Denmark Introduces Rules to Stop International Students from Getting Jobs With Student Visas

Liberty Okechukwu

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With the goal of reducing the abuse of student residence permits for labor migration, Denmark has proposed a major policy change: tighter rules for holders of student visas from non-EU/EEA nations. Kaare Dybvad Bek, the Danish Minister of Immigration and Integration, unveiled the new regulations, which are intended to stop international students from utilizing their educational visas primarily for work-related reasons.

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What Are the New Policy Changes?

International students, especially those from Nepal, are increasingly enrolling at Danish universities primarily to reach the labor market, according to a growing trend recognized by the Danish government. Instead of putting their education first, many students frequently work in low-paying occupations like cleaning in hotels and restaurants. The government has suggested the following adjustments to remedy this problem:

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  • Elimination of Automatic Work Rights: Non-EU/EEA students will no longer have automatic work rights linked to their residence permits.
    • Restricted Work Permits for Partners: The spouses or partners of these students will no longer be eligible for a work permit in Denmark.
    • Stronger Screening Process: The Danish Immigration Service will implement stricter assessments to ensure that students are genuinely pursuing education rather than primarily seeking employment.

These adjustments are meant to preserve Denmark’s educational system’s integrity while avoiding wage suppression in regional labor markets.

International students can apply for Denmark study visas in 2025

Denmark nonetheless grants international students a variety of study visas despite these limitations. An outline of the available alternatives is provided below:

#1. Residence Permit for Higher Education

  • Duration: The entire length of the course of study (up to two years for a master’s degree and three to four years for a bachelor’s degree).
  • Qualifications:
    • must be admitted to a recognized university’s higher education program.
    • Evidence of adequate financial resources (about DKK 6,397 a month).
    • health insurance.
  • Cost: DKK 1,890 (around 250 euros).
  • Permitted Work Schedule: 20 hours per week throughout the school year; full-time in June, July, and August.

#2. Residence Permit for Preparatory Courses

  • Duration: Up to 2 years.
  • Eligibility:
    • Enrollment in preparatory courses leading to higher education admission.
    • Financial proof and insurance.
  • Fee: DKK 1,890.
  • Allowed Working Hours: 20 hours per week.

#3. PhD Study Permit

  • Duration: Duration of the PhD program.
  • Eligibility:
    • Admission to a Danish university’s PhD program.
    • Financial and insurance proof.
  • Fee: DKK 1,890.
  • Allowed Working Hours: Unlimited if the PhD is classified as employment; otherwise, 20 hours per week.

What does this mean for international students?

Prospective students who were depending on part-time employment options to support themselves may be impacted by these regulatory changes. Nonetheless, Denmark’s top-notch universities and research possibilities remain accessible to students who are sincere about studying there.

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Author

  • Okechukwu Liberty is a Mass Communication graduate and a dedicated content writer for AfterSchoolAfrica. He holds certifications in UK Agent and Counselling, and Ethical Business Practices in International Student Recruitment, equipping him with the expertise to guide students in their academic pursuits abroad. He specializes in researching and curating scholarship and empowerment opportunities for students aspiring to study abroad.

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