Cphbusiness and KEA to Merge

Copenhagen is set to welcome a new Bachelor University of Applied Science.  

The Danish Minister of Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, has approved the merger of Cphbusiness (Copenhagen Bachelor University of Applied Science) and KEA (Copenhagen School of Design and Technology), effective July 1, 2025. 

The new Bachelor University of Applied Science will serve approximately 10,000 full-time students and 15,000 part-time students annually, making it Denmark's largest bachelor university of applied science. 

The goal of the merger is to create a new hub for vocational higher education in the Capital Region, setting new standards in the education sector and fostering innovative collaborations across industries and international borders. 

This initiative aims to ensure high-quality education that is aligned with industry trends and future needs. 

The vision is to establish an inspiring learning environment that supports student success and well-being, while also building a dynamic workplace that attracts top talent and valuable partnerships. 

A Strong Partner for Businesses 

Board chairs Charlotte Lundblad and Henrik Salée see the merger as an opportunity to provide the knowledge and skills that not only support personal growth but also boost regional business competitiveness. 

“The new academy will deliver expertise that ensures businesses - large and small - stay ahead of future innovations, technology, and sustainability demands. By combining our institutions, we’re confident that we’ll better prepare our students and meet the evolving needs of employers,” they say. 

They add: “We want to lead the way in innovation across fields such as construction, design, technology, IT, communications, business, marketing, leadership, and sustainability. This merger provides a strong platform to enhance both our full-time and part-time programs, further strengthening our position in Denmark's higher education landscape.” 

New Leadership 

Steen Enemark Kildesgaard, current rector of KEA, will lead the new academy as rector. Ole Gram-Olesen, current rector of Cphbusiness, will take on the role of vice-rector. 

Both leaders are enthusiastic about the merger's potential to benefit both students and businesses, citing opportunities for both broader educational development as well as specialized expertise. 

“A unified Bachelor University of Applied Science makes sense in so many ways that benefit students, staff, and industry alike. The merger allows us to handle tasks on a larger scale, offering more resources for developing programs and fostering a healthy workplace. We’ll also strengthen pathways from secondary education to our programs and further education options for graduates,” Kildesgaard and Gram-Olesen said. 

They stressed that close collaboration with the business community is deeply embedded in the DNA of both Cphbusiness and KEA: 

“In a time of rapid change and increasing demand for skills in areas like AI, digitalization, and the transition to a greener future, it is crucial that we remain a strong partner for businesses in the region. By merging our commercial and technical expertise, we strengthen our research capacity and ensure we can deliver the innovation and competence development that businesses need.”

For more information, contact: 

• Steen Enemark Kildesgaard, Rector of KEA: +45 4042 8884 

• Ole Gram-Olesen, Rector of Cphbusiness: +45 3615 4628 

• Charlotte Lundblad, Chair of Cphbusiness: +45 2923 4711 

• Henrik Salée, Chair of KEA: +45 4068 0238