Dreaming of studying in Denmark? It’s no surprise why! With top-tier universities, affordable tuition, and a vibrant, student-friendly culture, Denmark is a fantastic choice for Bangladeshi students like you. Plus, the post-study work visa—up to three years—gives you a real shot at kickstarting your career. But let’s be honest: the student visa (technically a residence permit) process can feel like a maze. From picking the right program to nailing your visa interview, there’s a lot to juggle. That’s where we come in! At VisaPoint International, your trusted study visa consultancy in Dhaka, we’ve helped tons of students make their Denmark dreams a reality. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to get you there, packed with all the tips you need.
Understanding Denmark Student Visa Requirements
First things first: let’s break down what Denmark’s immigration folks (SIRI) need from you to approve your student residence permit. This isn’t a short-term Schengen visa—it’s a long-term permit that can last up to five years, renewable, for full-time study.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Admission Letter: You must be accepted into a full-time program at a recognized Danish institution, like the University of Copenhagen or Aarhus University. Only accredited programs count, so double-check your school’s status on studyindenmark.dk.
- Language Skills: If your program’s in English, you’ll likely need an IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL score. For Danish-taught courses, basic Danish proficiency is a must. Either way, you need to keep up in class!
- Proof of Funds: Denmark wants to know you can support yourself without relying on their system. As of 2025, you’ll need about DKK 7,086 per month (roughly BDT 115,000), or DKK 85,032 (BDT 1.38 million) for a year. Show this with a bank statement, paid tuition receipt, or scholarship letter—funds must be in your name, not your parents’.
- Age & Health: If you’re under 18, bring parental consent and proof of housing. Everyone needs health insurance (covering at least DKK 30,000 for the first year).
- Intent to Return: You’ll need to show ties to Bangladesh, like family or future job plans, to prove you’ll head home after your studies.
Mess up any of these, and your application could hit a snag. At VisaPoint, we check your profile early to catch issues before they cost you time or money.
Choosing the Right Study Program in Denmark
Denmark’s got over 600 English-taught programs—bachelor’s, master’s, even PhDs—in fields like tech, business, and sustainability. It’s exciting, but picking the right one matters.
Tips to Choose Smart:
- Explore Your Options: Head to studyindenmark.dk to browse programs. Love tech? Check out DTU’s engineering courses. Into business? Copenhagen Business School is a gem.
- Match Your Qualifications: Make sure your HSC or bachelor’s degree aligns with Danish standards (check ufm.dk/en/recognition). Some programs ask for specific subjects or grades, so read the fine print.
- Budget & Timeline: Tuition for non-EU students runs DKK 45,000–120,000 (BDT 730,000–1.95 million) per year. Look for scholarships like the Danish Government Scholarship to ease the load. Bachelor’s take 3–4 years; master’s, about 2.
- Apply on Time: Deadlines are strict—March 15 for quota 2 (international applicants) or July 5 for quota 1 (GPA-based). Apply via optagelse.dk and expect results by July 28.
Not sure where to start? Our VisaPoint team can suggest programs that fit your goals and boost your admission odds.
Gathering Essential Documents for Your Application
Documents are the backbone of your application, and missing even one can delay things. Start gathering these 2–3 months early to stay stress-free.
What You’ll Need:
- Valid passport (good for 3+ months after your stay, with 2 blank pages).
- Official admission letter from your Danish institution.
- Completed ST1 form (your uni pre-fills part of it; you finish it online).
- Bank statement showing DKK 85,032+ (less than 30 days old) or proof of paid tuition/scholarship.
- IELTS/TOEFL results (if required).
- Two passport-sized photos (3.5×4.5 cm, white background).
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages) explaining why Denmark and your program, plus your plans to return to Bangladesh.
- HSC or bachelor’s certificates with certified English translations.
- Health insurance proof for your first year.
- For under-18s: parental consent, birth certificate, and custody docs.
Get translations notarized in Dhaka, and scan everything clearly. VisaPoint offers free document reviews to make sure you’re 100% ready.
How to Apply Online for a Denmark Student Visa
Denmark’s application process is mostly online, which is great but needs attention to detail.
Here’s How It Works:
- Get Your Admission: Your uni sends you a link to the pre-filled ST1 form after acceptance.
- Set Up a Case Order ID: Go to newtodenmark.dk, register, and pay the visa fee to get your ID.
- Fill Out the ST1 Form: Log in, add your personal and financial info, and upload your documents.
- Submit & Sign: Double-check everything, then e-sign (or use a sworn declaration if you don’t have MitID).
