In Denmark, a universal salary for students

When they go to study abroad, young Danes are often taken aback to discover that apart from in the Nordic countries, most students, in Europe or elsewhere, do not benefit from the same conditions as them. Their peers have to manage without the “Statens Uddannelsesstotte” (SU): the system of “state support for education”, established in 1970, is so institutionalized in Denmark that it is taken for granted by young people and their parents.

Young people are considered autonomous, adults, even before they are students, from their 18^e anniversary. They then receive a study allowance, replacing family allowances, the amount of which varies from 1,300 to 3,100 crowns (from 170 to 415 euros) depending on the parents’ income.

“Monthly vouchers”

In general, young Danes finish high school at 19, then take a gap year. About four out of five then go on to higher education. The others are oriented towards vocational training. Most then leave the family home and can claim state aid.

The system works in the form of 70 “monthly vouchers”, to be used throughout life (including for retraining students), in the form of an allowance. The young student can also benefit from a loan, which about a third chooses to subscribe, at a rate of 4% during the studies, then 1% thereafter, repayable within seven to fifteen years.

Unless you still live with your parents, the level of aid is independent of their income. For the start of the 2022 academic year, the maximum amount of the grant has been set at 860 euros gross per month. Those who still live at home can receive up to 370 euros, provided that their parents earn less than 48,500 euros per year.

There are a few conditions: take a course approved by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science; pass exams ; and above all, not to earn more than 2,400 euros per month. Because a majority of young Danes work part-time, for the duration of their studies. The labor market – where the youth unemployment rate is around 10% – lends itself to this. Many companies offer student contracts.

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In addition to the grant, young Danes can therefore take out a loan from the State. It is up to them to choose the amount, provided that it does not exceed 440 euros per month. Researchers are entitled to a monthly extension of 220 euros, while latecomers who have not completed their studies on time can apply for an additional loan.

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