Denmark – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Denmark?

Denmark’s education system holds a strong standing internationally, particularly for its focus on fairness, student welfare, and the promotion of lifelong learning. According to the United Nations Development Programme’s Education Index, Denmark achieves a score of 0.962, placing it among the highest-performing nations globally — in the same tier as Norway and Germany — and reflecting broad, well-functioning access to education across all stages of schooling.

In the OECD’s PISA assessments, Danish students have outperformed the OECD average in mathematics, reading, and science, with a notable proportion demonstrating at least a baseline level of competency across all three domains. The most recent complete PISA results date from 2022; PISA 2025 findings will be published in 2026, so those seeking the latest country-level data should consult the OECD’s PISA website directly.

One particularly striking feature of Denmark’s PISA performance is that the gap in mathematics results between schools is among the narrowest of any OECD nation, and the proportion of low achievers across all subject areas ranks among the lowest of all participating countries and economies. This reflects a system capable of delivering reliably good outcomes regardless of which school a child attends — a meaningful distinction from systems where the choice of school has a far greater bearing on results.

Danish schools are expected to equip students with the knowledge and capabilities they will need both professionally and as members of society, and the principle of lifelong learning is deeply embedded in the culture. Students are regarded as autonomous individuals with both the right to form personal views and a responsibility to engage actively — a philosophy that underpins the development of civic-minded citizens.

Denmark has a long-standing tradition of valuing its teachers and seeing them as central agents of equity, social mobility, and democratic engagement. In 2024, more than 80% of Danish teachers said they felt appreciated by both students and parents — a higher rate than the OECD average. That said, the system faces real challenges: a performance gap linked to migrant background persists, running to approximately 21 PISA score points even when socio-economic factors are taken into account. Addressing this disparity remains an active policy priority.

At what age is education compulsory in Denmark, and how is schooling structured by age?

Schooling in Denmark is compulsory for all children from the age of 6 until they turn 15 or 16, though it is not mandatory to attend the public Folkeskole specifically. Families have the freedom to choose private schooling or home education, provided they meet the required conditions. In practice, compulsory education covers the period from age 6 to 16, and the public school system provides this entirely free of charge.

Before the start of compulsory schooling, Denmark operates a comprehensive early childhood education and care (ECEC) system. This includes age-integrated settings catering for children up to age six, as well as dedicated nurseries (vuggestuer) for children below three years old and kindergartens (børnehaver) for those aged three and above. Participation in pre-primary education is exceptionally high: 98% of Danish students reported having attended for at least one year, compared to an OECD average of 94%.

The Folkeskole delivers free, compulsory education from age 6 to 16, starting with one year in a pre-school class (børnehaveklasse) followed by nine years of integrated primary and lower secondary education in grades 1 through 9, and concluding with an optional tenth year. This means that both primary and lower secondary stages take place within a single school — a structure that differs from many other countries where these phases are housed in separate institutions.

Upper secondary education generally spans two to four years and is attended by students aged roughly 15–16 to 18–19. It is not compulsory but is ordinarily free of charge, and students may select from a broad menu of pathways. The most widely taken academic route is the Gymnasium, while other upper secondary options take a more vocational direction, preparing students for careers as skilled tradespeople or commercial practitioners through a blend of school-based teaching and workplace apprenticeships.

What types of schools are available in Denmark?

Families in Denmark can choose from a range of school types, each offering something distinct while remaining subject to consistent national standards.

Folkeskole (Municipal Public Schools)
The Danish public school — known as the Folkeskole or Grundskole — is a municipally run, integrated institution covering both primary and lower secondary education. It operates under the Folkeskole Act, which establishes shared aims and standards while giving municipalities room to adapt school organisation and set additional local objectives. These schools are free, and places are allocated according to where a family lives.

