Cost of Living in Denmark: Denmark has some of the most renowned schools in the world, and life here is quite affordable and safe, making it another place to be for an Indian student and an international student. But actually, costs of living and tuition are pretty high when compared to most other countries, so it would be wise to know what your potential costs might look like before you apply. Here we will introduce major costs and recommend some good ideas for managing your money well.
Denmark has a high standard of living and has prominent universities; thus, the high cost of living and study is quite unsurprising. Well, Indian students must be prepared for a good budget management plan. Danish treatments are unusually high in terms of the quality of life. This thus presents a need for Indian students to do budgeting.
Here is an overview of the Living Costs of Indian Students in Denmark:
Expense |
Cost (EUR/month) |
Accommodation |
500 - 1,200 |
Food & Groceries |
200 - 300 |
Transportation |
40 - 60 |
Health Insurance |
100 - 200 |
Study Materials |
20 - 50 |
Living costs vary in Denmark for a student depending on many factors, such as city and lifestyle, because the following are considered in living costs: rent, food, transport, insurance, and study material.
Most importantly, students who are non-EU/EEA pay between 6,000 and 16,000 EUR each year, depending on their choice of courses and the university rating. Most engineering programs tend to be more expensive than humanities ones. Study Materials costs for books and supplies will be approximately 200 to 500 EUR for a year. Prices vary with the subject and whether new or used books are used.
Living costs cover rent, food, transport, and insurance. Accommodation Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in Copenhagen range between 800 and 1,200 EUR per month. In smaller cities, accommodation is generally cheaper, about 500 to 800 EUR. The dormitories for students would be even cheaper.
All monthly groceries would come to around 200 to 300 EUR. Eating out is costly, at about 15 to 20 EUR per meal. On the other hand, cooking can really save you some bucks.
The public transport costs around 40 to 60 EUR. Biking is cheap and popular; many of the students buy a bike as a one-time investment.
International students need to have health insurance coverage costing about 100 to 200 EUR per year. Some universities may offer a basic coverage plan.
The Monthly Expenses of a Student in Denmark can be averaged as:
Average monthly rent: 500 - 1200 EUR for a single student
Food and groceries: 200 - 300 EUR
Transportation (pass OR bike maintenance): 40 - 60 EUR
Health insurance (annual cost translated monthly): 8 - 17 EUR
Study materials (books, supplies): 20 - 50 EUR
Thus, in short, monthly expenses for students hover around 800-1600 EUR, with dependence on housing and personal expenditure.
This rosy picture means that a single person will secure an approximate EUR 1,000 and EUR 2,000 with rent. Rent has a greater share of costs.
Tuition Fees in Denmark for International Students
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, including Indian students:
Average annual fees range from 6,000 to 16,000 EUR, depending on the university and program.
Engineering and technical courses tend to be more expensive.
Humanities and social sciences may cost less.
Scholarships and financial aid might reduce tuition costs.
The cost of living in Denmark for a Family will be higher for a family whose requirements include greater accommodation, food, transportation, etc.
Rent for a family apartment (2-3 bedrooms): 1,200 - 2,000 EUR monthly
Food and groceries: 500 - 800 EUR
Transportation for all members: 100 - 200 EUR
Utilities and insurance: 150 - 250 EUR
Schooling and childcare may incur additional costs
The cost of living for an Indian family starts from 2,000 to even 3,500 EUR monthly, depending on the location and standard of living.
Education in Denmark happens to be quite good, but you must learn how to handle your finances well, as the cost of living is high. Thus, here are some simple budgeting tips that will help you manage your expenses while studying there:
Make a thorough budget: Write a list of expected expenses-tuition fees, rent, food, transport, health insurance, and a study material budget. Knowing how much you are going to spend in a month prepares you better for the entire period.
Rent Cheaper Accommodation: Try to opt for student dormitories or shared apartments that are almost always cheaper than private flats. You might even explore housing in smaller towns or neighborhoods outside the town center for lower rent.
Cook at home: Eating out costs a lot in Denmark. Buy groceries and prepare meals at home instead; you'll save quite a bit.
Use Public Transport or a Bike: A monthly pass for public transport doesn't cost much, but biking is really popular and the cheapest option for students.
Working part-time: International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the weeks of study or term time. This would be a good way to help them with their living expenses. Most international students find jobs on campus or with shops and cafes near the university.
Apply for Scholarships: A student can also search for scholarships from Danish universities and external organizations to cut down on tuition fees, as well as ease the financial burden.
Track Spending: Make sure to take a record of the spending to analyze where it is possible to cut some waste, if necessary.
Take advantage of student discounts: Many places offer discounts on transport, food, and entertainment for students while requiring proof of being a student. Carry your student ID and ask for discounts when paying.
Health Insurance Planning: Add health insurance to your budget. Some universities offer basic coverage, so check this before you buy separate insurance.
Of course, Denmark gives and promises good education and a good standard of living; however, students should plan their finances very well, rather than being left to themselves. Effective budgeting, doing some part-time work, and applying for scholarships would benefit students in spending and enjoying a worthwhile study experience in Denmark.