It’s been a long time since I was a student myself.
And to be clear: these numbers aren’t from my own student budget years ago.
They’re based on what is typical today, gathered from:
• Current SU rates published by Danish authorities
• Student housing providers and university estimates
• Conversations with students living in Denmark now
• Public cost-of-living references commonly used by students
So think of this as a realistic baseline, not a promise or a guarantee.
What SU Typically Looks Like Today
For students who qualify for SU, the monthly amount before tax is around 6,500 DKK.
After tax, most students end up with about 5,400–5,700 DKK.
For simplicity, it’s reasonable to budget with 5,500 DKK per month.
Disclaimer:
SU amounts, tax rates, and eligibility can change.
Always check the official SU website and your tax card for exact figures.
Typical Monthly Living Expenses (Today)
Based on current student living costs, this is what a modest monthly budget often looks like:
• Rent (student housing or shared apartment): 3,000–3,800 DKK
• Utilities & internet: 300–400 DKK
• Groceries: 1,500–1,800 DKK
• Transport (bike or student pass): 200–350 DKK
• Phone: 150–200 DKK
• Study materials & subscriptions: 150–250 DKK
That puts total basic expenses at around 5,300–6,800 DKK per month.
Disclaimer:
Costs vary significantly by city (Copenhagen is typically higher), housing type, and lifestyle.
These figures reflect a modest student setup, not a comfortable or flexible one.
Why This Is Especially Relevant for International Students
For international students, budgeting often comes with extra pressure.
You may:
• Be unfamiliar with Danish pricing
• Have limited family support nearby
• Face stricter rules around work hours
• Need to budget for travel home
• Feel pressure to “make it work” without asking for help
That makes understanding the numbers early even more important.
Where SU Alone Starts to Fall Short
If your rent stays close to 3,000 DKK, SU can cover the essentials.
Once rent rises above that, the budget quickly becomes tight.
What’s usually not included in the calculation:
• Eating out occasionally
• Coffee on campus
• Visits home
• Emergency expenses
• Savings
These aren’t luxuries — they’re normal parts of student life.
A Personal Note on SU Loans
This is my personal view, not financial advice — but I generally don’t recommend relying on SU loans unless there’s no alternative.
Loans can feel manageable while studying.
What many students don’t realise is how they affect your financial profile later — especially when applying for a mortgage in Denmark.
That topic deserves a proper, separate conversation.
Why Part-Time Work Often Makes the Difference
With today’s costs, SU alone leaves very little margin.
Even 8–10 hours of part-time work per week can add 2,500–4,000 DKK per month.
For many international students, that extra income means:
• Less financial stress
• Less dependence on loans
• More flexibility in daily life
Of course, always check:
• Your residence permit rules
• Your study workload
• Your own capacity
Balance matters.
Living Within Your Means Is Still Key
Student life in Denmark can look expensive — especially on social media.
But budgeting isn’t about matching others’ lifestyles.
Choosing shared housing, cooking more at home, and keeping expenses realistic isn’t a step backward.
It’s often what protects your options after graduation.
Final Thought
Even though my own student days are long behind me, the picture today is clear.
SU is designed to support studying — not to fully fund a comfortable life on its own.
For international students especially, understanding this early helps you plan calmly, avoid unnecessary debt, and make choices that won’t quietly follow you long after your studies end.
If you want me to go deeper into budgeting — whether that’s city-specific costs, SU vs part-time work, or planning beyond graduation — just let me know. I’ll be happy to assist.
And if this was helpful, remember to subscribe to our newsletter below for practical insights, updates, and guides for studying and living in Denmark.
