Schools in Denmark: A Guide for International Families
Sorting out schools in Denmark is one of the first big decisions for any relocating family. The good news: education is free and excellent, and you have three real options – the local folkeskole, subsidised private schools, and English-language international schools. This guide explains each, how to choose, the fees and how to enrol.
Overview
Education is compulsory in Denmark for ten years – from around age 6 through 9th grade – though it is the education that is required, not a particular school, so families can choose. As a resident, your child is entitled to free public schooling, and the standard is high: Danish pupils consistently perform well internationally. The real question for international families is not whether the schools in Denmark are good, but which of the three types best fits your child and your timeline.
Three options: the free, Danish-language folkeskole; subsidised private schools with modest fees; and fee-paying international schools teaching in English. Staying long term leans folkeskole; a short posting leans international.
Your three options
| Type | Language | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folkeskole (public) | Danish | Free | Long-term / permanent moves |
| Private (privatskole) | Mostly Danish | Modest, subsidised | A particular ethos or smaller classes |
| International | English (or other) | Fees (often subsidised) | Short stays, portability |
The folkeskole
The folkeskole is the free municipal school that most Danish children attend, covering the full compulsory span. Teaching is in Danish, with a holistic, inclusive ethos and relatively informal teacher-pupil relationships. Newly arrived children who do not speak Danish are usually given language support or a reception class to get them up to speed. After-school care (SFO) is available for younger pupils. For a family settling for the long haul, this is the route that best integrates a child socially and opens the door to Danish upper secondary and university.
Private schools
Denmark has a strong tradition of private or “free” schools (privatskoler and friskoler), attended by roughly one in eight pupils. Thanks to a state subsidy, fees are modest rather than premium. They follow the same core curriculum but often add a distinct character – a pedagogical approach such as Montessori or Waldorf, a religious foundation, or a language focus. Most teach largely in Danish, so they suit families who want an alternative ethos while still integrating.
International schools
International schools teach in English (and sometimes French, German or other languages) and follow portable curricula such as the International Baccalaureate or the Cambridge/British system. Many are approved private schools that receive a state subsidy and pass part of it to resident families, so the headline tuition is often lower than you would expect – average fees land in the tens of thousands of kroner a year, though premium schools run much higher. They cluster around Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Billund and a few other towns. Expect a deposit (often a term’s fees) and to budget for extras like lunch, trips and exam fees.
If you are on the researcher tax scheme (forskerskatteordningen) and your employer pays school fees, those fees are typically a taxable benefit – but the flat tax rate usually keeps the overall package very competitive.
Which schools in Denmark to choose
A simple way to decide is by how long you will stay:
- One to three years: an international school usually wins – it keeps a child on a familiar, portable curriculum and avoids two language switches (into Danish, then back out).
- Long term or permanent: the folkeskole tends to be best for integration, friendships and access to the Danish education pathway – and it is free.
- Somewhere in between: bilingual programmes, offered by some municipal and private schools, are a middle path.
How to enrol
For the folkeskole, you register through your municipality once you have an address and CPR number; your child is normally assigned to the local district school, though you can request another. For private and international schools, you apply to the school directly – start early, as popular schools have waiting lists and take a deposit on acceptance.
After 9th grade
Once compulsory school ends, most pupils continue to upper secondary – the academic gymnasium (and its HHX/HTX/HF variants) or a vocational programme – typically from around 16 to 19. International upper-secondary options, including the IB diploma, are available in the bigger cities for students continuing on an English-language track.
Questions and answers
Are schools in Denmark free for foreigners?
The public folkeskole is free for resident children, including those of international families. Private schools charge modest subsidised fees, and international schools charge tuition (often partly subsidised).
Should my child go to a folkeskole or an international school?
It depends on your timeline. Short stays usually favour an international school for curriculum continuity; long-term or permanent moves favour the folkeskole for integration and access to Danish education.
How much do international schools cost?
Often tens of thousands of kroner a year after subsidies, with premium schools considerably more. Budget also for a deposit and extras like lunch, trips and exam fees.
How do I enrol my child?
For the folkeskole, register through your municipality once you have a CPR number and address. For private and international schools, apply directly and early – waiting lists are common.