How to get a student visa in Denmark?
Entrance
Denmark, one of the leading countries in education in Northern Europe, is an attractive destination for international students with its high-quality universities, student-oriented lifestyle, and postgraduate programs offered in English. Although not a member of the European Union, Denmark is part of the Schengen area and requires specific visa and residence procedures for student admissions. For third-country nationals (including Turkey) wishing to study in Denmark, a student visa also serves as a long-term residence permit.
This article will detail the process of obtaining a Danish student visa, including its legal basis, application requirements, refusal scenarios, appeal procedures, and special provisions for Turkish students.
1. The Danish Education System and the International Student Profile
The higher education system in Denmark consists of the following institutions:
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Universities
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Academies of Applied Sciences (University Colleges)
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Art Academies
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Private institutions
Many programs, especially at the master's and doctoral levels in English , which increases the number of applications from Turkish students.
2. Legal Grounds
Student visa and residence permit procedures in Denmark are based on the following legal texts:
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Danish Foreigners Act (Udlændingeloven)
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Circular on the Residence of Foreigners in Denmark (Bekendtgørelse om opholdstilladelser)
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SIRI (Styrelsen for International Rekruttering and Integration) regulations
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Schengen Visa Code (for short-term visas)
Long-term study visas are assessed under the " Residence Permit for Study " status
3. Types of Danish Student Visas
Danish student visas are classified in different ways depending on the reason for application:
a) Short-Term Study Visas (up to 90 days)
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Language courses
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Exchange programs (Erasmus+, Nordplus)
b) Long-Term Student Residence Permit (more than 90 days)
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Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral programs
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Long-term research projects
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Foundation programs
This article focuses primarily on long-term student residence permits
4. Application Process
a) Pre-Application Preparation
Before applying for a student visa, the following steps must be completed:
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An acceptance letter from the university in Denmark must be obtained.
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The program duration and training content should be clearly stated.
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The student of financial resources .
b) Application Location
Applications can be submitted through the following channels:
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From Turkey via the Danish Consulate or VFS Global
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Individuals currently in Denmark on a valid short-term visa can apply from within the country via SIRI
5. Required Documents
All required documents must be submitted with the application. The essential documents are as follows:
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Valid passport (valid for at least 1 year)
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Letter of Admission
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Training program details
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Financial documentation (bank statement, scholarship certificate, etc.)
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health insurance policy
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Accommodation information (dormitory or rental agreement)
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Biometric photo and fingerprint
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Document proving payment of tuition fees
Note: Most documents in English or Danish , and notarized translations should be provided if necessary.
6. Financial Adequacy Requirement
Danish authorities require applicants to prove they can cover their living expenses in Denmark. As of 2024, this is expected to demonstrate a monthly income of approximately DKK 6,500 . The total annual amount would be approximately DKK 78,000.
For scholarship recipients, a scholarship letter is sufficient. Statements of family support alone are not considered sufficient.
7. Health Insurance
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Students staying for more than 90 days must register with the Danish healthcare system (CPR system) upon arrival in Denmark
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Private health insurance is mandatory upon initial entry
8. Application Evaluation and Timeframe
Applications are evaluated by SIRI. Average processing time:
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1 and 3 months .
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This period may be longer during peak seasons.
Evaluation criteria:
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Consistency of the training plan
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Financial adequacy
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Accreditation of the educational institution
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Applicant's background and visa record
9. Visa Refusal Decision and Right to Appeal
If the Danish authorities deem the application unsuitable, they will issue a written, reasoned rejection .
a) Common Reasons for Refusal:
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The curriculum is unclear
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Insufficient financial resources
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Lack of valid health insurance
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Risk of not returning from Denmark
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Submission of incomplete or forged documents
b) Appeals Process
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the rejection decision to SIRI within 8 weeks .
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If the appeal is rejected, to the Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet) .
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As a last resort, the Danish Administrative Court and, if necessary, of Human Rights are available.
10. Rights Acquired with a Student Residence Permit
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Legal residence right
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Right to work (up to 20 hours per week)
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Access to the healthcare system with a CPR number
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Library, transportation and student discounts
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After the training period ends, there is a 6-month job search session (in some programs)
11. Special Provisions for Turkish Citizens
a) Implementation of the Ankara Agreement
Although Denmark is a signatory to the Ankara Agreement with Turkey, any direct privileges . However, the case law of the European Court of Justice may indirectly affect the student's request for post-graduation work and residence permits.
b) Representations of the Republic of Türkiye
Any irregularities experienced during the application process can be reported to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, this has a limited impact on the visa decision.
12. The Adaptation and Integration Process for Students
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Learning Danish is encouraged.
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Municipalities offer counseling and social integration support to international students.
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Post-study residency programs are available for master's and doctoral students .
13. Post-Graduation Process: Job Search and Residence
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After successfully completing the training program, students 6 months' leave to search for a job .
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Students who find employment after graduation can switch to a work-permit-based residence permit
Conclusion
Obtaining a student visa in Denmark requires comprehensive documentation, a strong educational plan, and a declaration of stable financial standing. Applications are rigorously reviewed, and providing false or incomplete information can lead to rejection. It is crucial for Turkish citizens to receive proper guidance throughout this process and submit all necessary documents completely.
Studying in Denmark offers a strategic advantage for transitioning to residency and work rights after graduation. Therefore, applicants should clearly state not only their acceptance letter but also their overall plans and motivations, as this will facilitate both the legal process and practical life.
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