Historically High Intake to Danish Universities

– It is really gratifying to see that so many young people can start at the university after the summer holidays. We are much in need of highly educated people, and a large number of students being admitted to the universities is a prior condition for our ability to have a qualified workforce in future, says Science Minister Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

– The high intake is partly due to more study places being offered by the universities and partly the changed application patterns. The applicants have followed the many recommendations to seek opportunities on a wider scale – both geographically and in terms of subject areas – and to consider future job opportunities. As a result, the universities have been able to increase their overall intake to a new record high. The young people's focus on realistic expectations now seems to have borne fruit in view of this record-breaking intake of students, says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

At the same time, the number of rejected applicants is nearly equal to 2009, with only 138 refusals more in 2010 – altogether 7,949 refusals.

With a 10 per cent increase in the number of applications, the universities have rejected a relatively lower number. In 2009, 25.1 per cent were refused admission to a particular line of study – this year the figure is 23.4 per cent.

Natural sciences show the largest increase

There is an increase in the intake to all disciplines, but natural sciences in particular have a positive impact, with an increased intake of 18 per cent. Among the natural sciences, this applies especially to mathematics, physics and chemistry, which show an increase above the average of other science disciplines.

– For a long time, the Government has made an effort to shake off the dusty image of natural science studies and make them attractive to young people. This year, it finally looks like the science area has got the boost it has been aiming at for many years, says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

The Science Minister is also pleased to see the marked increase in the intake to IT educations of 19 per cent.

– We must retain and improve Denmark's digital strengths and we need many more with high-level IT competencies. Fortunately, young people have been responsive to the broad range of IT study programmes offered by the universities, says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

Dialogue continuing

The high level of intake is a good starting point for a continued dialogue with the universities for more study places. Next year, the Science Minister will be discussing intake developments with the universities, and at the same time the Government will focus on ensuring a match between the supply of educational facilities and the needs of society.

– Despite the fine intake figures, it is to be regretted that we still have nearly 8,000 young people and a large share who have not been admitted initially to a study programme. I hope therefore that these young people, despite their disappointment, will consider enrolling for some of the study options that still offer available places.

– So I intend to have a discussion with the universities on how we may improve our capacity in future for ensuring a range of educations and study places to match the needs of society. This will be of benefit not only to the individual student, who will find it easier to get a good job, but also to the job market, which will get a well-qualified workforce, says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

It is the Government's goal that 50 per cent of a year group of young people should have a higher education by 2015. With this year's high intake, the universities have made a significant contribution to reaching that goal.

Large increase outside the Copenhagen Region

There is an increase at all eight universities, but universities outside the Copenhagen Region experience a larger increase than universities around Copenhagen.

The University of Aarhus has seen the largest increase, with 915 students admitted, which is 18 per cent more than last year. The University of Southern Denmark and Aalborg University have had an increase of 19 and 17 per cent respectively.

• List of vacant slots and quotas for specific study programmes – Coordinated Enrolment System (in Danish)

Science Minister Charlotte Sahl-Madsen can be contacted via the Ministry's press officer, Charlotte Holst, phone +45 22 11 02 00 or chhh@vtu.dk.

For further questions, please contact Jens Storm, Chief Analyst, Danish University and Property Agency, phone +45 72 26 55 94 or jst@ubst.dk.