‘Higher Dropout Rates Among Students From Bangladesh, Nepal’: Denmark Tightens Rules On Study Visas
Denmark Tightens Immigration Rules, Targets Misuse of Study Visas
Denmark has become the latest country to impose stricter immigration measures, with the Ministry of Immigration and Integration unveiling new initiatives aimed at curbing the misuse of student visas as a gateway into the labour market.
According to the ministry, the surge in foreign student enrolments—particularly from Bangladesh—and concerns that study stays are being used as a channel for labour migration have prompted the government to act. “It will now be far more difficult for applicants from third countries, such as Bangladesh and Nepal, to secure admission to Danish universities if they lack the proper academic credentials,” the statement read.
Under the new rules, admission requirements will be tightened, foreign students will no longer be able to bring family members, and verification of academic documents will be made mandatory. Universities will also be given the option to introduce entrance exams or specialized language tests for master’s programmes. Cheating checks will be enhanced, and penalties for misconduct will become stricter.
The statement further noted that students from outside the EU will have to pay a larger portion of their tuition fees upfront, and those not actively pursuing their studies risk having their permits revoked and being sent back sooner.
Another major change concerns post-study opportunities. Currently, international students are automatically entitled to a three-year job search period after graduation. Going forward, this window will be reduced to one year. The National ID Centre will also support universities in verifying foreign academic records and review past study residence permits issued to students from Bangladesh and Nepal to identify any cases based on fraudulent documents.
Dropout Concerns Among Bangladeshi, Nepali Students
Government data shows that Bangladeshi nationals accounted for the largest group of new master’s students in Denmark in 2024, followed by Germans and Italians. However, dropout rates and patterns of misuse were much higher among students from Bangladesh and Nepal.
For instance, while only 1% of Chinese students and 2% of American students had family members accompanying them on study permits, the figure rose sharply to 58% for Bangladeshi students and 74% for Nepali students.
Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek said the figures highlight a troubling pattern: “We have seen a sharp rise in students and accompanying families from Bangladesh and Nepal in recent years. These students not only drop out at higher rates than others, but also face academic and language challenges. Many of them work more than other foreign students—largely in unskilled jobs. When you arrive in Denmark on a study visa, your main purpose should be education. That is non-negotiable.”
Education and Research Minister Christina Egelund echoed the sentiment, stressing that study visas must not become a backdoor entry into the Danish labour market. “Study programs are for those genuinely interested in learning, not for those looking to exploit the rules. Every year, we welcome talented international students, which enriches our country. But we cannot allow this system to be misused. Our measures are targeted, knowledge-based, and designed to stop abuse without shutting the door on deserving students,” she said.
