Denmark has seen a steep 23% drop in applications to language degree programs this year, raising concerns over the country’s future linguistic competence. The Education and Research Minister wants immediate action to change the trend in Danish Language Studies.
Sharp Decline in Language Studies Sparks Concern
Applications to university-level language programs in Denmark have fallen dramatically, with a 23% year-over-year decrease, according to new figures from the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science. This drop has prompted serious concern from government officials who see growing language deficits as a societal and strategic risk. Something needs to chance to encourage more students enroll in language programs.
In 2025, there have been fewer applicants to university-level language programs. While other fields like business administration and law saw minor increases, Danish language studies continue to struggle. This alarming trend has pushed policymakers to consider potential reforms and incentives to revive interest in language education.
Language Skills Deemed Crucial in a Changing World
The falling number of Danish language students is especially troubling given the broader geopolitical context. With international cooperation and global tensions both on the rise, strong foreign language competencies are seen as essential not only for diplomacy and trade but also for national cohesion and cultural development.
Denmark’s Education and Research Minister emphasized that languages such as German and French are vital for the country’s global outlook and shouldn’t be sidelined. The minister underlined that language education plays a foundational role in a well-rounded society, and failure to act could weaken Denmark’s ability to engage meaningfully on the world stage.
Admissions Figures Reflect Broader Education Trends
The latest application numbers provide a detailed snapshot of which higher education programs are attracting Danish students in 2025. The ten most applied-for programs this year include:
Top 10 Most Popular Degree Programs in Denmark (2025)
1. Civil Engineering – 4,301 applicants (down 4% from 2024)
2. Education (Pedagogy) – 4,011 applicants (up 1%)
3. Medicine – 4,001 applicants (down 3%)
4. Engineering (Professional Bachelor) – 3,719 applicants (unchanged)
5. Psychology – 3,710 applicants (up 1%)
6. Business Administration – 3,662 applicants (up 6%)
7. Nursing – 3,348 applicants (down 8%)
8. Law – 3,244 applicants (up 9%)
9. Public School Teaching – 2,527 applicants (up 3%)
10. Finance and Economics – 2,422 applicants (up 10%)
None of the top programs reflected strong enrollment in humanities or language-specific studies, further emphasizing the urgency of the issue.
Two-Tier Admission System Explained
Denmark uses a two-tier admissions system: Quota 1 and Quota 2. Under Quota 1, students are admitted based exclusively on their high school grade point average, with the deadline for applications set on July 5. In contrast, Quota 2 considers broader qualifications—including work experience and motivational essays—allowing for more holistic assessments. This year’s application deadline for Quota 2 was March 15.
Despite the flexibility offered by Quota 2, applications to language programs declined across both tracks. This suggests that the issue is not limited to academic entry requirements but may stem from deeper problems, such as the perceived career viability of language degrees or outdated program structures.
Government Plans to Address the Language Gap
While details remain sparse, the Education and Research Ministry acknowledged the urgency of promoting language education and is expected to unveil initiatives aimed at reversing the decline. These could include new incentives for students, revised curriculums, and salary enhancements for future language teachers to make the profession more attractive.
There is also support for increasing the number of language-qualified high school teachers to ensure that primary and secondary students are offered robust instruction in foreign languages. Strengthening early exposure could help build long-term interest and skill retention.
Outlook for Language Education in Denmark
With higher education playing a central role in shaping Denmark’s global presence and economic agility, the current collapse in Danish language studies is more than an academic concern—it’s a national issue. As the country seeks to maintain geopolitical relevance and foster mutual understanding in an interconnected world, revitalizing its linguistic capabilities has never been more important.
The stakes are high, and so is the urgency. Whether the upcoming reforms can reverse this downward trend remains to be seen. But with only a small fraction of students now choosing language paths, Denmark faces a future where multilingualism may become the exception rather than the norm.
