Information for International Staff and PhD students

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to sanctions from the world community. 

On 1 March 2022, Aarhus University announced that it would suspend its collaborations with Russian and Belarusian institutions.


Special permits under the displaced Ukrainian persons act

A bill on temporary residence permits for displaced persons from Ukraine (the Special Act) was adopted in the Danish Parliament on 16 March 2022 to be enforced by the 17 March 2022. 

Read more about the special act, who qualifies and how to apply on New to Denmark 

Consequences for international staff and PhD students

The current sanctions are not aimed at Russian/Belarusian citizens but at Russian/Belarusian institutions.

Russian/Belarusian citizens are therefore still able to:

  • apply for a job and be employed at AU
  • apply for and be enrolled on a PhD programme at AU 

Participation in events

Representatives from Russian/Belarusian institutions may not participate in events, meetings or conferences at AU.

Similarly, AU employees may not participate in events, meetings or conferences at Russian/Belarusian institutions.

Consequences for visiting scholars and PhD students

AU is suspending institutional collaborations and terminating agreements with Russian/Belarusian institutions.

It is therefore no longer possible for staff or PhD students who are employed at or in any way affiliated with Russian or Belarusian universities to enter into new agreements for visiting scholar or research stays. 

Staff and PhD students from Russian/Belarussian institutions who are currently at AU will be allowed to remain and complete their research stay. However, it will not be possible to extend this stay beyond the period stated in the current agreement. 

Participation in events

Representatives from Russian/Belarusian institutions may not participate in events, meetings or conferences at AU.

Similarly, AU employees may not participate in events, meetings or conferences at Russian/Belarusian institutions.

Handing in applications/recording of biometrics in Russia

It is currently not possible to hand in applications for a Danish residence permit or short-term visa to Denmark at the Danish missions in Russia. The same applies for recording of biometrics. Instead, applicants are referred to embassies of other Schengen countries in Russia. See detailed information on The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website

AU staff and PhD students in Russia and Ukraine

AU strongly recommends following the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affair’s guidelines to travel home. However, this is an individual decision.

The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Global Call Center can be contacted 24/7 at +45 3392 1112 if further advice is needed.

Refer to the following webpages for further information: 

Information about Russia

Information about Ukraine 

Permits to reside in Denmark - Ukrainian citizens

Inge Aachmann Pedersen, International Staff Office AU HR, can be contacted for advice and guidance concerning work and residence permits.

Financial sanctions

The sanctions the world community has imposed on Russia might impact the ability to transfer money from Russia. This can affect Russians currently living in Denmark, especially if their primary income is being paid from Russia.

AU does not have the ability to compensate money transfers affected by sanctions. Russian citizens affected by the sanctions are advised to contact the Russian Embassy in Denmark

Researchers at risk

Scholars at Risk

Aarhus University supports researchers at risk – regardless of nationality – through the Scholars at Risk Program

Statement on Ukrainian crises by Executive Director, Robert Quinn

EURAXESS support for researchers of Ukraine

The European Union, its Member States and Europeans across the continent are mobilised in support of people fleeing the war in Ukraine on all fronts with assistance, humanitarian aid and civil protection. This specific initiative wants to support researchers of Ukraine by providing them with an overview of all existing actions at European and national levels.

Read more about EURAXESS and EU support

Erasmus+ grants

Staff members, including Ph.D. students, employed in a Ukrainian Higher Education Institution (HEI) who have fled Ukraine due to the Russian aggression are eligible to apply for an Erasmus+ grant of up to 60 days’ duration at Aarhus University.

Read more about Erasmus+ grants for higher education staff members affected by the war in Ukraine

If you need counselling or guidance

AU staff and PhD students facing problems or a crisis during the current situation can contact their immediate manager/management, union representative or work environment representative. Psychological advice or talks are available through AU's Psychological Counselling Service.