Professionshøjskoler

Professionshøjskoler are professional higher education institutions in Denmark that provide practice-oriented bachelor programs and continuing education designed to prepare graduates for specific professions. They offer professional bachelor degrees (professionsbachelor) after about three years of study, typically totaling 180 ECTS. Admission commonly requires a relevant upper-secondary qualification or vocational training, with program-specific requirements.

Education at professionshøjskoler emphasizes hands-on learning, practice-based projects, and internships or placements in workplaces. In addition to degree programs, the institutions undertake applied research and development in collaboration with employers and public sector partners. They also offer continuing education and professional development aimed at workers seeking upskilling or specialization.

The institutions position themselves as part of the Danish higher education system alongside universities, focusing on direct labor-market relevance. They are public, state-supported, and regulated by the Ministry of Education, with oversight by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science. Professionshøjskoler operate across Denmark, often with multiple campuses in different regions, and maintain extensive partnerships with municipalities, health and welfare providers, schools, and industry.

Historically, the group grew out of reforms aimed at strengthening professional education and improving the transition from secondary schooling to the labor market. Over time, professionshøjskoler expanded their offerings and established pathways for progression to master’s studies, including joint programs with universities in some fields.

Internationally, professionshøjskoler participate in exchanges and programs such as Erasmus+, contributing to mobility and the internationalization of professional education. They remain a key source of trained professionals for health, education, social work, technology, and related sectors in Denmark.