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Vocational education for international students in Denmark

Start your vocational education in Denmark at ZBC. As an EU citizen and Nordic Citizen, you have the opportunity to complete a vocational education and training (VET) programme in Denmark and become part of an education system renowned for its high quality and close collaboration with industry.

Kokke og ernæringsassistenter står sammen ved bord

Quick links

Elev fra SOSU- uddannelsen arbejder med omsorg og pleje på robotdukke

Which education is the best fit for you?

At ZBC we have vocational education and training programmes within the fields of food and hospitality, business and retail, technology and industry, building and construction, transport and logistics, agriculture and farming, landscape gardener, healthcare, pedagogical assistant and service.

Find your education here  
Opmåling Og Teknik På Uddannelsen Til Tømrer

Application and programme start

ZBC offers two annual intake periods:

  • 1st of August – apply during the spring

  • 1st of January – apply during the autumn

If you currently live in Denmark and have a social security number, you apply for admission through optagelse.dk. When applying, you must upload a copy of your passport as proof of your EU citizenship.

If you do not live in Denmark and doesn't have a social security number, you apply for the wished programme through https://www.workindenmark.dk.

Where are you from?

Choose the section below to learn more about the requirements that apply to your nationality before applying to ZBC. All applicants outside of the Danish borders must have a passing grade at the 9th or 10th level grade in their own language and in Mathematics. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) is the Danish authority responsible for residence permits and EU residence documents. Before applying to ZBC, we recommend that you visit the SIRI website. 

Start by visiting the SIRI website here
Elev fra procesoperatøruddannelsen arbejder med maskinestyring

Citizens from countries outside the EU/EEA and the Nordic countries

If you are a citizen of a country outside the Nordic countries, the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you will normally need a residence and work permit before you can study in Denmark.

Under Danish immigration rules, you are considered a third-country citizen.

The SIRI page explains:

  • who can apply

  • the conditions for applying

  • which documents you need

  • how to apply

Read more here
Elev fra uddannelsen til smed lærer gennem praktisk arbejde

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens

If you are a citizen of an EU country, Liechtenstein (EEA) or Switzerland, you have the right to study in Denmark.

If you plan to stay in Denmark for more than three months, you must apply for an EU residence document.

The page below explains:

  • who can apply

  • the conditions for applying

  • how to apply

  • your rights as an EU citizen

Read more here
Detalje Og Præcision I Præsentation På Tjeneruddannelsen

Nordic citizens

If you are a citizen of Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden, you can live, study and work in Denmark without a visa, residence permit or an EU residence document.

If you are moving to Denmark, you should contact the municipality where you will live for information about registration and obtaining a CPR number, if required.

Read more here

Frequently asked questions about residence requirements

Below you will find answers to some of the questions international students most often ask about residence requirements before applying to ZBC.

Can I apply to ZBC before I have a residence permit or an EU residence document?

You can apply for admission to ZBC before your residence application has been completed.

However, before you can begin your studies, you must meet the residence requirements that apply to your nationality.

Please check the SIRI website here to find out what applies to your situation.

When should I start the residence application process?

We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the residence requirements before applying to ZBC.

Some residence applications can only be submitted after you have been admitted to a study programme in Denmark.

Please check the SIRI website here for the process that applies to your situation.

What documents do I need?

The required documents depend on your nationality and the type of study programme you are applying for.

Please check the relevant SIRI information here.

I am under 18 years old. Do I need additional documents?

Some students under the age of 18 may need additional documentation.

Please check the SIRI website here for the requirements that apply to your situation.

How long does it take to process an application?

Processing times depend on the type of application.

Please check the current processing times on the SIRI website here. 

Can ZBC help me with residence permits or immigration rules?

No.

Residence permits, EU residence documents and immigration rules are handled by The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

Apply for admission to ZBC

Once you have checked the residence requirements that apply to your nationality and understand the next steps, you are ready to apply for admission to ZBC.

Now its time to contact a student counsellor.

Contact our central student counsellors by e-mail or phone:

E-mail student counsellor: vejledning@zbc.dk

E-mail student administration for general information: contact Anli Tobiasen, administrative worker e-mail at anto@zbc.dk.

On the admissions page you can find information about:

  • admission requirements

  • how to apply

  • application deadlines

  • required documentation

  • contact information

Apply for upper secondary education and vocational training.

Choose the educational path that fits you

There are several ways to start a vocational education in Denmark. The most suitable pathway depends on your age, work experience, and previous education. Regardless of which educational pathway you choose, the goal is the same—to become a qualified skilled professional. When you complete your programme, you will receive either a journeyman's certificate or a vocational qualification certificate, documenting your professional competencies. Your programme will be adapted, whenever possible, to your qualifications, experience, and learning needs.

Bygningsmaler Elev Maler En tegning af en Lampe

Standard Vocational Education Programme

The traditional vocational education programme begins with a Basic Programme at a vocational college, lasting 20 school weeks (approximately six months, including holidays).

After completing the Basic Programme, you continue with the Main Programme, where periods at school alternate with practical training in a company. This combination of theory and practical experience gives you both professional knowledge and valuable workplace skills.

The length and structure of the Main Programme vary depending on your chosen programme and your age. Your individual pathway will be determined once you begin the Basic Programme.

Read more at UddannelsesGuiden (UG)
Elever på på uddannelsen til Gastronom står i køkkenet

New Apprenticeship (Ny Mesterlære)

The New Apprenticeship pathway is designed for students who learn best through practical work.

