Fewer students from the EU and Bangladesh admitted to programs in Denmark
The number of international students admitted to education programs has fallen by ten percent this year.
Education Minister Christina Egelund is overall satisfied with the admission of foreign students to higher education programs. Graphic: Sandra Bertelsen. 32 minutes ago.
Politicians at Christiansborg have in recent years opened up to attracting more international students to Denmark. But this has not succeeded this year. On the contrary, ten percent fewer students from other countries have been admitted compared to last year.
This is shown by the new figures for admissions to higher education programs.
In total, 2,065 foreign students have been admitted to English-language programs.
For one group of foreigners, however, Education Minister Christina Egelund welcomes the decline. This applies to students from countries outside the EU, particularly from Bangladesh and Nepal.
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Satisfied minister
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Namely, 262 students from so-called third countries have been admitted this year, which is 39 fewer than last year.
- Last year we had the problem that a number of students had been admitted who simply did not have the qualifications needed to be good enough students, says Christina Egelund and continues:
- They actually came with a completely different purpose in mind, namely to enter the low-wage labor market in Denmark. It looks like we have managed to close that loophole. I am of course very pleased about that.
Politicians at Christiansborg tightened the rules last year specifically for students from third countries.
At the same time, politicians have several times opened up to creating more places on English-language programs. Nevertheless, over 200 fewer students from other EU countries have been admitted this year than last year.
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International students in Denmark
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Politicians at Christiansborg have several times increased and decreased the intake of international students in Denmark.
In 2021, many English-language programs were shut down, partly to limit expenses for student grants for students from other EU countries.
In 2023, the government entered into an agreement with several parties to allow universities to create 1,100 English-language study places each year until 2028.
A political agreement in 2025 gave educational institutions the opportunity to create 800 new English-language study places.
At the same time, the government tightened requirements in 2025 for students from third countries.
However, more students are coming from the Nordic countries, where a total of 247 have been admitted this year. That is 24 more than last year.
Overall, the minister declared herself well satisfied.
- But there is not an ounce of doubt in me that we will also need skilled international students in Denmark in the future. I have also spent some time opening doors for that, says Christina Egelund and adds:
- We benefit from them. They create an exciting international study environment, and the business community absolutely needs them.
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- Need for more
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At the Danish Chamber of Commerce, they are not applauding the declining number of international students. So says Mads Storm, head of knowledge and innovation.
- We think there is a clear potential in admitting more skilled foreigners, because we know they come and work for us afterwards, says Mads Storm. And the increase in students from the Nordic countries does not help.
- Very many, especially from Norway, take an education in Denmark, and then they go home again. They have a great labor market and very high wages, points out Mads Storm and adds:
- It is of course fine that we have some cultural exchange, but we would rather that we educated some Danes or some people who want to be on the Danish labor market.
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