The SU system was introduced to ensure that all students had equal opportunities to complete an education regardless of their financial background. The SU scheme ensures that, in principle, everyone has the opportunity to pursue an education. SU was first paid out to students in 1970 and has enabled people from all social backgrounds to realistically have the chance to study.
What can you earn alongside SU?
What is SU?
"Anyone who applies for a publicly recognized education program and is suitable and active in their studies shall have the right to support calculated based on objective criteria, within certain limits regarding the duration of the studies." (Quote from the von Eyben Committee, 1970)
As of 2024, the Danish state spends approximately 20 billion DKK per year on SU (State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme), with around one-third of each youth cohort receiving SU.
Over the years, various committees and governments have worked to improve the scheme and establish uniform support conditions for all students. Among the key measures introduced are an income allowance (fribeløb) and a voucher system (klippekortsystem), which calculates the total amount of SU a student can receive. SU Denmark is administered by the Agency for Higher Education and Science under the Ministry of Higher Education and Science.
Internationally, SU is considered one of the best student support schemes in the world, as it ensures equal access to education and fosters a more inclusive educational system, where financial background is not a barrier to obtaining an education.
The Voucher System : How SU Works for Higher Education
SU (State Educational Grant) for higher education functions like a clip card system—one month of SU counts as one clip. As a student, you can receive a total of 70 clips, which equals 70 months of SU. This covers nearly six years (5 years and 10 months) of studies.
At the start of your studies, you are allocated SU clips corresponding to the estimated length of your education. If you do not need all 70 months of SU (for example, if you pursue a shorter education or choose not to receive SU for all months of study), you can save the unused clips and use them later in life. This means that you do not automatically receive 70 clips—only the number required for your chosen education.
What can you earn alongside SU in 2025?
As an SU recipient, there are certain limits on how much you can earn before it affects your SU grant.
Income Rules for SU Recipients:
If you are a full-time student in higher education, you can earn up to 19,799 DKK per month before tax in 2025 without affecting your SU. If your income exceeds this amount, your SU will be reduced proportionally to the amount exceeding the limit.
If you are in a youth education program, the maximum income allowed in 2025 is 14,596 DKK per month before tax.
Part-time students are subject to different rules. If you receive SU as a part-time student, there is a limit on how much you can earn alongside your SU. If your income exceeds the threshold, your SU will be reduced proportionally.
Since income limits change over time, it is always a good idea to check the latest regulations with the SU Agency (SU-styrelsen).
If you earn too much, you may be required to repay some of your SU, so keeping track of your earnings or finding a job where income and SU work together efficiently is highly recommended.
Can Everyone Receive SU?
You are eligible for SU (State Educational Grant) if you are a Danish citizen and actively enrolled as a student.
Foreign students must meet specific requirements to receive SU:
You can apply to be equalized with Danish citizens, which may grant you eligibility for SU.
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or have a family member who is, you may also qualify for Danish SU.
How Is SU Structured?
SU consists of two main components:
The basic grant – a fixed monthly amount meant to cover living expenses such as food, housing, and transportation.
Additional allowances – granted based on specific criteria, such as having a disability or children.
Students can also apply for SU loans on top of their basic grant if they need extra financial support.
How Much SU Do You Get After Taxes?
In 2025, the SU rate for students in higher education who have moved away from home is 7,086 DKK before tax. The exact amount you receive after tax depends on your tax deductions and personal tax rate.
Who Can Receive SU?
SU is available to students across all levels of higher education, including:
University programs
Professional bachelor’s degrees
Academy profession degrees
Upper secondary education (youth education programs)
This ensures that students across different educational pathways receive financial support, promoting equal opportunities and preventing any education type from being considered more valuable than others.
SU as Financial Support, Not Full Financing
It is important to note that SU is a support scheme, not a full financing solution for your education. Many students supplement their SU with part-time jobs, scholarships, or grants to cover additional expenses like textbooks, study trips, or other education-related costs.
The Impact of SU in Denmark
Denmark’s SU system has proven successful in ensuring broad access to education and reducing financial barriers for students. It contributes to a more equal and fair education system, where everyone can pursue their academic dreams, regardless of financial background.
There is, of course, an ongoing debate about the long-term sustainability of SU. Some argue that it places a financial burden on the state, while others believe that SU is crucial for social mobility and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
A Bit More About Earning Money Alongside Your SU
There are several options when looking for a student job. Some possibilities include:
Part-time work (e.g., as a courier for Just Eat)
Freelance work
Substitute or temporary work
Online jobs
Private tutoring or mentoring for other students
What Is the SU Income Limit (Fribeløb)?
The fribeløb is the amount you can earn while receiving SU. If you exceed this limit, you will have to repay part of your SU. It is your own responsibility to keep track of your earnings.
You can earn more than the calculated monthly fribeløb in some months as long as your total earnings for the year do not exceed the annual fribeløb. If your income surpasses this annual limit, you will need to repay part of your SU—but not the entire amount. Only half of the difference between the middle monthly fribeløb and the lowest monthly fribeløb must be repaid, plus a surcharge.
Do You Have to Pay Tax on SU?
Yes, SU is taxable income. This means you must pay tax on your SU if the amount exceeds your tax-free income threshold. If your total SU income (including additional SU and any supplements) surpasses the tax-free limit, you will need to pay A-tax on the excess amount.
How to Manage Earnings While Working as a Just Eat Courier
If you work a fixed number of hours per week throughout the year, you can keep your income under the tax-free annual limit.
If you work 20 hours per week, you can earn around 13,000–14,000 DKK per month. Taking a long summer break or working fewer hours during exam periods could help you stay within your annual fribeløb and avoid repaying any SU.
If you work as an on-call temp or have irregular hours, you must monitor your hours or income to stay under the tax-free annual limit. This approach allows you to work full-time during holidays and only a few weekends or evenings during the rest of the year, offering greater flexibility.
Choosing to Opt Out of SU to Increase Your Income Limit
If you pause your SU for a few months, your fribeløb increases. This can be useful if you plan to work more during a specific period and want to avoid repaying SU later.
How Much Can You Earn as a University Student?
If you are enrolled in a higher education program, you can earn up to 19,799 DKK per month before tax.
For example:
If you receive 7,086 DKK in SU, your earnings limit is:
19,799 DKK - 7,086 DKK = 12,713 DKKThis means you can earn 12,713 DKK per month alongside your SU before having to repay any of it.
Work at Just Eat While Receiving SU
A job at Just Eat is student-friendly, allowing you to choose your hours so that you earn just enough to avoid repaying your SU due to exceeding the income limit.
There are many benefits to having a part-time job at Just Eat:
Having a job improves your quality of life
Flexible working hours
You get colleagues
You can manage your studies while earning money
Fresh air and exercise while working
Influence over your work schedule
Gain experience in customer service and logistics
Foreign EU citizens working 10-12 hours per week are eligible for SU—meaning a job at Just Eat could help you qualify for student financial aid.
The information included on this page is only intended for general information purposes and does not relate specifically to work at just-eat.dk. Although just-eat.dk. makes every effort to keep the content on this page up to date, the information is offered without any guarantee or claim of accuracy. We therefore recommend that you consult official government websites or seek professional advice before acting.
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