Denmark is set to welcome a new wave of African students through a groundbreaking initiative aimed at deepening educational ties between Danish and African universities. With a budget of DKK 430 million (approximately USD 60 million) spanning 2025 to 2032, this program promises to support around 230 African students annually, providing scholarships for full or partial Master’s degrees, short-term study stays, summer schools, and other academic opportunities in Denmark.
Despite Africa’s vast youth population, projected to make up one-third of the world’s young people by 2050, only a limited number of African students currently study in Denmark. Recognizing this gap, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education and Science have joined forces to launch the Knowledge and Innovation Programme. This initiative is a cornerstone of Denmark’s broader Africa Strategy, titled The African Century, which aims to strengthen equal and long-term strategic partnerships between universities on both continents.
The programme is designed to foster mutual understanding and cooperation by facilitating innovation and collaborative learning partnerships. It funds projects that bring together Danish and African universities to develop joint teaching programmes, summer schools, innovation platforms, and exchange opportunities for students and staff. One notable aspect is support for Erasmus+ projects that encourage increased academic exchange and deeper cooperation.
Scholarships funded under the programme cover tuition and living expenses, easing financial barriers that have traditionally limited African student mobility to Denmark. The initiative is administered by the Danida Fellowship Centre, which brings over 30 years of experience in managing education and capacity-building programmes linked to Denmark’s development cooperation.
This ambitious programme will launch its first competitive call for proposals in June 2025, inviting universities to submit partnership projects based on shared priorities and global challenges. Projects must include at least one Danish and one African university, with funding allocated annually to support innovation and scholarships.
For African students and academics, Denmark’s Knowledge and Innovation Programme opens a promising gateway to world-class education, collaboration, and a chance to be part of a vibrant, future-focused partnership between Africa and Europe.
To know more about this programme, visit the following link HERE Or join the online info meeting Here to know more about the initiative on 19th June.
You can check out similar opportunities HERE
