Here you can find information about financial matters when going on exchange at KEA and living in Denmark.
Financial Matters
Currency in Denmark
The Danish currency is called "Krone" and the international abbreviation is DKK. Denmark does not have the Euro, but you will be able to pay with Euros in the more touristy areas.
We advise incoming students to bring a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) that has a 4-digit code, it will be accepted in most stores.
Danish Bank Account
It is not required that you have a Danish bank account during your stay in Denmark. However, if you want a cheaper phone subscription with data or you get a student job, you will need a Danish bank account.
You can get a bank account once you receive your CPR number (read more about CPR numbers under Practical information).
Besides that requirement, it varies from bank to bank what the requirements are to set up a bank account. Make sure you enquire about the fees before opening the account. Some banks offer student accounts for free.
Insurance
Health Insurance
International students in Denmark with a valid residence permit are enabled to apply for a Danish Health Insurance Card and CPR number. This card gives access to free, local health care in a number of areas such as visits to a General Practitioner, the hospital and emergency care, emergency operations, and some forms of physical therapy and treatment by specialists. It does not cover dental care or prescription drugs (though prescription drugs are heavily subsidized).
EU students
Students from countries with full membership of the EU must bring their blue EU health insurance card. They should also take out a supplementary health insurance (e.g. the new European Health Insurance) before leaving their home country. This is to ensure that they can be transported back home in case of injury. The Danish Health insurance does not cover transit back to home countries.
Non-EU students
We recommend students outside the EU to take out a health insurance before leaving their home country. The health insurance should cover at least 6 weeks from the date of arrival in Denmark.
Public Liability Insurance
All students should sign up for public liability insurance, as KEA has no insurance to cover students. On top of Public Liability insurance coverage, you should also have appropriate insurance covering the theft of personal belongings, accident, and property damage.
Living Costs
The below estimates can give you an idea of living expenses:
- Accommodation: DKK 4.000 – 6.000 per month
- Food DKK 1.500 – 3.000 per month
- Phone DKK 79 – 200 per month
- Public Transportation DKK 395 – 525 per month (more information about tickets and prices)
Student Job
Jobs for students in Copenhagen are scarce if you do not speak Danish, and you should not count on a student job for your income. Some exchange students find a student job during their stay at KEA, but most will concentrate on their studies.
Nordic, EU/EEA or Swiss citizens can work in Denmark under the EU rules regarding the free movement of people and services, with no restriction on the number of hours.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens may work in Denmark for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during June, July and August.
You can check if you are allowed to work in Denmark on your residence card.
School Materials
How much you need to spend on school material depends very much on your specific exchange programme. Some programmes require specific computer software while others require you buy materials to complete your projects.
If you want information relating to your programme costs, please contact the relevant international coordinator.
In general, many of the reading materials you need you will be able to find online on KEAs learning management platform, Itslearning, or at the KEA Library.