EU’s Evolving Immigration Policies: What Students Should Know
If you are planning to study in the UK, Germany or Norway in 2025/26, recent immigration changes could affect your study plans, work options and costs. Read more below.
In the UK, a new plan called Restoring Control over the Immigration System aims to change several rules for international students.
The post-study Graduate Route visa would be shortened from two years to 18 months. Dependants would need to meet higher English language requirements, universities would face stricter compliance checks, and the time needed to qualify for settlement would increase from five years to ten.
Overall it does not look to get easier for us international students to study within the UK.
For a detailed look at the UK’s 2025 changes and what they mean for students, this article is especially useful:
Germany is moving in the opposite direction, improving work opportunities for international students under its Skilled Immigration Act.
Since March 2024, students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, up from 10 hours previously, and up to 140 full days per year (or 280 half days) without special approval.
For more information about work rights as a student in Germany, we highly recommend this article: Work Rights for International Students: Working while Studying in Germany.
The act also streamlines part-time and preparatory work permissions, and supports entry for those seeking vocational training or starting a business.
For a detailed look at the Skilled Immigration Act and what that means for students, check out the official website below:
Visit this website: The new Skilled Immigration Act at a glance and scroll down to: Employment of students and trainees.
Norway has also changed its tuition rules for non-EU/EEA students. After a drop in applications when fees were introduced in 2023, the government decided in mid-2025 to let universities set their own tuition policies.
Some institutions may return to free tuition, while others might reduce costs to attract more students. Find out more details in this article: Norway Removes Tuition Requirements for Int. Students.
To make the most of these updates, here are practical tips for students:
Compare visa and work benefits carefully, Germany offers extended work rights during study, while the UK may have more limits but still offers pathways like the Global Talent visa.
Plan your career steps early, in the UK, start applying for jobs before graduation to make the most of the shorter Graduate Route.
Keep track of tuition updates, especially in Norway where fees now vary by university.
Always rely on official sources such as government sites, recognised student portals or university immigration pages for the latest guidance! This is especially important as data is outdated quickly and regulations change.
This article might also be outdated already when you read it, this is why we link to the official sources so you can ensure the information is still relevant for your specific case!
I hope this article helps you with the decision process!
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Talk soon,
