Denmark is one of the best places in Europe for international students to study because it has high-quality schools, English-taught programmes, and government-funded scholarships. The good news is that you can study in Denmark without taking IELTS in 2026. This is especially true if you know about other options and apply in a smart way.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about Denmark scholarships that don’t require the IELTS test, including the best ways to pay for them, who can apply, and how to do it.
Would it be possible to study in Denmark without taking IELTS?
Yes, but not always.
You don’t have to take the IELTS test to get into most universities in Denmark. You can study without IELTS if you give the following.
- Certificate for Medium of Instruction (MOI)
- Previous study of English
- Other tests (like TOEFL, PTE, etc.)
- Interview or test inside the company
Many courses at European universities, including Denmark, now accept proof of English apart from IELTS.
Denmark also has hundreds of courses taught in English, which makes it easier for international students to study without having to learn Danish. Danish
Best Scholarships in Denmark Without IELTS (2026)
If you meet other requirements, these are the best scholarships you can apply for without taking the IELTS.
1. Scholarships from the Danish government (full or partial)
This is the most important scholarship in Denmark that the government pays for.
What it talks about:
- Waiver of all or part of the tuition fee
- Monthly payment (in some cases)
- Help with studying
These scholarships are available through universities such as the following:
- Southern Denmark University
- University of Aarhus
- Copenhagen University
Once you get into some colleges, they automatically consider you.
Note:
- You must prove your English skills, but if you give MOI, you may not need the IELTS.
International students have to pay between €6,000 and €16,000 a year in tuition, so this scholarship is very helpful.
2. Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
This programme is one of the best ways to study in Denmark without taking the IELTS.
What it talks about:
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
- Housing
Main benefit:
- Many Erasmus programs don’t require IELTS.
- Instead, you can use MOI or other proof.
This is one of the safest ways to get to Denmark with full funding.
3. Scholarships for Danish Universities
Many Danish universities give scholarships to students from other countries.
For example:
- Scholarships from the University of Southern Denmark
- scholarships for IT students at the University of Copenhagen
- Money for Roskilde University
What they have to offer:
- Full or partial waivers of tuition
- Funding based on merit
These are the scholarships:
- Very competitive
- Usually given automatically after admission
4. Nordplus Programme (Chance to Exchange)
This initiative is a scholarship programme for a specific area.
What it has to offer:
- Money for studying abroad in Nordic countries
- Help with tuition
Best for:
- Students who are already studying in Europe
It’s not a full-degree scholarship, but it’s still helpful for moving around.
5. Scholarships for PhD students and those outside of school
At the PhD level, Denmark has a lot of money to give.
What they talk about:
- Full cost of school
- Monthly pay, not just a stipend
- Funding for research
A lot of the time, PhD scholarships in Denmark pay for all of your living expenses while you work.
Levels of Study Covered
There are scholarships in Denmark for:
- A degree in business
- A master’s degree is the most common.
- Programmes for PhDs
- Exchange and degrees earned together
Most fully funded opportunities are for master’s and PhD students.
What you need to do to get a Denmark scholarship without taking the IELTS test
You must still meet these requirements, even if IELTS is not required:
Requirements for School
- Good grades in school
- Bachelor’s degree (for master’s programmes)
What documents do you need?
- Transcripts from school
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Letters of recommendation
- Passage
Other Languages for English
You can use the following instead of IELTS:
- Letter of Medium of Instruction (MOI)
- Previous degree taught in English
- Interview for college
- Different English tests
Always check with the university you want to go to.
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Pick a programme that teaches English
Look for classes that are all in English.
Step 2: Check to see if you can get an IELTS waiver
Find out if the university will accept MOI or another form of proof.
Step 3: Fill out an application for admission
Please submit all the necessary academic papers.
Step 4: Apply for financial aid
Some scholarships are given automatically, while others need separate applications.
Step 5: Get ready for the interview
Some colleges and universities use interviews to test how well students speak English.
Step 6: Wait for the Offer
Schools typically inform students about their scholarship decisions after acceptance.
How much does it cost to study in Denmark?
If you don’t receive a full ride:
- Cost of tuition: €6,000 to €16,000 a year
- Cost of living: €700 to €1,200 a month
That’s why scholarships are vital.
Why should you study in Denmark?
Education that is world-class
Denmark has schools that are based on research and new ideas.
Programmes taught in English
You can learn everything in English.
Job openings
Students can work part-time while they are at school.
Things to do after school
You can stay in the country after you graduate to seek employment.
A safe and high-quality way of life
Denmark is always one of the best places to live in terms of quality of life.
How to Study in Denmark Without Taking the IELTS
Make good use of MOI
Make sure that your previous university clearly states that your program is in English.
Target Erasmus programmes
These are the simplest fully funded choices that don’t require IELTS.
Send applications to more than one school.
Make it more likely that you will get both admission and money.
Write a strong letter of motivation
This is crucial, especially if IELTS isn’t offered.
Apply early
Most deadlines are between January and March 2026.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- If all colleges and universities don’t require IELTS,
- Sending in weak English proof
- PUTTING OFF APP
- Not checking if you qualify for a scholarship
- Apply to just one programme
Last Thoughts
If you know how the system works and apply wisely, you can study in Denmark without taking the IELTS in 2026.
The best paths are:
- Scholarships from the Danish government
- Fully funded Erasmus Mundus programmes.
- Scholarships from universities
The most important thing is to
- Use an MOI or another proof in English.
- Apply early
- Pay attention to strong papers
- Target opportunities with full funding
You can study in Denmark without taking the IELTS test, get funding, and start a global career in Europe if you plan ahead.