Education in Denmark for Kenya citizenship

If you are a student seeking higher education in Danish institutions, you must obtain a Denmark student visa. With a student visa, you can live, study, and work (part-time) if you are admitted to a university in Denmark. You can complete the educational program fully or partly as a guest or an exchange student.

Do I Need a Visa to Study in Denmark?

Everyone, except EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens, needs a visa if they want to study in Denmark for over three months. You must apply for a Denmark visa for studies up to six months before your courses start at a Danish embassy or consulate abroad.

The conditions applicants must meet for a Denmark student visa are:

- You must be admitted to a higher education program.

- Language proficiency (English or Danish).

- Your educational institution and program must be approved.

- You must be able to support yourself financially (DKK 6,397 per month).

If you have been admitted to a preparatory course:

- The Ministry of Higher Education and Science determines attendance as mandatory.

- The course should not be longer than one year.

- You must have been admitted to the higher education program that the preparatory course is linked to.

Denmark Student Visa Process

You must submit the student visa application to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

The application process for a Denmark student visa includes these steps:

1) Create case order ID on the SIRI website.

2) Pay the visa application fee.

3) Gather the required documentation.

4) Complete the application form.

5) Submit the visa application.

6) Register your biometrics at a Danish diplomatic mission.

7) Receive an answer.

Step 1. Create Case Order ID on the SIRI Website

On the SIRI website, you must create a case order ID for your visa application. Choose the case type ‘Higher Education’, and fill in the gaps with your personal information. After you are done, you will receive the case order number. 

Step 2. Pay the Visa Fee

After creating your Case Order ID, you must pay the fee of 1,890 DKK (253.95 EUR), or the application may be rejected.  

The fee is not required in certain cases:

- The Association Agreement between the EU and Turkey

- Denmark’s international obligations

- Even if you are exempt from the fee, you are still required to create a case order ID. 

Step 3. Compile the Required Documents

You must prepare a set of Denmark visa requirements. This includes a letter of acceptance from your school, proof of financial support, etc. You must submit all the required documents, or you risk your visa.

Note: For online applications, all your documents must be ready in digital form. 

Step 4. Complete the Application Form

The application must be completed by you and your educational institution. You can choose between an online form or a print form application. 

For online applications: Use ST1 online. Your educational institution must complete the first two parts of the application. Then you will receive a reference number and a password to use for the other parts of the application. 

For printable form application (Word, PDF): You must complete part 1 of the application, and the educational institution must complete the other part. After both parts of the application are completed, submit them together.  

Step 5. Submit the Application

- If you applied online, your application has already been submitted at SIRI.

- If you did not apply online, you can submit your application to a Danish diplomatic mission or an application center in the country you are residing.

- If you are residing legally, you can submit your application to Denmark to one of SIRI’s branch offices.

Step 6. Register Your Biometrics

It is required to take your photo and biometrics for a Danish student visa. The biometrics features can be recorded at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad or in one of SIRI’s branch offices.

If you apply online, you have 14 days to submit your biometrics at a diplomatic mission, or your visa will get rejected. 

Step 7. Wait For a Response

The standard processing time for a Denmark student visa is two months (60 days). You will receive an email or SMS regarding your application status. 

Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Denmark to enroll in your courses.

After You Arrive in Denmark

After you obtain your student visa and enter Denmark, one of the first things you must do is must register your Danish address with the local municipality where you will reside. After registering your address, you will receive a Danish CPR number (personal registration number).

For any dilemmas regarding the process, you should approach the student services at your university.

Supporting Documents for Denmark Student Visa Application

When applying for a Danish student visa, you will be asked to provide the following supporting documents:

1) Proof that you paid the fee to SIRI. Attach the payment receipt.

2) Copy of your passport (all pages).

3) Letter of acceptance. You must submit the acceptance letter as proof that you are enrolled in an educational institution in your home country (if you are a guest or exchange student).

4) Proof of finances. You must be able to prove that you can support yourself financially during your time in Denmark.

How Long Can I Stay in Denmark With a Student Visa?

You can stay in Denmark for the duration of your education program, provided that you participate actively in it.  If you do not complete the program within this period, you must apply for an extension of your permit. Your permit can be extended for a maximum of one year. If you prolong your studies due to pregnancy or parental leave, your permit can be extended for a maximum of two years.

Can I Work in Denmark With a Student Visa?

Yes, as an international student in Denmark, you can work:

-Part-time (20 hours per week) during the normal period of study from September to May.

-Full-time through June, July, and August.

Note: If you work more hours than you are allowed to, it will be considered illegal work. In this case, you will receive a warning, a fine, or your student residence permit will be revoked. 

Can My Family Come With Me?

If you receive a student permit, your family members can apply for a Denmark family visa. If they are granted a permit, they can stay in Denmark for the same period as you. 

Can I Extend a Denmark Student Visa?

You can apply for an extension of your Denmark student visa if:

- You have been delayed in your studies.

- You were granted a shorter permit due to your passport expiration.

If you apply for an extension in time, you can stay in Denmark and continue your studies and work while SIRI processes your extension application. You must apply for an extension at least four months before your study permit expires.

The conditions for an extension are:

- You must continue to be enrolled in your higher education program.

- You must be an active student.

 - You must be able to support yourself financially.

How Can I Stay in Denmark After I Graduate?

If you complete a higher education program in Denmark, you can be granted a residence permit of six months to look for work. The job-seeking period allows you to find a job in Denmark after your studies. If, during this period, you are offered a job, you must apply for a new residence and work permit. 

How To Get PR (Permanent Residence) In Denmark After Student Visa?

You cannot get a permanent residence permit immediately after a student visa.

To qualify for a permanent residence permit in Denmark, you must meet the requirements:

1) You need to be over the age of 18.

2) You must have eight years of legal residency in Denmark.

3) You must have had a job for at least three years and six months.

4) You must meet the requirements for your current residence permit

5) You must have no criminal records 

6) You must have no overdue public debts.

7) You must not have received certain forms of social benefits.

8) You need to accept a declaration of residence and self-support.

9) You must be currently employed.

10) You must not have worked against the establishment of your identity.

11) You must pass the Danish language test.

Note: If you do not meet all the requirements for a permanent residence permit, you can apply for an extension of your current residence permit instead. 

Health Insurance for Students in Denmark

The Danish welfare system allows international students to receive free medical care during their studies in Denmark. Students who stay for more than three months can get a social security or registration number (a CPR number). This will entitle them to use the National Danish Health Service and receive free medical treatment in clinics and hospitals.

After receiving a health insurance card, a GP (General Practitioner) will be assigned to you. Once you are done with your studies and want to leave Denmark, you must return the medical card to the local citizen service center.