85,152 people have applied for a place in higher education

Today at 12:00 noon, the deadline for Quota 1 applications for a place in higher education expired. This year, 85,152 people have applied for a place in higher education. This means 1,079 more applicants than in 2023, representing a 1 percent increase.

More than 85,000 people have applied for a place in higher education, marking a small increase compared to 2023. The overall rise in applications has primarily been driven by an increase in applications to bachelor's degree programmes at universities.

On closer examination, the numbers reveal a growing interest in STEM and engineering programmes. Civil Engineering (MSc) is now the most sought-after higher education programme, with Bachelor of Engineering ranking fourth on the list of programmes most applied for.

Though several of the welfare-related professional bachelor's programmes are still among the most popular, the number of applicants for Teacher Education, Social Educator, Nursing, and Social Worker programmes has either decreased or stagnated in 2024 compared to 2023. Overall, there has been a 6 percent fall in applications for these four programmes.

Foreign language programmes have also experienced a decline from 2023 to 2024, showing a 10 percent drop. This trend is evident in German studies and several other major language programmes, as well as commerce-related language programmes. This follows a fairly long period of generally declining interest in language studies.

The overall tally of applications for places in higher education this year also includes international applicants to programmes taught in English; 8,051 international applicants account for about 9 percent of the total number of higher education applicants.

The Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, comments as follows: 

- I find it very encouraging that so many people have chosen to apply for places in higher education, including STEM and Engineering programmes. However, this is not simply an occasion for celebration; my task is to view the educational landscape as a whole, and there is a clear imbalance here. Once again there has been a significant decline in applications to Teacher Education, Social Educator and Social Worker programmes, while the Nursing programme remains stagnated at a low level. Moreover, fewer applicants are opting for language studies. This is very worrying, as we are heading towards a period in which smaller youth cohorts will lead to a shortage of students and a diminishing workforce across all sectors and in many branches of industry. This makes me even more convinced of the need for reforms to balance out the educational landscape, and open up opportunities for more international students to study in Denmark.

Facts:

  • 85,152 people have applied for a place in higher education in 2024.
  • This is an increase of 1,079 applicants (1 percent) compared to 2023.
  • The number of applicants is based on their first priority.

Important dates for applications and admission in 2024:

  •  Application and admission figures for higher education are published four times a year on ufm.dk.
  • March: the result of the 15 March application round is announced.
  • 15 March is the deadline for Quota 2 applicants, applicants with foreign qualifications, and applicants to programmes with entrance exams.
  • 5 July: the overall application figures for the year are announced. In addition to the 15 March applications, this includes applicants who apply up to the 5 July deadline and who are assessed under Quota 1.
  • 26 July: the results of the summer admissions are announced.
  • 26 July: admission offers for a place in higher education programmes are sent out. The Ministry of Higher Education and Science publishes the results on the same day.

For further information:

For press inquiries, please contact the Ministry of Higher Education and Science press line: +45 7231 8181, or email: presse@ufm.dk.