Education Denmark

In Denmark, the education and childcare system is organized to ensure accessibility and quality of services for all residents, including immigrants. The process of enrolling a child in kindergarten or school may vary depending on the municipality, but there are general steps to help you navigate.

 

Registration with the municipality 

Upon arrival in Denmark, you need to register with the local municipality. This will allow you to obtain a CPR number (personal identification number), which is required to access most public services, including education.

 

Enrollment in kindergarten 

Kindergartens in Denmark cater to children from 6 months to 6 years old. There are several types of facilities:

- Vuggestue: for children from 6 months to 3 years.

- Børnehave: for children from 3 to 6 years old.

- Integreret institution: combined institutions accepting children from 6 months to 6 years.

 

To enroll a child in kindergarten, you need to:

Submit an application: Contact the children and youth department of your municipality. Many municipalities offer online forms for applications.

Choose a facility: Indicate your preferred kindergartens in the application. Note that popular facilities may have a waiting list.

Payment: While the state subsidizes most of the expenses, parents usually pay a portion of the cost. The amount depends on the family's income and may vary across municipalities.

 

Enrollment in school 

Compulsory education in Denmark starts at age 6 and lasts until age 16. To enroll a child in school:

 

Determine the school district: Every address is linked to a specific public school. You can obtain information about your school from the municipality.

Submit an application: Contact the chosen school or municipality for information on the application process. Some municipalities offer online forms.

Documents: Provide necessary documents, such as the child's birth certificate, proof of address, and CPR number.

 

Alternative options:

In addition to public institutions, there are private kindergartens and schools in Denmark, including international schools with education in English. Admission procedures and tuition costs in such institutions may differ, so it is advisable to contact the selected institutions directly for detailed information.

 

Additional support:

For children who do not speak Danish, schools offer special language learning programs. It is advisable to discuss available options with the school administration.

 

Please note that procedures may vary depending on the municipality, so it is always helpful to seek advice from local authorities or directly from the chosen institutions.

Denmark offers a wide selection of kindergartens and schools with instruction in foreign languages, which is especially relevant for immigrant and expat families.

 

Kindergartens with foreign language instruction

 

Many international schools in Denmark offer preschool programs for younger children. For example, the International Montessori School Copenhagen provides English-language education for children aged 3 to 12 years.

 

Schools with foreign language instruction

 

Denmark has numerous international schools offering education in various languages:

 

Copenhagen International School (Copenhagen): Offers English-language education following the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for children aged 3 to 18 years.

 

Lycée Français Prins Henrik (Copenhagen): A French international school offering French-language education for children aged 3 to 18 years.

 

Sankt Petri Schule (Copenhagen): A German international school with education in German and Danish for children aged 6 to 18 years.

 

International School of Hellerup (Copenhagen): Offers English-language education following the IB program for children aged 3 to 19 years.

 

International School Ikast-Brande (Ikast): Provides English-language education following the Cambridge International program for children aged 3 to 16 years.

 

International School of Billund (Billund): Offers English-language education following the IB program for children aged 3 to 16 years.

 

Rygaards International School (Copenhagen): Offers English-language education under British and international programs for children aged 4 to 16. 

 

Skt. Josef's International School (Roskilde): Provides English-language education under British and international programs for children aged 5 to 16. 

 

Esbjerg International School (Esbjerg): Offers English-language education under the IB program for children aged 5 to 16. 

 

Odense International School (Odense): English-language education under the British program for children aged 5 to 16. 

 

These schools and kindergartens provide high-quality education in foreign languages, facilitating the integration of children from diverse cultural backgrounds into Danish society. It is recommended to contact the chosen institutions directly for detailed information about programs, admission requirements, and tuition fees.

Preschool institutions (kindergartens):

 

Public kindergartens

Accessibility: Public kindergartens are available for all children aged 6 months to 6 years. 

Cost: Parents cover part of the expenses, but a significant portion is subsidized by the government. The payment amount depends on family income and may vary in different municipalities. 

Program: The main focus is on social development, play, and school readiness.

 

Private kindergartens

Diversity of programs: Private institutions may offer specialized programs, including foreign language education or alternative pedagogical methods such as Montessori or Waldorf education.

Cost: Education in private kindergartens is usually more expensive than in public ones, and the payment amount can vary significantly.

