does not cover travel expenses. You are responsible for your flight, visa application fee, and initial arrival costs. The monthly stipend starts after you enroll.
Can I work while studying on this scholarship?
Yes, international students in Denmark can work part-time while studying. There is no restriction on the number of hours for students with a residence permit. However, your studies should remain your priority.
What happens if I fail a course?
If you fail a course, you will have the opportunity to retake the exam. Your scholarship is not immediately revoked. However, repeated failures or slow academic progress can lead to losing the scholarship.
Is the scholarship renewable for the second year?
Yes, the scholarship is awarded for the full duration of your two-year program. It is automatically renewed for the second year provided you pass your exams and remain enrolled full-time.
Can I switch to a different program after receiving the scholarship?
No, the scholarship is tied to the specific program you were admitted to. If you want to change programs, you must reapply for admission and the scholarship separately.
Do I need to know Danish to apply?
No, you do not need to know Danish. All eligible programs are taught entirely in English. However, learning basic Danish can help you with daily life and part-time job opportunities.
What English test scores are accepted?
The university accepts IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English qualifications. The minimum required score varies by program. Check the program page for the exact score you need.
When will I know if I got the scholarship?
You will receive your admission and scholarship decision at the same time. The notification is sent through the Digital Application System after the university finishes reviewing all applications.