If you are a citizen of Vietnam and want to study in Denmark, you usually need admission first and then a student residence permit. The exact route depends on your programme and length of stay, but the main steps are similar for most students.
Start early. You will usually need documents from your school, proof of English, and money evidence, and the process can take several weeks or more. Always check the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, plus your university's admissions page, for the current rules.
What the visa route usually looks like
For degree studies, you normally do not apply for a simple tourist visa. You apply for a student residence permit after you get an offer or a conditional offer from a Danish institution.
- First, you apply to the university or college.
- If you get an offer, you use it to apply for residence permission through the official Danish immigration process.
- You may also need biometrics, a passport, and supporting papers.
The official process and forms are handled by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, often called SIRI. If you are unsure about your case, check SIRI and your university's international office.
What universities usually ask for
Each programme has its own entry rules. But most Danish universities ask for a similar set of documents.
- Secondary school diploma or bachelor's degree, depending on the level
- Official transcripts with grades
- Proof of English level, often IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or another accepted test
- A CV for some master's programmes
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose for some courses
- Passport copy
- Sometimes course descriptions if they need to check your previous studies
For English, the needed score depends on the programme. Some courses also accept proof from earlier education in English, but not all do. Check the exact programme page before you submit anything.
Proof of funds and money rules
To get a student permit, you often need to show that you can pay for living costs in Denmark. The required amount can change, so do not rely on old posts or social media. Use the current figure on the official Danish immigration site.
You may need to show funds through one of these:
- Your own bank account
- A sponsor letter, if accepted by the rules
- Scholarship documents
- Proof of paid tuition, if that is part of your case
Also expect to show that you can pay tuition fees if your programme charges them. EU and non-EU rules differ, so check your own case carefully.
How long the process usually takes
There is no single fixed timeline. It depends on the university, your documents, and the immigration office workload. A safe plan is to start months before the semester begins.
- University application: often several weeks to a few months before the deadline
- Offer letter: can take days to months, depending on the programme
- Residence permit processing: often several weeks, but it can be longer in busy periods
- Travel and arrival planning: add extra time for housing, insurance, and bank documents
If your programme has an intake in autumn, many students begin preparing in winter or spring. Do not wait until the last minute, because missing one document can delay the whole case.
Common reasons for refusal
Refusals often happen because the file is incomplete or the documents do not match the rules. This is avoidable if you read the checklist carefully.
- Missing or unclear transcripts, diploma, or translations
- English test not accepted by the programme
- Not enough proof of funds
- Passport problems, such as expiry too soon
- Programme details that do not fit your previous studies
- Wrong or inconsistent information in forms
If you get a refusal, read the decision letter. It should explain the reason and whether you can appeal or reapply. For the next step, follow the official instructions only.
How to get noticed before you apply
You do not need to wait until the final application round to be visible to universities. Many admissions offices and programme teams look for students earlier, especially if they want to fill places or answer questions quickly.
- Create a clear profile with your intended field and degree level
- Add your latest education, grades, and expected graduation date
- Include your English level and test status
- Upload the documents you already have
- Write short, clear information about what you want to study
This helps universities see if you may fit their programmes. It can also save time later, because they can contact you first and tell you which programmes match your background.
Common questions
Do I need admission before the residence permit?
Usually yes. For study permits in Denmark, the university offer is normally part of the application file. Check the official immigration page for your exact route.
Can I work while studying?
Many international students can work part time, but the rules depend on your permit and study type. Always check the current work rules on the Danish immigration authority site before you accept a job.
What if my English score is not ready yet?
Some universities allow conditional offers, but not all do. If your test is pending, check whether the programme accepts later proof. Do not assume this without reading the programme page.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This can help you get early attention from universities before you submit full applications, while you keep control of your next step.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.