A Master’s degree in Denmark is attractive for many students from Germany, because tuition fees do not apply to citizens of EU and EEA countries. This guide explains which costs to plan for, which funding routes are possible and how health insurance works during your studies.
Quick answer: As a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you pay no tuition fees at Danish universities, according to the University of Copenhagen. Students from non-EU countries pay EUR 10,000 to 17,000 per 60 ECTS academic year. Whether you stay insured in Germany depends on your main place of residence. Last updated: October 2026.
Key points
- EU and EEA citizens study at the University of Copenhagen without tuition fees, while non-EU students pay fees.
- A Master’s degree comprises 120 ECTS credits, which are paid in full, whether you pay yearly or per semester.
- Your health insurance depends on your main place of residence, not only on the place of study.
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not cover everything and does not include repatriation.
- Living costs in the larger Danish cities are considered high, so plan a realistic monthly budget.
What does a Master’s degree in Denmark cost?
The University of Copenhagen distinguishes between students from EU and EEA countries and students from non-EU countries. The website does not name a specific academic year, so check the fee for your programme directly with the university before you apply.
| Students | Fee according to the University of Copenhagen | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| EU and EEA countries | no tuition fee | citizens of these countries |
| Non-EU countries | EUR 10,000 to 17,000 | per 60 ECTS credits and academic year |
Besides tuition, you pay for housing, health insurance, living costs and travel. For non-EU students, two academic years add up to EUR 20,000 to 34,000. Assumption: two academic years at EUR 10,000 or EUR 17,000 each.
How can you fund a Master’s degree in Denmark?
For a Master’s degree abroad, several routes are possible: savings, a student loan, a scholarship or Auslands-BAföG (German state student aid for study abroad), if the conditions are met. The competent German office for training support decides on BAföG case by case. Our guide on Auslands-BAföG (in German) explains the basics.
| Funding route | Suitable for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Auslands-BAföG | Living costs and tuition within the rules | Apply before the start of studies, the office decides |
| Student loan | Bridging living costs and rent | Calculate interest and repayment in advance |
| Scholarships | Partial or full funding, depending on the funder | Eligibility, deadlines and documents differ widely |
Which health insurance do you need in Denmark?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is requested from your German statutory health insurer. It is valid in the EU, but only for the services that residents of the host country receive. Outpatient and emergency treatment are covered, while repatriation is not. This is described in a guide published by Hochschule Offenburg (in German).
Whether you remain in the German statutory system or become insured in Denmark depends on where your main residence is and how long you stay. Clarify this with your health insurer before you start. The same guide recommends additional travel or study-abroad health insurance even within the EU. A guide to health insurance for long stays abroad (in German) adds more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Do German students have to pay tuition fees in Denmark?
No, if you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, tuition fees do not apply according to the University of Copenhagen. Check the page of your university to confirm that this applies to your programme.
What does a Master’s degree in Denmark cost for non-EU students in total?
A Master’s degree comprises 120 ECTS credits and is paid in full. At EUR 10,000 to 17,000 per academic year, the total ranges from EUR 20,000 to 34,000. The exact amount depends on the programme.
Can I finance a Master’s degree in Denmark with Auslands-BAföG?
This is possible if the conditions are met. The competent office for training support decides. Submit your application early, before you accept a place.
Is the EHIC enough if I study in Denmark?
The EHIC covers only the services that residents receive, and it does not include repatriation. An additional health insurance for study abroad is therefore recommended, even within the EU.
Where can I find the current fees for my programme?
The fees are published on the websites of the university and the programme. They change, so check the current status before every decision.
Next steps
- Check the current tuition fee on the page of your programme and whether it applies to your citizenship.
- Ask your German statutory health insurer whether you can request an EHIC and how your membership is handled during studies.
- Plan a budget for the whole period of study, including rent, living costs and travel.
- Clarify your funding routes, such as Auslands-BAföG, scholarships or a student loan, before you accept a place.
- If needed, take out study-abroad health insurance that covers repatriation and longer stays.
Related reading
- Master’s Degree Abroad: Countries, Applications and Costs
- Master im Ausland: Länder, Bewerbung und Kosten (in German)
- Krankenversicherung im Auslandsstudium (in German)
- Auslandssemester Dänemark: KV, Visum, Kosten 2026 (in German)
- Master in Schweden: Kosten, Finanzierung und Krankenversicherung
Sources: University of Copenhagen, Tuition fees and scholarships (accessed October 2026), Hochschule Offenburg, guide to insurance cover abroad (accessed October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
