Su/Student Grant
Learn how SU can support you financially during your studies in Denmark.
SU - State educational grant in Denmark
SU, short for Statens Uddannelsesstøtte, is Denmarks student financial support scheme. It provides eligible students with a monthly grant, and in some cases a loan, to help cover living expenses while studying.
The purpose of SU is to ensure that all students have equal access to education, regardless of their financial situation. By offering financial support, SU helps students focus on their studies rather than working long hours to support themselves.
SU can be an important part of your student budget, but eligibility depends on your situation, so make sure to check the requirements early.
What is SU?
SU is a monthly payment provided by the Danish government to eligible students. In addition to the grant, you may choose to take out a student loan. While the grant does not need to be repaid, any loan must be paid back with interest after graduation.
Both the SU grant and any loan are subject to Danish taxes. As an example, the SU monthly grant is approximately 6,589 DKK before tax (rates may change over time). Once approved, the payment is transferred directly to your account each month, with taxes deducted automatically.
You are allowed to work while receiving SU, but there is a limit to how much you can earn. EU students are generally required to work in Denmark to qualify for SU. If you earn more than the permitted amount, you may be required to repay part of your SU.
Who can apply?
SU and SU loans are available to all Danish citizens enrolled and active at an institution of higher education in Denmark.
International students can apply to be granted equal status either under EU law (EU rules | SU) or Danish law (Danish rules | SU), which means that it is possible to receive SU if you fulfil a number of requirements.
- Danish law: you can apply for equal status under Danish law if you: Came to Denmark with your parents, are married to a Danish resident, have worked in Denmark, have resided in Denmark for at least 5 years. See the specifics at the following page: Danish rules | SU)
- EU law: If you are a citizen of an EU Member State, an EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway) or Switzerland, you can apply for equal status if you have resided in Denmark for more than 5 years or have work in Denmark (at least 10-12 hours per week). Find more information about those specific rules here: here: EU rules | SU
Applying for SU
You apply for SU online through minSU (mySU) when you are enrolled in a study program in Denmark.
To apply, you will need a MitID, which is a digital login, used for public services in Denmark. You will normally receive this once you have obtained your CPR number and registered in Denmark.
When applying, you will be asked to provide relevant documentation, such as:
- your admission letter from a Danish educational institution
- your residence permit (if applicable)
- documentation of employment (if required for eligibility)
The Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science have made a complete guide for applying for SU as a foreign citizen. You can find it here: Foreign citizen – how to apply | SU
You can apply for SU one month before you start your studies at the earliest.
If you are a new student at Zealand, you may contact our SU counsellors with your SU-related questions.
Find contact information on our Contact page.