Denmark is an expensive country, but your monthly budget depends on how you live. Study in Denmark says costs need not blow your budget if you cycle and eat at home. As a rough guide, rent is your biggest expense, and you'll need cash for your first weeks because landlords can ask for up to 6 months' rent as deposit and prepaid rent.
What you might spend each month
These are rough figures from the Study in Denmark budget page. They depend on your lifestyle and where you live, so treat them as a starting point and track your own spending.
| Item | Rough monthly cost (DKK) |
|---|---|
| Rent (utilities usually included) | 3,000, 6,500 |
| Insurance | about 300 |
| Streaming licences | 200 |
| Books and supplies | 400, 650 |
| Mobile phone | 250 |
| Food | 2,000, 3,500 |
| Transport | 300 |
| Other personal expenses | 2,000 |
Add these up and you get a ballpark. Your actual costs will vary. For a fuller breakdown, see our cost of living guide.
Housing: your biggest line
Rent takes the largest share. Student housing can be cheaper, but demand is high in the big cities. Start looking early. Our accommodation guide explains your options and how to apply for student housing.
Budget for the deposit too. Your landlord may ask for up to 6 months' rent in total as deposit and prepaid rent. That means you need a lump sum before you move in, so plan how you'll cover it.
Everyday costs and how to keep them down
Small choices add up. A coffee at a café costs DKK 40, 60. A cinema ticket costs DKK 150. Dining out costs around DKK 300. A second-hand bicycle costs DKK 400, 2,000. Cycling is often the cheapest way to get around, and it keeps your transport costs low.
Study in Denmark's money-saving tips: carry your student ID for discounts, buy second-hand, cook at home, take a packed lunch, and compare transport options before you buy a pass.
Tuition fees: what you pay
Higher education is free of charge for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and for students entitled to the same status as Danish citizens under EU law. Other full-degree students pay tuition fees set by each institution.
Fees and deadlines on this site are shown as listed in the Study in Denmark register. Always confirm them with the institution. Our tuition fees guide explains who pays and how to check current amounts.
Permits and paperwork
Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally need a residence permit for study before they come. You apply through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), and the details are on nyidanmark.dk. SIRI decides on permits, so check the current rules and fees there.
Undergraduate applications are coordinated centrally through optagelse.dk but assessed by the institutions. The deadlines are 15 March and 5 July, both at 12 noon (CET).
Budgeting tips for your first month
Your first month is often the most expensive. You may need to pay a deposit, buy essentials and set up a phone. Keep some extra cash aside.
Use the rough monthly figures as a template. Adjust them to your lifestyle: if you eat out often, your food bill will be higher; if you cycle everywhere, transport will be lower.
Our site lists 24 Danish higher education institutions and 422 programmes from the Study in Denmark register. You can browse all universities in Denmark to compare locations and check what each institution says about local costs.
For official figures and more detail, check studyindenmark.dk and your institution's website. They are the best sources for current costs.
Sources
- Study in Denmark, budget for living in Denmark
- Study in Denmark, find housing
- Study in Denmark, money-saving tips
- Study in Denmark, how to apply
- Study in Denmark, tuition fees and scholarships
- Study in Denmark, residence permits for non-EU/EEA citizens
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Denmark as a student each month?
Study in Denmark gives rough monthly figures: rent DKK 3,000, 6,500, food DKK 2,000, 3,500, transport DKK 300, and other costs. Your total depends on your lifestyle and city. Use their budget page as a starting point.
Is higher education free in Denmark for international students?
Higher education is free of charge for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and for those with the same status as Danish citizens under EU law. Other full-degree students pay tuition fees set by each institution. Check with the institution for current fees.
What deposit do I need for housing in Denmark?
Your landlord may ask for up to 6 months' rent in total as deposit and prepaid rent. That means you'll need a lump sum before you move in, so budget for it.
Do I need a residence permit to study in Denmark?
Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally need a residence permit for study before they come. Apply through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Check nyidanmark.dk for current rules and fees.