Friskoler (Independent and Private Schools)
Private schools in Denmark receive state subsidies broadly equivalent to what is spent per pupil in municipal schools, minus the tuition fees that parents contribute. This category encompasses small independent schools, larger private institutions, religious schools, and progressive free schools. All friskoler must meet the same educational standards as the Folkeskole, tend to be smaller in scale, and charge fees for both tuition and afterschool care.

Kommunale Internationale Grundskoler (Municipal International Schools)
These internationally oriented schools are publicly funded and run directly by municipalities, meaning there are no fees for families. They provide instruction partly or entirely in a language other than Danish and have become an increasingly popular choice for internationally mobile families who want a public-sector school with a cross-cultural dimension.

Efterskoler (Residential Boarding Schools)
The efterskole is a distinctly Danish form of residential schooling aimed at students in the years just before upper secondary. These boarding schools charge fees covering tuition and accommodation, and are usually built around a specialist theme such as sport, creative arts, or international education. Some efterskoler operate in English or offer bilingual programmes with IGCSE examinations alongside Danish school-leaving assessments.

Gymnasium (Upper Secondary Schools)
Students who have completed the full range of Danish school-leaving assessments can use their predicted grades to apply for upper secondary school — the gymnasium. This three-year programme leads to the STX qualification and is the principal academic gateway to university. Vocationally oriented upper secondary routes, including HHX (commercial) and HTX (technical), also exist for students with more applied ambitions.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Denmark follow?

State schools operate under the national curriculum framework established by the Folkeskole Act and overseen by the Ministry of Children and Education. In primary school, 35% of timetabled hours are devoted to mathematics and to reading, writing, and literature — a proportion that reduces slightly to 30% at the lower secondary stage. The broader curriculum takes in science, history, social studies, physical education, arts and crafts, and foreign languages. Danish students typically begin studying English at an early age, with many going on to learn German or French as well.

At the conclusion of grade 9, pupils sit the Folkeskole Leaving Examination (Folkeskolens Afgangsprøve), which serves a similar purpose to school-leaving certificates used across other European countries at the end of compulsory schooling. Achieving this qualification is the standard route into upper secondary education.

At upper secondary level, the main academic award is the Studentereksamen (STX), conferred after three years at the gymnasium. This qualification is broadly comparable in standing to the French Baccalauréat or the German Abitur — it is a recognised university entrance credential with international standing. The HHX (Higher Commercial Examination) and HTX (Higher Technical Examination) are alternative upper secondary qualifications that also provide access to higher education.

For families seeking international or bilingual schooling, Denmark hosts programmes offering the International Baccalaureate, the Cambridge curriculum, the European Baccalaureate, and French or German national curricula. The IB Diploma Programme in particular carries strong recognition for university entry worldwide. Schools preparing students for the IB or Cambridge IGCSE typically require a minimum standard in English and mathematics at entry.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Denmark?

By European standards, Danish school days are comparatively long, reflecting the substantial amount of compulsory instruction time mandated under national law. Primary pupils receive 1,000 hours of required instruction annually, while lower secondary students receive 1,200 hours — both figures exceeding the OECD averages of 804 and 909 hours respectively.

In day-to-day terms, most Folkeskole pupils begin school somewhere between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning and finish between 14:00 and 15:30, depending on the year group and day of the week. Children in the lower years generally have shorter days. A supervised lunch break is standard, and most schools provide an SFO (skolefritidsordning) — an afterschool care arrangement — for families requiring childcare beyond the end of the school day; this service comes at an additional cost.

Primary school holidays in Denmark total approximately 10.6 weeks across the year — a shorter annual break than the OECD average of 13.5 weeks. The school year generally runs from mid-August to late June and includes an autumn half-term in October, a Christmas break of roughly two weeks, a winter break of around one week in February, an Easter break of approximately two weeks, and a longer summer holiday spanning July and the first part of August. Exact dates differ between municipalities and school types, so confirming the specific schedule with your child’s school is advisable.

How do you enrol a child in school in Denmark?

