According to a report by The Copenhagen Post, 30-year-old Somali student Mustaf Mohammed Takoy — who had secured a fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship to study at University of Copenhagen — has been denied a Danish student visa because authorities do not recognise the Somali passport as a valid travel document.
Takoy was set to begin his two-year Master’s in Global Environment and Development in September. However, after two months of waiting, he received a refusal letter from SIRI, the Danish immigration authority.
“Imagine – someone with an Erasmus Mundus scholarship from the University of Copenhagen, fully funded, even with health insurance – and still, they did not consider my academic need. They just judged me based on my passport,” Takoy said.
In solidarity, 36 of his classmates co-signed a letter urging the Danish Immigration Appeals Board to reconsider the decision, stressing that academic merit should outweigh nationality. Takoy has also filed a personal appeal but is still waiting for a response.
Despite the setback, he remains determined to pursue his academic goals. “I’m disappointed and demoralised – but I’m not losing hope. I will apply for more scholarships next year,” he said.
