Copenhagen, Sept 18 – Denmark has announced a series of measures aimed at preventing alleged misuse of student visas by international students, particularly from Bangladesh and Nepal, warning that study permits are increasingly being used as a “backdoor” to the Danish labour market.
In a statement, the Ministry of Immigration and Integration said it will now be “significantly more difficult” for students from third countries without strong academic qualifications to secure admission at Danish universities.
Former immigration minister Kaare Dybvad Bek, who made the announcement before being replaced by hardliner Rasmus Stoklund, claimed that students from Bangladesh and Nepal show “higher dropout rates, weaker academic performance, and greater reliance on unskilled work” compared with other foreign nationals.
“When you come to Denmark on a curriculum, the main purpose should of course be to study. That goes without saying,” Bek said.
What Changes Have Been Announced?
The new initiatives include:
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Tighter entry requirements through entrance exams and targeted language tests.
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Stringent verification of academic credentials with support from the National ID Center.
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A review of previously issued residence permits for Bangladeshi and Nepali students to check for fraud.
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Restrictions on family reunification for international students.
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A cut in the post-study work permit from three years to one.
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Higher tuition fees for non-EU students.
The government also plans to crack down on cheating and agency-led misuse of applications.
Ministry Data: Bangladesh, Nepal Top the List
Figures released by the ministry highlighted that:
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74% of Nepali and 58% of Bangladeshi students in Denmark brought accompanying family members between 2022 and 2024, compared with only 1% of Chinese and 2% of US students.
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At Aarhus University, Bangladeshi students recorded a 13% first-year dropout rate in 2023–24, versus 4% for other internationals. Their exam pass rate was 55–65%, compared with ~90% for others.
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Universities reported “agent-driven” applications from Bangladesh and Nepal, some portraying Denmark as offering easier residence permits than other EU states.
Universities, Students, and Stakeholders Respond
Danish universities said the rules give them “new tools” to assess applicants but warned of administrative burdens. The National Union of Students in Denmark supported measures against visa misuse but opposed higher tuition fees, saying they would make education less accessible for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Bangladeshi and Nepali students hit back, calling the remarks “harmful stereotypes.” They stressed they contribute economically, pay tuition, and often take part-time jobs for survival due to a lack of scholarships.
Isha Thapa, a Nepali student, wrote in The Copenhagen Post that targeting Nepali students reinforced “harmful stereotypes” and ignored the diversity of international student experiences.
Ujjol Mia, CEO of Aspire Global Pathways, urged the Bangladeshi government to step in:
“The government must intervene immediately to educate agents and reassure Danish authorities that misuse will not take place. This is essential to protect genuine students who truly want to study in Denmark.”
Denmark’s shift comes months after it restricted work permits for certain courses. It also follows Norway’s reversal on international student fees, a move expected to lure some Bangladeshi applicants back north.
Meanwhile, students in Denmark argue for greater support: “We only receive healthcare. Additional social benefits and help with integration could make Denmark more welcoming,” one Bangladeshi graduate in Copenhagen told The PIE News.