20.03.2025 - Sofia Hedegaard Rasmussen
Aarhus University’s IT programmes have seen a huge increase in Quota 2 applications in 2025. In particular, the new international (English-taught) bachelor’s programmes – Computer Science, Data Science, and IT Product Development – have exceeded all expectations, attracting an impressive number of applicants.
For the first time, Aarhus University is offering international bachelor’s programmes in IT, and the massive number of applications reflects great interest from across the world. The three new programmes have collectively received 1,679 applications, including 515 first-priority applications. Computer Science and IT Product Development are offered by the Department of Computer Science, while Data Science is offered by the Department of Mathematics.
"We are overwhelmed and proud of the high number of applications in the launch year of our new international programmes. This enormous interest underlines the global appeal of our programmes and the department’s strong academic reputation internationally. We look forward to welcoming the new students and are confident that they will become a valuable part of both our study environment and the Danish job market – both during and after their studies," says Kaj Grønbæk, Head of Department at Computer Science.
Looking at the IT programmes offered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics as a whole, the total number of applicants has increased significantly. In total, 1,928 applicants have applied for the IT programmes at the Faculty of Natural Sciences in 2025, including 609 first-priority applications. There has also been a substantial increase in first-priority applicants for the two existing Danish programmes in IT-Produktudvikling (+82%) and Datavidenskab (+70%), while there has been a slight decline in applications for the bachelor’s programme in Datalogi. However, this is offset by Danish applicants for the international version, Computer Science.
A particularly positive development in this year’s applications is an increase in the proportion of female applicants. Traditionally, IT programmes have been especially popular among men, but in recent years, the share of female applicants has risen, and 2025 is no exception. The new international programmes IT Product Development and Data Science stand out positively, with 39% and 45% female applicants, respectively.
The application numbers also show that the international programmes are particularly attracting students from Europe, who make up 70% of first-priority applications, while 24% come from non-EU countries (so-called self-paying students). These figures highlight the strong international interest and confirm Aarhus University’s status as an attractive destination for IT studies.
The significant interest in Aarhus University’s IT programmes is not just a success story but also a clear indication of the need for more study places. Denmark is facing a growing shortage of IT specialists, and recruiting international students already at the bachelor’s level could be part of the solution.
"For many years, we have successfully attracted international students to our master’s programme in Computer Science, but we see even greater potential in integrating international students earlier in the educational process. This is a unique opportunity to strengthen Denmark’s position as an international digital hub while also meeting the increasing demand for qualified IT specialists," says Kaj Grønbæk.
With these overwhelming application numbers, the Department of Computer Science hopes that more study places will be made available for the international IT programmes in the future. This would allow the university to meet the growing interest while also helping to address Denmark’s increasing need for IT expertise.
The total number of applicants to Aarhus University will only be known once the deadline for Quota 1 applications closes on 5 July at 12:00. All applicants will receive responses to their applications on 26 July.
See all Quota 2 application numbers for Aarhus University’s programmes here:
https://www.au.dk/om/presse/tal-om-ansoegning-og-optag/artikel/kvote-2-stor-stigning-i-ansoegertallet-til-aarhus-universitet