- Prep for Biometrics: You’ll book an appointment at VFS Global in Dhaka next.
Apply 2–3 months before your program starts to avoid last-minute stress. If you hit a snag, VisaPoint or SIRI’s helpline can guide you.
Paying the Visa Application Fee – What You Need to Know
The visa fee is DKK 2,255 (about BDT 36,500 in 2025), and it’s non-refundable. No discounts, even for students.
Fee Basics:
- Pay online with a Visa or Mastercard when you create your Case Order ID.
- Save the receipt—it’s proof of payment and includes your ID.
- Extra costs: VFS service fee (BDT 2,000–3,000), courier for passport return (BDT 1,500), or premium lounge at VFS (BDT 4,000).
- Scholarships won’t cover this, so plan ahead.
VisaPoint can handle your payment process to ensure it goes through smoothly.
Booking Your Visa Appointment at the Embassy/VFS
You’ll submit biometrics (fingerprints and photos) at VFS Global in Dhaka (Gulshan or Dhanmondi). Denmark uses VFS, not the embassy directly.
Steps:
- After submitting online, book an appointment at vfsglobal.com/dnk/bangladesh (or just walk in—students don’t always need bookings in 2025).
- Bring your passport, application confirmation, and fee receipt.
- Submit biometrics and original documents (VFS sends them to the Danish Embassy).
- Track your application online with the reference number.
The process takes 15–30 minutes. Get there early to beat the crowd, or let VisaPoint book it for you.
Preparing for the Visa Interview – Common Questions
Interviews aren’t always required, but when they are, they’re your chance to shine. Dress sharp, stay calm, and be honest.
Questions to Prep For:
- Why study in Denmark? Talk about its unique programs or research focus (e.g., “Denmark’s green tech courses align with Bangladesh’s climate goals”).
- Why this program? Connect it to your background (e.g., “My IT diploma fits DTU’s AI master’s, and I want to bring those skills home”).
- How will you pay for it? Be clear about your funds or scholarship.
- What’s your plan after graduation? Emphasize returning to Bangladesh (e.g., “I’ll work in Dhaka’s tech sector”).
- What ties you to home? Mention family, property, or job prospects.
Practice makes perfect—VisaPoint offers free mock interviews to help you feel confident.
Denmark Student Visa Processing Time & What to Expect
SIRI aims to process applications in 30 days, but for Bangladeshi students, it often takes 4–6 weeks due to extra checks. Incomplete documents can add another 2–4 weeks.
What to Know:
- Track your status on newtodenmark.dk with your Case Order ID.
- SIRI might email you for extra info—reply within 14 days.
- Rejections (10–15% of cases) can be appealed within 2 weeks for DKK 720.
- No fast-track option, so apply early.
Use the wait time to brush up on Danish basics or plan your arrival.
Receiving Your Visa Decision – Next Steps
If Approved: Pick up your passport at VFS (or get it couriered) with your permit sticker, valid for your program’s duration. In Denmark:
- Register for a CPR number within 5 days at a Citizen Service Center.
- Get your health card and residence permit card (free, arrives in 2 weeks).
If Denied: Check the rejection reason (like missing funds) and reapply after fixing it. VisaPoint can help with appeals.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Denmark as a Student
You’ve landed in Denmark—congrats! Here’s how to hit the ground running:
- Before You Go: Book uni airport pickup (DKK 200–500) and secure housing via boligportal.dk or dorms (DKK 3,000–6,000/month).
- First Days: Get your CPR, open a bank account (try Danske Bank), and enroll in free Danish classes through your uni.
- Getting Around: Buy a bike (DKK 500) or use the Rejsekort app for buses. Budget groceries at Netto (DKK 2,000/month).
- Settle In: Join student clubs for fun events, and look for part-time jobs (20 hours/week, DKK 120/hour) on workindenmark.dk.
- Stay Safe: Your insurance covers basic healthcare; download the 112 app for emergencies.
Denmark’s cozy “hygge” vibe will make you feel at home in no time.
Conclusion:
Studying in Denmark is your ticket to world-class education, new experiences, and a career boost—all in one of the happiest countries on Earth. Yes, the visa process can seem tricky, but with the right prep, it’s totally doable. From sorting out documents to acing your interview, every step brings you closer to your goal. At VisaPoint International in Dhaka, we’ve guided hundreds of Bangladeshi students to Denmark with personalized support and a 90% success rate. Ready to take the leap? Visit us at visapointint.com or swing by our Gulshan office for a free consultation. Let’s turn your Danish dream into reality!