University of Copenhagen graduates may soon be able to take an entire degree without setting foot inside Denmark. <\/p>\n
A proposed change to the Danish University Act means that universities will be able to offer degrees from campuses abroad.<\/p>\n
This is according to the Danish newspaper Information.<\/p>\n
The change to the law would make it possible to set up a satellite campus as a private corporation.<\/p>\n
It will also get rid of the existing rule requiring students at Danish universities to take one third of their courses in Denmark. <\/p>\n
By setting up private corporations abroad, universities could strengthen their brand, and earn money.<\/p>\n
The law proposal also suggests that only a limited amount Danish taxpayers\u2019 money should be spent on such projects. <\/p>\n
A ceiling of DKK 5 million would apply. This is around three per cent of the total yearly public funding given to Danish universities by the University and Property Agency (Universitets- og Bygningstyrelsen).<\/p>\n
Jens Oddershede, chairman for the umbrella organisation Universities Denmark calls the proposal \u00bbinteresting\u00ab.<\/p>\n
\u00bbIt may allow us to make our mark abroad, and because of the private corporation structure, Danish taxpayers will not contribute significantly to this,\u00ab he says.<\/p>\n
But the National Union of Students in Denmark (Danske Studerendes F\u00e6llesr\u00e5d) greets the proposal with less enthusiasm. Universities should not focus on earning money, says chairman Mikkel Zeuthen. <\/p>\n
\u00bbWe are also worried that money will be taken out of universities and be transferred to private corporations instead. Even though there is a ceiling for how much, it is a matter of principle,\u00ab he adds. <\/p>\n
The University of Copenhagen Communication office says to the University Post that the university currently has no plans to establish private campuses overseas. <\/p>\n
luci@adm.ku.dk<\/p>\n