Studying in Denmark for Ukrainians

The admission process in Denmark is quite transparent, but the applicant is required to prepare documents carefully and meet deadlines. Ukrainian students have the same rights and obligations as other foreigners from outside the EU.

What documents are required?

The set of documents depends on the university and the program, but they are usually required:

• Certificate or diploma of previous education with translation into English or Danish (notarized).
• Certificate of language proficiency (IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT from 80 points). For programs in Danish - Danish Language Proficiency Test (PD3 and above).
• A motivation letter explaining why you have chosen Denmark and a specific program.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) - for master's and PhD programs.
• Teacher recommendations - sometimes required for master's programs.
• Passport, photo and, in some cases, a certificate of financial solvency.

Good to know: universities are very attentive to translations and apostillization of documents. To avoid rejection due to formal errors, Ukrainian applicants can use the service of translation and apostille of documents directly on Visit Ukraine.

Are there any exams or preparatory courses required?

In most cases, no. Danish universities accept students based on the results of a certificate or diploma and a language certificate. But there are exceptions:

- creative specialties (design, architecture) often require a portfolio or an interview;

- medical specialties sometimes require additional tests or qualifying interviews;

- if your language skills are insufficient, you can take a Foundation Course, which combines language classes and basic subjects.

How are documents submitted?

Denmark has a centralized application system:

• Bachelor's degree applications are submitted through the official portal optagelse.dk;
• for master's and PhD programs, documents are usually submitted directly to universities through their online systems.

Important: you need to submit documents only in electronic form. Intermediaries or agencies are not required - although you can use their help, the entire procedure is available online.

Deadlines

Application deadlines are strict:

• Bachelor's degree - by March 15 (start of studies in August/September).
• Master's degree - mainly from January to March, but the exact dates are set by each university separately.
• PhD - enrollment takes place all year round, depending on open vacancies.

Is nostrification required?

For the most part, no. Ukrainian documents are recognized automatically if they meet EU standards. But in narrow specialties (medicine, pharmacy, law), official confirmation through the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science may be required. Information is available here: https://ufm.dk.

If you have entered a university in Denmark, a regular visa will not be enough. For long-term studies, you need a residence permit (Residence Permit for Studies). It is issued by the SIRI agency, and it actually opens the door to a full-fledged student life: you can officially live in the country, work and use all the services available to local students.

Who can apply?

All citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, including Ukrainians who do not have temporary protection in Europe, need a residence permit.

You can apply only after you have been officially enrolled in a full-time program at an accredited university or college in Denmark.

Interestingly, even preparatory courses (e.g., language courses) can be the basis for obtaining a residence permit. But there is a condition: the course must be approved by the Ministry of Education, last no more than a year and be directly related to your future program.

Basic requirements

The Danish system is quite clear: if you fulfill all the conditions, there is almost no chance of refusal. The main thing is

• you are a full-time student;
• have a sufficient level of language (English or Danish);
• you can prove your financial solvency.

For 2026, you need to show a minimum of 7,426 DKK per month (about 950 €). If the study is longer than a year, it is enough to confirm the funds for 12 months - a maximum of 85 032 DKK.

There are several ways to confirm this:

- a bank statement in your name;

- an official scholarship or student loan;

- or confirmation that you have already paid tuition for the first semester.

Important note: parents' bills or “letters of support” are not acceptable. SIRI only accepts funds that are actually available to you.

What documents to prepare

The application process is similar to a construction set: you need to assemble all the parts and then the system will work. The package includes:

• a copy of all pages of your passport (even the blank ones)
• a letter of acceptance from the university;
• proof of finances or payment of tuition;
• passport photo;
• health insurance;
• a receipt of payment of the fee (DKK 2,255 in 2026).

If the documents are in Ukrainian, a translation into English or Danish is required.

💡 Translations, apostille, or insurance can be ordered directly from Visit Ukraine - it's convenient because our specialists take into account all the requirements of consulates and universities.

How to apply for a student residence permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Denmark is not complicated, but it has its own nuances. Below is a step-by-step diagram with explanations.

