A Comprehensive Guide to Denmark Study Visa

Quick Facts About Country

Navigating the Denmark Study Visa

• Step 1: Research the academic program and university you wish to apply to. Make sure to choose an approved university and program.
• Step 2: Once accepted by the university, you will receive an admission letter which is required for the visa application.
• Step 3: Gather all the required financial documents to prove you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses. This is around DKK 6,000 per month.
• Step 4: Complete the study visa application form for Denmark online and book a biometrics appointment.
• Step 5: Attend your biometrics appointment at the nearest Danish embassy or VFS center. Get your fingerprints and photograph taken.
• Step 6: Submit your complete Denmark study visa application either via post or at the visa center.

Key Facts to Study in Denmark

Key Benefits to Study in Denmark

• The University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University are the two highest-ranked universities.
• There are over 500 English-taught bachelor's and master's degree programs offered by Danish universities. This makes Denmark a popular study abroad option for international students.
• Public universities in Denmark do not charge tuition fees for EU/EEA and Swiss students at the bachelor's and master's level. Non-EU/EEA students may have to pay tuition fees.
• The cost of living in Denmark is relatively high compared to other European countries. Students need around DKK 6,000-10,000 per month for living expenses.
• Denmark has a relatively open work permit policy, allowing students to work part-time during studies and full-time during vacations.
• After graduating, international students can stay back in Denmark to look for work under the job-seeker visa scheme.

Eligibility Criteria for Denmark Study Visa

• Admission letter from an approved Danish educational institution. Should indicate the program details and start date.
• Financial resources to cover tuition fees (if applicable).
• Valid passport that does not expire for at least 3 months beyond the planned stay in Denmark.
• Be able to communicate in English for English-taught programs. • Educational documents including academic transcripts, diplomas, CV, and statement of purpose.
• Health insurance with coverage in Denmark for medical care, hospitalization and repatriation. Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 per year.
• Biometrics - passport photos and fingerprints collected at the visa application center.
• Accommodation documents like residence hall contract or rental agreement in Denmark.

Top Univeristes to Study in Denmark for International Students

Denmark is home to some of the best universities in Europe. Here are some of the top institutions and programs for international students:

University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is Denmark's largest and highest-ranked university. It offers over 600 English-taught programs across fields like health sciences, humanities, law, science, and social sciences. Popular choices include:

• MSc in Economics
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Biology
• BSc in International Business

Aarhus University

Ranked as a top 100 global university, Aarhus University offers over 250 masters programs fully taught in English. Top options are:

• MSc in Economics and Business Administration
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Molecular Biology
• MSc in Nanoscience

Technical University of Denmark

Located just outside Copenhagen, DTU focuses on programs in engineering, natural sciences and IT. It provides world-class research-based education in fields like:

• MSc in Computer Science and Engineering
• MSc in Sustainable Energy
• BEng in Design and Innovation
• BSc in Electrical Engineering

Copenhagen Business School

CBS is Denmark's largest business school and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees taught in English. Popular programs are:

• BSc in Business Administration and Sociology
• MSc in Economics and Business Administration
• MSc in Business Analytics

Aalborg University

The Aalborg University offers innovative education based on problem-based learning. Students can pick from programs in engineering, IT, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities.

• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Sustainable Cities
• MSc in Wireless Communication
• MSc in Economics

Intakes to Study in Denmark for International Students

Application Process for Denmark Study Visa

• Step 1. Research programs and shortlist universities: Identify programs and universities aligned with your academic interests and career goals.
• Step 2. Check entry requirements: Confirm you meet the admission criteria set by the university, including academic scores, English proficiency, etc.
• Step 3. Begin university application: Prepare required documents like transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, statement of purpose to apply to your shortlisted universities.
• Step 4. Obtain admission letter: Once accepted by the university, obtain your admission letter to apply for a study visa.
• Step 5. Prepare visa documents: Gather financial statements, passport, health insurance, biometrics to complete your study visa application.
• Step 6. Submit visa application: File your Denmark student visa application at the Danish embassy or online immigration portal.
• Step 7. Get health checkup: Undergo a medical checkup with an authorized physician.
• Step 8. Receive visa approval: If approved, obtain your Denmark study permit. Confirm visa validity dates.
• Step 9. Plan your arrival: Book travel and accommodation in Denmark. Register with university, municipality upon arrival.

Understanding the Basics of Danish Immigration

Here are some key points:

• Non-EU students are required to obtain a residence permit to study in Denmark. This is granted in the form of a study visa.
• The residence permit is valid only for the duration of study program and is non-extendable from within Denmark.
• Extensions or permanent residency must be applied from your home country with relevant documentation.
• Part-time work of 15 hours/week is allowed during semesters. Full-time work is permitted during vacations.
• After studies, students can stay back up to 18 months under the job seeker visa to search for jobs.
• Doctoral students are allowed to work full-time after completion of studies to gain work experience.
• Getting married or entering into registered partnerships with Danish citizens does not automatically grant residential rights.

Being aware of Denmark's immigration policies is crucial for a smooth student experience and transition after studies.

