Increasing numbers of highly-educated foreigners want to work in Denmark

When foreigners come to Denmark with a qualification from a foreign educational institution, the can have it assessed to determine its corresponding Danish value.

In 2010, 36 per cent of assessments showed recipients had an education equivalent of 4-5 years of a Danish long cycle higher education, compared to 34 per cent of assessments the year before. Since 2004, the number of people with the equivalent of at least 4-5 years of a long cycle higher education has increased from 24 per cent to 36 per cent. The total number of assessments from the agency has increased by 55 per cent in the same period.

– We need highly educated people in Denmark to provide the nation's businesses with a qualified workforce. Only by providing good conditions and frameworks for the business community, can we create growth and jobs. One of the most important conditions is that they have access to talented employees, says Science Minister Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

The number of assessments across all levels of higher education amounted to 73 per cent of total assessments in 2010.

The Danish Agency for International Education carried out 1,953 regular assessments in 2010. Assessments are ordered by individual foreigners and Danes with a foreign education, but also authorities and employers.

In addition to regular assessments, the agency also carried out assessments on behalf of the Immigration Service for the use in residence permit rulings under the Green Card scheme. A total of 99 per cent of greencard-related assessments were for higher education level.

• Read the 2010 report on the assessment and recognition of foreign educational qualifications (PDF in Danish)

Science Minister Charlotte Sahl-Madsen can be contacted via press officer Charlotte Holst, tel: +45 2211 0200 or email: chhh@vtu.dk.