1. Creating a Case Order ID

First of all, you need to register a Case Order ID on the official New to Denmark portal. This is your unique number that SIRI uses to track the entire process. You cannot submit documents without it.

2. Payment of the fee

After creating a Case Order ID, the system will generate the details for paying the fee - in 2026 it is DKK 2,255.

Important: payment and submission of the application must take place in the same calendar year. If you pay in December and submit the application in January, the documents will not be accepted.

3. Filling out the ST1 form

Next is the main form for students - ST1. It consists of two parts:

• The first part is filled in by your university (the institution enters your data and provides your email address);
• The second part is filled in by you after receiving a link to your email.

It is important that the email address provided by the university is the same as the one you use for registration. Otherwise, you will not be able to access your part of the application.

If you do not have a MitID (Danish digital signature), you will have to download and sign a sworn declaration - without it, your application will not be considered.

4. Gathering and submitting documents

Before submitting the application form, make sure you have all the necessary documents: passport, acceptance letter, proof of finances, health insurance, translations, etc.

There are several ways to apply:

• online - the most convenient;
• at a Danish consulate or VFS Global center in your country;
• at a SIRI office in Denmark if you are already legally residing there.

Different embassies may ask for additional photos or copies, so it is better to check the requirements of a particular institution.

5. Biometrics

The next step is to submit biometric data (photo + fingerprints). This must be done within 14 days after submitting the application form. You can do this at:

- the Danish Embassy;

- visa center;

- SIRI office in Denmark.

If the earliest time for the appointment is later than 14 days, you must inform SIRI of the assigned slot, otherwise the application will be rejected.

6. Waiting for the decision

After that, all you have to do is wait. SIRI usually takes 1 to 3 months to process student applications. If additional documents are required, you will be contacted directly or through the university.

7. Receiving your residence card

After a positive decision, you will be sent a plastic residence card. It will be mailed to the address registered in the CPR (the system of residence registration).

Be sure to check that your name is written on the mailbox. If it is not, the letter will be returned to SIRI.

Validity period and rights

The residence permit is issued for the entire period of study (3 years for bachelor's degree, 2 years for master's degree). After graduation, you get a bonus - another 6 months to find a job in Denmark.

And while you are studying, you can work:

• up to 20 hours per week during the academic year;
• full-time during the summer months (June-August).

The most common mistakes

Many rejections are due to minor inaccuracies:

• payment of the fee and submission in different calendar years;
• biometrics after the 14-day deadline;
• bank statement not in the student's name;
• old or incomplete documents.

To avoid problems, it is worth preparing in advance and, if necessary, seeking advice.

How Visit Ukraine can help

We can assist you in the application process:

• arrange insurance that will be accepted by SIRI;
• prepare translations and apostille of documents;
• provide legal advice on the package of financial documents;

This will save you time and reduce the risk of rejection.

Housing in Denmark is often a real challenge for international students. The demand for rental in cities with large universities far exceeds the supply, so it is important to take care of this before you arrive. Below is the main thing that a Ukrainian student should know.

Student dormitories (kollegier)

The most popular and affordable accommodation option. Dormitories offer both private rooms and studio apartments.

• Cost: on average from 300 to 600 € per month. In Copenhagen the price is closer to the upper limit, in smaller cities it is cheaper.
• How to get in: applications are submitted immediately after enrollment. Some universities have their own colleges, but most often you will have to stand in line through municipal systems. In Copenhagen, you can wait several months.
• Living conditions: the room usually has basic furniture, the kitchen and bathroom can be shared by a block of students.

Renting a room or apartment

If you don't get a dorm, you will have to go to the rental market.

• A room in a shared apartment costs from 400 to 700 €.
• A small studio or apartment - from 800 €, in Copenhagen often more than 1 200 €.
• Deposit: Landlords usually require a deposit of 2-3 months' rent.
• Utilities: you will have to pay for electricity, water, heating and internet separately (50-100 € per month).
• Furniture: not all apartments are equipped. Students often have to buy furniture at local marketplaces or borrow it from previous tenants.

Where to look for accommodation:

• https://housinganywhere.com/
• https://www.boligportal.dk/
• Facebook groups like “Copenhagen Rooms for Rent”.

