COVID-19: Information for master students
IMPORTANT: Being a student enrolled at the University of Copenhagen is not recognized as a “worthy purpose” for entering Denmark, and thus students will be refused entry. However, students with a valid residence permit are allowed to enter Denmark.
- The campus areas are currently closed until further notice.
- Please consult the Danish authorities joint website for COVID-19 information. The guidelines from the Danish Authorities will continue to change. This website will be updated regularly, but it is your own responsibility to get the newest information from the link above.
For master students beginning the spring 2021 semester
Last updated: 18 January 2021
The campus areas at the University of Copenhagen is temporarly closed. Until further notice all teaching is online with a few exceptions for lab work. When the campus opens again each faculty and departments have planned a blended learning approach, combining both online and in-person teaching for the spring semester.
Please note that even though your study programme may include online teaching, it is not possible to take the entire semester as online distance education.
Last updated: 23 November, 2020
Each faculty at UCPH has introduction activities planned for you. Information about this will either be sent to you directly or it will be available online on your faculty’s orientation pages for which you will find a link on www.orientation-programmes.ku.dk.
You will need to plan your travel dates accordingly.
Please direct any questions about this to your admissions unit, see Questions & Concerns below.
Last updated: 23 November, 2020
From 1 January 2021, all UK citizens students staying in Denmark for more than 90 days are required to have a valid visa/residence permit. Your admissions unit will send your residence permit application form (ST1) to your personal e-mail address, through the application system, or to your new UCPH e-mail If you cannot find the e-mail, please remember to check your junk/spam mail folder. Please check your UCPH e-mail account regularly.
For more information about the requirements for entering Denmark, UK citizens should see the section below entitled: Requirements for entering Denmark: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (visa-free countries).
Last updated: 18 January 2021
Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police
We recommend all international incoming students to contact the Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police, to make sure you can enter Denmark.
Telephone: +45 7020 6044
Hotline opening hours
Monday-Wednesday 08.00-16.00 (8 am - 4 pm)
Thursday 08.00-15.00 (8 am - 3 pm)
Friday 08.00-14.00 (8 am - 2 pm)
What documentation do I need when entering Denmark?
New requirements for testing are now in place, which states that persons residing in high-risk countries or quarantine countries outside the EU must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry at the Danish border. The test requirement is in place for both travellers residing in high-risk countries in the EU and for travellers with residence in quarantine countries outside the EU, Schengen Area and United Kingdom.
Almost all countries are categorized as a high-risk country at the moment. Very few students will be exempt from presenting a negative COVID-test. Please check your country’s status here: https://coronasmitte.dk/en/entry-into-denmark/is-my-country-open-or-banned
To enter Denmark, you will need the following:
- Negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry
- your letter of admission
- passport/ID
- a confirmation of enrolment (we will send this to you no later than 1 January)
If you have questions about entering Denmark, please contact the Danish Police’s Arrivals Hotline: +45 7020 6044 (weekdays from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm CEST).
If you are travelling through another country
If you are travelling through another country before entering Denmark, please make sure to check whether that country has any additional requirements.
Last updated: January 18 2021
Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police
We recommend all international incoming students to contact the Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police, to make sure you can enter Denmark.
Telephone: +45 7020 6044
Hotline opening hours
Monday-Wednesday 08.00-16.00 (8 am - 4 pm)
Thursday 08.00-15.00 (8 am - 3 pm)
Friday 08.00-14.00 (8 am - 2 pm)
Residence permit (ST1)
All citizens of Non-EU/EEA countries are required to obtain a residence permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, i.e. the Danish immigration services (called SIRI for short).
Where do I get an ST1 form?
When you have paid your tuition fee and you are fully admitted to your degree programme, i.e. you have satisfied any and all conditions for your admission, your admissions unit will send your residence permit application form (ST1) to your personal e-mail address, through the application system, or to your new UCPH e-mail If you cannot find the e-mail, please remember to check your junk/spam mail folder. Please check your UCPH e-mail account regularly.
