NORDTEK current national developments in higher education and science

The higher education and science sectors across the NORDTEK network are undergoing significant transformations. In Denmark, a major reform is reshaping university education, introducing shorter master’s programs, expanding industrial degrees, and reinforcing lifelong learning. Meanwhile, Latvia is focused on enhancing institutional funding, strengthening accreditation processes, consolidating higher education standards, and evaluating research institutions to drive innovation and quality. These national developments highlight the ongoing efforts to modernize education, improve flexibility, and ensure long-term academic excellence.

Denmark

Denmark’s university education system is undergoing major reforms that will reshape the academic landscape. The key goals of the reform are:

10% of university students will enroll in new, shorter master’s programs (75 ECTS).
20% of university students will pursue an industrial master’s degree.
The proportion of young people attending university will remain stable at current levels.

Additionally, the reform promotes lifelong learning by guaranteeing students who complete a short master’s program the right to return later to complete up to 45 ECTS of additional courses.

The Danish Parliament approved the reform in June 2023, and implementation is currently underway. Given its scale, universities are making this reform a top priority. However, several aspects remain unresolved, and full implementation is expected by 2030.

For more details on the master’s reform, visit the Danish Ministry’s website: https://ufm.dk (available in Danish).

Latvia

Latvia’s higher education and research sector is currently focused on four key developments:

Institutional Funding
Since 2015, Latvia has implemented an institutional funding model for universities, offering more flexibility in admissions and a less rigid approach to student attrition. Funding is distributed across three pillars, with the first pillar (state-funded study places) facing challenges such as administrative complexity and limited employer involvement. Despite this, the goal is to give universities more freedom to achieve strategic goals.

Riga Technical University, the University of Latvia, and Riga Stradiņš University have signed funding agreements until 2026, with expectations to:
- Secure additional funding
- Improve graduate employability
- Strengthen strategic specialization
- Reduce student dropout rates
Cyclical Accreditation & Quality Assurance
In 2015, Latvia reformed its higher education quality assurance system, assigning accreditation responsibilities to the Higher Education Quality Agency (AIKA). AIKA is part of the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR) and oversees five key evaluation processes, including study program licensing, accreditation, and quality assessments.

Current efforts aim to streamline study programs to reduce administrative burdens, enhance university autonomy, and improve transparency. By 2027, Latvia plans to:
- Conduct at least three pilot accreditations
- Train 100 quality assessment experts
- Strengthen university governance and quality assurance systems
National Higher Education Standard
In 2025, Latvia consolidated all higher education standards into a single document, replacing multiple previous regulations. This reform provides more flexibility in program structures, supports joint study programs, and allows greater use of EU languages in teaching—simplifying the system for both universities and students.
Evaluation of Scientific Institutions
In 2025, Latvia will conduct an international evaluation of scientific institutions, assessing research quality, impact, and economic contributions. The results, expected in early 2026, will determine institutions’ eligibility for basic science funding. Those receiving top ratings (4 or 5) will qualify for additional financial support.

This evaluation aims to prevent unnecessary competition while ensuring fair conditions across the sector.