DDSA Visit Grant Scholarships 2027 in Denmark (Funded)
Apply for Scholarships from Here.
The DDSA Visit Grant is a funded travel opportunity from the Danish Data Science Academy, offering up to DKK 15,000 to help bachelor’s, master’s, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers visit a data science research group in Denmark. It’s designed as a stepping stone toward a future DDSA PhD or Postdoc fellowship application. As of this writing, the 2026 call is closed and DDSA has not announced a 2027 round.
IMPORTANT STATUS NOTICE
Before reading further, please note: at the time of writing, the DDSA 2026 Visit Grant call has already closed due to a high volume of accepted applications exhausting the available funds. DDSA has also indicated it must conclude its current five-year funding budget by December 2026, and no 2027 call has been announced on the official DDSA website.
This means a “2027” round of the Visit Grant is not yet confirmed. This article explains how the grant normally works, based on its most recent structure, so you understand the opportunity and can act quickly if and when a new call is announced. Always check ddsa.dk/visitgrant directly before making any travel or academic plans around this grant.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Quick Overview Table
- About the Grant
- Grant Benefits
- Who It’s For
- Eligibility Criteria
- Required Documents
- Application Process
- Important Dates
- Important Links
- Selection Process
- How to Increase Your Chances
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Living in Denmark
- Visa Information
- Why Visit Denmark for Research
- FAQs
- Final Summary
Introduction of DDSA Visit Grant Scholarship
Interested in data science research and curious about spending time in one of Europe’s leading research environments? The DDSA Visit Grant, offered by the Danish Data Science Academy (DDSA), is designed exactly for that.
Unlike a traditional degree scholarship, the DDSA Visit Grant isn’t about funding a full academic programme. Instead, it helps bachelor’s and master’s students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers cover the travel and accommodation costs of a short research visit to a Danish university or research institution. The idea is to help you connect with a potential supervisor and lay the groundwork for a future DDSA PhD or Postdoc fellowship application.
DDSA itself is a Danish initiative supporting data science research and training, funded by organisations including the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Villum Foundation. Its Visit Grant is one of several funding streams under the broader DDSA Fellowship Programme.
Because this is a smaller, rolling-basis grant rather than a fixed annual scholarship cycle, the process, amounts, and eligibility described here reflect the grant’s most recent structure — but as flagged above, you’ll need to confirm directly with DDSA whether a new round is open before applying.
QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | DDSA Visit Grant |
| Host Country | Denmark |
| Host Institution | Any Danish university or Danish research institution |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral |
| Funded By | Danish Data Science Academy (DDSA), supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Villum Foundation |
| Grant Type | Funded (travel and accommodation grant) |
| Coverage | Up to DKK 15,000 for travel, accommodation, and related expenses |
| Eligible Countries | Open to Danish and international students/researchers worldwide |
| Application Deadline | Historically rolling, until funds are exhausted (2026 call is closed; 2027 not yet announced) |
| Study Mode | Short-term research visit, not a full degree programme |
| Duration | Short visit (length depends on individual arrangement with host supervisor) |
| IELTS Required | Not stated as a requirement |
| Application Fee | None |
About the DDSA Visit Grant Scholarship
The DDSA Visit Grant sits within the Danish Data Science Academy’s broader Fellowship Programme, which supports data science research training at various career stages. While DDSA’s PhD and Postdoc Fellowships fund full research positions, the Visit Grant is a lighter-touch opportunity: a way to test a potential research collaboration before committing to (or applying for) something bigger.
The grant is aimed specifically at people who want to explore working with a Danish research group and eventually apply for a DDSA PhD or Postdoc fellowship. It’s not intended for tourism, unrelated study visits, or conference-only travel — your visit needs a clear scientific purpose connected to DDSA’s research scope and a confirmed host supervisor in Denmark.
Historically, applications were accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, evaluated on a relatively quick turnaround (around six weeks, or up to eight weeks during the Danish summer holiday period). However, as noted above, the 2026 round closed early due to high demand, and DDSA has flagged budget constraints tied to the end of its current five-year funding cycle.
Benifits of DDSA Visit Grant Scholarship
When open, the DDSA Visit Grant typically provides:
✔ Travel Cost Coverage — Contribution toward arrival and departure travel costs, historically up to DKK 15,000 total (covering travel, accommodation, and related expenses).
✔ Accommodation Support — Costs of staying in Denmark during your research visit, within the same DKK 15,000 cap.
✔ Access to Danish Research Environments — The chance to work alongside leading Danish data science researchers and institutions.
✔ Professional Networking — An opportunity to build relationships that could lead to future collaboration or a DDSA fellowship application.
