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Denmark

Study Law in Denmark 2024

Study in Denmark

To the south of Norway and southwest of Sweden lies the Kingdom of Denmark, a sovereign state that also includes the autonomous countries of Greenland and the Faroe Islands in its kingdom. Over five million people live in Denmark, a socialist democratic country consistently ranked as one of the most developed and happiest countries in the world primarily due to its high, per capita income average, income equality and social mobility factors. A founding member of the United Nations, NATO, the OECD and the Nordic Council, Denmark has a unique past rich in Viking history, medieval skirmishes with neighboring countries and the taking of a neutral stance during World War II.

Helpful Facts about Denmark

• Danish is the language predominantely spoken in Denmark

• The Danish Kroner (DKK) is the currency used, with one Krone equaling 100 Øre

• Nearly 90 percent of Danes practice the Protestant religion

• Denmark is a very green country. Wind power constitutes 30 percent of all electricity used by its residents

• Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and home to its government, where the monarch and prime minister often convene in a 17th century royal castle constructed by Christian IV

Judicial System of Denmark

Legislature and executive authority remains separate from judicial authority. There is no one unified judicial system in Denmark. Instead, the Faroe Islands, Denmark and Greenland have their own judicial systems. However, high court decisions made by judges living in the Faroe Islands or Greenland can be appealed in the Danish High Courts. The highest criminal and civil court is the Danish Supreme Court, which is responsible for administering justice throughout the Kingdom of Denmark. The Constitution of Denmark is the foundation for all judiciary procedures and enactments implemented by Denmark's monarchy.

Change currency

Basic monthly living cost

  • Rent in a shared flat

    599
  • Share of utilities

    67
  • Internet subscription

    33
  • Local transportation

    68

Sample lifestyle cost

  • Fast food combo

    12
  • Cinema ticket

    16
  • Pint of local beer

    7

About Denmark

Law Degrees Offered By Denmark

Denmark offers Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws (LL.M) and Ph.D law degrees. The LL.M degree is internationally recognized as a postgraduate degree taking about one year to complete. Most law students continue pursuing an LL.M degree after finishing a bachelor's program to gain expertise with specialized areas of law, such as civil, criminal or judicial. Additionally, most Danish law firms (as well as law firms throughout the European Union) prefer their lawyers to hold an LL.M degree since this degree indicates the student has advanced legal training and is qualified to handle cases in a multinational environment.

Earning a Law Degree in Denmark

Denmark has two universities offering law degrees: the University of Copenhagen (Department of Law) and Aahus University (School of Law). The University of Copenhagen is the largest law school in Denmark and Scandinavia and has 4000 students enrolled at any given time. Students can chose to earn one of four degrees at the University of Copenhagen: an LL.B, an LL.M, a Ph.D or a Master in Conflict Resolution and Mediation.

Aahus University, in the city of Aahus, Denmark, also offers Bachelor, Master and Ph.D law programs but does not include a Master of Conflict Resolution and Mediation in its curriculum. Summer classes are also available at Aahus University.

Tuition Fees and Length of Law Studies in Denmark

Typically, law students complete their Bachelor's degrees in three to four years and Master's degrees in one year. Ph.D. degrees may take up to three years to finish, depending on the field in which the student wishes to specialize.

EEA and EU students do not have to pay tuition while enrolled in a higher education program in Denmark. U.S. and non-European Union citizens must pay annual tuition fees ranging from 6000 to 15,000 Euros ($8000 to $20,000 USD).

Opportunities for Lawyers in Denmark

With thousands of law firms operating in Denmark and Danish unemployment rates consistently below the five percent mark, finding employment in Denmark is not difficult. However, lawyers specializing in international law experience higher rates of success in obtaining positions more quickly than lawyers with LLM degrees.

Visa Requirements

ST1 - residence and work permit for exchange students from non-EU/EEA/Nordic countries.

What type of Visa do you need?

Visa name

Residence and Work Permit (ST1)

Price and currency

EUR 310

Visa application fees depend on your country of origin and can be around 310 EUR. The fees may be subject to change.

Who can apply for the visa?

If you plan to study in Denmark for more than three months, you will need either a registration certificate or a residence permit:

  1. EU/EEA citizens will need a registration certificate, and Swiss nationals will have to apply for a residence card.
  2. Non-EU/EEA citizens will have to apply for a Danish residence permit prior to arriving in Denmark.

You need to be admitted to a higher educational program in Denmark, which is approved by a state authority or offered by a publicly accredited educational institution.

Where can you make the application?

Danish diplomatic mission

You will need to submit in person your ST1 application at the nearest Danish diplomatic mission. The reason you need to appear in person is so that you can have your biometric features recorded (digital facial image and fingerprints). Your biometric features are a requirement for the resident permit. You will most likely need to book an appointment.

Website:

How to make the application?

You typically need to provide the following when applying for a student visa to Denmark:

  • Acceptance letter from your university;
  • A signed and completed application form;
  • Language proficiency proof (usually English);
  • A valid passport or another form of travel document;
  • A passport photo;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Visa fee payment proof;
  • Proof of minimum funds (around 1000 EUR/month);
  • Detailed information regarding your study program;
  • Proof regarding accommodation arrangements during your studies.

When should you apply?

The best time to start applying for your residence permit to Denmark is three months prior to your arrival date. It takes, on average, about 60 days for the application to be processed and the duration of your student residence permit depends on whether you are going to complete an entire education program, or only follow part of a program as a guest student. If it is to be an entire program, then you will be granted a residence permit for the duration of that program. However, if you are only enrolled to follow a part of a program, the residence permit will be granted for a maximum of two years.

Processing time

60 Days

Work opportunities

  • Nordic, EU/EEA or Swiss citizens can work in Denmark with no restriction on the number of hours.
  • Non-EU/EEA and non-Nordic students are allowed to work in Denmark 20 hours a week from September to May and 37 hours a week from June to August.

Hours per week

20

Why do you need this type of visa?

Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.