Study in Denmark for Free – Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers

Roskilde University offers a limited number of Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships to outstanding non-EU/EEA students enrolling in select master’s programs that require tuition payment.

Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships at Roskilde University

Host Country	Denmark
Host Institute	Roskilde University
Level	Masters degree
Eligible Nationality	non-EU/EEA
Fellowship Type	Tuition Fee Waivers/Funded Scholarship
Benefits	Tuition fee waivers/DKK 7,800 per month
Duration	22 months
Program Start Date	September 1, 2026
Application Opening Date	October 2025
Application Closing Date	January 15, 2026(11.59 pm CET) for non-EU/EEA citizens March 1 for EU/EEA and Danish citizens

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Roskilde University (RUC)

Situated in the heart of Denmark, Roskilde University (RUC) is renowned for its innovative and multidisciplinary approach to higher education. Established in 1972, RUC fosters a learning environment that emphasizes student-led research, collaboration, and critical thinking. Its unique academic model, centered on problem-oriented project work, encourages students to work together to address real-world challenges. Known for its diverse student community and commitment to academic excellence, Roskilde University offers a vibrant and inclusive setting where students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Tuition Fees at Roskilde University – An Overview

Before exploring the details of tuition fee waivers and scholarships, it’s essential to understand Roskilde University’s general tuition structure. For citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland, higher education in Denmark — including at RUC — is free, reflecting the Danish government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education for its citizens and EU/EEA residents.

In contrast, students from non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay tuition fees, which typically range from €6,000 to €16,000 per academic year, depending on the program and level of study. Given this substantial financial commitment, scholarships and tuition fee waivers play a vital role in making education at RUC more accessible for international students.

Danish State Scholarships and Tuition Fee Waivers at Roskilde University

The Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships at Roskilde University aim to attract and support outstanding students from non-EU/EEA countries pursuing a Master’s degree. These awards, granted only once a year for September intake, cover tuition fees and may last for up to 22 months, depending on the program. In addition, recipients receive a monthly stipend of DKK 7,800 to help cover living expenses while studying in Denmark.

Advantages of the Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships

For select master’s programs, a limited number of Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships are available to exceptional non-EU/EEA students required to pay tuition at Roskilde University. This funding package generally includes:

Tuition Fee Waiver: Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the Master’s program, typically two years.
Monthly Stipend: A stipend of DKK 7,800 per month to help cover living expenses while residing in Denmark.

Eligibility Requirement

To qualify for the Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships at Roskilde University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship: Open primarily to non-EU/EEA students, as EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay tuition fees.
Tuition Fee Obligation: Must be liable to pay tuition fees at Roskilde University.
Program Application: Must apply for admission to a Master’s program at Roskilde University.
Academic Excellence: Must have an outstanding academic record, typically demonstrated through an excellent GPA and strong previous academic performance.
Motivation and Contribution: Must show clear motivation for studying at Roskilde University and potential to make a positive contribution to the university community.
One-Time Application: Applications for the tuition fee waiver and scholarship must be submitted at the same time as the Master’s program application.
No Deferrals: Awards cannot be deferred to another semester; they are valid only for the semester of initial admission.
No Reapplication: If not awarded the scholarship or waiver upon first application, candidates cannot reapply in a later semester. Both admission and scholarship applications must be made together for the intended intake.

Application Procedure

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Apply for Admission
Begin by applying for admission to a Master’s program at Roskilde University. Applications are submitted online via the university’s admissions portal. Deadlines vary by program, but for the September intake, they typically fall in January or March of the same year.
Submit Scholarship Application
Once your admission application is submitted, eligible candidates will be invited to apply for the scholarship. This step requires providing additional documents, such as:
- A personal statement detailing your motivation for applying and your academic/career goals.
- Academic transcripts and certificates showcasing your previous academic achievements.
- Any other documents requested by the program or scholarship committee.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed based on academic excellence, motivation, and potential to contribute to the university community. As competition is intense, it is crucial to prepare a strong, well-documented application.

Application Tips for the Danish State Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships

Applying for scholarships and tuition fee waivers is highly competitive, so a well-prepared application is essential. Here are some strategies to improve your chances of success:

Start Early: Many scholarship deadlines are earlier than standard admission deadlines. Begin researching requirements and preparing your documents well ahead of time.
Aim for Academic Excellence: Your academic performance is a key selection factor. Maintain high grades and build your academic profile through research projects, publications, or relevant extracurricular activities.
Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Clearly outline your academic and career goals, your reasons for choosing Roskilde University, and how you can contribute to the university community.
Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose referees—professors or professionals—who know your work well and can provide detailed insights into your abilities, character, and potential.
Showcase Achievements and Potential: Highlight leadership roles, community involvement, work experience, or unique talents that demonstrate your capabilities beyond academics.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhere strictly to all guidelines and requirements. Even small mistakes or missing documents can result in disqualification.

Tuition Fee Refund Policy

If a student withdraws before the start of the semester (1 September or 1 February) and does not begin studies at Roskilde University, the tuition fee will be refunded. No refunds are issued for withdrawals made on or after the semester start dates.

Student Life at Roskilde University

Life at Roskilde University goes beyond academics and financial support. Renowned for its distinctive educational model, RUC emphasizes problem-oriented project learning and interdisciplinary studies. Students collaborate in groups to tackle real-world challenges, building practical skills and enhancing critical thinking.

The campus offers a lively, multicultural environment, with students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. A wide range of student organizations, social events, and activities provide opportunities for networking, personal growth, and professional development.

Learning Environment

Roskilde University fosters an academic environment built on collaboration and innovation. It offers a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across diverse disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and technology.

Student Support Services

Roskilde University offers comprehensive support services to ensure student success, including academic advising, career guidance, language assistance, and mental health resources. International students benefit from tailored support to help them adjust to life in Denmark.

Accommodation and Living Costs

Although tuition waivers and scholarships greatly ease the financial load, students should still account for living expenses. Denmark’s high standard of living comes with relatively higher costs, but RUC provides affordable student housing options, and scholarship recipients typically receive stipends to help offset these expenses.