✔ Reimbursement-Based Payout — Funds are paid out as reimbursement of actual costs after you submit a final report and account, supported by valid receipts.
The grant explicitly does not cover salary, daily allowances, food expenses, local daily transportation, or car rentals — it’s strictly for travel and accommodation tied to your visit.
WHO IT’S FOR
The DDSA Visit Grant is designed for:
- Bachelor’s degree students
- Master’s degree students
- PhD students
- Postdoctoral researchers
It’s aimed at people whose academic or research background connects to DDSA’s data science research scope, and who are specifically interested in exploring a future PhD or Postdoc fellowship with a Danish university or research institution.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Based on the grant’s most recent published requirements, to apply you generally need to:
- Be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme, or be employed as a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher at the time of your planned visit — or have completed your enrollment/employment within the past year
- Plan your visit at a Danish university or Danish research institution
- Have a confirmed agreement with a host supervisor at your intended institution, documented through a DDSA Letter of Support
- Have a scientific background and visit purpose relevant to DDSA’s research scope
- Be available to submit your application at least one month before your planned travel activity
There’s no stated nationality restriction — the grant is open to both Danish and international applicants.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
To apply, you would typically need:
- Completed DDSA Visit Grant application form (via the DDSA funding portal)
- Letter of Support from your host institution/supervisor, using DDSA’s official template
- A written explanation of your motivation, scientific purpose, and intended outcome of the visit
- Proof of your current enrollment or employment status
- Letters of recommendation from academic or research supervisors (supporting your research objectives)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Confirm whether a current call is open. Visit the official DDSA Visit Grant page to check if applications are currently being accepted, since the grant runs on a rolling basis rather than a fixed annual window.
Step 2: Identify a host supervisor in Denmark. Reach out to a potential supervisor at a Danish university or research institution whose work aligns with your interests and DDSA’s research scope.
Step 3: Secure a Letter of Support. Ask your host supervisor to complete DDSA’s official Letter of Support template, confirming your planned visit and its scientific purpose.
Step 4: Prepare your application materials. Write a clear explanation of your motivation, goals, and expected outcomes from the visit, and gather any required recommendation letters.
Step 5: Submit via the DDSA Portal. Complete your application through the DDSA funding portal at least one month before your planned travel date.
Step 6: Wait for evaluation. Applications are typically processed within six weeks (up to eight weeks during the Danish summer holiday period).
Step 7: Complete your visit and submit your final report. If approved, complete your research visit, then submit your final report and account with receipts within two weeks of your visit ending to receive reimbursement.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Milestone | Status |
|---|---|
| 2026 Call | Closed — funds exhausted before the original September 2026 deadline |
| 2026 Funded Travel Completion Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
| 2027 Call | Not yet announced as of this writing |
Since this grant has historically run on a rolling basis with no fixed annual “opening” date, keep checking the official DDSA Visit Grant page for any update on a future round.
IMPORTANT LINKS
- Official DDSA Visit Grant page: ddsa.dk/visitgrant
- DDSA Fellowship Programme overview: ddsa.dk/about-ddsa-fellowship-programme
- DDSA Research Scope: ddsa.dk/ddsaresearchscope
- DDSA Portal (application system): ddsa.eu-1.smartsimple.eu
- Contact: secretariat@ddsa.dk
SELECTION PROCESS
- Application submission — You submit your application, motivation statement, and Letter of Support via the DDSA Portal.
- Eligibility check — DDSA confirms you meet the enrollment/employment and visit-purpose requirements.
- Scientific relevance review — Your background and visit purpose are evaluated against DDSA’s research scope.
- Letter of Support review — Your host supervisor’s letter is assessed for scientific credibility and expected outcomes.
- Funding decision — Approved applications receive a grant based on approved budget items.
- Reimbursement — After your visit, you submit a final report and receipts, and funds are reimbursed to your personal account.
