The number of student residence permits granted to citizens from Nepal and Bangladesh in Denmark has surged dramatically in the last two years. According to new figures from Danmarks Statistik, nearly 2,800 individuals from the two countries received permission to study in Denmark in 2024. This marks a more than fivefold increase from 2022, when only 549 such permits were issued.
This dramatic rise has propelled Nepal and Bangladesh to third and fourth place respectively on the list of countries sending the most international students to Denmark, surpassed only by the United States and Germany.
Concerns over potential misuse of student visas
While the increase highlights Denmark’s growing appeal as a study destination in South Asia, it has also prompted concern among Danish authorities. Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek (Socialdemokratiet) suspects that some students may be exploiting student residence permits to gain access to the Danish labour market under false pretences.
“It is very serious if students are using study permits as a backdoor to the Danish labour market and contributing to wage suppression. That is not acceptable,” the minister said in an interview with Politiken.
According to the Copenhagen Police, most of the suspected abuse involves permits linked to non-state-approved higher education institutions. As a result, the Ministry of Immigration is planning to tighten regulations specifically targeting these institutions.
Spotlight on Niels Brock Business College
Among the educational institutions under scrutiny is Niels Brock Business College in Copenhagen. Though not explicitly accused of wrongdoing, the college was singled out by the minister as part of the broader context in which suspected misuse of student permits has taken place.
The Danish Government is expected to propose regulatory adjustments in the coming months, aiming to prevent the exploitation of the student visa system while maintaining Denmark’s status as an attractive destination for genuine international students.
A balancing act between openness and oversight
As Denmark navigates the challenges of regulating international student mobility, the debate reflects broader tensions across Europe regarding migration, education, and labour markets. Striking a balance between welcoming global talent and preventing system abuse remains a central policy issue.
With the spotlight now on how the Danish Government will respond, future student inflows from countries like Nepal and Bangladesh may soon be shaped by new restrictions—and new expectations.
