Denmark is the smallest of the Nordic countries however the education system in Denmark is top notch. The Danish education system is similar to the Norwegian education system.
Aside from its liberal government, high standard of living, security, and beautiful scenery, Denmark is notable for its exceptional international education system. International students can experience a completely new culture while studying in one of the safe countries.
The Danish education system with the literacy rate approximately 99% for genders, influences the nation’s economic growth, increases global competitiveness, and the development of innovative cultures, among other things. All of the growth in Denmark is made possible for the foundation of the Danish education system.
Let’s first explore the Danish education system. It is structured into three main parts; primary and lower secondary education, secondary education and post-secondary education. Denmark has a compulsory education system which starts for children aged 6 to 16.
History of Education in Denmark
Education is regarded as one of the pillars of the success of any nation. The educational system in Denmark has a long and complicated history. We have to go back to the 12th century to understand the history of Danish education.
Roman Catholic Church
In the early Middle Ages, cathedral- and monastery schools were founded by the Roman Catholic Church which still exist.
12 Century
Afterwards, with the changing times, there were seven schools founded in between the 12th and 13th centuries which still exist.
Reformation
Danish education achieved victory following the Reformation. In 1536, the main goal was to help students prepare for theology to read, write, and speak Latin and Greek.
Elementary Schools
Elementary schooling became popular in 1721. There were some 240 rytterskoler which are also known as “cavalry schools’, established. Furthermore, the religious movement of Pietism, in the 18th century, demanded literacy. It also promoted the need for public education.
Public Schools
The Folkeskole, which is “public primary school,” the government-funded primary education system was formally established in 1894. Various steps were taken to improve the Danish education system to meet the needs of industrial society.
Middle Schools
In 1903, the Mellemskole which is ‘middle school established. That time the education levels in Danish middle school were from grades 6-9. Mellemskole was later replaced by the realskole.
Later, in 1975, the realskole was abolished and the primary education (Folkeskole) was transformed into another system in which students attend the same schools based on their academic ability.
Denmark offers a range of universities, university colleges with bachelor’s degrees, master’s and doctorate degrees. Denmark’s University of Copenhagen named in top 10 oldest universities in Europe. Founded in 1479, the institution is one of the most prestigious universities in Denmark and is also recognised worldwide.
Education Levels in Denmark
Education makes a significant economic contribution to Denmark. In Denmark, ten years of compulsory education are required from all kids. Children must begin school when they reach the age of six. Its educational system is structured into three major levels. The three main categories are: Primary and lower secondary education, secondary education and post-secondary education.
Primary and lower education
Most of the kids in Denmark attend pre-schools to prepare themselves for the primary level of education. Children aged one to six go to preschool or kindergarten or daycare centers after which the compulsory education begins.
The folkeskole includes the entire compulsory education period which includes primary and lower secondary education, secondary education and tertiary education of Denmark. Kids go to folkeskole from the age of 5 or 6 to the age of 15 or 16. The folkeskole, compulsory education includes primary and lower secondary Danish education.
Secondary education
After the compulsory Danish education, the secondary education starts. