Denmark plans major changes to rules for international students from third countries, particularly Bangladesh and Nepal. Authorities aim to prevent student visas being used as a backdoor to the Danish labor market. Measures include stricter academic entry requirements, verification of documents, limits on family members, and shorter post-study work permits.

The Ministry of Immigration and Integration said on September 18 that it will be “significantly more difficult” for international students without the right qualifications to study at Danish universities. Kaare Dybvad Bek, former minister, said: “Unfortunately, the curriculum has been exploited as a backdoor to the Danish labor market. We are now taking action against this. We have seen a huge increase in recent years in students and accompanying families from Bangladesh and Nepal in particular.”

1. Tougher academic entry requirements: Third-country students may face entrance exams or targeted language tests to ensure they are academically prepared.
2. Document verification: Universities must conduct strict checks of students’ educational credentials, with help from the National ID Center.
3. Review of past permits: Previously issued residence permits for Bangladeshi and Nepali students will be assessed for fraud.
4. Limitations on family members: Fewer opportunities for students to bring spouses or dependents.
5. Shortened post-study work permits: Duration cut from three years to one year.
6. Anti-cheating measures: Universities must prevent misuse via agents and fake documents.
7. Higher tuition fees: Fees for third-country students will increase, likely reducing applications from cost-sensitive countries.
8. Monitoring agents and recruitment channels: To prevent misrepresentation of Denmark as an easier path to residence.
   1. Evidence-based decisions: Policies are based on surveys and dropout/pass rate data from eight Danish universities.
   Data driving the changes:
   Between 2022 and 2024, only 1% of Chinese and 2% of US students’ permits included family members. For Nepal and Bangladesh, it was 74% and 58% respectively, with India at 23%. Survey results showed that one-third of Bangladeshi students at Aarhus University were considered “not study-oriented,” and first-year dropout rates were 13% versus 4% for other international students. Pass rates for exams were 55-65% compared to 90% for other nationalities.
   
   Universities acknowledged challenges such as unfamiliarity with group work and exams but welcomed new tools to evaluate applications. Aarhus University said it will “decide which measures are most useful and implementable.
9. Targeted support for talented students: Policies aim to support academically strong applicants.