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Avoid SU pitfalls as an international student

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As an international student in Denmark, you can unfortunately easily get caught up in SU rules and working hours. If you are not aware of the pitfalls, you risk having to repay SU and missing out on wages from your employer. Read on to learn more about SU, avoid the challenges associated with SU, and secure your rights.

Table of contents

Protect yourself as an international student from financial losses
What is SU?
What is an SU loan?
Rules for SU and working hours
Pitfalls and consequences
How to protect yourself
Conclusion

Protect yourself as an international student from financial losses

Denmark welcomes many international students every year who come to pursue higher education in, for instance, IT, engineering, or natural sciences. In addition to adapting to a new culture and education system, as an international student, you also face a number of administrative challenges – especially when it comes to SU (State Educational Support) and the associated rules for working hours.

We understand that the system can feel opaque, and if you feel alone in this, we assure you that you are not the only one.

Most internationals from a member country apply for SU as foreign citizens with equal status under EU law. If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU, different rules apply, so be aware of this.

What is SU?

State Educational Support (SU) has provided financial support to Danish and international students for over 50 years. The Danish government introduced SU as part of a comprehensive reform of the education system and welfare state to ensure equal access to education for all, regardless of their financial background.

The support is given as a monthly amount and depends on your age, your housing situation (whether you live at home or independently), and whether you have children or other special circumstances, which also apply to international students.

We recommend that you get a better overview on this page.

What is an SU loan?

If your financial situation requires a larger monthly disposable amount, it may be worth knowing about the possibility of taking out a so-called SU loan. The rules for taking out an SU loan as a Danish citizen and international student are the same. It can be tempting to take out an SU loan. It is an easy and convenient way to gain more financial freedom as a student, but we recommend that you thoroughly understand this option before using it.

The loan must be repaid within 7-15 years, and the interest rate for this type of loan is decided by the Folketing. Students must begin repaying the loan no later than one year after the end of the year in which they graduate or abandon their studies.

You can read more about SU loans here.

Funds and grants: A guide for university students

Rules for SU and working hours

Before you receive SU as financial support during your education, certain requirements must be met by you. One of the most important requirements is that you work a minimum number of hours per month. This requirement can vary, but it typically lies around 10-12 hours per week. In this way, you can gain equal status, but there are several parameters that come into play. If you are in doubt about which parameters are involved, contact the SU agency or the SU office at your educational institution.

A note on working 10-12 hours per week is that it shows attachment to the labor market in the first 10 weeks. After that, your working hours can be more flexible.

The problem arises, however, when you as an international student do not receive the wages you are entitled to from your employer. Regardless of the reason – whether it is delayed payments or non-payment – the SU office will consider it as if you have not worked the required hours. This is a problem, and it can result in you being required to repay the SU you have already received, which can lead to a serious financial burden.

You will be able to appeal as a student, but the process takes a long time, and the repayment is not put on hold.

We recommend that you contact the SU agency (either directly or at their educational institution).

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Pitfalls and consequences

There are also other things you can do yourself to avoid getting caught in the system. There are several proactive steps you can take while receiving SU:

Communicate with your employer

Do not assume that your employer knows the obligations that come with receiving SU as an international student, so it is beneficial to make them aware of the requirements for receiving SU in Denmark as an international student. Ignorance of the circumstances is often a reason why you as an international student can end up in trouble.

Ensure that your employer understands the importance of timely wage payments. Explain the consequences if your working hours are not recorded correctly. Get a guaranteed number of hours written into the contract: This way, you are entitled to those hours.

Have a plan B

If you experience problems with wage payments, you should immediately contact your union or a relevant authority. They can help you get the wages you are entitled to and avoid consequences for your SU.

Be aware of your rights

As an international student in Denmark, you have rights, even if you are not a Danish citizen. It is important that you know them and know where to get help if you encounter problems.

Factors that can affect your rights:

You are dismissed and do not receive notice or lack wage payments.
You become ill and cannot work the required hours.
You have not worked the first 10 weeks at a minimum of 10 hours per week.
You choose to travel home or on holiday and cannot work the required 10 hours per week.

Contact IDA and the SU office

SU offers specific advice on your case and general rules about SU for internationals. IDA can help you understand the requirements for working hours and how the contract wording should be to ensure that you are guaranteed the agreed number of hours as required by the SU office.

If you have problems getting your wages paid by your employer, IDA can help with legal advice and guidance on how to best handle the situation. We can also assist you in taking further legal steps if necessary.

Understanding SU rules and your obligations as an international student is crucial to avoid financial challenges. If in doubt, we recommend that you reach out to the SU office at your place of study and/or IDA.

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Conclusion

IDA is here to guide you as an international student when you face challenges with SU, working conditions, or other professional issues. We are ready with advice, courses, and a strong network that can help you succeed in Denmark. If you have questions or face challenges, contact us – we are here for you.

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