As your academic journey with us draws to an end, it is a good idea to consider your next steps. We hope you have enjoyed your time at AU and in Denmark. If that’s the case, you might be planning to extend your stay to undertake further studies or find a job. Find all the relevant information about extending your Student Residence Visa and your Post-Study Work Rights below.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen and want to extend your studies you do not have to do anything. If you are studying as a full degree and plan to stay and work in Denmark after graduation find out more at newtodenmark.dk.
If you are a non-EU citizen you have to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is issued by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Find more information regarding residence permit for non-EU students at our website.
To apply for an extension of your stay as an Exchange student in Denmark, you must get approval from your AU coordinator and your home institution. Once you have received both, please contact the International Center – ic@au.dk.
The International Center at Aarhus University will then initiate the extension application process at Official Portal for Foreigners in Denmark - newtodenmark.dk
You can submit your application for an extension no sooner than three months before your residence permit expires. However, if you are a student at a higher educational programme that has been approved by a state authority, you can submit your application for an extension four months before your residence permit expires. It is crucial that you submit your application for an extension before your current residence permit expires.
If you are residing illegally in Denmark you risk being expelled and given an entry ban, i.e. you will be banned from entering Denmark for a certain period of time. You also risk being reported to the police for illegal residence.
You can apply for an extension no earlier than three months before your current residence permit expires. Once you have submitted your application for an extension to SIRI, and received confirmation that your application has been received, you will be permitted to stay in Denmark until SIRI has processed your application, even if your current residence permit expires.
Students who complete a higher educational program in Denmark automatically get a 3-year job seeking period with their study permit (if your passport validity allows it)!
Only apply for a job seeking permit if:
Job seeking permits give the same work rights as during studies (20 hours/week) and full-time work is allowed in June, July, and August.
The job seeking period gives you the opportunity to find employment in Denmark after you have completed your educational programme. If you are offered a job during the job seeking period, you have two options:
You can also apply for the work permit without limitations after your graduation if you do not yet have a job offer but wish to be able to work unlimited hours outside of June, July, and August.
You can find more information on Job seeking after completing educational programme at the New to Denmark website.