Check that the offices processing residence permits (ST1) in your country are open
Due to the measures taken in response to COVID-19, the offices for processing residence permits are closed in many countries; however, for those with a worthy purpose for entering Denmark (being admitted as a student is considered a worthy purpose), it may still be possible to apply.
Since a valid residence permit is critical for entering Denmark, we strongly urge you to check that the offices for processing a residence permit application are open in your country and that they will be able to process your residence permit application in time for you to travel to Denmark. You can find an overview of the Danish missions that can process the application here: https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/where-to-apply/
What if I am not able to submit my ST1 form?
If you are not able to submit your ST1 form and receive a valid resident permit, then it will unfortunately not be possible to travel to Denmark and start your semester. If this is the case, please let us know at INT-admission@adm.ku.dk.
What documentation do I need when entering Denmark?
New requirements for testing are now in place, which states that persons residing in high-risk countries or quarantine countries outside the EU must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry at the Danish border. The test requirement is in place for both travellers residing in high-risk countries in the EU and for travellers with residence in quarantine countries outside the EU, Schengen Area and Great Britain.
Almost all countries are categorized as a high-risk country at the moment. Very few students will be exempt from presenting a negative COVID-test. Please check your country’s status here: https://coronasmitte.dk/en/entry-into-denmark/is-my-country-open-or-banned
To enter Denmark, you will need the following:
- Negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry
- your letter of admission
- passport/ID
- a confirmation of enrolment (we will send this to you no later than 1 January)
If you have questions about entering Denmark, please contact the Danish Police’s Arrivals Hotline: +45 7020 6044 (weekdays from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm CEST).
If you are travelling through another country
If you are travelling through another country before entering Denmark, please make sure to check whether that country has any additional requirements.
Last updated: January 18 2021
Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police
We recommend all international incoming students to contact the Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police, to make sure you can enter Denmark.
Telephone: +45 7020 6044
Hotline opening hours
Monday-Wednesday 08.00-16.00 (8 am - 4 pm)
Thursday 08.00-15.00 (8 am - 3 pm)
Friday 08.00-14.00 (8 am - 2 pm)
Residence permit (ST1)
All citizens of non-EU/EEA countries are required to obtain a residence permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, i.e. the Danish immigration services (called SIRI for short).
If you are not able to obtain your visa before you arrive, you can still enter Denmark with a passport from a visa-free country. With your confirmation of enrolment (we will send this to you no later than 1 January), you will be able to prove that you are enrolled as a student at UCPH.
Once in Denmark, you must complete your ST1 application and have your biometrics taken at a local centre shortly after arrival.
Where do I get an ST1 form?
When you have paid your tuition fee and you are fully admitted to your degree programme, i.e. you have satisfied any and all conditions for your admission, your admissions unit will send your residence permit application form (ST1) to your personal e-mail address, through the application system, or to your new UCPH e-mail If you cannot find the e-mail, please remember to check your junk/spam mail folder. Please check your UCPH e-mail account regularly.
Check that the offices processing residence permits (ST1) in your country are open
Due to the measures taken in response to COVID-19, the offices for processing residence permits are closed in many countries; however, for those with a worthy purpose for entering Denmark (being admitted as a student is considered a worthy purpose), it may still be possible to apply.
We urge you to check that the offices for processing a residence permit application are open in your country and that they will be able to process your residence permit application in time for you to travel to Denmark. You can find an overview of the Danish missions that can process the application here: https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/where-to-apply/
What if I am not able to submit my ST1 form?
If you are not able to submit your ST1 form and receive a valid residence permit, it is still be possible for citizens from visa-free countries to enter Denmark and submit an application once you have arrived in Denmark.
To enter Denmark, you will need the following:
- Negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry
- your letter of admission
- passport/ID
- a confirmation of enrolment (we will send this to you no later than 1 January)
If you have questions about entering Denmark, please contact the Danish Police’s Arrivals Hotline: +45 7020 6044 (weekdays from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm CEST).