Important: do not send an advance payment until you have checked the contract and the landlord himself - there are cases of rental fraud in Denmark.

The difference between cities

• Copenhagen is the most expensive, the queue for dormitories is long, rooms are rarely cheaper than 600 €.
• Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense - prices are 20-30% lower, there is more affordable housing for students.
• In smaller cities, housing is much cheaper, but there are fewer universities there.

Registration after moving in

It's not enough to just find housing - you need to officially register.

1. Register your address with the municipality and get a CPR number (identification number).

2. Get a yellow Health Insurance Card, which gives you access to the Danish healthcare system.

Without a CPR number, you cannot open a bank account or sign a formal employment contract.

If you have not found accommodation

Universities often help international students with temporary accommodation. It is also worth contacting student organizations - they have their own databases of rooms and apartments.

How Visit Ukraine can help

• For your first trip to Denmark, it is convenient to book bus or plane tickets from European countries directly on the portal. This is especially true for students who leave Ukraine by land to Poland, Germany, or other countries, and then fly or drive on from there.
• If you have any doubts about the lease agreement, you should take legal advice from Visit Ukraine. Our lawyers will help you check the terms of the contract and protect you from unpleasant situations.

Studying in Denmark is not always cheap for foreigners, but the system is quite transparent: there are clear tariffs for students from the EU and for those coming from other countries, including Ukraine. Let's take a look at the costs you will need to consider.

How much does it cost to study?

• State universities. Education is free for EU/EEA citizens. Ukrainians without temporary protection status or a residence permit in the EU pay as non-EU students: from €6,000 to €16,000 per year.
• Private institutions. Tuition here is more expensive: €8,000–20,000 per year, depending on the specialisation.

Additional fees

In addition to tuition fees, universities may charge other fees:

• registration or administrative fees (€50–200 per year);
• materials and textbooks — about €500 per year;
• sometimes student fees for sports or cultural events (not mandatory, but common).

How much does student life cost?

To realistically estimate your budget, you need to take into account your monthly expenses.

• Accommodation: €300–600 in a dormitory or €800–1,200 for an apartment.
• Food: on average €250–350 per month if you cook at home.
• Transport: students get discounts, so a monthly ticket costs around €40–60.
• Utilities and internet: €50–100 per month.

As a result, living expenses amount to approximately €800–1,200 per month, excluding tuition fees.

Insurance: a mandatory requirement

To obtain a student residence permit, a foreigner must have medical insurance.

• After registering in Denmark, students receive a yellow card (Health Insurance Card), which provides access to the national health care system.
• But until then (and this can take several weeks), you must have private insurance. Without it, your visa application will not even be considered.

💡 Practical tip: you can apply for international insurance for a student visa online at Visit Ukraine. It's quick, meets consular requirements, and eliminates the risk of rejection due to not having the right policy.

Although most international students have to pay for their studies in Denmark, there are numerous financial support programs. These can be government scholarships, grants from universities, or international exchange programs.

Government scholarships

• Danish Government Scholarships is a program of the Danish Ministry of Education for students from outside the EU. It can cover all or part of the tuition fees, as well as provide a monthly living allowance.
• Nordplus and Erasmus+ support short exchange programs, semester trips, and double degrees.

Scholarships from universities

Many institutions have their own funds to support talented students:

• Copenhagen Business School offers scholarships for masters in business.
• Aarhus University has grants for students with high academic results.
• The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) supports future engineers and IT specialists.

Usually, 25% to 100% of the tuition fee is covered.

Opportunities for Ukrainians

After 2022, some universities in Denmark have launched special support programs for Ukrainian students and refugees. They include:

• reduction of tuition fees or complete exemption from fees;
• additional grants for living expenses;
• accelerated enrollment procedures.

The conditions differ from university to university, so you should check the information directly on the websites of educational institutions.

What are the requirements?

Most programs require

• a high grade point average in a diploma or certificate of education;
• a motivation letter explaining the choice of program;
• sometimes, recommendations from teachers or proof of participation in scientific or social projects.

The competition is tough, but Ukrainians have additional chances thanks to special support programs.