Languages as an Additional Competence 2.0

Under the 2026 State Finance Act (FL26), funding was allocated for the implementation of language initiatives in higher education for the period 2026–2029. This was partly to provide practical language training on German, French, Spanish and Italian degree programmes, and partly to strengthen languages as an additional competence, which encompasses language initiatives targeted at students outside the actual language degree programmes. Finally, funding was allocated to strengthen subject-specific teaching methodology at universities.

The Information Letter on the Finance Act to universities (11 December 2025) states that a total of DKK 24.1 million has been allocated to ‘enhanced opportunities for languages as an additional skill’. The funds have been distributed amongst the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Aarhus University (AU), the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Roskilde University (RUC), Aalborg University (AAU) and Copenhagen Business School (CBS) based on the institutions’ student-years in 2024.

What is this about?

The initiative on languages as an additional skill aims to strengthen the language skills of students across the whole of the University of Copenhagen who are not already enrolled on a language degree programme.

CIP has previous experience both in offering language courses for students going on study abroad placements and in delivering subject-integrated language teaching, where students enhance their language skills in connection with a specific subject on their degree programme (see the box on the right for more details).

Project planning

The University of Copenhagen will receive DKK 1.6 million annually during the period 2026–2029, i.e. a total of DKK 6.4 million. The funds have been allocated to the Faculty of Humanities and will be administered by CIP in consultation with the Vice-Dean for Education, Eva Silberschmidt Viala.

CIP is currently planning new initiatives within the project period and will contact the relevant study boards and stakeholders during the autumn of 2026 to develop and launch initiatives across the whole of KU.

In August 2026, language courses in German and French for outgoing students have been offered for students across UCPH. The plan is to expand the programme to include more languages from 2027.