Why did my friend who did final year in the US get visa rejected for the second year and then join Denmark? Why did he opt out of Germany despite it being a top-ranked country for mechanical engineering for a Master's?

U.S. student visa rejections have increased recently, with a 41% denial rate in the 2023-24 fiscal year - the highest in a decade. Common reasons include insufficient financial proof, not showing strong intent to return home, or incomplete applications.

Your friend may have chosen Denmark because of its "Industrial Master's Programme" in Mechanical Engineering, which combines full-time study with part-time work for hands-on experience. Denmark’s focus on innovation and sustainability also appeals to many engineering students.

Although Germany is highly ranked for mechanical engineering, Denmark’s specific program structure and work opportunities may have better matched your friend's goals.