IDA.DK IDA Forsikring IDA Studerende
Join IDA Join IDA
Join IDA
Visit IDAs other websites
IDA.DK IDA Forsikring IDA Studerende

Front page / About to graduate / Unemployment after graduation

About to graduate

Unemployment benefits after graduation

It is completely normal to be unemployed for the first time after graduation. But with a few preparations, you can shorten your unemployment period quite a bit.

  • Am I entitled to unemployment benefits?

  • How long will it take before I have my first job?

  • When can I get unemployment benefits?

Get an overview of unemployment benefit rules, opportunities for upskilling and tips for a good transition, so that you are secured in the first time as a new graduate.
CV & application course What can IDA do for you?
mosaik af billeder, der visualiserer overgangen fra studieliv til karriere
A-kasse

Have you secured your right to unemployment benefits?

It takes an average of three months for IDA's newly graduated members to land their first job.

That's why it's a good idea to secure your right to unemployment benefits while you're still a student. You can become a free student member of our partner, Akademikernes A-kasse, for five years. Get an overview of the rules, membership requirements and when you can get unemployment benefits on our information page.
Unemployment and a-kasse
IDA Campus

Learn how to write the application that gets you the job

Learn to find your strengths, target your CV and write applications that get you an interview. The course is put together by advisors who know your job market.

At IDA Campus you get access to courses in everything from professional and personal development such as self-management, programming and AI to learning your own body language. All courses are free and it is easy and simple to get started.
Take the course See full course catalogue

3 quick tips
for a smooth transition after graduation

There's a lot happening around your graduation. However, there are a few simple and important details you need to remember regarding your union and unemployment insurance fund when you finish your studies - especially if you haven't already secured a job.
Timeline Rules FAQ
Change membership status
  • This must be done at both the trade union and unemployment insurance fund
  • At unemployment insurance funds, this must be done within 14 days of the last grade to ensure the right to unemployment benefits.
Register as unemployed
  • On jobnet.dk: The day after you get your final grade
  • It is a prerequisite for receiving unemployment benefits.
Apply for unemployment benefits
  • A-kasse: Fill out an application for unemployment benefits and complete your job profile
  • Job center: Fill out your CV at jobnet.dk (without this, your unemployment benefit cannot be approved)
  • To qualify for benefits, you must meet a language requirement as a new graduate, regardless of citizenship.

Unemployment in the first year after graduation

It is completely normal to be unemployed for a period after graduation. That is why joining an a-kasse is a good idea. These are the unemployment rates for IDA’s members in the first year after graduation.
0%
MSc of Engineering
0%
Bachelor of Engineering
0%
Cand.scient.
0%
Cand. IT
Counselling

What can you use IDA for?

A good transition to working life begins during your studies.
As a student member, you can get legal and career advice for both student jobs and full-time jobs. Maybe you need to change your direction or share uncertainties about the transition with someone - IDA's advisors know your job market and can offer targeted help in your situation.
Get feedback on job search matieral Call IDAs counsellors

What can IDA do for you?

Salary negotiation
  • Get help finding out what you are worth, how to prepare for your first salary negotiation and how to approach the salary negotiation itself.
Contract
  • It is always a good idea to have us read through your employment contract before you sign it.
    That way you give yourself the best starting point for the right terms and the right salary.
Rights
  • Life can take many turns and it's good to be prepared when it happens. Get help if you're going on maternity leave, not getting paid or being laid off - we can also help you get an overview of your rights.

Related

It´s completely normal to be unemployed after graduation
Up to 4 months. That's how long it typically takes from the time you finish your education to when you start your first job. Get ahead with our advice and workshops.
Read the article
Get to know the rules for unemployment benefits as a new graduate
The unemployment insurance fund is the safety net under your income if you are unemployed for a period of time. Register before your graduation and be entitled for benefits. Read about unemployment benefits after graduation here.
Read the article
Timeline for unemployment beneftis
Figuring out what to do to get unemployment benefits as a recent graduate can be daunting - especially for internationals who are not familiar with the system. This gives you an overview of the rules and requirements from unemployment insurance funds, job centers and it is broken down into a timeline that you can use to orient yourself.
Read article
STEM graduates also need a-kasse
The job market is very favorable for STEM profiles. Despite this, unemployment can take some time, and figures from Akademikernes A-kasse show that you can actually be unemployed for a longer period, even if on paper you have one of the educations that companies are clamoring for.
Read article
Do you question your competencies?
It's common to doubt your skills when you're in a transition phase. You're going from something familiar to the unknown. Make mistakes, ask questions, and doubt all you need.
Read the article
IDA helps you transition

Ready to get started?

As a student member of IDA, you will receive help and advice to secure your terms and rights - regardless of whether it is in your student job or when you are looking for a job after your studies.

We know your job market and can advise you on how to get started, develop your skills and get the salary you are negotiating for. Read more on our theme pages about the individual topics and get personal advice when you need specific help.
Job search Career counselling