An International Students' Guide to SU in 2025

If you are an international student living in Denmark, one of the most valuable resources available to you is the SU (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte) program.

SU is a financial aid scheme provided by the Danish government to support students pursuing higher education in the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of getting the SU and cover all the main questions you may have around the topic.

What is SU and what are the benefits?

SU is a state-funded financial aid program designed to assist students pursuing higher education in Denmark. It provides eligible students with a monthly grant to cover living expenses while studying. Getting the SU offers several advantages to students living in Denmark. These include:

• Financial Support: SU provides a monthly grant that helps cover living costs, including rent, groceries, and transportation.

• Flexibility: Unlike a loan, SU is a grant that does not require repayment, making it an attractive option for low-income students.

• Opportunity for Part-Time Work: SU recipients are allowed to work part-time alongside their studies, providing additional income and work experience.

International students in Denmark getting the SU

SU requirements and eligibility

The SU grant is available to all Danish citizens, including students from the Faroe Islands, and those who can be proven equal to a Danish citizen under Danish or EU law.

SU requirements for EU / EEA Students:

If you come from an EU or EEA country, you have the right to apply for equal status to a Danish citizen according to EU law. To be seen as an equal to a Danish citizen, you must fulfill one of the following requirements:

• Have status as a worker in Denmark, and work a minimum of 10-12 hours a week. You have to have already been working for 10 weeks consecutively in Denmark before applying.

• Have lived in Denmark for the last 5 years

• Be the child of an EU/EEA citizen

• Be married to an EU/EEA citizen

• Be the parent of an EU/EEA citizen

You must be officially registered as a resident in Denmark (with a CPR number) before applying.

You are considered an EU or EEA citizen if you come from one of these countries:

SU Requirements for Students Outside of the EU:

If you are not a Danish or EU/EEA citizen, you must first be granted Equal Status according to Danish law to be able to apply for the SU. This also includes British Citizens who have moved to Denmark after 2021. For a full list of up-to-date factors that may constitute equal status for non-EU or EEA citizens, visit su.dk.

Upcoming Changes to SU Eligibility

Starting January 1, 2027, new SU rules will apply to students beginning a new higher education program on or after July 1, 2025. This includes students enrolling in a master’s program after completing a bachelor’s degree. It is essential to check the latest regulations if you plan to apply for SU after 2025.

Residency requirements for the SU

You must be registered at a residence in Denmark for the majority of your study period in order to benefit from the SU.

• If you are from an EU or EEA country, you must apply for a registration certificate, then register in the Civil Registration System (CPR).

• If you come from outside of the EU, you will first need a residence permit from the Danish Immigration Service before arrival.

For up-to-date residency requirements, check su.dk.

Educational Requirements for the SU

To be eligible for SU, you must be enrolled in an approved educational program at a recognized educational institution in Denmark. The program can be at a university, college, or vocational institution.

How much money can you get from SU?

If you meet the eligibility standards for the SU, and your application is approved, you will receive SU payments on a monthly basis. The amount of SU you receive varies based on factors like your income and living situation.

Work Requirements to Maintain SU Eligibility

• You must work at least 10-12 hours per week for a Danish employer. The work must be in Denmark, taxed in Denmark, and must pay at least DKK 90-100 per hour.

• Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not count towards SU work requirements.

The SU Application Process

Once you have determined your eligibility, follow these steps to apply for SU:

1. Gather Required Documents

Before applying, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Proof of Enrolment: A confirmation letter from your educational institution stating your enrolment status.

• Personal Identification: Your passport or national ID card.

• Residence Permit: Non-EU/EEA students must provide a valid residence permit.

• CPR Number: The CPR number is a unique identification number assigned to residents in Denmark. You must have a CPR number before applying for SU.

• Employment Documentation: If applying as a worker, you need proof of your employment history in Denmark.

2. Complete the Application Form

To apply for SU, log in to the minSU portal on the official SU website (su.dk) and fill out the application form.

• EU/EEA students must also submit an application for equal status.

• Ensure all required documents are uploaded before submission.

3. Submit the Application

After completing the form, review it carefully to ensure accuracy. Then, submit your application electronically through the minSU online portal.

4. Wait for a Response

The processing time for SU applications varies, but you should expect a response within a few weeks. If there are any issues or missing information, the authorities may contact you for clarification.

5. Receive SU Grant

If your application is approved, you will start receiving monthly SU payments. The exact amount depends on your living situation, parental income, and financial independence.

Do I have to pay taxes on my SU? 

Taxes are automatically deducted from your SU payments on a monthly basis. The amount you pay in tax is calculated by the Danish Tax Administration.

• Your SU should be designated as your primary income for tax purposes, as it is likely higher than earnings from a part-time job.

• If you earn over the fribeløb, you may need to repay some of your SU.

What is a fribeløb and how can I calculate it?

If you exceed the allowed income limit while receiving SU, you may have to pay back part of your SU benefits, plus interest. The income limit, or "fribeløb," depends on:

• Your age (18 - 19 years, or 20+ years).

• Living situation (living at home or alone).

• Education level (high school vs. university).

• If you are a single parent or receiving other government benefits.

You can calculate an estimate of your fribeløb using the official SU calculator on su.dk.

What happens if I can’t work 10 - 12 hours per week?

Failing to meet the work requirement may result in your SU payments being stopped, and you may be required to repay benefits already received.What happens if I want to go on holiday or need a break from work?

What happens if I want to go on holiday or take a break from work?

Everyone has the right to take holidays. All workers in Denmark are entitled to 6 weeks of holiday per year.

• During your holiday period, you do not need to work 10-12 hours per week to maintain your SU.

• However, you must submit a statement signed by your employer confirming your holiday period on su.dk.

The Final Word

SU benefits in Denmark provide a great opportunity for students to focus on their studies while reducing financial stress. Due to upcoming rule changes in 2027, students enrolling in a new program from July 1, 2025, onwards should check for updates on su.dk.

The information as included on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not specifically relate to work at just-eat.dk. Although just-eat.dk. makes every effort to keep the content of this page up-to-date, the information is offered without any form of guarantee or claim to correctness. We therefore recommend that you consult official government websites or seek professional advice before acting.