Denmark

Organisational autonomy: high

The selection criteria for executive heads are stated in law, which also regulates characteristics of university boards/councils (minimum and maximum size, inclusion of external members and their basic competences). The selection procedure, term of office and dismissal process for the executive head are the responsibility of universities. They also appoint their board members independently.

Financial autonomy: medium high

Universities receive an annual block grant of which they control the internal allocation. There are no restrictions on universities owning, buying and selling buildings. Universities may not charge tuition fees to Danish and EU nationals at any level. Universities may charge tuition fees to non-EU nationals at Bachelor and Master levels.

Academic autonomy: medium high

There are restrictions on student numbers for some programmes set by an external authority. At Bachelor and Master levels admissions are co-regulated by universities and an external authority. All new programmes must meet a ‘pre-qualification’ requirement to ensure they are relevant to employers. Universities in Denmark cannot choose either external quality assurance mechanisms or providers.

Staffing autonomy: high

The number of posts is regulated by an external authority for some administrative staff. Salaries for academic staff are negotiated with other parties. For administrative staff salary bands are prescribed by an external authority. For both academic and administrative staff promotions public sector regulations apply so posts cannot be filled until after a vacancy has been advertised and an application process has taken place.