Registering a child at a Danish state school is handled through the local municipality (kommune). Once you have registered your address in Denmark and received a CPR number — the Danish personal identification number — the process is relatively uncomplicated. The kommune will normally assign your child a place at the nearest Folkeskole based on your home address.

1. Register with the municipality: Upon arriving in Denmark, register your residential address with your local municipality via borger.dk or in person at the Borgerservice (citizen services office). This registration generates your CPR number, which is a prerequisite for school enrolment.
2. Contact the local school or municipality education office: Get in touch with the designated Folkeskole or the municipality’s education administration (skoleforvaltning) to begin the enrolment process. You will find contact details on your municipality’s website.
3. Gather required documents: You will generally need your child’s birth certificate, proof of your Danish address, CPR numbers for both parent and child, and copies of any previous school reports or records. Vaccination documentation may also be required, especially for younger children.
4. Arrange a meeting with the school: The school will usually invite you to an introductory meeting to discuss your child’s individual needs, their language background, and which year group is the most suitable placement.
5. Language assessment: If your child does not yet speak Danish, they will typically undergo an assessment to determine the appropriate level of language support. Most schools provide Danish as a Second Language (DSA) instruction.
6. Enrolment confirmed: Once all documentation has been submitted and a place secured, the school will provide details of the start date, class placement, and any materials your child will need.

For private schools and friskoler, you should contact the school directly to ask about current availability and its individual admissions procedure, which may involve an application form, a meeting, and in some instances a waiting list. International schools in Copenhagen tend to be heavily oversubscribed, so families are strongly encouraged to apply as far ahead as possible — ideally six to twelve months before the hoped-for start date.

The Ministry of Children and Education publishes official guidance on enrolment. Since procedures can differ between municipalities, always confirm current requirements with your specific kommune.

What international schools are available in Denmark?

Denmark currently has 31 international schools spread across 15 cities. The number has expanded considerably over recent decades — from barely three schools fifteen years ago to approximately 26 internationally recognised primary schools and 21 international upper secondary schools now approved by the Ministry of Children and Education.

The key hubs for international schooling are Copenhagen, Aarhus, Billund, Sønderborg, and Viborg, with programmes available in frameworks including the IB, Cambridge, the European Baccalaureate, and French or German national curricula. The greatest concentration of schools is found in the Copenhagen region, which alone accounts for 16 international schools. The other thirteen cities that have an international school typically have just one each.

On Denmark’s west coast, Esbjerg International School provides an English-language education for children aged 5 to 16, drawing on the Cambridge curriculum and/or the IB depending on the section. In Sønderborg in southern Jutland, Sonderborg International School follows the British curriculum in a fully English-speaking environment from kindergarten through to early secondary level, while also incorporating Danish language training to support local integration.

Fees at private international schools differ widely. At Copenhagen International School, for example, total first-year costs for a five-year-old child — including one-off charges — come to around DKK 194,000 based on 2025/2026 fee schedules. Not every international school is this expensive: some municipality-run international schools charge nothing at all, while private options levy fees for tuition and afterschool care. Families should approach individual schools for current fee information, as these figures are revised annually.

To locate accredited international schools in Denmark, you can search the Council of International Schools (CIS) directory or the International Schools Consultancy (ISC). The Ministry of Children and Education also maintains a register of approved international programmes.

What higher education options are available in Denmark?

Denmark’s higher education sector is made up primarily of universities, university colleges, and professional colleges (sometimes referred to as business academies). The country now has eight universities. The University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University are among the most prominent. Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is a leading research institution offering a wide array of programmes in English and is ranked among the world’s top 110 universities. Aarhus University, noted for the strength of its arts disciplines and research output, offers more than 60 English-taught programmes and has extensive support structures in place for international students.

Higher education is free of charge for students from EU member states and Switzerland. Numerous programmes are delivered in English — including Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, exchange, and summer school courses — so the language of study is rarely a barrier at this level. Master’s-level attainment in Denmark is relatively high: in 2024, 20% of 25–34-year-olds held a Master’s degree, above the OECD average of 16%.

