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Graduating soon

Graduating soon

As a soon-to-be graduate, there are several things you need to keep track of if you wish to stay in Denmark. There are also several places where you can get help with job search, salary negotiation, and much more. We guide you through it all here.

  • Digital diploma

    After completing your study programme, you will automatically receive your diploma digitised sent as electronic mail to your danish online digital mailbox (Digital Post) or to your AAU mail (if you dont have a Danish cpr-number).

    When will I receive my diploma?

  • Salary negotiations and employment contract

    Your first salary negotiation is important, because you need to set the bar at the right level from the beginning. But how do salary negotiations work in Denmark and what do you need to be aware of in your contract?

    Salary, terms, and pension

  • Unemployment insurance funds

    If you do not have a job after graduation, as an EU citizen you might be entitled to receive unemployment benefit.

    Financial security as a recent graduate

  • Trade unions

    There are many advantages to being a member of a trade union both as a student and as a recent graduate. But what can you use it for and how can it give you new professional input?

    Legal security on the Danish labour market

  • Your first job

    You will soon have your diploma in hand and are about to take your first steps on the Danish job market. But which jobs might be good for you, and how to start the job search and, not least, the job?

    Get a good start

  • Stay in touch with AAU

    The alumni network, AAU Alumni, is for all graduates from or students enrolled in a master’s programme at AAU. You can sign up for free and become a part of the world’s largest project group.

    AAU Alumni

  • Job search

    It can be a handful to start looking for your first job in Denmark as an international graduate. Find a lot of answers to your questions here.

    Job search the Danish way

  • What competencies do I have?

    What competencies have you acquired throughout your education? And through life? It is important to be able to put these things into words, e.g. when you are looking for a job or project oriented course (internship).

    Put into words what you can do

If you are staying in Denmark after graduation

3 important things you should do:

1.

If you are eligible to receive unemployment benefit, apply for membership at an unemployment insurance fund no later than 14 days after graduation. Ask them for specific rules for you as an international citizen.

2.

Get help with salary negotiation and contract before you sign your employment contract. You can, e.g., talk to your trade union - they are specialists in the field.

3.

Register as unemployed at jobnet.dk no later than the 1st day of unemployment if you are a recent graduate and do not have a job. It is one of the requirements if you are eligible to receive unemployment benefit.

Be aware of others things that need to be changed such as:

  • Taxes: Your preliminary income assessment needs to be changed when you go from being a student to an employed person so you don’t get a tax shock. Read about taxes in Denmark
  • Insurance: Make sure that your insurances are in order such as your Personal Accident Insurance which can provide additional coverage for accidents that occur outside of work or are not covered by your employer’s policy. Make sure to contact your insurance to state your job status. Read about insurances in Denmark

If you are entitled unemployment benefit:

Should I quit my student job?

If you are entitled to unemployment benefit but need an extra income or have a relevant student job, it might make sense to keep the job, get a release certificate, and apply for supplementary unemployment benefit.
If you want to resign, you should do so in good time - e.g. in April if you graduate in June.
Ask your unemployment fund about the specific rules. They can help you find out what might be the right solution for you.

Prepaid and postpaid

If you are entitled for unemployment benefit and have received SU, be aware that you will experience a "gap" between the payments when you complete your education, because SU is paid "in advance", while salary and unemployment benefits are paid "backwards".

Natália Konopásková

"Integrating into a Danish workplace might be very challenging for a foreigner; however, it is crucial to be proactive and ask questions from the beginning as it shows your interest. Even my supervisor assured me that 'there is no such thing as a stupid question', meaning it is always better to ask if you do not understand something."

Petra Mihucz

Petra Mihucz

"Network and talk with the people in your network. Don’t underestimate what you can learn from people who went through the unemployment experience before. And ask for feedback, it was the thing that helped me figure out my trajectory and what to do in order to change the outcomes."

Miguel Oliveira

"Know the language and the culture! It can be difficult, but it is not impossible. I have always been interested in the Danish culture and language. I think these 2 aspects can play a vital role in any employer’s decision when hiring internationals. Knowing the language and the culture you have better chances to understand the reality around you, make friends and show your enthusiasm for working and staying in the region.”