Denmark Revokes Work and Job-Seeking Rights for Foreign Students in Non-Approved Study Programmes
Key Points
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International students enrolled in non-government-approved higher education programmes in Denmark will no longer receive limited work permits or a six-month job search period.
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These students are also no longer allowed to bring accompanying family members to Denmark.
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The policy aims to ensure that study permits are granted only to students with genuine academic intentions.
Denmark has revised its immigration rules affecting third-country students enrolled in non-state-recognised study programmes. As of May 2, 2025, these students will no longer be eligible for limited work rights or post-graduation job search periods. Additionally, they will not be allowed to bring their families to Denmark.
According to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), this change is part of broader efforts to tighten migration control and prevent the misuse of student residence permits.
The updated regulations do not impact students who applied for or were granted a residence permit before May 2, 2025. These individuals will retain their rights under the old rules, including the ability to work, seek jobs post-study, and bring dependents.
The move follows concerns over irregular stays and exploitation of foreign students in low-paid jobs, prompting Denmark to take stricter measures to safeguard the integrity of its higher education and immigration systems.