Study in Denmark: Student Visas & Permits
Interested in studying abroad in Denmark? Our Study in Denmark guide will outline visa requirements for international students, as well as information about the Danish higher education system.
The documentation required for studying in Denmark depends on your country of origin and the duration of your stay. Nordic citizens do not need a passport to enter Denmark while EU/EEA citizens do not require anything more than a valid passport to enter Denmark (although some action may need to be taken on arrival). Meanwhile, non-EU/EEA students will need a visa/residence permit. See below for further details.
Nordic Citizens
If you are a citizen Iceland, Norway, Sweden or Finland, you can live, study and work in Denmark without a visa, residence permit or work permit.
You can enter Denmark without a passport. However, you must be able to identify yourself if required - you can use your credit card or driver's licence.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals
Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland may reside in Denmark for up to three months without any further documentation than a valid passport. Those planning on staying longer than three months will need a Danish registration certificate.
A registration certificate can be obtained from the Regional State Administration and you will need to apply for it within three months of your arrival.
A registration certificate makes it possible to get a personal identification number and a health insurance card.
Non-EU/EEA citizens
If you are from outside the EU/EEA, then the kind of permit you need to study in Denmark will depend on the duration of your stay. For a short stay of less than three months, students will require a visa, and for a long stay of more than three months a residence permit is required. The details are as follows:
- Visa (short-term stay)
Those studying in Denmark for less than three months will need to apply for a tourist visa (this is not necessary for some non-EU countries). You can apply for a visa at any authorized Danish mission in your country of origin, including all Danish embassies and consulates abroad. To find out where to apply for a visa, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Obtaining a visa does not enable students to work in Denmark.
- Residence permit (long-term stay)
Those studying in Denmark for more than three months will need to apply for a residence permit, which you can do at the Danish embassy in your home country. This permit allows non-EU/EEA students to work part-time in Denmark for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
You should enquire at the Danish consulate as to what specific documentation will be required, but you could be asked for the following:
- An acceptance letter from your university
- Proof of language proficiency (in English or Danish, depending which language you are undertaking your studies in)
- Proof that you can support yourself financially for the duration of your stay
- A valid passport
- You will need to pay a visa fee
Study in Denmark - Overview
Over 30,000 international students choose Denmark as their study abroad destination every year. Click here to learn why.
Education System
Want to learn about how the higher education system works in Denmark?Denmark is a popular destination for a variety of students, given its diverse programs and high quality education. Take a minute to find out more about the structure of the education system in Denmark!
Housing & Living Costs
No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Denmark.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees for degree programs in Denmark vary depending on the university and program. We've put together information on tuition fees and scholarships in this section.
Language & Culture
Denmark is a country rich in history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more!
Application Process
All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to gain acceptance into a university. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in Denmark, and what you need to apply, depending on your citizenship.
Programs
Ready to look at education in Denmark? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Denmark today!
Keystone Team
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The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.