If you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland and you have been admitted to a higher education programme in Denmark, you need a student residence permit. You apply through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) before you travel. The permit is your legal basis for staying and studying in Denmark.
Who needs a student residence permit?
You need one if you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland and you are coming to Denmark to study a full higher education programme. The same applies if you are not covered by the rules that give some applicants the same status as Danish citizens under EU law.
Your first step is admission to an eligible state-approved programme. The institution decides on admission, not SIRI. Once you have your admission letter, you can start the permit process. If you are still choosing where to apply, you can browse universities to see which institutions offer programmes that match your background. Our catalogue currently lists 24 Danish higher education institutions and 422 programmes, so there is plenty to compare.
What you need to qualify
SIRI looks at three main things when you apply:
- Admission: You must normally be admitted to an eligible state-approved higher education programme.
- Financial support: You must be able to support yourself financially during your stay. SIRI sets the amount you need to show, and it changes, so check the current figure on nyidanmark.dk. Our page on sufficient means explains the general idea, but always confirm the exact amount with SIRI.
- Language: You must speak and understand the language of instruction well enough to take part in the programme.
Your institution’s international office can help you prepare. They often know the common pitfalls and can check your documents before you submit.
How to apply, step by step
The application is made through SIRI, but your institution can guide you through the practical steps. Here is the usual order:
- Get your admission letter. The institution assesses your application and sends you an offer. Undergraduate applications are coordinated through optagelse.dk, with deadlines of 15 March and 5 July at 12 noon (CET).
- Contact the international office. They can help you create a case order ID, pay the fee, gather documents, complete your part of the application and submit it, including biometrics.
- Pay the fee. Non-EU/EEA applicants pay a fee when applying for the permit. The amount is set by SIRI and can change, so check nyidanmark.dk for the current fee.
- Submit before you arrive. You must apply before arriving in Denmark. Study in Denmark says you submit the application through a Danish embassy or consulate as soon as you have the admission letter. Required documents, fees and processing times change, so always check New to Denmark (nyidanmark.dk) before you submit.
Our residence permit guide gives a broader overview of permit types and what to expect after you arrive.
After you arrive: CPR and practicalities
Once you are in Denmark with your permit, you need to register in the CPR system. You do this with your residence permit. CPR is the national register that gives you a civil registration number, which you will need for banking, healthcare and other everyday matters. Your institution’s international office can tell you where to go and what to bring.
Remember that SIRI decides on permits and the institution decides on admission. Keep copies of all your documents and follow the instructions you receive from SIRI and your institution.
Tuition fees and funding
Higher education is free of charge for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you normally pay tuition fees set by each institution. Our catalogue shows fees as listed in the Study in Denmark register, but you must confirm them with the institution because they can change. You can see the full list of institutions on our all universities in Denmark page. Some institutions offer scholarships, so ask your international office what is available.
Common questions
Can I apply for a permit before I have an admission letter?
No. You need the admission letter first. Study in Denmark says you should submit your application as soon as you have the admission letter, so don’t wait once you have it.
Can I work while I study?
The rules on work are set by SIRI and can change. Check nyidanmark.dk for the current rules on working alongside your studies.
What if my application is late?
Processing times vary. Apply as early as you can. If you are delayed, contact your institution’s international office and check the current processing times on nyidanmark.dk.
Sources
- Study in Denmark, residence permits for non-EU/EEA citizens
- Study in Denmark, how to register your residence in Denmark
- Study in Denmark, tuition fees and scholarships
- Study in Denmark, how to apply
- New to Denmark (nyidanmark.dk)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a student residence permit to study in Denmark if I'm from outside the EU?
Yes. If you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland and admitted to a higher education programme in Denmark, you need a student residence permit. You apply through SIRI before you arrive.
How do I apply for a Danish student residence permit?
You apply through SIRI. Your institution’s international office can help you create a case order ID, pay the fee, gather documents and submit the application, including biometrics. Study in Denmark says you submit through a Danish embassy or consulate as soon as you have your admission letter.
What are the requirements for a Danish student residence permit?
You must normally be admitted to an eligible state-approved programme, be able to support yourself financially, and speak and understand the language of instruction well enough to take part. SIRI sets the exact financial amount and it changes, so check nyidanmark.dk.
Can I apply for a Danish student residence permit after I arrive in Denmark?
No. You must apply before arriving in Denmark. Once you have your permit and are in Denmark, you register in the CPR system.