Denmark has announced tougher regulations for university admissions and post-study opportunities for international students from non-EU countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal.

According to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, the new measures will make it significantly harder for students from third countries to enrol in Danish universities unless they meet strict academic requirements. The move also limits students’ rights to bring dependents and reduces post-graduation work permits from three years to one.

Former minister Kaare Dybvad Bek said, “Unfortunately, some have used student visas as a backdoor into Denmark’s labour market. We are now taking steps to address that. In recent years, the number of students and family members arriving from Bangladesh and Nepal has risen sharply.”

The government’s stated goal is to ensure that university admissions are based on genuine academic merit, prevent visa misuse, and maintain the quality of Denmark’s education and labour market.

Key changes under the new policy

1. Stricter academic qualifications: Students from non-EU countries may need to take entrance or language proficiency tests before admission.
2. Document verification: Universities must rigorously verify academic credentials with support from the National ID Centre.
3. Permit review: Residence permits previously issued to Bangladeshi and Nepali students will be re-examined for potential fraud.
4. Restrictions on dependents: Students’ ability to bring spouses or dependents will be limited.
5. Shorter work permits: Post-study work authorisation will be reduced from three years to one.
6. Anti-fraud measures: Universities must follow new guidelines to prevent admissions based on falsified documents or agent misconduct.
7. Higher tuition fees: Fees will be raised to discourage applications from cost-sensitive countries.
8. Agent monitoring: The government will monitor agencies promoting Denmark as an easy migration destination.
9. Support for meritorious students: Denmark will continue to support highly skilled and academically strong applicants.
10. Data-driven policy: The reforms are based on dropout and graduation rate analyses from eight Danish universities.

Data and statistics

Between 2022 and 2024, only 1% of Chinese and 2% of American students brought family members to Denmark. The rate was much higher for Nepal (74%), Bangladesh (58%), and India (23%).

A survey by Aarhus University found that one-third of Bangladeshi students were considered “not study-oriented.” The first-year dropout rate among Bangladeshi students stood at 13%, compared to 4% for other international students. Their pass rates ranged between 55% and 65%, while others averaged around 90%.

University reactions

Universities noted that many students struggle to adapt to Denmark’s academic culture, particularly group work and examination formats. Aarhus University said it would review and implement measures to ensure academic integrity and effective participation of international students.