56,675 people have applied for a place in higher education via quota 2

The number of applicants for a place in higher education via quota 2 has increased by 4 percent compared to last year. The number of applicants to professional degree programmes in the welfare sector has remained largely unchanged.

The application deadline for applications for a place in higher education via quota 2 was 12 noon today. This year, 56,675 people have applied, a 4 percent increase compared to last year. This increase is due to a higher number of applications to both academic bachelor's programmes and professional bachelor's programmes, an increase by 6 and 4 percent, respectively, compared to 2024. 

Applications to professional degree programmes in the welfare sector remain at roughly the same level as in 2024. Applications to the Social Education programme have increased by 5 percent, while the number of applicants to both Nursing and Social Work programmes has declined slightly.

Once again this year, applications to language degree programmes have decreased.The decline is particularly noticeable as regards bachelor’s programmes in German and French.

The number of international applicants has increased by 7 percent, due to a higher number of international applicants to academic bachelor's programmes.

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

- I am delighted to see that so many people have chosen to apply for a place in higher education and that more international applicants wish to study in Denmark. That being said, I am deeply concerned that applications to degree programmes in the welfare sector appear to have stagnated at a low level, and that once again there are fewer applicants to language programmes, including German and French. The fact that so few applicants have chosen degree programmes in the welfare sector further emphasises the need for the ongoing negotiations on an agreement regarding both professional and vocational education programmes. This agreement will make significant quality improvements, not least in degree programmes in the welfare sector. We are looking at more teaching hours, better guidance, more feedback, and, importantly, greater flexibility in the degree programmes. While this will not immediately reverse the declining trend in applications, it will be an important step towards making degree programmes in the welfare sector more attractive and, above all, giving them the status they deserve.

Facts:

  • The number of applicants refers to first-priority applicants, which means they are only counted in relation to the degree programme they have listed as their first choice.
  • Quota 2 applicants are assessed on the basis of factors other than average Danish High School grade scores alone. Educational institutions award quota 2 places after an individual assessment of each applicant, applying selection criteria that differ from programme to programme.
  • In addition to the Quota 2 application deadline, 12 noon on 15 March is also the deadline for applicants without a Danish High School average grade score, and for applicants to programmes where admission requirements include an exam, an interview, or some similar assessment. These applicants are also included in the total number of applicants recorded as of 15 March.
  • The total number of applicants for higher education programmes will be published on 5 July, 2025, which is the deadline for applying for admission via quota 1. Quota 1 applicants are only evaluated on the basis of their grade score average.
  • All applicants, both under quota 1 and quota 2, will will receive a reply to their applications on July 28.

For further information:

Please direct press inquiries to the press team of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science on +45 7231 8181, or to presse@ufm.dk.