Denmark tightens rules for Non-EU International Students

Denmark has introduced significant changes to the rules governing international students from non-EU / EEA (third-country) nations, especially targeting those enrolled in non-state-approved higher education programmes. These changes, which took effect on 2 May 2025, bring new restrictions on work, family reunification, and post-study stay options, altering the landscape for prospective and current foreign students.

What’s changed

Here are the key modifications under the new policy:

1. Work Permit Restrictions During Study
   Students enrolled in programmes that are not state-approved will no longer be eligible for the limited work permit that was otherwise granted under their study visa.
2. End of Post-Study Job-Search Stay
   The six-month period that international students could use after completing their studies to remain in Denmark looking for work has been removed for those in non-approved courses.
3. Family Reunification Restrictions
   These students will no longer be allowed to bring accompanying family members (spouse, children) under their residence permits. This applies both at the point of visa or permit application and to extensions in many cases.
4. Accreditation Requirements
   The programme itself (i.e. the course of study) must be either officially approved by the Danish state or assessed and accepted by the Danish Evaluation Institute. Only students in accredited programmes (or those evaluated and approved) retain the right to work and family accompaniment under the old terms.
5. Grandfathering of Existing Students
   Those who applied for study/residence permits before May 2, 2025, under non-state-approved programmes are largely exempt from the new restrictions. These students continue to retain their previous rights, including limited work during studies, the post-study stay period, and the ability to bring family.

Why Denmark made the change

The Danish government’s stated motivation is to ensure that the study visa scheme is used primarily for genuine academic purposes, rather than being exploited as a backdoor into the labour market. Concerns cited include:

• High numbers of students from some countries are bringing their families and working more than intended.
• Cases of misuse of residence permits.
• Pressure on the labour market and social systems.

Who is affected

• Non-EU / non-EEA students in non-state-approved educational programmes.
• Students applying for residence permits from 2 May 2025 onwards in such programmes.
• Their accompanying family members under those study visa arrangements.

Not affected:

• Students in state-approved programmes or those evaluated and approved.
• Students who had already applied for or been granted state permits under non-approved programmes before the cutoff date.

Implications for prospective students

These changes carry substantial implications:

• Reduced flexibility: Students can no longer expect to work during studies or bring family if in non-approved programmes.
• More careful decision-making is needed: Prospective students must check whether their desired institution and programme are state-approved or evaluated and approved.
• Altered cost calculations: Without the ability to work during studies or post-graduation, financial planning becomes more critical.
• Potential deterrent effect: Students from countries with fewer accredited institutions might reconsider Denmark as a study destination.

What actions should students take?

If you’re planning to study in Denmark or are currently enrolled, here are the steps to take:

• Verify whether your institution’s programme is state-approved or evaluated by the Danish Evaluation Institute.
• If the programme is non-approved, consider switching to an approved one, if possible.
• Be mindful of application dates (especially relative to May 2, 2025).
• Review all rights attached to the permit you’re applying for (study, work, post-study stay, family accompaniment).
• Budget for living costs without relying on work or family support options.

Denmark’s policy change represents a tightening of international student visa rules in Europe, reflecting broader trends around migration control and visa misuse. For many, especially those from non-EU countries and private or non-state-accredited institutions, the new framework draws a sharper line between the right to study and secondary privileges like work or family rights.

If you’re considering Denmark, these changes must be part of your decision-making process. And for Nigerian students watching policies globally, this is another signal that study destination options are evolving—and that accreditation and permit types matter more than ever.