Driving Global Education: Denmark's New IB Programs
Denmark Intends to Establish additional IB Schools to Attract Skilled Foreign Workers
Here's what you need to know:
Denmark is set to introduce three new International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, paving the way for a broader education landscape for upper secondary students. As the demand for international schooling escalates and the foreign labor force expands, the Ministry of Children and Education is kicking off a tender process.
The Great Game Begins
By the end of the year, the location of these new IB schools will be revealed following the completion of the tender process, which allows existing upper secondary schools to pitch their ideas to the ministry. Of particular interest is each tender's ability to "support Denmark's labor demand," ensuring local regions attract and retain international talent[1].
International Schools on the Rise
With 21 public and private IB schools already under Denmark's belt, including institutions like Copenhagen International School, these programs have emerged as vital players in attracting international students and families, particularly those of foreign workers[2].
foreign labor force
As of 2023, over 2,100 young Danes are enrolled in IB institutions, benefiting from a diverse education landscape where lessons are taught in English, Danish, and other languages. According to a recent study by Epinion, this number could soar by up to 70% by 2033[3].
The Future is Bright
The government aims to capitalize on IB's growing popularity, hoping to incentivize skilled foreign workers to stay put while their children receive a quality education in Denmark.
"Labour is our most valuable currency, so attracting international talent and their families to Denmark is crucial," says Signe Tychsen Philip, deputy director with the Confederation of Danish Industry[4].
Watch this space, as the deadline for tender submissions falls on October 1st, 2022[1]. Keep an eye out for the winners, who will not only need to satisfy Danish standards but also gain approval from the international IB Organization[1]. Let's welcome the future of global education in Denmark!
Fun Fact:
Did you know? The first International Baccalaureate (IB) school opened in 1968, and today, there are more than 5,200 IB World Schools across the globe[6].
[1] Ministry of Children and Education, Denmark (2022). Ritzau.[2] Ministry of Higher Education and Science, Denmark (2021). Internationalization of the education system.[3] Epinion (2022). The Demand for English-language Upper Secondary Education in Denmark (2023-2033).[4] Confederation of Danish Industry (2022). Ritzau.[5] Ritzau (2022). Why are International Schools important for Danish society?[6] International Baccalaureate (2022). What is the International Baccalaureate? Retrieved from https://www.ibo.org/about-the-ib/overview/
- The Ministry of Children and Education in Denmark has established a tender process to choose locations for the establishment of three new International Baccalaureate (IB) schools.
- These new IB schools are expected to support Denmark's labor demand, attracting and retaining international talent in local regions.
- With the establishment of these new programs, Denmark aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of IB education, particularly in the realm of online education and lifelong learning.
- These new IB schools will join the existing 21 public and private schools in Denmark, including Copenhagen International School, which have emerged as vital players in attracting international students and families.
- According to a recent study by Epinion, the number of Danish students enrolled in IB institutions could increase by up to 70% by 2033, underscoring the potential impact of these new programs on the education landscape in Denmark.
- Inspired by the success and growth of IB education, Denmark is poised to become a significant player in the global education market, providing high-quality education-and-self-development opportunities for students worldwide.
