If you want a short, practical degree that gets you into a real job quickly, an Academy Profession (AP) degree could be right for you. They take about two years, usually 120 ECTS, and combine theory with placements in a business or organisation. You'll find them at university colleges and business academies across Denmark.
What is an Academy Profession degree?
AP programmes are professionally oriented short-cycle degrees. They prepare you for practical, vocational tasks on an analytical basis, meaning you learn the theory behind the job as well as how to do it. They can also qualify you for middle-management positions.
The teaching mixes classroom work with real projects and collaboration with business and industry. You'll usually spend time on a work placement, so you're not just sitting in lectures. All Danish higher education institutions use ECTS credits and follow national rules on teacher qualifications, degree structures and examinations, so the standards are consistent whichever institution you choose.
If you want to browse what's on offer, you can explore academy profession level programmes in our catalogue. We currently list 24 Danish higher education institutions and 422 programmes imported from the Study in Denmark register, so you can compare options.
Where can you study an AP degree?
AP programmes are offered at university colleges and business academies. These are not the same as traditional universities, but they are higher education institutions just like them. You'll find them in cities across Denmark.
To see which institutions offer AP degrees, you can browse universities on this site. The list includes all types of higher education institution, so you can filter for the ones that teach AP programmes. You can also use our programme search to find specific subjects.
Top-up degrees: turning your AP into a bachelor's
In some cases, AP graduates can go on to obtain a professional bachelor's degree in the same field through a top-up programme. These correspond to 90 ECTS and are offered at business academies. Not every AP programme has a top-up route, so you'll need to check with the institution or look for the specific top-up programme.
A top-up lets you build on your practical AP qualification and gain a full bachelor's degree with less time than starting a bachelor's from scratch. It's a good option if you want to deepen your knowledge or move into more senior roles.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications are coordinated centrally through www.optagelse.dk, but they are assessed by the institutions themselves. The deadlines are 15 March and 5 July, both at 12 noon CET. Mark those dates, they are not flexible.
For some AP programmes, a certificate on a level with a relevant Danish vocational qualification may be enough for entry. Only some AP and professional programmes admit applicants on a quota 2 basis from other qualifications such as single-subject courses. Check the specific entry requirements for each programme on the institution's website or on optagelse.dk.
Costs and permits
Higher education is free of charge for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, and for students entitled to the same status as Danish citizens under EU law. Other full-degree students pay tuition fees set by each institution. The fees shown on this site are as listed in the Study in Denmark register, you must confirm them with the institution, as they can change.
If you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you normally need a residence permit for study before you come to Denmark. You apply through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Full details are on nyidanmark.dk.
Next steps
Start by looking at the AP programmes that match your interests. You can see all universities in Denmark and filter by institution type. Then check the entry requirements and application deadlines on optagelse.dk. If you have questions about a specific programme, contact the institution directly, they make the admission decisions. And if you're unsure about funding, the Danish student grant (SU) has its own rules; check su.dk for details.
Sources
- Study in Denmark, what can I study
- Study in Denmark, how to apply
- Study in Denmark, regulations of admission quota 1 and quota 2
- Study in Denmark, tuition fees and scholarships
- Study in Denmark, residence permits for non-EU/EEA citizens (via nyidanmark.dk)
- Study in Denmark, guarantee for a quality experience
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Academy Profession degree take in Denmark?
AP programmes are usually 120 ECTS and take about two years. They are short-cycle degrees that mix theory with practical work placements.
Can I get a bachelor's degree after an AP degree?
In some cases, yes. AP graduates can take a top-up programme corresponding to 90 ECTS at a business academy to obtain a professional bachelor's in the same field. Not all AP programmes have a top-up route.
What are the application deadlines for AP programmes in Denmark?
The deadlines are 15 March and 5 July, both at 12 noon CET. You apply through optagelse.dk, but the institutions assess your application.
Do I need a residence permit to study an AP degree in Denmark?
If you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you normally need a residence permit for study before you come. You apply through SIRI, and details are on nyidanmark.dk.