Denmark’s Ministry of Higher Education will once again outsource the national mentor program for university students with disabilities, sparking worries that vulnerable students could lose vital personal support.
Students With Diagnoses Rely on Mentorship
For most students, college means long reading lists, all-nighters, and exam stress. But for students with conditions like autism, ADHD, or anxiety, university life can be especially challenging. In Denmark, these students can receive help through the Special Educational Support Scheme, known as SPS, which provides tools, extra teaching assistance, or a study mentor.
At Aarhus University, hundreds of students depend on these mentors to navigate their studies. The mentors are often fellow students from the same program who understand the demands of academic life and can offer structure and guidance. Many describe the mentorship as essential for keeping focus and staying on track during stressful semesters.
A Critical Decision on Who Manages Student Mentors
Until now, universities in Denmark have been allowed to manage most special education support directly. They can organize and provide personal assistance for students with disabilities. But the mentor program remains different. The Ministry of Higher Education and Science requires it to be tendered to external providers through a public bidding process.
This means private companies can win the contract to recruit and manage study mentors, rather than the universities themselves. Aarhus University was the only university that won this contract in the last round, allowing it to keep the work in-house. The university says that arrangement created better support since the mentors worked closer to the study environment.
University officials argue that managing the mentorships locally is far more effective. They say external companies may struggle to recruit suitable mentors and that students could be left waiting for help that never comes. Aarhus University currently supports 538 students through the system, but it now faces uncertainty since the contract will again go up for bids this January.
Concerns About Losing a Human Connection
Students who depend on the mentor system fear the change could make the program less personal. If a private contractor takes over, the experience may become more bureaucratic and detached. For many, the mentor relationship is built on trust and understanding—seeing another student who “gets it” can make all the difference.
Those fears are particularly real for older or returning students who rely heavily on emotional structure and direct human support. The concern is that outsourcing could turn the process into a numbers game, focusing on forms and schedules instead of individual needs.
University leaders agree that tendering the service again is time-consuming and drains resources that could be used for student support instead. Writing bids, negotiating contracts, and managing external partners take staff away from the core mission of education and inclusion.
Government Response and Broader Context
The Ministry of Higher Education and Science has acknowledged the concerns but insists that the mentor program will continue to operate under the new bidding rules. In a written statement, the ministry said that mentor hours will still be handled by whichever supplier wins the public tender. This approach is already used at business academies, professional colleges, and maritime institutions.
Still, university officials across Denmark see a clear disadvantage. They stress that mentoring works best when rooted directly in the academic environment—where students face the same subjects, the same schedules, and the same challenges.
The debate reflects a wider question about how Denmark should support university students with special needs. Many universities want more autonomy to tailor services, while the ministry aims for consistency nationwide. The outcome of the upcoming tender will set the direction for how these students receive help in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
Whatever the outcome, both educators and students agree that personal mentorship remains crucial. It is not just about managing a diagnosis but about ensuring fair conditions for all students to succeed. With the new round of bidding set to begin soon, Denmark’s universities are watching closely, hoping the system continues to serve those who need it most.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Best Universities in Denmark
The Danish Dream: Best Universities in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Mentorordning for studerende med diagnoser skal i udbud igen – Malene frygter at blive et tal i et system