Flexibility: Private kindergartens may offer more flexible schedules and additional services.

 

School institutions

 

Public schools 

Accessibility: Education in public schools is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 16. 

Program: Schools offer a balanced program that includes academic subjects, arts, and physical education.

Inclusivity: Public schools strive to provide equal opportunities for all students, including those for whom Danish is not their native language.

 

Private schools 

Ideological focus: Many private schools are based on specific pedagogical or religious principles, such as Christian schools or Waldorf schools. 

Funding: Private schools receive government subsidies, but parents also pay part of the expenses. 

Class size: Private schools often have smaller classes, allowing more attention to be given to each student.

 

Below are some of the most well-known institutions:

 

Public schools

 

Øster Farimagsgades Skole (Copenhagen): One of the oldest and most respected schools in the capital, known for its academic achievements and diverse programs.

 

N. Zahles Gymnasieskole (Copenhagen): Offers primary and secondary education programs with a focus on academic development and creative disciplines.

 

Private schools

 

Copenhagen International School (Copenhagen): An international school offering English-language education under the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for children aged 3 to 18. 

 

Lycée Français Prins Henrik (Copenhagen): A French international school providing French-language education for children aged 3 to 18.

 

Sankt Petri Schule (Copenhagen): A German international school offering education in German and Danish for children aged 6 to 18.

 

Public kindergartens

 

Public kindergartens are widespread throughout the country and are managed by municipalities. They offer programs for children aged 3 to 6 focused on social development and school readiness.

 

Private kindergartens

 

International Montessori School Copenhagen (Copenhagen): Offers English-language education for children aged 3 to 12 based on the Montessori method.

 

Lycée Français Prins Henrik (Copenhagen): In addition to school programs, offers preschool education in French for younger children.

In Denmark, the education system is aimed at providing equal opportunities for all children, including those with special educational needs. The main principle is inclusive education, which involves integrating children with special needs into mainstream educational institutions with the necessary support.

 

Main aspects of support

 

Inclusive education: The Danish education system strives for children with special needs to be educated alongside their peers in regular classes. This promotes social integration and the development of tolerance among students.

 

Special pedagogical support: For children who require additional assistance, special educational services are provided. This may include individual lessons, adapted educational materials, and the use of assistive technologies.

 

Specialized institutions: In cases where inclusive education cannot fully meet a child's needs, there are special schools and classes providing more intensive support. For example, schools for children with hearing, vision, or intellectual disabilities.

 

Interdisciplinary approach: Educational institutions collaborate with psychologists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, and other specialists to develop and implement individual educational plans tailored to each child's needs.

 

Parental involvement: Parents are actively involved in the education and rehabilitation process, participating in the development of individual plans and attending regular meetings with teachers and specialists.

 

Below are some of the specialized educational institutions providing education and support to children with special needs:

 

Vestermarkskolen, Aalborg.

   The school specializes in teaching children with autism, Down syndrome, and multiple disabilities. Education is organized according to the individual needs of each student.

 

Limfjordsskolen, Løgstør.

   A boarding school for young people aged 16 to 19 with learning disabilities and other difficulties. The school offers special education in art, nature, health, water sports, and theater, combined with a general curriculum.

 

Skolen ved Nordens Plads, Copenhagen.

   A specialized school for children with physical and multiple disabilities. Offers individual learning plans and therapeutic support.

 

Kildegårdskolen, Herlev.

   A school for children with hearing and speech impairments, providing specialized training and support.

 

Geelsgårdskolen, Virum.

   An educational institution for children with severe physical disabilities and multiple disabilities, offering comprehensive educational and therapeutic support.

Preparatory classes 

For children who have recently arrived in Denmark and do not know the Danish language, preparatory classes are organized. In these classes, the main focus is on intensive study of the Danish language and basic subjects, allowing children to gradually integrate into regular classes.

 

Individual language courses

In some schools, individual or group Danish language lessons are offered for children who need additional support. These lessons help improve language skills and promote successful integration into the learning process.

 

Support programs in kindergartens

Preschool institutions also implement programs aimed at developing language skills in children from immigrant families. Educators use special techniques and materials that facilitate learning the Danish language through play and daily activities.

 

Summer language camps

Some municipalities and private organizations organize summer camps with intensive Danish language learning. Such programs allow children to improve their language skills in an informal setting and learn about the culture of the country.