If you are travelling through another country
If you are travelling through another country before entering Denmark, please make sure to check whether that country has any additional requirements.
Last updated: 23 November, 2020
Currently, the Danish authorities do not require students to self-quarantine when they arrive in Denmark. However, it is still important to follow the Danish Health Authority's guidelines (e.g. wash/sanitise your hands frequently; cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands; keep your distance). See here for an overview of the Danish authorities' health guidelines.
Last updated: 18 January 2021
Below we have provided information about staying safe when in Denmark and on the UCPH campus. However, it is still important to read the Danish Health Authorities' health guidelines and advice.
Social distancing
The Danish Health Authority recommends keeping at least a 2-metre distance between people in public spaces. However, they recommend keeping at least a 2-metre distance in situations where there might be an increased risk of droplet spread or where there are special considerations, such as:
- if you are anxious about your own or someone else’s respiratory symptoms (e.g. if you are on your way home from work and feel unwell or if you think someone else looks like they have a cold etc.).
- when visiting nursing homes, hospitals, persons at higher risk, etc.
- during activities involving heavy exhalation where droplets are formed and scattered further away from the person than during normal speech, such as singing, shouting, lectures, plays, physical exertion, etc.
- during activities in motion (e.g. roller coasters).
- when in confined spaces with limited space, poor ventilation, etc. – such as basements, narrow corridors/walkways, etc.
Housing Follow the guidelines on Housing Foundation’s webpage: https://housingfoundation.dk/your-stay-arrival/.
Please remember that the situation continues to develop, and the Danish authorities are updating their guidelines regularly. For the latest information, please see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s website.
Last updated 23 November, 2020
It is a requirement that you wear a medical facemask, when entering a Danish airport. If you do not have a facemask, you will be able to buy one when entering the airport. Please contact the relevant Danish airport if you have any questions. Read more here about CPH Airport.
As from 29 October 2020, all students and staff on campus must wear a facemask when they are in the University’s common areas. Teaching staff must wear a visor if they teach more than two classes a day. You can read more about the requirements at campus at the university intranet (requires login).
Please be aware that it is mandatory to wear facemasks in public places and transportation, shops, restaurants, cafés etc. in Denmark. You can read more about the general guidelines on the authorities' website.
Last updated: 23 November, 2020
If you do NOT yet have a Danish health card/CPR number
On weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., call the nearest doctor’s office for an assessment of your symptoms. Do not show up without an appointment. Outside these hours, call the Zealand regional emergency medical service (+45 70 15 07 08). Do not go to a hospital or doctor's office without an appointment, since you may infect others in high-risk groups.
If you have a Danish health card/CPR number
Call your doctor for an assessment of your symptoms (your doctor’s telephone number is on your Danish health card). Do not show up without an appointment. Outside your doctor’s opening hours, you can call 1813. Do not go to a hospital or doctor's office without an appointment, since you may infect others in high-risk groups.
Last updated: 23 November, 2020
Below are links to the Danish authorities and important information about, for example, travelling to Denmark, health guidelines, etc. Please remember to check these regularly.
The Danish Police: Requirements for entering Denmark and frequently asked questions. For an overview of open and banned countries, see the Danish Police's list here.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark: Information on applying for a residence permit, visa-processing offices around the world, information on entering Denmark.
The Danish Health Authority: Information on the COVID-19 situation in Denmark and guidelines for how to stay safe.
Last updated: 23 November, 2020
If you have any questions or concerns about the autumn 2020 semester, please contact your admissions unit at the faculty of enrolment: · Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences: MSc-admission@sund.ku.dk · Faculty of Humanities: fulldegree@hum.ku.dk · Faculty of Law: LLM@jur.ku.dk · Faculty of Science: msc-admissions@science.ku.dk · Faculty of Social Sciences: admissions@samf.ku.dk · Faculty of Theology: admission@teol.ku.dk