Ph.D. Admission in Denmark
Ph.D. admission in Denmark is a dream for everyone who wants to pursue a Ph.D. in Denmark. The reason is that studying and completing a Ph.D. in Denmark gives you many benefits to continuing your career in Denmark, as Denmark is the most developed country and gives high salaries to PhDs and researchers. If you want to start your Ph.D. journey in Denmark, you must understand that the process from taking admission to getting a work permit or visa for PhD study is not that easy. You have to complete many requirements and steps to get admission and a visa, which we are going to discuss here in this blog
Let’s start the discussion
Step 1: Get Acceptance from a Danish University
To start your Ph.D. visa process in Denmark, you first need acceptance from a Danish university. You can find universities online that match your field of study. Denmark has many top universities offering Ph.D. positions.
List of Universities Offering Ph.D. Programs in Denmark
University of Copenhagen (UCPH)
Aarhus University (AU)
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Aalborg University (AAU)
Roskilde University (RUC)
Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
Admissions: Scholarship vs. Self-Financed Options
You can get a residence permit under two primary circumstances:
1. Enrolled as a Ph.D. candidate at a Danish university with a salary from the university or an affiliated company.
2. Enroll in a Ph.D. program without receiving a salary.
Important Note regarding PhD admission in Denmark
You can find universities that offer Ph.D. positions with a salary, and if you cannot get a scholarship, you can also find universities where you can get admission on a self-financed basis. This means you have to pay the fees for each semester, similar to paying for master’s and bachelor’s degrees. To explore more about universities in Denmark, especially in Copenhagen, that offer scholarships, we suggest you read our article about the top 6 Danish universities, their processes, and requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Documents for Visa Application
Gather all necessary documentation for the PhD visa application:
1. A copy of all pages of your passport.
2. An admission letter from the educational institution.
3. For employed Ph.D. candidates: If you have a scholarship for your Ph.D. in Denmark, you’ll receive an employment letter from the institute where you applied.
4. For unpaid Ph.D. candidates: You’ll need to provide documentation showing financial self-sufficiency during your stay in Denmark for your Ph.D. This could include your bank account statement to prove you have enough funds for your studies.
5. Ensure that all documents are in English, German, Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish. If not, provide authorized translations into Danish or English.
6. Hard copies of the application letter to submit at the embassy or immigration.
7. English Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
8. Visa application-free receipt for Ph.D.
9. Standard passport-size pictures.
Step 3: Start formal application process
Once you have received Ph.D. admission and gathered all the required documents, you now have to start your application process properly. These are the steps:
1. Create an ID at Nyidanmark.
2. Pay the The application fee for the Ph.D. visa or permit is 2490 DKK.
3. Complete and submit the application form online, Form PHD1.
4. Give biometrics for the Ph.D. application.
5. Wait for an interview or decision.
Ph.D. application process form start to finish
These are the steps involved in the visa application process for a PhD in Denmark. If you want to read every step in detail, don’t worry; we have a complete article on that named ‘Denmark Study Visa‘. In this article, we explain every step in detail for you. Remember that the process is the same except for the application form and, of course, some requirements specifically for a PhD study visa, which we already explain in this article.
Role of Interview for Ph.D. admission in Denmark
If an interview is requested, it is essential to prepare thoroughly and present yourself well to the interviewing officer. While the interview is crucial for obtaining your visa, it’s important to note that the likelihood of a negative decision at the Ph.D. level is low, given the substantial evidence provided through research proposals and a well-prepared interview during the interview process. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to be prepared for the interview in case it is requested. Learn more about general interview questions in our article about denmark study visa.
If you apply through the embassy or consulate, they will notify you of the decision via phone or email using the contact information you provided. Subsequently, you will need to visit the embassy with your passport to obtain the visa sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What rights are granted to Ph.D. students in Denmark?
A PhD residence permit grants you these rights in Denmark:
It gives you permission to work full-time at the university or affiliated organization.
It gives you access to Danish lessons, with the municipality facilitating language learning for eligible individuals.
What is the duration of the residence permit for Ph.D. students in Denmark?
Ph.D. students can stay in Denmark for the duration of their standardized education, actively participating therein. Extensions may be sought if the education period exceeds the stipulated timeframe.
Can I get a visa after finishing my Ph.D.?
Yes, upon completing your Ph.D. studies, you will receive a residence permit in Denmark. This permit includes a three-year job search visa or permit, allowing graduates to seek employment opportunities in Denmark.
Can I sponsor my family to Denmark with a PhD residence permit?
Yes, your spouses, registered partners, permanent cohabitants, and children under 18 are allowed to bring or be sponsored by Ph.D. students to Denmark, facilitated by the student’s residence permit.
Can Ph.D. students in Denmark work full-time?
Yes, Ph.D. students in Denmark have the right to work full-time at their university or in a related company, but the work must be directly related to their Ph.D. education and only for the duration of their studies.