For students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, tuition fees apply. For the 2024–25 academic year, annual fees for non-EU/EEA students at Danish universities typically fall between DKK 45,000 and DKK 120,000 (roughly €6,000 to €16,000). Business, engineering, and IT programmes tend to sit at the upper end of this range, while humanities and social science courses may be somewhat less expensive. Prospective students should always verify current charges with their chosen institution, as fees vary by programme and university.

Admission to Danish universities is competitive. Applications are generally submitted through the national coordinated admissions system (KOT). The official Education Guide (ug.dk) and the Study in Denmark portal offer comprehensive information on applying to Danish higher education, including details on fees, scholarships, and residency requirements.

Expat residents who satisfy the relevant criteria — typically holding a qualifying residence permit — may be entitled to the same fee-free status as EU students. Scholarships for non-EU/EEA students are limited, though some universities offer institutional awards and a small number of government-funded schemes exist. It is worth enquiring directly with your chosen institution and checking the Study in Denmark portal for the most up-to-date information.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Denmark?

Instruction in Danish state schools takes place in Danish. For children arriving without any Danish language skills, this is usually the most significant hurdle in the early stages — but it is one that Danish schools are well-practised in managing, and children generally pick up the language far faster than most adults anticipate.

The majority of municipalities provide Danish as a Second Language (DSA) tuition, either woven into mainstream lessons or delivered as separate support sessions. The availability and intensity of this provision varies between kommuner, so it is worth asking explicitly what your child’s assigned school offers when you make initial contact. Younger children in particular tend to absorb Danish rapidly through immersion and daily interaction with peers.

At the higher education level, the language question is considerably less of an obstacle. Many university programmes across Denmark are delivered entirely in English — including Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, exchange, and summer school offerings. At secondary level, Danish students generally achieve a very high standard in English, which can ease the social transition for older children even before their Danish reaches a conversational level.

For families whose stay is likely to last one to three years, enrolling in an international school offering the IB or Cambridge curriculum is often the most practical choice. It avoids the disruption of two linguistic transitions — adapting to Danish on arrival and then switching back to the home language when the family departs — and maintains continuity within a curriculum that is internationally portable. For those planning a longer stay or a permanent move, attending a local Folkeskole and learning Danish tends to be the more beneficial long-term approach, both for a child’s social integration and for eventual access to Danish upper secondary and higher education pathways.

Bilingual programmes delivering instruction in Danish alongside English, French, or German are also offered by selected municipal and private schools. Some efterskoler operate in English or provide bilingual programmes, offering another avenue for older children at the upper primary and lower secondary stage.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Denmark?

The vast majority of educational provision in Denmark comes at no cost. State school education from age 6 through the end of upper secondary is entirely free for all lawfully resident families in Denmark, regardless of their nationality. There are no tuition fees in public schools, and the Folkeskole generally supplies textbooks and learning materials.

Private schools in Denmark receive government subsidies broadly equivalent to public per-pupil spending, minus the fees that parents pay. This means that even friskoler are substantially supported by state funding, making their fees considerably lower than those of wholly independent schools in many other countries. Fee levels vary between institutions; families should contact schools directly for up-to-date schedules.

Afterschool care (SFO) within the Folkeskole is not included in the free provision — municipalities charge separately for this, and the cost varies from one area to another. Childcare for children aged 0–6 in nurseries and kindergartens is also subsidised but not free; parents contribute a share of the cost, with income-related reductions available. From 2025 onwards, municipalities are receiving additional annual funding worth EUR 241 million to help finance improved child-to-staff ratios in early childhood settings.

At higher education level, Danish citizens and eligible residents benefit from the SU (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte), a generous monthly grant scheme. Students receive approximately DKK 5,486 per month if they are living independently from their parents or guardians (figures as of the time of writing). This can be supplemented by a low-interest government loan of DKK 2,807 per month, repayable after completing studies. Eligibility for SU is tied to residency and citizenship status — current entitlements should be verified with the SU Agency (su.dk) and the Ministry of Children and Education.

