Applications to higher education in Denmark have decreased by two percent this year, with significant drops in nursing and language programs. This decline raises concerns about future workforce shortages and the preservation of linguistic and cultural expertise.
The number of students admitted to higher education has fallen by almost 1,400 compared to 2024, totaling 59,957. Language programs have experienced the most significant drop, with a 19 percent decrease in enrollment, a trend that has been ongoing for several years. Within language programs, “business economics with business languages” has seen an 80 percent decrease, equating to 250 fewer students.
Minister for Higher Education and Research Christina Egelund expressed deep concern about the decline in language program enrollment, emphasizing the importance of linguistic competence and knowledge of other cultures. She stated that action is needed to reverse this trend but did not specify concrete measures.
Nursing education is also facing a decline, with 269 fewer students admitted this year, representing an eight percent decrease. Despite efforts to attract more young people to the field, the number of students enrolling in nursing programs continues to fall. The government has implemented a quality reform to improve nursing education, including more hours, guidance, teacher contact, and better internships.
The Danish Nurses’ Organization is calling for a national plan for nurses’ specialist training, emphasizing the need for investment in education, improved internships, and better working conditions to attract more young people to the profession. Chairperson Dorthe Boe Danbjørg stated that clarifying career paths and demonstrating opportunities for development throughout working life is essential.
Academic bachelor’s programs have also experienced a five percent decrease in admission this year. This is partly due to planned cuts of 2,654 places in bachelor’s programs between 2025 and 2029. Mads Fjord Jørgensen, Head of Department at DEA, noted that despite efforts to encourage students to pursue vocational and professional education programs, there is no indication that students rejected from universities are choosing welfare programs instead.
An increase in foreign students has been observed, with 309 more students with non-Danish citizenship admitted to higher education this year, representing a 16 percent increase. This increase is primarily in bachelor’s programs and is considered a positive development in addressing labor market shortages. Nicolaj Laue Juhl, chairperson of the National Association of Nursing Students, emphasizes the need for political action to reverse the trend, including strengthening bridge building from youth education programs, investing in better practice and guidance, and focusing on better pay and working conditions for new graduates.