The Education System in Denmark
From daycare to university, Denmark offers inclusive, high-quality education. This guide covers each stage and how expat families can navigate placements, language, and fees.
About Danish education
📚 Comprehensive & inclusive
All children are entitled to education regardless of background. Schools emphasise wellbeing alongside academics.
👩🏫 Student-centred
Focus on collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking rather than rote learning.
🌍 International outlook
English starts early; many upper-secondary and higher-ed programmes are available in English.
Daycare & kindergarten (Vuggestue, Børnehave)
🧸 Vuggestue (0–3)
Municipal and private options; fees are heavily subsidised. Outdoor play and social development are central.
👦 Børnehave (3–6)
Pre-school with emphasis on independence, nature, and readiness for school.
💶 Fees & subsidies
Municipal caps keep costs moderate; low-income reductions and sibling discounts apply in many kommuner.
Primary & lower secondary (Folkeskole)
🏫 Ages 6–16 (0.–9. klassetrin)
Ten years covering core subjects, social skills, and life competencies; optional 10th year.
🌱 Inclusion & language
Danish as a second language support is common for newcomers; parent-school cooperation is strong.
📝 Assessment
Continuous teacher evaluation; national tests and final exams in grade 9/10—pressure is relatively low.
Upper secondary & vocational (Gymnasium, HF, EUD/EUX)
🎓 Gymnasium (STX/HHX/HTX)
Academic tracks preparing for university, typically three years (16–19). Overview
🔧 Vocational (EUD/EUX)
Apprenticeships combining school and work; strong pathways to skilled jobs. VET info
🧭 Other routes
HF (higher prep), IB Diploma, business and creative programmes. About IB
Higher education (universities & academies)
🏛️ Universities
Research-led institutions with many English-taught programmes. EU/EEA study free of tuition. Study in Denmark
💼 Academies & colleges
Professional bachelor and academy programmes with a practical focus. Find programmes
💶 Fees & grants
EU/EEA: no tuition; non-EU: fees apply, with scholarship options. Scholarships guide
International & private schools
🌎 International schools
IB and other curricula in major cities (Copenhagen, Aarhus, etc.). Waitlists can be long—apply early.
🏫 Friskoler & privatskoler
Partly state-funded private schools with varied pedagogies and smaller class sizes. Directory
🗣️ Language support
Public schools provide Danish-as-second-language; many international schools teach in English.
Useful resources & external links
🌐 Ministry of Education
🎓 Study in Denmark
📚 IB schools
Related on exploringdenmark
📑 Apply to university
🎓 Scholarships & grants
👶 Childcare & parental leave
🏫 Schools & childcare
Frequently asked questions
🆓 Is education free?
Yes in public schools; EU/EEA students also study tuition-free at universities. Private/international schools charge fees.
🌎 Are there English-taught options?
Plenty—IB schools and many university programmes are in English.
🎒 How do I enrol my child?
Register with your kommune after you have a CPR and address; apply early for daycare and international schools.
💬 Will my child learn Danish?
Yes—schools offer Danish-as-second-language and newcomer support.
📝 How heavy is homework?
Lighter in early years; increases in upper secondary with project-based work.
💶 Can students get grants (SU)?
Danish students receive SU; many EU/EEA students may qualify under certain conditions.