How Denmark’s Policy Crushed a Somali Scholar’s Future

A Somali student lost a full Erasmus scholarship at the University of Copenhagen after Denmark refused to recognize his Somali passport, reigniting debate over Europe’s exclusionary travel policies and their toll on Africa’s brightest minds.

A Somali student, Mustafa Mohamed Takoy, has lost a life-changing scholarship at the University of Copenhagen after the Danish Immigration Service refused to recognize his Somali passport as a valid travel document — despite his full academic funding, health insurance, and formal university admission.

Mustafa, 30, was selected last year for a prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Environment and International Development in Denmark. But two months after applying for a visa, his hopes collapsed.

The official response from Denmark’s SIRI immigration office stated bluntly that “the Somali passport is not recognized by the Danish government.”

The decision effectively barred him from entering Denmark, nullifying a scholarship that took years of academic dedication to secure.

“Imagine having a full Erasmus scholarship, admission to a top university, and still being told your passport is invalid,” Mustafa told Media.

“No one chooses where they are born. I didn’t choose to be Somali.”

A Passport That Locks Out Talent

Somalia remains one of a handful of countries whose passports are not accepted as legal travel documents in parts of Europe, leaving thousands of students, professionals, and refugees unable to benefit from global opportunities.

Despite his flawless academic record, Mustafa’s dream was cut short not by merit — but by paperwork.

His classmates, shocked by the ruling, wrote a collective appeal letter to Danish authorities demanding a review.

Mustafa also filed an appeal himself, paying a $140 fee, but months later he has received no response.

Hope Against Bureaucracy

Friends describe Mustafa as “bright, disciplined, and humble” — the kind of student every scholarship program aims to support. Now, he spends his days in limbo, still hoping the appeal will be reconsidered or that he’ll be offered a chance next year.

“I haven’t given up,” he said quietly. “I’ll apply again. Maybe next time they will see a human being, not just a passport.”

For many young Somalis, his story is painfully familiar — a reminder that even in the global age of education, citizenship can still define destiny.