Increasing number of highly educated wish Danish seal of approval

In just two years the number of people who wish to have their foreign education approved to get jobs in Denmark have doubled. An increasing number of immigrants have a higher education and come to Denmark under the "green card" scheme.

This appears from Science Minister Helge Sander's annual report to the Danish Parliament (the Folketing) on evaluation and approval of foreign educational qualifications.

Altogether, CIRIUS (Centre for Information and Consultancy on International Educational and Collaborative Activities) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation provided nearly 2,100 evaluations of foreign educations last year. This is more than twice the number processed in 2006 and fifty per cent more than in 2007.

– Last year more than one in three of those who got an evaluation were comparable in level to a Danish Master's degree or above. Previously this was one in four, so it is gratifying to see these figures, which clearly show that the Government's strategy and efforts to attract talented people is working. More and more highly educated people are looking for a job in Denmark, and this is to the benefit of Danish enterprises and Danish welfare, says Helge Sander, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation.

Quicker response despite more cases

Despite the increased number of cases to be handled, the average time spent has not risen in CIRIUS. On the contrary, in 2008 the average processing time for this type of cases was 27 days, which is six days fewer than the year before.

At the same time, a user survey from 2008 shows that in general there is great satisfaction among those who receive the evaluations of foreign educations. The survey also points out that this Danish seal of approval has a positive impact on the chance of getting a job or continuing one's studies.

For further comments by Science Minister Helge Sander, please contact Information Manager Allan Boldt, tel.: +45 3392 9739, abo@vtu.dk.

The report to the Folketing has been published on www.ciriusonline.dk.

For further information on the approval process of foreign educations and qualifications, please contact CIRIUS, Bente Olsen, Head of Division, tel.: +45 3395 70 7, bo@ciriusmail.dk.