Quota 2 admission process will change from 2025

Last year, the University of Southern Denmark decided to introduce an entry requirement of an average grade of 7 for quota 1 applicants to SDU’s programmes, effective from 2025. A number of initiatives are now underway for quota 2 applicants based on an ambition to ensure the necessary level of academic skill in the programmes.The initiatives were approved at the Executive Board meeting on 18 April. The initiatives are based on the overall principles of making the application process transparent, fair, easy and flexible for the applicant.

According to Pro-Rector for Education Helle Waagepetersen, the revised admissions model for quota 2 applicants will feed into SDU’s overall strategy of ensuring a high academic level on the programmes.
- We need to design the quota 2 admission process so that we attract and admit the right students – those with a good academic background and motivation to complete a university education.

- At the same time, we’re trying to design and organise the options for applying to SDU’s programmes more on the user’s terms. These initiatives will help with that, she explain.​

A more flexible admission process in the pipeline

Among the specific measures that have been approved and will be in force from 2025 are:

• The validity period of Unitest is extended. This means that the score achieved can be saved for later – more specifically, for two admission periods. The possibility of taking the Unitest outside of the normal application period is also being investigated. This will give more people the opportunity to access the test and embark on their journey toward the study programme of their dreams even before they apply.
• Score-based admission guarantees for a number of programmes are also on the way. This means that if the applicant achieves a pre-defined number of points in the Unitest, the applicant is guaranteed admission. The concept is currently being tested on SDU’s international study programmes with a score-based admission guarantee of 55 points. This enables applicants to plan their study start well in advance, as they can be sure that they will be admitted to selected programmes. The initiative will also strengthen SDU’s competitive position in relation to other universities around the world in terms of attracting the most talented applicants.
• Grade-point-average guarantees on selected programmes – the grade point average from a secondary education qualifies applicants directly for admission. Selected programmes at SDU are already using grade-point-average guarantees, but the concept will be extended to other programmes in the future. As with the score-based admission guarantee, this will allow applicants to plan the start of their studies well in advance.
• Increased requirements for passing the Unitest are introduced. In line with the entry requirement of an average grade of 7 from 2025, more points than before are required for passing the Unitest, which will have a slightly higher threshold to pass. This also applies to the diploma programmes.

Foundations for a better study start

The revised admissions model will apply from 2025, and Helle Waagepetersen is pleased that it will improve SDU’s possibilities for creating a good environment for SDU’s prospective students, who will be moving to a new city, finding student jobs and participating in student activities.

- This will allow us to reinforce the connection with our students, and we’re laying the foundations for an even better study start in this way, and at the same time we’re making the study programmes more attractive for the international students who want to study at SDU. So I’m thrilled that this has been approved by the Executive Board, she says.