How many hours are allowed for Ph.D. students in Denmark?
Ph.D. students can take on additional work with a limited work permit, allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week during the regular study period and full-time during certain months.
What happens if I work more than the permitted hours?
Working more hours than permitted is considered illegal and can result in consequences such as warnings, fines, or the withdrawal of the residence permit.
Do Ph.D. students in Denmark have work opportunities after studying?
Yes, after completing their education, Ph.D. students can apply for an unlimited work permit, allowing them to work more than 20 hours per week if desired. They also have the right to work unlimitedly alongside their university affiliation if the work is related to their studies.
Do I need a work and residence permit to be a Ph.D. student in Denmark?
Yes, to be a Ph.D. student in Denmark, you must hold a work and residence permit, and you need to have it before you begin your Ph.D. study. Your contact at the Graduate School will initiate the application process for your work and residence permits.
Is pursuing a Ph.D. in Denmark free for international students?
No, Ph.D. programs in Denmark are not entirely free for international students. While they are tuition-free for students from the EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA international students are required to pay tuition fees. These fees typically range between 6,000 and 16,000 EUR per year. Despite this cost, studying in Denmark is often more affordable for non-EU/EEA students compared to countries like the US, Canada, or Australia. However, if any university offers you a scholarship for a Ph.D., then it is different.
What are the eligibility requirements for pursuing a Ph.D. in Copenhagen?
In order to qualify for enrollment as a Ph.D. student in Copenhagen, applicants must hold a Master’s degree equivalent to two years of study (120 ECTS). Additionally, applicants must have submitted their Master’s thesis by the application deadline, provided that the thesis is a mandatory component of their Master’s program. Find more detail about Ph.D.requirments espiecally universities in copenhagen
What is the salary of a PhD student in Denmark?
The PhD student’s salary or income generally falls between 28,000 and 34,000 Danish Kroner per month before tax, depending on seniority. However, for self-financed Ph.D. programs, students are responsible for paying semester fees instead of receiving payment. Most students opt for sponsored or scholarship Ph.D. programs to cover their expenses.
What is the typical duration of a Ph.D. program in Denmark?
A Ph.D. program in Denmark typically lasts for three years, equivalent to 180 ECTS credits. The program consists of independent research conducted under supervision, along with courses tailored for Ph.D. students, totaling approximately 30 ECTS credits.
How long does it take to obtain a Danish visa for Ph.D. studies?
The visa application process for a Ph.D. program typically takes around one month to complete, which is relatively fast. However, in some cases, particularly for applicants from regions such as Asia, Africa, or other parts of the world, it may take longer. The official processing time is 30 days, but actual processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and the region of application.
Can I extend my Ph.D. beyond three years in Denmark?
Yes, it is possible to extend your Ph.D. beyond the standard three-year duration in Denmark. Many students complete their Ph.D. in the fourth year, and in rare cases, it may take up to five years. However, it’s generally advisable to aim to complete your Ph.D. within the initial three-year timeframe to minimize delays.
Are Ph.D. students required to pay taxes in Denmark?
Yes, Ph.D. students in Denmark are generally obligated to pay taxes on their earnings, similar to other residents. The amount of tax paid depends on various factors, including annual income and tax liability. It’s essential to note that while savings or assets brought from abroad may not be taxed upon relocation to Denmark, any interest income or dividends earned may be subject to taxation.
Is a Ph.D. considered a job in Denmark?
In Denmark, Ph.D. students are regarded and compensated similarly to junior faculty members at universities. Nine prominent Danish universities provide Ph.D. opportunities across various fields, spanning from fine arts to theology, medical, and computer sciences.
What is the language requirement for a PhD in Denmark?
you should have either an IELTS or TOEFL test with you and the standard requirements are 6.5 for IELTS and 90 for TOEFL. This is minimum requirement in many universities in denmark. However, we highly encourage you to confirm the university where you applied.
Which European countries offer PhD admission easily?
You can have many options for doing a PhD in Europe. In European countries, many country offer phd admission easily, e.g., Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland, etc. In all these countries, Poland is the best option to apply for a PhD. Read about the application process for a PhD in Poland.
Disclaimer
While we make an effort to offer accurate and current information, it is advisable to independently verify the details on the official Danish immigration website for absolute accuracy and clarity.
Our blog’s objective is to offer helpful information and direction for completing the Denmark PhD application process. It is important to rely on the official resources and procedures outlined by the relevant immigration authorities to ensure the most precise and up-to-date information for your application.
What do we hope from you?
We hope that this blog post helps you to understand the process of applying for and getting admission and a visa for a Ph.D., either from your home country or for those who already live in Denmark and want to apply for a PhD.
If you have any questions to ask, you are welcome to leave a comment below or get in touch with us at support@migratewisdom.com.
