Major Survey of Faroese People in Denmark
A new and comprehensive survey will now shed light on the lives of Faroese people in Denmark and explore why some move there for educational purposes and choose to stay, while others return to the Faroe Islands.
The survey is being conducted by the University of the Faroe Islands in collaboration with Statistics Denmark and Aarhus University, and is the largest survey to date of Faroese people living in Denmark.
All Faroese individuals who have moved to Denmark at least once since 1999 and enrolled in vocational or higher education within 12 months of moving are included in the study. The survey covers Faroese people who moved to Denmark and began an educational programme before 1 October 2025.
The aim of the research project is to provide solid knowledge and deeper insight into the experiences, decisions, and life trajectories of Faroese people in Denmark in relation to education.
Important Knowledge for the Future
The researchers hope the survey will provide new insights into educational choices, employment opportunities, attachment and belonging, well-being among Faroese expatriates, and the factors influencing where they choose to live.
The project is led by Erika Anne Hayfield and Tróndur Møller Sandoy from the Department of History and Social Sciences at the University of the Faroe Islands.
“We still know too little about the factors that influence where Faroese people choose to pursue education and settle. This survey will help us better understand the decisions and experiences of Faroese people in Denmark,” they say.
Questionnaire and Prize Draw
Participants have received a questionnaire from Statistics Denmark through Denmark’s Digital Post system. Completing the survey takes approximately 20–30 minutes.
To encourage participation, prizes will also be awarded among respondents. Once the survey is completed, one main prize of DKK 5,000 will be drawn, along with five additional prizes of DKK 1,000 each.
Data Treated Confidentially
Statistics Denmark is responsible for collecting the data and emphasizes that all information will be treated confidentially and in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.
Responses will only be used for statistical and scientific purposes, and the results will be presented in a way that ensures that no individual participant can be identified.
The University of the Faroe Islands and Aarhus University will only have access to pseudonymised and anonymised data.
Funding and Collaboration
The survey is funded by the Faroese Research Council, the University of the Faroe Islands, Betri Foundation, and the Rockwool Foundation.
Researchers and experts from the Faroe Islands, Denmark, and the United States are participating in the project.
The organisers hope that many people will take part in the survey, as the responses may have significant importance for future research and political decision-making regarding education, the labour market, and the relationship between the Faroe Islands and the wider world.
