The University of Copenhagen (UCPH), located in Denmark’s vibrant capital, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. For academically talented students from countries outside the EU/EEA—including Pakistan—the university offers a range of fully funded scholarships and salaried PhD positions. These opportunities allow Pakistani students to gain world-class education, engage in advanced research, and become part of a globally respected academic environment.
Why Pakistani Students Should Consider UCPH
Denmark is consistently ranked among the top countries for quality of life, education, and innovation. Studying at UCPH offers Pakistani students:
Access to cutting-edge research facilities
Collaboration with renowned professors and researchers
Exposure to Nordic values of sustainability, inclusiveness, and innovation
Opportunities to work on global challenges related to climate, health, technology, and policy
A multicultural campus and strong international student support
Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships
Pakistani students applying for Master’s degree programs at UCPH can benefit from tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and are typically available for applicants with:
Outstanding academic performance in undergraduate studies
Strong motivation for pursuing a particular program at UCPH
Clear alignment with the department’s research or academic goals
What’s Covered?
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Tuition Fees | Fully waived (for selected students) |
Monthly Stipend | May range between DKK 6,000–8,000 (approx. PKR 275,000–365,000) |
Duration | Usually 2 years |
Health Insurance | Covered via national schemes |
Living in Copenhagen | Student housing support and local discounts |
Eligibility Criteria
Must be a non-EU/EEA citizen (Pakistani citizens qualify)
Admitted to a full-time Master’s program at UCPH
Must not have previously lived or studied long-term in Denmark
Application Process
Apply for admission to a relevant Master’s program at UCPH.
Indicate interest in the scholarship during the application.
No separate scholarship application is typically required, but documentation of academic merit and financial need may be requested.
Paid PhD Positions – A Job, Not Just a Scholarship
For those aiming to pursue a PhD, UCPH offers something unique: most PhD positions are fully salaried jobs, not just scholarships. This means Pakistani PhD candidates will be employed by the university, receive a monthly salary, and enjoy full employment benefits.
PhD Employment Benefits
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Monthly Salary | Approx. DKK 25,000–30,000 (PKR 1.1 to 1.3 million) |
Duration | 3 years (extendable in some cases) |
Health & Pension | Included as part of employment |
Research & Teaching | PhD students contribute to ongoing academic projects |
Publication Requirement | Often includes writing and publishing academic papers |
Ideal Candidate Profile
Pakistani students should have:
A strong Master’s degree (or equivalent 18 years of education)
A clear research proposal aligned with department goals
Excellent academic references and English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL required)
Willingness to relocate to Denmark for the full research duration
Fields of Study in Demand
The University of Copenhagen is particularly strong in fields such as:
Health and Medical Sciences
Computer Science and AI
Climate and Environmental Studies
Political Science and Global Development
Philosophy, Humanities, and Theology
Pakistani students interested in these domains will find ample opportunities for academic and research advancement.
Life in Copenhagen as a Pakistani Student
Living in Copenhagen offers numerous benefits for Pakistani students:
One of the world’s safest cities
International student communities and cultural diversity
English is widely spoken, reducing language barriers
Public transport, biking culture, and green lifestyle
Strong Pakistani community and halal food availability
How to Apply
Choose Your Program
Visit the official UCPH Admissions Page to explore available Master’s and PhD programs.Check Deadlines
Application deadlines are typically:Master’s Programs: January for autumn intake
PhD Programs: Rolling deadlines depending on department
Prepare Documents
Include academic transcripts, English test scores, passport copy, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.Submit Application
Apply through the online application portal and select the scholarship option (if applicable).
Final Thoughts
The University of Copenhagen is a gateway to not just a degree but a transformative international experience. For Pakistani students, it offers a chance to gain European education, earn while learning (in the case of PhDs), and become part of one of the world’s most progressive academic ecosystems.
With a combination of financial support, professional research roles, and a high standard of living, UCPH stands out as an excellent destination for Pakistani scholars looking to make a global impact.
