Applications for courses taught in English at vocational-focused colleges in Denmark have also increased by 37 percent. The upsurge in applications is attributed to factors beyond the government’s plans to reform higher education.
Applications for courses taught in English at vocational-focused colleges in Denmark have also increased by 37 percent. The upsurge in applications is attributed to factors beyond the government’s plans to reform higher education.
The number of foreign nationals seeking to pursue higher education in Denmark has seen a remarkable increase.
Over the past year, applications for bachelor’s degree programs at Danish universities have surged by 37 percent, according to a recent report by the newspaper Berlingske via The Local.
The same rise of 37 percent has been observed in applications for courses taught in English at vocational-focused colleges.
Among these applicants, the proportion of Danish nationals has declined from 29 percent in 2020 to 19 percent in the current year.
The statistics also highlighted a significant shift in the international education landscape, as the number of foreign applicants to Danish bachelor’s degrees has more than doubled from 2,307 to 4,858 between 2019 and 2023.
The upsurge in applications can be attributed to factors beyond the government’s plans to reform higher education.
Although the government recently unveiled a proposal to increase the number of places available to international students in Denmark, this particular surge is linked to a separate cause as the reforms are yet to be implemented, the report noted.
An important aspect that preceded the reform was a political decision made last year, wherein numerous English-taught spots at Danish universities were eliminated.
The move aimed to reduce the state’s student grant expenses, which are available to eligible foreign students with EU nationality who meet certain criteria.
The decision had its roots in a 2013 political agreement that set limits on annual spending for SU at DKK442 million ($65 million) As a result, several English-taught courses, including 56 at professional colleges, were affected.
EU or EEA nationals studying full-time in Denmark are eligible for SU if they work for at least 10-12 hours per week in a job. The monthly student grant helps cover basic living costs and does not require repayment.
The government’s estimates on the cost of SU for foreign students have witnessed fluctuations. In 2021, the projected cost for 2025 was DKK576 million ($85 million), but it has since been reduced to DKK415 million ($61 million), expected for 2026.
