The Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, has issued a call to elevate the prestige of welfare-oriented professions, particularly nursing, following a concerning drop in applications to related higher education programs. The plea comes after the release of this year’s application figures for higher education via quota 1, which revealed a significant decrease in interest in nursing.

The minister expressed worry over the eight percent decline in nursing applications. While applications for social work programs also saw a decrease of two percent, interest in becoming a school teacher increased by three percent.

Egelund emphasized the critical role of educators, nurses, school teachers, and social workers in maintaining Denmark’s welfare society. She warned that a continued decline in these professions could lead to a welfare state in name only, lacking the necessary workforce to provide adequate benefits.

In response to the worrying trend, the minister highlighted a recently adopted reform aimed at improving the quality of the four major welfare-oriented educations, including nursing, with the hope of attracting more students.

Furthermore, Egelund voiced concern about the low number of applicants for language studies in French and German, with only 61 applications received. She stressed the importance of language skills for cultural understanding and European connection, especially given the current global landscape. The minister plans to present proposals after the summer holidays to boost interest in language education programs.