Quota 1: Slight fall in applications to Aarhus University after record year

When the deadline for applications to Danish higher education degree programmes passed at noon yesterday (Sunday), Aarhus University had received 11,399 first-choice applications. This is 4% fewer than last year. According to preliminary figures, the university has received a total of 31,043 applications, which is 1% fewer than last year.

At the faculties of Natural Sciences and Arts, the number of first-choice applications remains largely unchanged from last year. Aarhus BSS saw a 3% decline in first-choice applications, while Health Sciences and Technical Sciences received 6% and 9% fewer first-choice applications, respectively. 

An expected decline

Pro-rector Berit Eika is not surprised by the small decrease in the number of applicants, which comes after last year’s record year, when Aarhus University received more applications than ever. This year’s application figures are broadly in line with 2024, and Berit Eika is delighted that so many young people still want to take a degree programme at Aarhus University:

“Our society is facing a number of major challenges that require a highly qualified workforce – from engineers and IT specialists to schoolteachers and lawyers. So it’s encouraging that so many young people want to get a university education – and that they have chosen Aarhus University. We can offer students high-quality degree programmes, dedicated and skilled teachers, and a unique study environment across our four campuses.” 

AU has to reject qualified applicants

At the same time, Berit Eika is concerned that the university will once again have to turn away many qualified applicants in fields where skilled professionals are already in short supply. This is especially true for international applicants, as Aarhus University – like all universities in Denmark – has had to cut the number of English-language student places.

“We know that international graduates are a major asset to our society – and that we’re getting better at encouraging them to stay in Denmark after they complete their studies. Unfortunately, at AU, we have to reject many highly qualified international applicants, and that’s a real shame. Especially because AU has the country’s highest employment rate when it comes to international graduates.” 

All applicants will find out whether they have got a place on Tuesday 28 July.

Please note: This article is based on preliminary application figures. Final application figures will be available on the AU press page later this week.

Facts about 2026 applications to AU’s Bachelor’s degree programmes:

• Total first-choice applications to AU: 11,399 (4% fewer than in 2025)
• Total applications to AU: 31,043 (1% fewer than in 2025)

Applications by faculty

• Arts: 2,200 first-choice applications (1% fewer than in 2025)
• Aarhus BSS: 4,594 first-choice applications (3% fewer than in 2025)
• Health Sciences: 1,818 first-choice applications (6% fewer than in 2025)
• Natural Sciences: 1,351 first-choice applications (the same as in 2025)
• Technical Sciences: 1,436 first-choice applications (9% fewer than in 2025)