Background information

In 2025, a reform of vocational bachelor's and academy programs was introduced in Denmark. The aim of the reform is to strengthen the quality and accessibility of higher education. The reform includes several measures, one of which addresses the recruitment challenges faced by companies. It introduces initiatives to meet labour market needs, including the creation of 800 new English-taught study places at Business Academies and University Colleges. These new places are allocated based on the sectors where there is a shortage of skilled workers. The new placements will primarily target international students, particularly in STEM and IT fields, to address the growing demand for expertise. The reform aims to attract international talent while ensuring that Denmark maintains a competitive workforce. This change is part of Denmark's broader strategy to align its education system with current and future labour market needs.

The reform is outlined in the "Agreement on the Reform of Business Academies and University Colleges in Denmark" (2025).

Content of measure

The 2025 reform introduces 800 new English-taught study places at Business Academies and University Colleges starting summer 2027. These places are designed to address the recruitment challenges faced by businesses, particularly in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and IT sectors, which are experiencing significant skill shortages. The new study places will be offered to international students, with a particular focus on fields where employment rates are high among graduates and unemployment is low.

These new placements will be created outside of Copenhagen and Aarhus, specifically in regions where there is a demand for skilled workers. The fields of study will be selected based on a positive list of areas, developed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science, which will prioritize sectors where graduates are likely to stay in Denmark and contribute to the Danish workforce. A positive list is a list of occupations experiencing a shortage of qualified labour in Denmark, which enables easier access to work and residence permits for third-country nationals.

Additionally, the parties agree to introduce the possibility for Business Academies and University Colleges – similar to universities – to charge a deposit for certain foreign applicants as part of the application process for admission to vocational bachelor’s and academy programs.

The reform involves a total financial commitment of approximately 2 billion DKK.

Use of measure

No information yet.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Does not apply to businesses	Students

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement	No involvement
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• No involvement
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No information

Views and reactions

No information

Sectors and occupations

This case is not sector-specific.

Sources

• 11 April 2025: Aftale om reform af professionsbachelor og erhversakademi-uddannelserne i Danmark (ufm.dk)