“The world's leading university for Problem-Based Learning.”
Aalborg University (AAU) was founded in 1974 with Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as its founding pedagogy — not something added later, but the DNA of the institution from day one. Currently with ~18,600 students across all faculties (engineering, IT, social sciences, health, humanities), approximately 50% of each semester is dedicated to group project work on authentic, real-world problems. AAU defines six fundamental PBL principles: problem orientation, project organization, theory-practice balance, student-directed activities, collaboration, and process orientation. The 'Aalborg Model' has been replicated in 100+ institutions worldwide, and UNESCO has placed its only Chair in PBL at AAU. Students work in groups of 4-5, with faculty acting as facilitators and supervisors rather than lecturers. Assessment is based on group projects, presentations, and oral examinations where students defend their work — not memorization but reasoning and application. 65-80% of master's graduates find employment within 6 months.
“Real problems don't wait until you've finished the textbook.”
1974
founded with PBL as institutional DNA — 50+ years of practice
~18,600
students across all faculties using PBL
100+
institutions worldwide have replicated the Aalborg Model
65-80%
of master's graduates employed within 6 months
Founded 1974 with PBL as founding DNA — 50+ years of practice
~18,600 students across all faculties using PBL
UNESCO's only Chair in PBL placed at AAU
65-80% of master's graduates employed within 6 months
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