Education in Copenhagen

There are no tuition fees in Danish schools or universities, unless a private school is chosen.

Free and equal access to education are overriding principles and consequently all major activities within the Danish education system are financed through general taxes. There are no tuition fees in Danish schools or universities, unless a private school is chosen.

Education for expats

Expats may choose to enrol their children in an ordinary Danish school or in one of the 11 international schools that are available in the Copenhagen region. Several of them also offer preschool class.

International schools in Copenhagen

Generally, certificates, diplomas and degrees from the Danish school system will qualify students for admission to institutions of higher education and universities in other countries. Similar, certificates, diplomas or degrees of higher education from other countries qualifying the holder for admission to an institution of higher education in those countries may be accepted in Denmark.

More information on www.workindenmark.dk.

The Danish educational system

The education system is organised in four levels, which are described in further detail below:

1. Preschool starts at the age of 6 after kindergarten
2. Basic school (primary and lower secondary school) from the age of 7 to 15/16
3. Youth education (upper secondary education) from the age of 16/17 to 18/19
4. Higher education (colleges and universities) from the age 19/20

1. Basic school

Basic education is compulsory in Denmark. Compulsory education starts in the year of a child’s 7th birthday and lasts for 9 years. Compulsory education is equivalent to the level of education in basic school.

Education is free. There are no tuition fees for the municipal school. If a private school is chosen, 15% of the tuition fees are paid by the parents and 85% by the state.

In addition to compulsory education in 9 years, there is a one-year preschool class and an optional 10th year. Most children attend preschool class and in effect school is started at the age of 6 for the large majority of children.

2. Youth education

Upon completing basic school, most young people in Denmark go on to attend youth education or upper secondary education. The general upper secondary education is more academic oriented and results in a High School Degree, which qualifies the student for admission to universities and other higher education institutions. After basic school between 55 and 60% choose one of the academically oriented upper secondary programmes.

1. Vocational secondary education qualifies directly to the labour market. Programmes are offered in the technical and commercial areas as well as in social and health areas
2. The special individual education and training offers such as production schools and “open youth education”

3. Higher education

Higher education in Denmark is largely financed by the state, which finances the programmes irrespective of whether they take place at state or self-governing institutions. The tuition is free of charge for the students, but they have to buy books and teaching material themselves.

The state also offers student grants – the State Education Fund (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte) – to all students who are enrolled on approved education programmes. Each student at the age of 20 and above receives DKK 4,618 (2005) (pre-tax) on a monthly basis. It is also possible to get a favourable loan while studying. Special rules apply if the student lives together with the parents and/or is under the age of 20 and/or has children.

As a main rule, a completed youth education programme is required in order to gain access to a higher education programme.

Last updated on: 30-07-2007	<< Back   Top