 

Parental support

Parental involvement is essential for the successful integration of children. Many schools and municipalities offer information sessions and courses for parents, where issues of education, integration, and support for children in the learning process are discussed.

 

These programs and initiatives aim to create favorable conditions for the education and social adaptation of immigrant children in Denmark.

After-school groups 

 

After-school groups are intended for elementary school students (usually from grades 0 to 3) and operate before and after regular lessons. They offer children a safe and stimulating environment where they can participate in various activities such as:

- Creative activities: drawing, modeling, handicrafts.

- Sports games: football, basketball, active games.

- Educational activities: reading, board games, help with homework.

 

Attendance is voluntary and usually requires payment, the amount of which depends on the municipality and can vary.

 

Clubs and circles 

 

For older children (usually from grades 4 to 7), there are various clubs and circles offering specialized activities based on interests:

- Music clubs: learning to play instruments, vocals.

- Sports sections: swimming, gymnastics, martial arts.

- Science clubs: robotics, programming, chemical experiments.

 

Many of these clubs are organized by schools, municipalities, or private organizations and may be free or require a nominal fee.

 

Summer and seasonal camps 

 

During school holidays, various camps are popular, offering children the opportunity to spend time actively, gain new skills, and make friends. Camp programs are diverse:

- Sports camps: football, tennis, water sports.

- Creative camps: theater, visual arts, music.

- Science camps: experimental projects, nature studies.

 

Camps can be organized by municipalities, sports clubs, cultural centers, and private companies. The cost of participation varies depending on the duration and program of the camp.

 

The role of municipalities:

Municipalities play a key role in organizing extracurricular activities, ensuring the availability and diversity of programs for children of different ages. They often subsidize or fully fund certain activities, especially for low-income families.

 

Information and registration: Parents are encouraged to contact local schools, municipal centers, or use official municipal websites to obtain up-to-date information on available programs, schedules, and participation conditions.

In Denmark, the grading system in schools and universities is based on a 7-point scale, introduced in 2007 to align with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). This scale is used at all education levels and is as follows:

 

Grade / Description / ECTS equivalent / Percentage range

 

12          Excellent A           90–100%             

10          Very good B           80–89%

7           Good C           70–79%

4           Satisfactory D           60–69%

02          Sufficient E           50–59%

00          Fail Fx          40–49%

-3          Fail completely F0            –39%

 

 

Features of the grading system:

Positive grades: Grades from 02 to 12 are considered passing, with 12 being the highest grade corresponding to an excellent level of knowledge.

Negative grades: Grades 00 and -3 mean that the student did not pass the exam or assignment.

Comparison with ECTS: The Danish grading system was adapted to align with ECTS, facilitating grade recognition in other European countries.

 

Application in schools: In primary and secondary schools, grades are introduced from 8th grade. Prior to this, the main focus is on qualitative feedback and student skill development. Grades are used to assess performance and can influence future educational choices.

 

Application in universities: In higher educational institutions, the grading system is applied to assess exams, coursework, and other academic achievements. The passing grade for most courses is 02. Some programs may set higher requirements for passing.

 Admissions to Danish universities for international students require fulfilling a number of academic and language requirements. Below are the main criteria and steps of the admission process.

 

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate:

  - Secondary education certificate: The Danish education system includes 12 years of study. Therefore, graduates from 11-year schools may need an additional year of study at a university in their own country or completion of preparatory courses to apply.

  - Average score: Some universities require a high average score on the secondary education certificate. For example, for admission after 11 classes, a minimum average score of 4.5 out of 5 may be required. 

 

Postgraduate:

  - Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor's degree is required that corresponds to the chosen master’s program.

  - Relevance of previous education: The degree should meet the requirements of the chosen program.

 

Language Requirements:

English: For programs conducted in English, test results from IELTS (minimum 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum 83) are usually required. 

Danish: For programs conducted in Danish, a certificate proving language proficiency at the appropriate level is required, such as Studieprøven i dansk som andetsprog.

 

Additional Documents:

- Motivation Letter: Explains the reasons for choosing the program and university.

- Recommendation Letters: Usually 2-3 letters from teachers or employers.

- Resume (CV): Description of educational and professional experience.

- Portfolio: For creative majors, a portfolio of work may be required.

