In Denmark, PhD students embark on a unique journey, receiving a monthly salary as part of their fixed-term contract with the university. This post serves as your compass, providing precise insights into PhD salaries in Denmark, both before and after tax.

Let’s start by clarifying a significant distinction: the difference between a salary and a scholarship. Salaries are subject to taxation, while scholarships are not. Therefore, scholarship recipients need not concern themselves with the information presented in this post.

Discovering Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Denmark

Before-tax PhD Salary in Denmark

PhD students in Denmark benefit from a transparent salary structure rooted in their work experience post-master’s degree completion. Depending on their experience level, they are assigned a pay grade ranging from 4 to 8. While the variations may not be substantial, more experience equates to a higher salary. Below is a breakdown of PhD gross salaries in Denmark based on the aforementioned grades or levels of seniority:

  • Grade 4: DKK 32,191 – 34,593/month
  • Grade 5: DKK 34,593 – 37,029/month
  • Grade 6: DKK 37,029 – 39,568/month
  • Grade 8: DKK 40,685 – 43,798/month

Typically, a PhD program in Denmark spans 3 years. Therefore, if you possess 4 years of post-master’s work experience, you’ll be placed in pay grade 8, sharing the same pay grade as newly appointed postdocs. However, postdocs may receive additional salary perks based on their qualifications.

After-tax PhD Salary in Denmark

Determining the net salary for PhD students employed at Danish universities can be a somewhat intricate endeavor due to various influencing factors. Tax rates vary across cities, further complicating the calculation. Nonetheless, we can offer you an approximate average net salary for PhD students.

Usually, a PhD student’s net salary constitutes approximately 60% of their gross salary, inclusive of pension contributions. For instance, a PhD student in pay grade 4 would typically receive an average net salary of DKK 17,500 per month. Nevertheless, PhD students in higher pay grades could enjoy a higher net salary, potentially reaching up to DKK 19,500 per month, although such cases are relatively infrequent.

Moreover, there are opportunities for tax deductions available to certain PhD students in specific circumstances. For example, if a PhD student’s life partner resides with them in Denmark but isn’t employed, the PhD student may qualify for tax relief. In this scenario, the tax rate will be applied to their gross salary after deducting DKK 86,000 annually. This translates to an average additional net salary of DKK 2,500 per month. For further information regarding such deductions, please refer to the Denmark tax authority website. For comprehensive details on procedures and regulations, kindly consult the Denmark tax authority.

Additionally, other deductions, such as those related to transportation, food expenses, and union membership, are open to application by PhD students to further reduce their taxable income and enhance their net salary.

Interested in discovering the salary figures for PhD and postdoctoral positions in Europe?:

Fully Funded PhD Positions with Salary

Fastepo Team will update all different types of academic positions (the latest ones). Moreover, please make sure to follow our page on Facebook so as not to miss any new vacancies. But if you are not a fan of reading text, you can join our PhD and Postdoc related videos on our Youtube Channel.

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