Denmark sees 10% drop in international student admissions

Admissions of international students to Danish higher education have fallen by 10% this year, according to new figures reported by DR.

A total of 2,065 foreign students were admitted to English-taught programmes, with the decline driven in part by a sharp reduction in applicants from non-EU countries, particularly Bangladesh and Nepal. Only 262 students from these so-called third countries were admitted, 39 fewer than last year.

Education Minister Christina Egelund welcomed the decrease, stating that many of last year’s third-country applicants lacked the necessary qualifications and were instead aiming to enter Denmark’s low-wage labour market. She said the tightened rules introduced last year appear to have closed this loophole.

At the same time, admissions from other EU countries also dropped by over 200. However, Nordic student numbers rose slightly, with 247 admitted—24 more than last year.

Egelund expressed overall satisfaction but stressed the continued need for skilled international students, citing their contribution to a dynamic academic environment and their value to Danish businesses.

Mads Storm, head of knowledge and innovation at the Confederation of Danish Industry, criticised the decline, arguing that international graduates often remain in Denmark to work. He noted that while Nordic students, particularly from Norway, often return home after studying due to strong job markets and high salaries there, Denmark would benefit more from educating either Danes or those willing to join the Danish workforce.

Politicians have in recent years adjusted policies to both expand and restrict international student admissions. In 2021, many English-taught programmes were closed to limit state educational grants (SU) for EU students. In 2023, an agreement allowed universities to create 1,100 new English-taught places annually until 2028, and in 2025, a further 800 places were approved alongside stricter requirements for third-country students.