 

Application Process:

Online Application: Applications for undergraduate programs are submitted through the portal optagelse.dk from February 1 to March 15. 

Deadlines: Usually for postgraduate programs — from February 1 to March 15. Deadlines for master’s programs vary depending on the university and program. It is recommended to check specific dates on the website of the chosen university.

Preparatory Courses: Some universities offer preparatory courses for international students, helping them meet academic requirements.

 

Financial Aspects

Tuition Fees: For citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA, education in Denmark is paid, with fees ranging from 6,000 to 16,000 euros per year depending on the program and university. 

Scholarships: There are various scholarships and grants for international students, such as the Danish Government Scholarship for highly qualified students. 

 

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the university and program in advance, as they may differ. Contacting the admissions office of the selected educational institution will help you obtain accurate and up-to-date information.

 

Below is a list of the most popular and prestigious universities in Denmark:

 

University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen.

Established: 1479.

A wide range of programs in medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and law; ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.

 

Aarhus University, Aarhus.

Established: 1928.

Programs in business, law, medicine, natural sciences, and engineering; ranked among the top 150 universities worldwide.

 

Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, suburb of Copenhagen.

Established: 1829.

Technical and engineering sciences, IT, biotechnology; one of the leading technical universities in Europe.

- Features:

 

Copenhagen Business School, Copenhagen.

Established: 1917.

Economics, management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship; one of the best business universities in Europe.

 

Aalborg University, Aalborg, with campuses in Copenhagen and Esbjerg.

Established: 1974.

Architecture, urban planning, engineering, social sciences.

 

University of Southern Denmark (University of Southern Denmark, Odense, with campuses in other cities.

Established: 1966.

Programs in biomedical sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities.

 

Roskilde University, Roskilde.

Established: 1972.

Social sciences, humanities, economics, natural sciences.

 

IT University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen.

Established: 1999.

Information technology, digital media, game design, software development.

 

VIA University College, Aarhus and other cities.

Established: 2008.

Programs in design, architecture, business, healthcare.

 

These universities offer a variety of programs in both Danish and English, making them attractive to international students.

For admission to Danish universities, international students need to validate their diplomas and certificates to ensure that their qualifications meet Danish educational standards. This process involves several key steps:

 

Qualification recognition

 

Equivalence check: Foreign diplomas must be recognized in Denmark. It is recommended to use the resources of the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science to check if your diploma meets Danish standards.

 

Additional training: In some cases, such as for graduates of 11-year schools, additional training for 1–2 years at a local university or completing preparatory courses may be required to meet the requirements of Danish universities.

 

Legalization and translation of documents

 

Legalization: Your educational documents must be legalized to have legal force in Denmark. This may include apostille or consular legalization depending on the country of origin of the document.

 

Translation: All documents must be translated into Danish or English by a certified translator. Some universities may require notarized translations.

 

The process of recognition and confirmation of foreign diplomas may vary depending on the university and program. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the admissions office of the chosen institution in advance for accurate and up-to-date information.

In Denmark, the adult education system offers a wide range of programs aimed at qualification improvement, retraining, and personal development.

Language courses

Danish language courses for adults

  Public language centers: Offer free or subsidized Danish courses for immigrants, promoting their integration into society. The courses cover levels from beginner to advanced.

  Private language schools: Provide intensive and specialized Danish courses tailored to individual needs.

Foreign language courses

  Educational centers: Offer courses in English, German, French, and other languages for adults wishing to improve their language skills.

  Evening schools: Organize classes in various languages in the evening, which is convenient for working people.

 

Professional courses and programs

General education for adults: For those who want to complete or improve their basic education. Courses cover subjects like mathematics, Danish, English, and natural sciences.

Preparatory courses for adults: Aimed at improving basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and IT. These courses are especially useful for those planning to continue education or enhance their qualifications.

Vocational education for adults: Offers adults the opportunity to receive professional education in various fields such as construction, healthcare, IT, and others. Programs are adapted to the experience and needs of adult learners.

Occupational training courses: Short-term courses aimed at updating knowledge and skills in a specific professional area. They can be conducted at educational institutions or workplaces.

Diploma programs: Provide the opportunity to earn a diploma in a specific professional field. Programs are usually designed for several years and can combine study with work.

For more detailed information, it is recommended to contact local educational centers or municipal authorities, which provide advice and assistance in choosing suitable programs.