Changes to VIA Design and Business top-up degree

The Danish educational system is currently under political reform. This means that all top-up degrees will be phased out from 2028, including VIA Design and Business. Here is what we know and do not know yet

This page will be updated continously as we learn more - Last update 10 December 2025

 

In Denmark, higher education is publicly funded through taxes and regulated by the government.

Currently, professional bachelor and academy profession degree programmes are under political reform with the purpose of enhancing the quality and academic level of educational programmes.

The reform is expected to be finalised in late spring 2026, but here is what we know so far:

  • Top-up degrees will be phased out - The 1.5-year top-up programmes in Denmark, including VIA’s Design and Business top-up, will be discontinued. The last intake will be August 2027, and no new students will be admitted from summer 2028.
  • Current students will be able to take top-up degree - If you have started your Design, Technology and Business AP degree or similar in the autumn of 2025 and graduate without delay, you will be eligible to apply for a top-up programme.
  • The 2-year AP degree in Design, Technology and Business will continue - The programme will be open for enrolment as normal in 2026.
  • Future opportunities - Depending on the government's decision in late spring of 2026, VIA plans to introduce other options for obtaining a full bachelors degree in fashion and lifestyle.

Timeline for reform changes

  • Spring 2026 - Government decision expected on future structure (AP + bachelor completion programme OR full bachelor).
  • Summer 2026 and 2027 - The 2-year AP degree in Design, Technology and Business continues as normal.
  • Summer 2027 - Last intake for current 1.5-year top-up programmes.
  • Summer 2028 - No new admissions to top-up programmes. 
  • 2028-2030 - New option for bachelors degrees are expected to be introduced.

 

Note!

The Danish Parliament has not yet  formally passed the required legislation. It is therefore possible that minor changes or delays may occur.

 

FAQ for international applicants

  • If you started your studies at Design, Technology and Business in 2025 or earlier, you will still be able to apply for admission to the Design and Business top-up degree, providing that you complete your studies in the stipulated time. The last chance to apply for admission to Design and Business in the 2027 intake. 

  • If you are considering applying to Design, Technology and Business in 2026, you need to be aware that you will be able to add the new 1-year postgraduate degree to get a professional bachelor’s degree, instead of the current top-up degree. To apply to the new postgraduate degree, it is required that it has been at least two years since you graduated from your AP degree. In these two years, you are able to get some industry experience with the aim of strengthening the connection to the industry and give graduates hands-on experience. 

  • If you start your studies at Design, Technology and Business in the autumn of 2026 or autumn of 2027, you will not be able to take the Design and Business top-up degree as it is today. VIA may get the opportunity to offer alternative options to obtain a bachelors degree aimed at the fashion- and lifestyle industries from the autumn of 2028. However, the final decision on this will not be made until the late spring of 2026. 

  • The options for credit transfer depends on the institution and the specific programme you are applying to. You should contact the institution directly to learn about their credit transfer policies. VIA can provide documentation of your completed courses and ECTS credits to support your application. 

  • Yes, we do. VIA’s Career Centre offers student-centred career guidance in the form of CV workshops, company dating events and one-on-one career counselling. Our Career Centre collaborates with local businesses and organisations in and around Herning and have extensive experience with guiding international students towards a career in Denmark.

    Learn more at VIA's Career Centre here!

  • Yes, a professional bachelor's degree from VIA provides access to continuing your studies with a master's degree on the same terms other bachelor's degrees.

  • The rules vary depending on your country of origin:

    Nordic countries

    Students from the Nordic countries are free to reside, study and work in Denmark. No visa, residence- or work permits are required.

    EU/EEA/Switzerland

    Are allowed to stay in Denmark up to 6 months under the rules regarding the free movement of people and services. It is possible to extend your residence document under certain circumstances. Learn more here.

    Non-EU students

    Students originating from non-EU countries and who have completed an AP degree at VIA Design can apply for a 6-month residence permit at SIRI (Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration/Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) to look for a job. Go to SIRI's website for more information on the terms and how to apply.

  • Yes, it is possible to find work in the fashion- and lifestyle industries with an AP degree – typically assistant positions in fashion or branding/marketing/PR depending on your speciality. You can increase your chances of finding a job after graduation by taking your internship in Denmark to get experience and build you network and by learning some basic Danish. In collaboration with Sprogcenter Midt, VIA offers free Danish lessons for international students.

    Learn more about the free language course here.

Learn more