Admissions to programs for primary school teachers, educators, social workers, and nurses have decreased by four percent this year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

Despite the overall decrease in admissions to welfare-oriented programs, they still account for a significant portion of new admissions. However, the nursing program experienced the largest drop among these, with an eight percent decrease compared to last year.

The decline in nursing program admissions is concerning to Dorthe Boe Danbjørg, chairwoman of the Danish Nurses’ Organization, who stated the need to understand why young people are rejecting this important profession.

In contrast, admissions to STEM programs, including the Master of Science in Engineering program, remain high, with 15,500 students offered a place. Christina Egelund, Minister for Higher Education and Science, expressed satisfaction with the continued interest in these crucial programs for technological development.

Language programs continue to experience declining admissions, with a further 19 percent decrease this year.

Schools will begin notifying the over 85,500 applicants for higher education, with 59,957 receiving offers of admission.

The five largest programs are educator, Bachelor of Engineering, nurse, Master of Science in Engineering, and business economist.