Denmark
10 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
General grant for Master's and PhD level studies/research:
We offer Fulbright grants to American students for one academic year in Denmark:
- One Fulbright year in Denmark with combined research/study plans at Master’s and PhD level.
or - The first year of a Master's degree in Denmark.
Fulbright Denmark awards grants to the most talented graduate and PhD-students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and will actively contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding as cultural ambassadors of the U.S. in Denmark.
Graduating seniors or applicants who hold a bachelor's degree are welcome to apply, and these applicants will need to enroll as a MA-level student with a Danish institution (see Special Application Instructions and Affiliation section below).
Fulbright Denmark has as focus areas: life sciences, space, and environmental responsibility. Applications within these areas are given priority, but all fields are welcome.
Arctic Semester with Aarhus University:
Fulbright Denmark offers a one-year academic program for the Arctic. Students will spend the first semester at the Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Denmark and the second semester at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR), Nuuk, Greenland. The grant is awarded to up to three American graduate students per year. If you have an already established strong academic record within natural sciences, this is a unique opportunity of studying in both Denmark and Greenland.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period must begin in late-August and end in June. A mandatory Fulbright Arrival Orientation takes place in Copenhagen at the end of August, and you must therefore plan your start date accordingly. Fulbright Denmark does not offer grants to Summer University or preparatory courses.
If you are selected as a finalist, there must be cohesion between the required grant period of ten months, the admission period at the Danish university, and the dates of the Danish residence permit which you will apply for with the help of your Danish host university.
Orientation
A mandatory Fulbright Arrival Orientation takes place in Copenhagen in late August, including cultural trainings, sightseeing, and socializing events. Additionally, Fulbright Denmark will be in touch with grantees both virtually and with written materials before their arrival to prepare and support them in their individual arrival process.
Candidate Profile
Applicants must know that per culture, the Danish academic traditions and universities are far less catering than the average American university experience. Therefore, students applying to Denmark must be self-reliant and independent in order to get a good experience.
As we review candidates, we consider the following five criteria:
- Project/Program Assessment: Well-developed grant purpose, feasibility of project, emphasized relevant subjects and the candidate’s motivation and academic match with these.
- Academic Excellence: Requisite qualifications to successfully complete proposal, record of excellence, including a high GPA, academic achievements, honors etc.
- Opportunity: Personal qualities, including adaptability, willingness to make the most of the opportunity, important contribution to academic and personal development.
- Social Engagement and Ambassadorial Qualities: Representative and responsible citizens who can contribute to an understanding and friendship between the people of the U.S. and Denmark. Demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and to representing the U.S. abroad.
- Future Potential and Multiplier Effect: Potential to become a productive and effective member of the Fulbright alumni network, and to have a multiplier effect, in the sense of providing benefits beyond the candidate’s own professional development.
General grant for Master's and PhD level studies/research:
Fulbright Denmark has three focus areas: life sciences, space, and sustainable practices (including arctic studies). However, applications from well-qualified candidates in all fields are welcomed.
Master: Only applications for degree or non-degree (guest) enrollment can be accepted (No independent research or interview projects). Non-degree applicants who propose a research project must clearly indicate their plans of registering for and following courses alongside the research project. All applicants must have previous experience in the proposed field of study.
PhD: Independent research projects are accepted under affiliation with a Danish host institution. Fulbright guest PhD students must participate in academic activities alongside their research projects such as classes, seminars, study circles etc. Fulbright Denmark does not offer grants to American students who plan to pursue a full PhD in Denmark.
If in doubt whether your plans are feasible for a Fulbright grant to Denmark, please contact Fulbright Denmark.
Arctic Semester with Aarhus University:
Available for up to three American graduate students within natural sciences and with an interest in/academic focus on Arctic eco systems and environmental changes. The first semester (Fall) will take place at ARC at Aarhus University where the student must take classes (for this specific grant, no independent research project). During the second semester (Spring) at GINR in Nuuk, Greenland, the student will both take classes and be directly involved in Arctic Field experience. The student must take mandatory classes for the program (no exceptions) both in Aarhus and in Nuuk. An overview of classes for the Spring semester can be seen here.
Please note that the grant amount to Greenland is identical to the grants to Denmark, with no extra funding for travel to Greenland.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Denmark is well-known for its egalitarian welfare society and great work-life-balance. Danes are laidback, direct, trusting, and highly efficient in their work. Cities are well-organized and stand out with their great infrastructure and easily-accessible public transportation, but cycling is still a key element of day-to-day life. Our Fulbrighters enjoy safe neighborhoods and proximity to nature in every city. On top of that, you get to enjoy a combination of history and modernity, and a rich cultural scene including top-notch gastronomy, festivals, music, and art.
Overall, Danish lifestyle focuses on welfare and sustained happiness – which is why work-life-balance is a cornerstone of our society. Kids are taught to be independent, practical and critical thinkers, and most Danes are highly proficient in English from an early age. Culturally, there is a sense of solidarity, open-mindedness, equality and co-creating ‘hygge’. Flat organization is part of most workplaces and institutions, so the short power distance creates a greater space for sharing ideas and shaping your day-to-day study or work environment. In the winter, expect mostly windy and rainy days with little sunlight. As the seasons change, so do the habits of the people. Colder weather calls for cozy indoor activities, whereas summers are for enjoying outside, at parks, beaches or any other sunny spot you can find.
