Aarhus University Scholarship for International Students in Denmark (2026)

Scholarship Description

The Aarhus University Danish State Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded or partially funded scholarship for talented international students from outside the EU/EEA who wish to pursue a Master's degree at Aarhus University, Denmark. The scholarship is financed by the Danish state, and Aarhus University offers a limited number of these scholarships each year to the most academically qualified applicants.

Aarhus University (AU) is one of Denmark's leading research universities, consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally. With a strong focus on innovation, interdisciplinary research, and academic excellence, AU provides an inspiring environment for students from around the world. The university does not have its own scholarship funds but relies solely on funding from the Danish state for this purpose.

Scholarships vary by faculty: some include both a tuition fee waiver and a monthly grant towards living expenses, while others offer a tuition fee waiver only. When you apply for admission to a Master's degree programme at Aarhus University, you are automatically considered for a Danish State Scholarship — no separate application is required.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Aarhus University, Denmark. The university has several campuses, with the main campus located in Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, known for its vibrant student life, rich cultural scene, and high quality of life.

Scholarship Deadline

Only applicants who have applied for a Master's degree programme no later than the specified deadlines will be considered for a tuition waiver or scholarship.

Host Institution

Aarhus University (AU) – a world-class research university founded in 1928. AU is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is known for its strong interdisciplinary research, innovative teaching methods, and beautiful campus. The university has five faculties: Arts, Aarhus BSS (Business and Social Sciences), Natural Sciences, Technical Sciences, and Health.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's degree programmes (2 years).

Fields: All Master's degree programmes offered by Aarhus University are eligible, depending on faculty-specific scholarship availability. Programmes include but are not limited to: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Economics, Natural Sciences, Technical Sciences, Engineering, and interdisciplinary fields.

Target Group

Non-EU/EEA international students who are liable to pay tuition fees. Scholarships can only be awarded to applicants who are from countries outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. EU/EEA/Swiss students cannot apply for these scholarships but may be eligible for the Danish State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme (SU).

Scholarship Types, Duration & Amount

The content of a scholarship varies by faculty. In some cases, the scholarship is a full or partial tuition waiver. In other cases, the tuition waiver includes a monthly grant towards living expenses, typically for the duration of the Master's degree programme.

Scholarship types by faculty:

• Faculty of Arts: Tuition fee waiver + monthly grant towards living expenses
• Aarhus BSS (Business and Social Sciences): Tuition fee waiver + monthly grant towards living expenses
• Faculty of Natural Sciences: Tuition fee waiver only
• Faculty of Technical Sciences: Tuition fee waiver only

Duration: Typically the full duration of the Master's degree programme (2 years), subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Additional note: Faculties that offer only tuition waivers may be able to offer other relevant services to recipients, such as assistance in searching for a relevant student job.

Scholarship Eligibility

Citizenship: Non-EU/EEA nationals who are liable to pay tuition fees at Aarhus University. EU/EEA/Swiss students are not eligible for Danish State Scholarships.

Academic requirements: Excellent academic qualifications. Priority is given to applicants with exceptional academic records.

Programme admission: You must apply for admission to a Master's degree programme at Aarhus University by the specified deadline (January 15 for summer admission, September 15 for winter admission). Scholarship consideration is automatic upon submitting your admission application.

Tuition liability: You must be liable to pay tuition fees at Aarhus University.

Note: The scholarship is connected very specifically to the Master's degree programme you applied to and cannot be transferred to another degree programme at Aarhus University.

Application Procedure

1. Find your Master's programme – Browse the list of Master's degree programmes offered at Aarhus University. Check admission requirements, language requirements, and specific deadlines for your chosen programme.
2. Submit your admission application – Apply for admission to your chosen Master's programme through the Aarhus University application system. Submit your application by the appropriate deadline (January 15 for summer admission or September 15 for winter admission).
3. Automatic scholarship consideration – When you apply for admission, your application is automatically assessed for a Danish State Scholarship along with the academic assessment of your qualifications. You do not need to complete a separate scholarship application or upload any additional documentation for scholarship purposes.
4. Wait for the decision – If you are selected for a scholarship, you will receive a scholarship offer along with your letter of admission in the application system. There will be a very short deadline to accept your scholarship offer.
5. Accept your offer – If you receive a scholarship offer, accept it within the specified deadline. If you are not selected for a scholarship, you will receive a tuition fee notification instead.
6. Apply for student residence permit – If you receive a tuition waiver only, note that it is a requirement for obtaining a student residence permit that you have sufficient funds to support yourself financially during your stay in Denmark.

Important notes for Natural Sciences and Technical Sciences applicants:

• If you are not selected for a tuition fee waiver when you receive your letter of admission, there is still a chance you may be selected later, prior to the acceptance deadline (April 1 for summer admission, November 1 for winter admission), as the award process continues throughout March/October.
• If your decision is dependent on receiving a tuition fee waiver, do not decline your offer of admission until the final deadline (April 1/November 1).
• If you have not received a tuition waiver offer by the final deadline, you are required to pay tuition fees at Aarhus University.

Official Website & Application Link

Aarhus University – Scholarships and Grants Official Page

Master's Programmes Overview: https://masters.au.dk/

Contact for admissions: Via the Aarhus University website contact form.

External scholarship opportunities mentioned on the official page:

• LPDP Scholarship (Indonesia): Indonesian students admitted to Aarhus University can apply to LPDP Regular Scholarship. https://lpdp.kemenkeu.go.id/en/beasiswa/pendaftaran-beasiswa/
• US Federal Student Loans: For American students (note: Aarhus University will no longer administer loans from 2025-26, but can confirm enrollment for previous loan holders).
• Canadian Student Loans: Aarhus University is registered with Canadian tax authorities.