• Key Requirements for a Denmark Study Visa When applying for a Danish study visa, you will need to submit certain documents to satisfy the eligibility criteria. Key requirements are:
• Admission letter from an approved Danish educational institution. Should indicate the program details and start date.
• Financial documents like bank statements or scholarship award letters showing you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees (if applicable) and living expenses.
• Valid passport that does not expire for at least 3 months beyond the planned stay in Denmark.
• Educational documents including academic transcripts, diplomas, CV, and statement of purpose.
• Health insurance with coverage in Denmark for medical care, hospitalization and repatriation. Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 per year.
• Biometrics - passport photos and fingerprints collected at the visa application center.
• Medical certificate issued by an authorized physician to prove you are in good health.
• Accommodation documents like residence hall contract or rental agreement in Denmark.

Ensuring you meet all the above requirements will lead to a higher visa approval rate. Keep copies of all documents handy.

Different Types of Denmark Visas

• Student visa: Issued to non-EU students enrolled in a Danish educational program. Allows part-time work rights. Valid for program duration.
• PhD student visa: For doctoral students to pursue research at Danish universities. Grants full work rights during and after studies.
• Guest researcher visa: For academics and researchers undertaking short-term research or teaching projects at Danish institutes.
• Job seeker visa: Allows international students to stay back after studies to search for jobs. Valid for up to 18 months.
• Work visa: Issued to foreign nationals with local job offer or transfer within a Danish company. Needed for long-term employment.
• Family reunification visa: For partners or children to join Danish residents or citizens in Denmark. Subject to income thresholds.

Understanding the different types of Danish visas and permits can help you choose the appropriate one for your situation and future goals in Denmark.

Transitioning to Permanent Residence in Denmark

Transitioning from Student to Permanent Resident

International students interested in staying on in Denmark after studies can consider transitioning from a student residence permit to permanent residency. Here are some key steps in this process:

1. Obtain job seeker visa After graduating, apply for a job seeker visa within 2 weeks before your study permit expires. This allows you to stay in Denmark for up to 18 months after studies to search for jobs.
2. Secure qualified employment Look for employment in your field of study that is aligned with skill shortage occupations in Denmark. Engineers, IT specialists, and researchers are in high demand. Full-time positions with minimum salary thresholds enable expats to qualify for work-based residence permits. Internships and hourly jobs do not qualify.
3. Change status to employee Once you secure a full-time job offer, your prospective Danish employer can apply for your work and residence permit on your behalf. This will change your status from a job seeker to a foreign employee granted temporary residency to work for that employer.
4. Meet criteria for permanent residency After holding temporary residency status and uninterrupted employment for a number of years, you can qualify for permanent residency in Denmark by:
   • Living in Denmark for 8 continuous years
   • Being employed for 3 years in past 4 years
   • Passing Danish language and culture tests
   • Having adequate income and no criminal record

Obtaining permanent residence allows you to continue staying in Denmark long-term and access all public services.

Benefits of Permanent Residents

Gaining permanent residency in Denmark comes with several benefits:

• Permission to live, study and work in Denmark indefinitely.
• Access to public healthcare, education and other services on par with Danish citizens.
• No requirement of work permit - complete freedom to change jobs, become self-employed.
• Travel visa-free within the Schengen area for up to 90 days.
• Option to apply for Danish citizenship after 8 years of legal residence. Access to Danish passport.
• Reunite with partner and children under relaxed family reunification rules.

Permanent residents enjoy extensive rights and integration into Danish society - an attractive prospect for international students seeking to build their future in this progressive Scandinavian nation.

Understanding Work Permit Restrictions and Conditions

International graduates who wish to work in Denmark need to obtain a work permit, unless they are EU/EEA citizens. Here are some key points:

• Non-EU students can convert their student residence permit into a job seeker permit valid for 18 months after studies to search for jobs.
• To qualify for a work permit, you need a concrete full-time job offer from a Danish company matching your qualifications.
• The employer initiates the work permit application on behalf of the foreign employee. Approvals are faster for jobs in demand.
• Work permits are issued for short validity periods tied to the job position and renewals may be needed.
• For permanent residency, you must maintain legal employment for 3-5 years and meet other criteria.
• Switching employers requires reapplying for the work permit - so choose your first job carefully!

Understanding the work permit process and requirements can optimize your post-study job search in Denmark.

Cost of Studying in Denmark

Denmark is known to be an expensive country, where living costs can be high especially in cities like Copenhagen. Here is an estimate of average student living expenses in Denmark:

Post-study Work Opportunities in Denmark

Denmark offers good opportunities for international students to gain work experience after graduation. Some options are:

• The new job search visa allows 1.5 years to find a job that sponsors your work permit
• Shortage occupations like Engineering, IT, natural sciences, healthcare have a high demand for qualified workers
• Large companies like Vestas, Novo Nordisk, Maersk, Nordic Semiconductor frequently hire foreign graduates
• Copenhagen and Aarhus are major hubs for startups and technology companies hiring internationals
• Speaking fluent Danish and specialized technical skills can give a competitive advantage
• Completing internships and networking well before graduation eases the job search
• Options like PhD programs, research positions, entrepreneurship provide alternative pathways

With the right skills and preparation, Denmark offers promising post-study work prospects for ambitious international graduates. Studying in Denmark is an incredible opportunity to gain world-class education, skills and experiences. With abundant English-taught programs, excellent career prospects and great standard of living, Denmark is a top choice for international students looking to study overseas.