As a potential Fulbright grantee to Denmark, expect overworking to be discouraged, family/friends time encouraged and a healthy work-life-balance. Find out why Denmark is consistently named among the happiest countries in the world. By the end of your grant period, you will become an expert in Danish lifestyle and ‘hygge’.
Eligibility
3 Months
Dual citizenships between the U.S. and any country other than Denmark are accepted. Students with dual citizenships between the U.S. and a country in the EU must enroll at their Danish host institution under their U.S. citizenship and arrive on their U.S. passport.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
All applications:
Students must declare in their application whether they are applying as a guest student or a degree-seeking student.
Arctic Semester with Aarhus University:
Candidates for this award opportunity should include ‘Arctic Semester with Aarhus University’ at the start of their project title.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Danish language proficiency is not required unless demanded by the Danish institution, needed to successfully complete the project/study plan, or if the applicant is pursuing Kierkegaard studies; areas within Danish studies; or archival studies.
Many universities offer free Danish language courses, once the student has obtained a Danish personal number. Most Danes speak English, but you will find that developing an understanding of the language can help you feel more immersed in Danish culture and daily life.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
Applications to Denmark must include a letter of affiliation from a Danish university clearly stating that the grant proposal content is of interest and will give access to a Danish residence permit through the university. Sample letters (available here in three versions: one for non-degree seeking Master’s students, one for degree-seeking Master’s students, one for guest PhD students) must be filled out by the Danish institution and must accompany the Fulbright application.
Affiliation does not guarentee enrollment. Applicants must also separately apply for admission to the Danish university as either guest students (non-degree seeking students) or as degree seeking students through the general admissions process. Please be aware that the admissions deadlines at the Danish universities are later than the Fulbright deadline. but you can apply for the Fulbright program before you have been accepted to the Danish host institution. Applicants must clearly communicate to the Danish institution that they are applying as prospective Fulbright students. Please note that any final admission decisions are entirely up to the Danish universities.
It is required that grantees are enrolled with full time workloads. For a non-degree student, this typically consists of a research project and 1-2 courses, totaling 30 ECTS credits per semester (one ECTS credit = approx. 27 working hours).
Please note that the SUND Department (Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences) at University of Copenhagen only accepts PhD guest students and degree-seeking Masters students. Admissions will not accept applications from non-degree applicants.
Activity timeline:
Seek affiliation --> Submit Fulbright application --> Apply for admission/enrollment --> Receive notificaition of Fulbright application --> Finalize affiliation and secure residence permit --> Receive the Fulbright grant
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
A Fulbright grant covers one or the first year of study in Denmark.
Non-degree seeking students will be eligible for a special Fulbright tuition waiver. Any later change of status from non-degree to degree seeking while in Denmark may not be possible, but if accepted, it will involve retrospective payment of tuition for the first year.
Degree-seeking students must pay tuition for all years of the Danish degree, including the first year as a Fulbright student. The grant is not meant to cover tuition, but to support living expenses during the first year of a degree.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
The total grant amount is DKK 125,000, which is paid in monthly installments to the grantee’s Danish bank account.
Grantees should be prepared to cover most initial residence permit, travel and relocation expenses before they can receive their first grant payment after arrival in Denmark. Travel costs for the grantee are included in the stipend.
Grantees located outside of Copenhagen will get travel costs refunded if related to mandatory Fulbright events in the capital.
There are no additional one-time allowances.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Health insurance (in addition to ASPE)
- Mid-year seminar
Free Danish language courses offered by the municipality of the city of residence.
Arrival orientation, enrichment seminars, social activities and opportunities to interact with other Fulbrighters. You will have your own Program Coordinator, who will guide you throughout the arrival process and the entire stay. At the host institutions, you can expect attractive research environments with typically Danish "work life balance”.
Students will have access to the Danish public health care system, when they obtain a Danish residence permit. Under the Danish health care system, health care in hospitals, from a general practitioner and a number of specialists is free. Dental care is self-paid.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
You can find examples of cost of living in Denmark here.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Students must secure housing by themselves, and should allow ample time to secure housing before departing for Denmark. Danish universities are not obligated to find housing, but may be able to offer some support – check their websites for more information. Be very aware of housing scams and never pay a deposit for an unverified landlord/address. Fulbright Denmark provides grantees with guide and links to housing sites.
Special requirements for Greenland and the Faroe Islands
Proposed projects for Greenland and the Faroe Islands are subject to certain rules and limitations. Candidates must obtain a residence permit through a university in Denmark, and the Fulbright stay must take place in Denmark allowing only for shorter visits to Greenland or the Faroe Islands. Please note that special residence permits for Greenland and the Faroe Islands may also be required, and the Danish institution must initate these. Applicants must also obtain a convincing letter of invitation from the Greenland or Faroe Islands institution. Projects involving more extensive or full stays in Greenland or the Faroe Islands cannot be accepted due to the present legislation.
Please note that the grant amount to Greenland and the Faroe Islands is identical to the grants to Denmark, with no extra funding for travel.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
General information about Denmark: http://www.visitdenmark.com
US Embassy in Denmark: https://dk.usembassy.gov/
Information about the Danish education system: https://ufm.dk/en/publications/2022/files/the-danish-education-system.pdf