Record numbers apply to CBS – but fewer will get in
Application deadline: 7463 applied for a bachelor programme at CBS as their first priority, making interest in studying at the Nordic region’s largest business school historically high. However, sectoral dimensioning is reducing enrolment, which means that most applicants will have to be turned down despite the high demand for graduates
Two out of three applicants are likely to receive a rejection. That is the picture following the quota 1 (where you are assessed based on your grade point average) application deadline for bachelor programmes on 5 July. 10.242 applicants have applied to CBS, and 7.463 have selected CBS as their first priority.
CBS has thus exceeded its capacity for the number of young people wishing to study business and social sciences. The most recent record was set in 2024 with a total of 9,176 applicants.
“I am proud that CBS continues to attract so many capable and highly motivated young people, but at the same time, it is frustrating that we have to reduce enrolment when so many people want to study at CBS and we know they can bring value to the Danish business community,” says Anna Thomasson, Dean of Education at CBS.
The reduction is the result of the sectoral dimensioning introduced as part of the university reform in 2023. It requires universities to reject qualified applicants to exactly those programmes where demand is greatest.
Analysis highlights growing need for business graduates
Since 2024, CBS has had to discontinue a total of 315 study places, corresponding to an 11% reduction. This means that fewer than 3,000 applicants will be offered a study place this year.
An analysis carried out by consultancy MBC for the Danish Association of Lawyers and Economists (Djøf) this spring shows that Denmark is expected to face a shortage of 24,000 business professionals by 2040. More specifically, the analysis points to a shortage of 20,000 business economists, 3,000 lawyers and 1,300 economists.
“The world is changing rapidly, and companies need people who can identify business opportunities and navigate a reality shaped by new geopolitics, new technologies and the green transition. That is exactly what we prepare our students to do” Peter Møllgaard
President
For this reason, CBS, the Danish Chamber of Commerce and Djøf have joined forces in the ‘Brug for business’ alliance to highlight the growing demand for graduates with business knowledge.
Businesses are facing new challenges
“The world is changing rapidly, and companies need people who can identify business opportunities and navigate a reality shaped by new geopolitics, new technologies and the green transition. That is exactly what we prepare our students to do, which is why it is especially frustrating to disappoint so many skilled young people by turning them away when companies are eager to hire them after graduation,” says Peter Møllgaard, President of CBS.
On 28 July, applicants will be notified whether they have been offered a study place.
“We look forward to welcoming our new students. We only wish we could admit a few more,” Peter Møllgaard emphasizes.
What is the sectoral dimensioning?
- The sectoral dimensioning is a political agreement that requires universities to reduce the number of study places they offer.
- Since 2024, CBS has been required to reduce the number of bachelor study places by 315.
- As a result, CBS must turn away more qualified applicants, despite strong interest in its programmes and significant demand for CBS graduates among employers.
- Through the “Need for Business” alliance, CBS, the Danish Chamber of Commerce (Dansk Erhverv) and Djøf argue that Denmark will need more – not fewer – people with business competencies in the years ahead.