Effective May 2, 2025, Denmark has introduced new regulations that significantly alter the conditions for international students enrolled in higher education programs not approved by the state. These changes mean that students outside the EU/EEA who choose to study at institutions lacking state accreditation will no longer be eligible for limited work permits that previously allowed them to work part-time during their studies.
Furthermore, the opportunity for these graduates to remain in Denmark for a six-month job search has also been eliminated. The new rules extend to family reunification, as students in non-approved programs will no longer have the right to bring their spouses, partners, or children to live with them in Denmark.
It is important to note that these new restrictions do not apply to international students who had already applied for or received their residence permits for non-state-approved programs before May 2, 2025. These individuals will retain their existing rights concerning work permits, job search stays, and family reunification, even when they apply to extend their permits. Similarly, family members who obtained their residence permits based on their connection to a student in a non-approved program before the specified date will also maintain their current rights upon extension.
The Danish government has articulated that the primary motivation behind these policy changes is to ensure that residence permits are granted to international students whose primary purpose is to pursue academic studies in Denmark. This decision comes amid reports indicating concerns about some foreign students, particularly those from countries such as Nepal, potentially using student visas as a means to work in low-skilled jobs rather than focusing on their education.
By implementing these stricter regulations, authorities aim to prevent the misuse of the student visa system and safeguard fair conditions within the Danish job market by mitigating what they perceive as potential wage depression resulting from the employment of international students in lower-paying sectors.
Consequently, prospective international students considering studying in Denmark must now exercise greater diligence in selecting state-approved educational institutions to ensure they remain eligible for work permits, post-study job search options, and the ability to bring their family members to the country.
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