Denmark’s proposed graduate benefits rules would require students to have held paid work before completing their education, prompting criticism from those whose courses include compulsory unpaid placements. The plan forms part of the government’s 2027 budget proposals, but the legislation introducing the requirement is scheduled for February 2027.
Students training in healthcare say the distinction between paid employment and unpaid clinical training could leave them struggling to qualify for unemployment support, even while spending much of their week in hospitals.
How the graduate benefits requirement would work
The Ministry of Employment’s legislative programme proposes an average of four hours of work a week, calculated across the 18 months with the most working hours within the final 24 months before graduation. It is an average across that period, rather than a requirement to work four hours every individual week.
The programme says some groups would be exempt and that the state contribution charged to affected graduates through unemployment insurance membership would be reduced. It does not specify those exemptions in its brief description of the measure.
Graduate unemployment benefits, known as dimittenddagpenge, provide support after eligible education programmes through an unemployment insurance fund, or a-kasse. Under the current rules, qualifying graduates can receive benefits for a total of one year within a two-year period. Entitlement already depends on conditions including insurance membership and language skills or previous paid work.
Unpaid hospital placements would not count
The Danish Association of Midwives (Jordemoderforeningen) says paid placements could count towards the proposed requirement, while compulsory unpaid placements would not. It argues that this would treat students differently because of how their courses are organised.
According to the association, midwifery students complete 75 ECTS credits of compulsory unpaid placements during their final two years, equivalent to 15 months of study. Their clinical training includes daytime, evening, night and weekend shifts, making a regular job alongside it difficult to maintain.
In interviews published by TV 2 on 23 October, two healthcare students described already cutting back on paid employment to cope with their training.
Katia Vorbeck, 22, is studying biomedical laboratory science in Hjørring and undertaking a compulsory unpaid placement at Aalborg Hospital. She told the broadcaster that her placement, reading and assignments together amounted to around 40 hours a week. Although she also had a restaurant job, she had reduced her hours.
I have had to cut back my hours to have the energy to continue my studies.
Anne Kold Lebæk-Hansen, a 25-year-old midwifery student, told TV 2 she had quit her restaurant job because it became too demanding alongside clinical training. Half of her course takes place in unpaid placements.
Jakob Sønderhaven, chair of the Organisation of Professional Higher Education Students (Organisation for Professionshøjskolestuderende), also criticised the proposal. He stressed that placements remain education, while arguing that their demands can resemble those placed on full-time employees.
The government points to flexibility
Responding to TV 2, Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard defended the proposal as a way to strengthen graduates’ links with the labour market. He said student jobs provide experience and contacts, and argued that entitlement to benefits should involve earning that right.
He said using the 18 months with the most employment would leave room for periods with less work during exams, placements or exchanges. The midwives’ association argues that this flexibility is insufficient for courses with lengthy unpaid clinical training.
The proposal remains subject to legislation. Meanwhile, students and supporters are preparing a demonstration on 4 November, starting at Copenhagen’s City Hall Square and moving towards parliament at Christiansborg. The protest also concerns proposed changes to student grants.