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES
- Reach out to a potential Danish host supervisor well in advance and build a genuine research connection
- Make sure your visit purpose clearly aligns with DDSA’s stated research scope
- Write a specific, well-thought-out motivation statement rather than a generic one
- Submit your application as early as possible, since funds can run out before the official deadline
- Use DDSA’s official Letter of Support template exactly as provided
- Keep all receipts and documentation organized from the start, since reimbursement depends on them
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Assuming the grant is open without checking the current status on DDSA’s website
- Submitting an application without a confirmed host supervisor and Letter of Support
- Applying with a visit purpose unrelated to DDSA’s research scope
- Waiting too long to apply, risking missed deadlines or exhausted funds
- Forgetting that salary, food, and daily local transport are not covered
- Failing to submit the final report and receipts on time after the visit
LIVING IN DENMARK
- Cost of living: Denmark is one of the more expensive countries in Europe, so budget carefully even with grant support
- Accommodation: Short-term visitor housing near your host institution is often the most practical option
- Food: Not covered by the grant, so factor daily meal costs into your personal budget
- Transport: Denmark has excellent public transport, and DDSA encourages using trains and buses during your visit
- Weather: Mild summers and cold, often windy winters, typical of Scandinavia
- Research culture: Danish research institutions are known for strong international collaboration and a relatively informal, flat academic culture
- Safety: Denmark is generally considered one of the safer countries in the world for visitors and researchers
VISA INFORMATION
- Visa or residence permit requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your visit
- EU/EEA citizens generally do not need a visa for short research visits to Denmark
- Non-EU/EEA citizens may need a Schengen visa for a short stay, or a residence permit for longer visits — check with the Danish immigration authorities (SIRI) or your nearest Danish embassy
- Since the Visit Grant funds a short-term visit rather than a full degree, your visa category will likely differ from a standard student visa — confirm the correct category based on your visit’s length and purpose
Always verify current visa requirements directly through the Danish immigration authorities, since rules vary by nationality and visit duration.
WHY VISIT DENMARK FOR RESEARCH
- Denmark has a strong, growing data science and AI research ecosystem, backed by major funders like the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Villum Foundation
- Danish research institutions are known for close industry-academia collaboration
- A short visit can help you build the kind of supervisor relationship that strengthens a future PhD or Postdoc fellowship application
- Denmark consistently ranks highly for quality of life, safety, and work-life balance
- English is widely spoken in Danish academic and research environments, making it accessible for international visitors
IMPORTANT FAQs
1. Is the DDSA Visit Grant fully funded? No, it’s a partial grant covering travel and accommodation up to DKK 15,000 — it doesn’t cover salary, food, or daily local transport.
2. Is a 2027 round of the DDSA Visit Grant confirmed? Not as of this writing. The 2026 call is closed, and DDSA has not announced a 2027 round — check ddsa.dk/visitgrant for updates.
3. Who can apply? Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers, whether Danish or international.
4. Can European students apply? Yes, the grant is open to international applicants, including European students.
5. Can African students apply? Yes, there’s no stated nationality restriction on this grant.
6. Can Asian students apply? Yes, students from Asian countries are eligible to apply.
7. Can Pakistani students apply? Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply.
8. Can Indian students apply? Yes, Indian students are eligible to apply.
9. Can American students apply? Yes, American students are eligible to apply.
10. Is IELTS mandatory? No English proficiency test is stated as a requirement for this grant.
11. Is there an application fee? No, there’s no application fee.
12. Can married students apply? Yes, marital status doesn’t affect eligibility.
13. Can I bring my family? The grant funds your individual travel and accommodation only; it doesn’t provide funding for accompanying family members.
14. What GPA is required? There’s no stated minimum GPA; eligibility is based on enrollment/employment status and the scientific relevance of your visit.
15. Can I work while on this visit? This is a short research visit, not an employment arrangement, so standard work rules for your visa category would apply.
16. How many grants are awarded each year? The exact number varies depending on available funds; the 2026 round closed early due to high demand.
17. Can I apply for multiple visits? Applicants can typically receive one grant per year, and supervisors can host up to three visit applicants per calendar year.
18. Is there an age limit? No age limit is stated; eligibility is based on academic/research status.
19. What happens after I’m approved? You complete your visit, then submit a final report and receipts within two weeks to receive reimbursement.
20. How competitive is this grant? Demand appears high, since the 2026 round closed early due to the volume of accepted applications.
21. Can I apply with a recently completed degree? Yes, you can apply within one year of completing your enrollment or employment at a university.
22. What expenses are not covered? Salary, daily allowances, food expenses, daily local transportation, and car rentals are not covered.
23. Can I defer my grant to a later visit? This isn’t a standard feature of the grant; you would need to contact the DDSA secretariat directly with your specific situation.
24. Can I apply if I already hold another grant or scholarship? There’s no stated restriction against holding other funding alongside a DDSA Visit Grant; confirm directly with DDSA if you have questions.
25. How will I know if I’ve been approved? DDSA processes applications within about six weeks (up to eight weeks during summer) and will notify you directly through the DDSA Portal.
FINAL SUMMARY
The DDSA Visit Grant is a useful, funded way to explore a research connection in Denmark’s data science community — but it’s important to go in with realistic expectations. It’s not a full scholarship or degree-funding programme; it’s a modest travel and accommodation grant meant to lay the groundwork for a future DDSA PhD or Postdoc fellowship application.
Given that the 2026 round is closed and a 2027 round hasn’t been confirmed, the most useful thing you can do right now is start building a relationship with a potential Danish host supervisor and keep a close eye on DDSA’s official website for any announcement.
Official Link
