Denmark

Denmark

Conditions

To study in Denmark, you must obtain a residence permit for the purpose of studies.

The main categories of studies that you can apply for are:

Procedures

Where and how to apply?	You may apply for a residence permit at the Danish embassy or consulate of the country of origin or of residence. Applications will be forwarded to the Immigration Service in Denmark. If there is no Danish mission in the country of origin or of residence, it may be possible to submit your application to the mission of another Schengen country.


Documents required?	To attend a higher educational programme, you must prove: admission to a higher educational programme that has been approved by a state authority or which is offered by a publicly accredited educational institution; sufficient languages skills (knowledge of either Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German); sufficient financial resources to support yourself for the duration of the stay. Note that you are not allowed to receive public assistance/benefit payments during your stay in Denmark as a student. If you are following a basic or youth study programme, the envisaged school must be approved and monitored by the Ministry of Education. In some cases, the Immigration Service may issue a residence permit for a preparatory course to a higher educational programme.
Validity of permission to stay?	Higher educational programmes Residence permits for attending higher educational programmes are granted for the duration of the programme. If you follow part of a programme, residence permits are granted for the duration of the part followed, for a maximum of two years. Basic or youth study programmes Residence permits for students following a basic or youth study programme are granted for a maximum of one year. Folk high schools Residence permits for students enrolled in a folk high school are valid for the duration of the course, renewable for a total duration of maximum 18 months.
Appeals?	Appeals against decisions relating to residence permits can be filed at the Ministry of Employment. Appeals against decisions relating to visas can be filed at the Ministry of Justice.
Further information?	More on appeals More on study programmes, tuition and scholarships in Denmark More on coming to Denmark as a student

Rights

Employment during higher educational studies	If you are completing a higher educational programme you can work 15 hours a week and full-time in June, July and August.
Employment during basic or youth studies, or for pupils in folk high schools	If you are following a basic or youth study programme or enrolled in a folk high school, you are granted a work permit in very specific cases, e.g. if you would benefit educationally or professionally from the traineeship. The job must have an educational purpose. The permit will only be valid for a specific place of employment. If you are under 18, you will be entitled to a work permit only if you have a written offer or contract for a specific job, and if the employer confirms to the Immigration Service that Danish workplace environment legislation is being upheld.
Employment after studies	If you are completing a higher educational programme, you are granted an additional six months of residence to look for a job in Denmark.
Family reunification	Your spouse, cohabiting or registered partner and children under 18 are eligible for residence permits if you are completing a higher educational programme. You must show DK 25.000 per family member. Family members must show that they can support themselves and that they will live with you at the same address. Your spouse, cohabiting partner or registered partner is allowed to work full-time for the duration of validity of the permit. If you are following a basic or youth study programme or enrolled in a folk high school you are, as a rule, not entitled to bring your family to Denmark.
Permanent residence permit	If you have held a Danish temporary residence permit for at least four years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. To qualify, you must obtain at least 100 points. A total of 70 points are awarded if you meet the following conditions, all of which must be met. You have resided legally in Denmark for at least four years; You have not committed a serious crime; You do not have any overdue public debts; You have not received public assistance for a period of three years before applying; You submit a signed declaration on integration and active citizenship or indicate your agreement to its contents; You have passed a Danish exam to level two or equivalent; You have worked in Denmark for at least two and a half out of the last three years before applying and this employment is on-going. An additional 15 points will be awarded if you prove you are an active citizen by serving on a board or being an active member of other organisations for at least 12 months. In the future you may be able to fulfil this requirement by passing an Active Citizenship Exam, which is currently being developed. The final 15 points are awarded if you meet one of the following integration-related requirements: You have worked in Denmark for at least four out of the last four and a half years before applying and this employment is on-going; You have completed a programme in a qualifying Danish educational institution; You have passed Danish exam level three or equivalent. Download the application form for a permanent residence permit Exemptions to one or more of these requirements may be available for pensioners, applicants under the age of 19, applicants with strong ties to Denmark and applicants who are entitled to a waiver under Denmark's international obligations. More on exemptions More on permanent residence permits