Non-EU/EEA students need a residence and work permit for the purpose of study, issued by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), to study in Denmark for longer than 90 days. This guide covers eligibility, the financial requirement, work rights, and Denmark's job-seeking permit for graduates.
Who Needs a Permit?
| Nationality | Requirement |
|---|---|
| EU/EEA/Nordic citizens | No permit required; register with local authorities on arrival |
| Non-EU/EEA citizens | Residence and work permit for study purposes required |
Note that Denmark issues a residence permit, not a "visa" in the traditional sense, for students staying longer than 90 days, but the process is commonly referred to as the Denmark student visa.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Danish student residence permit, you must:
- Be admitted to a full-time programme at a Danish university or institution approved to admit international students
- Show sufficient funds to cover your living costs in Denmark
- Have paid the required tuition deposit or first instalment, if you're a fee-paying student (non-EU students generally pay tuition; some scholarships cover this)
- Hold valid travel documents/passport for your stay
Financial Requirements
| Requirement | Amount (2026 level) |
|---|---|
| Monthly self-support amount | DKK 7,426/month, for each month you're studying in Denmark |
| 12-month cap (stays of a year or more) | DKK 89,112 (12 x the monthly figure) |
| Format | A scholarship or student loan granted to you; bank statements in a parent's or third party's name are not accepted as proof |
| Exemption | Generally does not apply if you've already paid your tuition fees (at least the first semester) |
This figure is set and published directly by the Danish Immigration Service (nyidanmark.dk) and is updated periodically, confirm the current level before applying rather than relying on an older estimate.
Application Process
Step 1: Get Admitted
Receive your letter of admission from a Danish institution.
Step 2: Apply Online via SIRI
Submit your application through the New to Denmark portal (SIRI), pay the application fee, and upload required documents.
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Letter of admission | From your Danish institution |
| Proof of paid tuition/deposit | If applicable |
| Passport copy | Valid for your stay |
| Documentation of housing | Address in Denmark, where available |
| CPR eligibility documents | For registering with Danish civil registration after arrival |
Step 3: Biometrics
Submit fingerprints and photo at a Danish embassy, consulate, or visa application centre in your home country.
Step 4: Processing and Decision
| Applicant Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Fast-track institutions | As little as a few weeks |
| Standard processing | Up to 2-3 months |
Step 5: Arrival and CPR Registration
On arrival, register for a CPR number (Danish civil registration number) at your local citizen service centre, this is needed for healthcare, banking, and Denmark's residence permit collection (biometric residence card).
English Requirements for Danish Universities
Denmark has one of the largest English-taught programme offerings in continental Europe:
| Level | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (English-taught) | IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80-90 |
| Master's | IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL iBT 88-100 |
| Competitive programmes (Copenhagen Business School, DTU, University of Copenhagen) | IELTS 7.0+ |
Work Rights on a Danish Student Visa
| Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| During the academic year (September-May) | Up to 90 hours/month |
| June, July, August (summer break) | Full-time work permitted |
Denmark's monthly-hours system gives more flexibility than a strict weekly cap, you can work more some weeks and less others, as long as the monthly total stays within limits.
After Graduation - Job-Seeking Residence Permit
Graduates of a Danish higher education institution can apply for a job-seeking residence permit to look for work after finishing their degree:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Typically up to 6 months (varies by programme and any extensions) |
| Purpose | Job searching or starting a business |
| Conversion | Once you secure a qualifying job (meeting salary/relevance thresholds), convert to a work-based residence permit (e.g., Pay Limit Scheme or Positive List Scheme) |
Denmark's Positive List for People with a Higher Education identifies in-demand occupations that qualify for streamlined work permits, a useful pathway for STEM and healthcare graduates.
Prepare for IELTS or TOEFL with Gabble: reach the scores Danish universities and English-taught Master's programmes require, with AI-powered speaking and writing feedback.