Denmark sees decline in IT program admissions despite rising demand for skilled professionals

Denmark is one of the world’s most digitalized countries, heavily reliant on individuals with appropriate IT skills. Despite an increase in applications for IT programs compared to last year, the number of students accepted has declined by one percent, totaling 6,881 this year. Experts note that this trend is troubling as the demand for skilled IT professionals continues to rise.

Laura Klitgaard, chair of the engineering association IDA, expressed frustration at the stagnation and slight decline in admissions, emphasizing the urgent need to address cybersecurity gaps. The IT University is also facing challenges, receiving daily inquiries from companies eager to recruit its students and requesting an increase in graduate numbers. Study director Lene Rehder highlighted a significant demand for IT expertise across all sectors, including finance, healthcare, and environmental initiatives.

A report from Rambøll indicates that half of Danish private and public organizations lack the necessary skills to handle cyberattacks, representing a serious threat to national security. Klitgaard pointed out the recent global IT system outages, underscoring an acute need for competent individuals to diagnose issues and restore systems.

While all spots at the IT University in Copenhagen are filled, several programs outside major cities, such as in North Jutland, still have vacancies. However, many young people prefer to study in urban areas, limiting enrollment in less known institutions. Mads Storm Eriksen from Dansk Erhverv noted that this trend could lead to a shortage of IT specialists, adversely affecting both the urban job market and the provinces. The IT University is willing and capable of admitting more students, with a potential increase of around 100 in its bachelor programs.