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Record numbers accepted for higher education

August 05, 2013
On Tuesday 30 July, more young people than ever before received word that they have been accepted for higher education programmes. Higher education institutions offered places to four per cent more students than in 2012. The largest increases were in programmes aimed at the private sector.

On 30 July, a total of 63,525 people were offered a study place at a university, university college, business academy or on one of Denmark’s artistic or maritime programmes.

This is an increase of four per cent compared to 2012, which also saw record intake numbers.

It is also an important step towards meeting the government’s goal of at least 60 per cent of a year group completing higher education in 2020.

- Thousands of new students can look forward to not only some exciting and educational years ahead, but also increased opportunities in life and a much better chance of employment. It is crucial for Denmark as a whole that our young people are the best educated generation ever, says Morten Østergaard, who is also particular pleased at the intake numbers for programmes aimed at the private sector.

High calibre education

Business academy programmes have seen an intake increase of 8 per cent. These programmes are developed in close cooperation with the private sector, where many graduates can gain employment. Many university and university college programmes aimed at the private sector, e.g. engineering and IT, have also seen above average intake.

Universities have increased intake by 5 per cent compared to 2012, while university colleges have maintained the same intake numbers as last year.

- In the coming years, we must create more than 100,000 new jobs in Denmark, and these new jobs will require more qualifications than those positions that were lost during the crisis. The majority of new jobs must also be created in the private sector. It is therefore encouraging that more young people have shown an interest in the private sector and not least within areas where, despite the economic downturn, there is already a demand for more qualified employees, says Morten Østergaard, who also promises to focus on the quality of education in the coming years.
- Current and future students must have an education of the highest calibre and we should therefore not only educate more students, but also educate them better. The government is preparing a number of initiatives to improve the quality of our higher education even more, says Morten Østergaard.

More institutions experience increases

The greatest increases in intake numbers compared to last year are seen at the International Business Academy in Kolding (24 per cent), Dania - Danish Academy of Business and Technology (18 per cent), Aalborg University (16 per cent), Copenhagen Business Academy (12 per cent) and the Zealand Institute of Business and Technology (11 per cent).

The record number of higher education applications has also meant than more rejections have been experienced. A total of 20,654 applicants have not been accepted, including 9,874 whose grade average was not high enough, and 10,780 who were rejected because e.g. they did not meet the admission requirements. The increase in rejections should be seen in light of the significant increase in applicants. Unsuccessful applicants comprised 23 per cent of all applicants in 2013, compared to 22 per cent in the period 2009-2012. Those rejected on the basis of their grade averages comprised 11 per cent of applicants in both 2012 and 2013.

- To those who received a rejection I would recommend that they keep an eye on places still available, and on programmes which offer a winter start date or continuous acceptance. Perhaps you could find a place on your dream programme in another part of the country, or perhaps there is availability on a related programme that would be just as exciting. We know that people are in a much better position with an education than without one, says Minister for Science, Innovation and Higher Education Morten Østergaard.

Higher Education Intake 2013

  • 30 July: All applicants receive a response to their application. The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education publishes the key figures from the Danish Coordinated Application System on fivu.dk/optag.
  • 30 July: Available places: Programmes still accepting applications for available places can be found via fivu.dk/optag/ledige-pladser.
  • 1 September: Most education programmes begin (a number of programmes do however begin 1 February).
  • October: Results of the second round are released and thereby the final intake for the study year is confirmed. Some applicants will decline their offers between the first and second intake rounds, while others will apply for vacant places.

Applicants and intake in 2013

  • A total of 88,040 applicants applied for higher education
  • As of 30 July, 63,525 applicants have been offered a place on a higher education programme.

Applicants and intake in 2012

  • A total of 80,766 applicants applied for higher education
  • On 30 July 2012, 60,537 applicants were offered a place on a higher education programme.
  • 61,300 applicants began a higher education programme by 1 October 2012.

For further information please contact:

Press officer Carina Elkott, tel. +45 5090 0549, email: care@fivu.dk

Corporate Analysis and Statistics:

Head of Division Jens Storm, tel. +45 7231 7982, email: jst@vus.dk

Danish Agency for Universities and Internationalisation:

Head of Division Søren Nedergaard, tel. +45 7231 8620, email: sne@ui.dk

Danish Agency for Higher Education and Educational Support:

Head of Division Peder Michael Sørensen, tel. +45 2371 4540, email: pms@vus.dk

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