The Introduction of entry requirements for VET programmes in 2015 enabled applicants without the necessary admission requirements to take an entrance examination at a vocational college.

The education ministry presented its data inventory for 2016, providing an interesting insight into this new aspect of the VET system. In 2016, applicants were more successful in mathematics tests and less successful in Danish language in comparison to 2015.

Danish VET reform from 2015 made it possible for applicants for VET programmes, who did not meet the entry requirement of an average 02 marks in the Danish language and in mathematics in primary school to take an entrance examination at vocational colleges. Results from entrance examinations held at vocational colleges in the summer of 2016 show that that 65% of applicants passed the test in mathematics (1 500 out of 2 300) and 69% in Danish (900 out of 1 300).

The percentage of applicants who passed the entrance examination in Danish in 2016 dropped four percentage points compared to 2015, while it increased by seven percentage points for the entrance examination in mathematics. The number of applicants was about the same for the two years.

In parallel, PISA 2015 has shown that Danish pupils in the primary school system have improved their scores significantly. In mathematics the score increased from 500 points (in 2012) to 511; in reading from 496 points to 500. Denmark is now scoring higher than the OECD-average, so it is reasonable to assume that the number of pupils without the necessary entry requirements for VET will tend to fall in the years to come.

Pupils, who do not pass the test, have the option of conditional admission. VET-institutions can admit VET students under the condition that they achieve the required grades in so-called summer schools. In 2016, 148 applicants entered a summer school, 96 of which were admitted to the desired VET programme.