New Part-time Master's Programme to Attract and Retain More International IT Talents

"In recent years, we have seen a high number of international applicants to our master's program in computer science. For some of these international students, financing their stay can be challenging, and many of them wish to remain in Denmark after completing their studies. The industrial master's program is therefore a great opportunity for them to connect with a Danish company, earn money while studying, and at the same time acquire valuable skills," says Head of Department Kaj Grønbæk.

An Education That Closely Combines Studies and Work  

Admission to the part-time master's programme requires students to work at least 25 hours a week in a Danish company alongside their studies. This ensures that international students establish strong ties with the business sector from the very beginning of their education. 

Students in the part-time master's programme have up to four years to complete their degree but will achieve the same qualifications as full-time students. The programme, which strengthens the connection between education and industry, is also open to Danish students. The programme is also attractive to employees with a bachelor's degree who want to upgrade their qualifications while companies have the opportunity to retain talented employees for up to four years. 

In December 2024, the Ministry Higher Education and Science introduced a flexible model for the part-time master's programme, where students can start with one year as full-time students and then combine work and study over the next two years – completing the programme in three years. Additionally, a new legislative proposal is expected to improve the possibilities for attracting students from non-EU countries who have a bachelor's degree in computer science. 

Collaboration Between Aarhus University and Local Businesses is Crucial 

For the project to succeed, it is essential that Aarhus University and local businesses collaborate on new ways to recruit employees with a bachelor's degree in computer science, initially from the EU. 

The Department of Computer Science and the industry networks Destination AARhus and Erhverv Aarhus have therefore strengthened their partnership to attract and match master's students with relevant companies. 

"At Erhverv Aarhus, we are excited to work with the Department of Computer Science and Destination AARhus to ensure that more international students are linked to companies, thereby increasing their chances of staying in our city after graduation. This benefits both the students and the entire Aarhus business community – and aligns perfectly with the ambitious goals set out in Aarhus Municipality's new strategy for international workforce," says Poul Dalsgaard, Director at Erhverv Aarhus. 

Part of the Government’s Digitalisation Strategy 

The project is one of five initiatives approved under a special fund from the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science. The fund is part of the government’s digitalisation strategy for 2024-2027, which aims to educate and retain more IT specialists in Denmark. 

The Work And Study Programme in Computer Science will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, and will contribute to ensuring that Danish companies and public institutions have access to the specialised IT competencies crucial for Denmark's digital future. 

Read more about the five projects supported by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science here [in Danish]: https://ufm.dk/uddannelse/institutioner-og-drift/okonomi/puljer-og-fonde/pulje-til-initiativer-indenfor-digitaliseringsstrategien/fem-projekter-skal-efteruddanne-og-fastholde-flere-it-specialister-i-den-danske-arbejdsstyrke