You begin directly in a company while receiving the school-based instruction required to achieve the same professional qualifications as students in the standard vocational education programme.

Read more at UddannelsesGuiden (UG)
Elev på industriteknikeruddannelsen i værksted

EUV – Vocational Education for Adults

If you are 25 years or older, you may be eligible for an Adult Vocational Education Programme (EUV).

Your previous education and work experience will be assessed through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, allowing your programme to be tailored to your existing qualifications.

It is therefore important that you can provide documentation of your education and work experience. All documentation must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Depending on your experience, you may qualify for a shorter and more individualised education programme.

Read more at UddannelsesGuiden (UG)
Underviser står foran klasse på Handelsuddannelsen

Language of instruction

All teaching at ZBC is conducted in Danish. Therefore, it is important that you can understand and communicate in Danish before starting your programme.

You can begin learning Danish from home through ZBC's free online Danish course: Link will be updated soon.

Once you move to Denmark, your local municipality is also required to offer you Danish language classes at a language school.

The Danish Vocational Education Model

    • Anlægsgartnerelever arbejder i plantebed

      Close cooperation

      Danish vocational education is based on close cooperation between vocational colleges, companies, and the social partners (employers' organisations and trade unions). This partnership ensures that programmes are continuously developed to meet labour market needs and provide graduates with skills that employers demand.

    • Elev på ernæringsassistentuddannelsen arbejder i køkkenet

      Practice-oriented education

      At ZBC, you will receive a practice-oriented education where classroom learning and workplace training go hand in hand. You will develop professional skills through both school-based teaching and practical experience in a company, preparing you for your future career.

    • Elever fra uddannelsen til pædagogisk assistent samarbejder om projekt

      What you can expect

      We offer modern learning facilities, dedicated teachers, and a strong professional community focused on both your academic and personal development.

    Find an Apprenticeship

    An apprenticeship is an essential part of most vocational education programmes in Denmark. It allows you to put your classroom learning into practice while gaining valuable experience in a company.

    At Lærepladsen.dk you can search for available apprenticeships and approved training companies throughout Denmark. You can also create a profile, make yourself visible to employers, and keep track of your apprenticeship applications.

    You can also find apprenticeship opportunities on other job portals such as www.jobindex.dk.

    At ZBC, you will not be on your own. Our apprenticeship consultants will help you find the right apprenticeship, provide feedback on your applications and CV, and guide you throughout the entire process—from your first application until you sign a training agreement with a company.

    Watch our introduction video

    Watch our introduction video to get an insight into teaching, everyday student life, and the opportunities available to international students.

    ZBC - Vocational education and training in Denmark
    Elev På Uddannelsen Til Ernæringsassistent anretter salater

    Stay at One of ZBC's Student Hotels

    If you move to Denmark to study at ZBC, you can stay at one of our three student hotels during your school periods.

    Our student hotels are located in Ringsted, Roskilde, and Slagelse, allowing you to live close to your campus in a safe and welcoming study environment.

    You will live with other students and become part of a friendly community that offers excellent opportunities for both studying and socialising.

    Tre elever fra elektrikeruddannelser sidder og har undervisning

    Student life in Denmark

    Moving to a new country is an exciting experience. At ZBC, you will become part of an international learning environment where you meet both Danish and international students.

    Through classes, group work, and social activities, you will have plenty of opportunities to build friendships and develop your network.

    If you stay at one of ZBC's student hotels, you will also become part of a close-knit student community with many social activities and opportunities to meet new people both on and off campus.

    Frequently asked questions

    When can I start?

    August and January

    How about the economy?

    Apprenticeship - School

    SU - The Danish students' Grants and Loans Scheme

    Apprenticeship - Work:

    You will receive salary throughout your education.

    Are the programmes in Danish?

    Yes, the programmes are in Danish and you will participate in Danish courses during your education.

    Who do I contact?

    If you have any questions, please contact Anli Tobiasen:

    E-mail: anto@zbc.dk

    Are you on social media?

    Visit our international Facebook page on ZBC

    Do I get help with practicalities?

    Yes, you will receive help with practicalities before and during your education.

    Are you a company?

    Is your company lacking manpower?

    We have the solution, "New apprenticeship for foreigners living in Denmark“.

    Companies in the food industry, including (gourmet) butchery, baking and pastry, and gastronomy, can participate.

    New apprenticeship in brief:​

    • Your company enters into an agreement with a student who resides in Denmark and has a Danish CPR number but has a foreign background

    • The student can start in your company from day one under the New Apprenticeship arrangement

    • The student will have shorter school periods at ZBC - vocational school

    • ZBC helps match a student to your company and sign a contract

    • The student is offered Danish lessons during their New Apprenticeship

    Show the students that you are looking for an apprentice

    Click here and fill out the form. You will then be on a list that all interested students will see.

    For general information contact:
    Anli Tobiasen, administrative worker at ZBC: e-mail anto@zbc.dk

    Elever sidder sammen på Handelsuddannelsen

    Do you have any questions?

    Please contact Anli Tobiasen
    Phone: +45 6198 4356
    E-mail: anto@zbc.dk

    Learn more

    For more information about Danish vocational education and your study opportunities, visit UddannelsesGuiden (UG). Here you will find descriptions of all vocational education programmes, information about admission, apprenticeships, programme structures, and career opportunities.