Denmark dedicates 12.1% of total public expenditure to education — above the OECD average of 10.0% — a clear reflection of the national priority placed on maintaining a well-resourced system. All figures referenced here may be subject to change; always verify current details with your municipality or the relevant government body.

Frequently asked questions about education in Denmark

Can my child attend a Danish state school without speaking Danish?

Yes. Children are not required to speak Danish before starting school. Most municipalities provide Danish as a Second Language (DSA) support, either through dedicated classes or as assistance integrated into the mainstream classroom. Children typically reach a functional level in Danish within one to two years, with younger pupils progressing especially quickly. When you first contact your assigned school, ask specifically what language support provision they have in place.

Will my child’s foreign school qualifications be recognised in Denmark?

The Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science (Styrelsen for Forskning og Uddannelse) is responsible for evaluating and recognising foreign qualifications. At the school level, recognition is generally managed by individual schools and municipalities. For higher education purposes, the official Education Guide is a useful starting point, or you can contact your chosen university directly. The Qrossroads platform provides information on having foreign academic and professional qualifications assessed in Denmark.

Are there waiting lists for international schools in Denmark?

Yes, especially in the Copenhagen area. The most sought-after international schools — particularly those offering the IB — can have waiting lists stretching from six months to well over a year. Families moving to Denmark should make contact with international schools as early as possible, ideally before or immediately upon confirming their relocation plans. Municipal international schools (kommunale internationale grundskoler) are a free alternative that typically do not experience the same level of demand pressure, though availability differs by municipality.

Can I access Danish higher education as an expat or foreign resident?

Yes. Expats who are lawfully resident in Denmark may apply to Danish universities and could be eligible for tuition-free study if they hold an EU/EEA passport or a qualifying residence permit. Non-EU/EEA students without qualifying residency status are generally required to pay tuition fees, which for the 2024–25 academic year range from approximately DKK 45,000 to DKK 120,000 per year depending on the programme. For the most current guidance, consult individual institutions and the Study in Denmark portal.

What childcare options are available for children under school age?

Denmark has a well-developed, publicly subsidised childcare system for children from six months to six years of age. It includes vuggestuer (nurseries) for children under three and børnehaver (kindergartens) for children aged three to six. Parents contribute a portion of the cost, with reductions available based on household income. Demand for places can be high, particularly in urban areas, so it is advisable to add your child’s name to your municipality’s childcare waiting list as soon as possible after arriving — and in some areas, even before you relocate.

What is the efterskole, and is it suitable for expat children?

The efterskole is a distinctly Danish residential boarding school for students typically aged 14–17, covering the transitional years before upper secondary. Each efterskole is built around a particular focus — sport, music, performing arts, international education, or other themes — and combines academic study with personal development and community living. Some efterskoler run in English or offer bilingual programmes with IGCSE examinations, making them a potentially appealing option for older expat students. Fees cover tuition, accommodation, and meals; government subsidies reduce the overall cost for eligible families.

Does Denmark offer any financial support towards private school fees?

Private schools (friskoler) in Denmark receive significant state subsidies, which keeps their fees considerably lower than those of fully independent schools in countries where no such public funding exists. Some schools also offer income-related fee reductions. For entirely privately run international schools, no subsidy applies and fees can be substantial. Some municipalities may offer partial financial assistance to certain international families; it is worth checking with your kommune and the school itself to find out what is currently available.

How does the Danish SU student grant work for expats?

The SU (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte) is a monthly grant paid to eligible higher education students, with entitlement determined by factors including nationality, residency status, and the type of programme being studied. EU/EEA citizens who are currently employed — or have previously worked — in Denmark may be eligible on the same terms as Danish nationals. Non-EU/EEA residents may qualify if they hold certain categories of residence permit. The SU Agency offers detailed eligibility information and an online tool to assess your individual circumstances.