Pathways and Permeability in Denmark

There are four main pathways in upper secondary VET. When the students have completed upper secondary education, they may continue in short-cycle vocationally oriented higher education. In addition, there are a number of opportunities to participate in lifelong learning.

Main pathways in apprenticeships targeting different groups

• Vocational Upper Secondary Education and Training (EUD), which is the “main path” and is used by the great majority of students
• Vocational Upper Secondary Education and Training for persons over the age of 25 years (EUV)
• Combined Vocational and General Upper Secondary Education – the EUX programme. Students obtain a double qualification providing access to the labour market as skilled workers as well as access to higher education.
• “New Apprenticeships” (Ny Mesterlære) is used by students with a practical approach to learning.

Permeability to higher education

One of the objectives of VET is that it must challenge all students so they may reach their fullest potential. This entails the possibility to raise the level of the subjects so it exceeds the compulsory minimum level and consequently secures the option for gaining access to higher education.

EUX is an option for students who want to obtain both general and vocational upper secondary qualifications simultaneously.  It therefore provides them with full access to both higher education and the skilled labour market. This is one way of securing better permeability between VET and higher education.

Academy programmes (short-cycle vocationally oriented programmes – have a duration of two to two and a half years. They are provided by the nine business and technical academies (Erhvervsakademier) in Denmark. They lead to an academy professional degree at EQF level 5.

Professional bachelor’s degree programmes have a duration of three to four years. They are in general provided by seven regionally based university colleges awarding professional bachelor’s degrees at EQF level 6.

Admission requirements for academy professional and professional bachelor’s degree programmes are either relevant vocational upper secondary education and training qualifications (EUD) or a general upper secondary degree.  A professional bachelor’s degree can provide access to certain university-based Master’s degree programmes. VET does not provide direct access to university-based Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes without an EUX qualification.