Why SDU is raising its grade requirement to 7.0 for bachelor’s programmes

Young people applying for a bachelor programme at SDU this year must – with some exceptions – have a grade point average of at least 7.0 in order to enter via quota 1.

Decided by a unanimous Executive Board in the summer of 2023, the new grade requirement will come into effect as a key part of the University’s long-term strategy to offer attractive, high-quality programmes throughout the Region of Southern Denmark.

We asked Rector Jens Ringsmose why the grade requirement of 7 has been introduced at SDU and how it will affect the programmes and the University.

Will ensure the right match

Why is it important to raise the grade requirement at SDU?

- It is crucial that we at SDU recruit talented students who become competent and sought-after graduates, contributing to the continued development and growth of businesses and organisations. Especially in the region of Southern Denmark.

- That is why we want to ensure the right match. The students we admit must have the skills and competencies to be able to complete a university degree.

How does a higher grade requirement contribute to the right match?

- Our analyses unequivocally point to the fact that applicants with a good grade point average are more likely to complete a university degree. In fact, there is also much evidence to suggest that they get into jobs more quickly after graduation.

- On the other hand, we can also see that those who currently drop out of our programmes are largely those with the lowest grade point averages from their qualifying examination.

What does a grade requirement of 7 mean for SDU’s economy?

- We have conducted analyses of this specific issue, but it is very difficult to forecast the economic consequences, We find it challenging to predict how the grade requirement of 7 will affect application patterns.

- That said, it is also important to stress that SDU does not admit students to ensure the University’s finances. We admit students because we believe that they can complete a university education – up to the highest international level, as stated in the Danish University Act – and that they are in demand as graduates.

How will this impact SDU’s programmes?

- SDU’s clear ambition is therefore also to maintain and further develop educational environments in which talent and academic standards are strengthened and dropout rates are minimized.

- We ensure this by admitting students who can meet the expectations we have – and must have – for our students. We must admit students whom we are confident we can provide with a good education.

Well-being is crucial

Is there a risk of a continued decrease in student admissions for humanities programmes?

- At SDU, we have a very strong Faculty of Humanities that provides research and education at the highest international level. It is regrettable that it has been difficult to attract students to humanities programmes in recent years.

- Humanities graduates are in high demand, and I am confident that the need for humanities will continue to grow in the years ahead.

- In addition, we have reformed our financial model to ensure that all faculties have a long-term secure and robust economy. To sum up: SDU has, as far as the eye can see, five strong faculties that together and individually create value for society.

What about student well-being in education?

- Well-being is crucial for students to fulfil their potential. Unfortunately, many students who drop out of their education report that they are not thriving.

- They frequently feel challenged and overwhelmed by the high academic level that ultimately characterises a university. Our goal is for the grade requirement of 7 to help counter this trend.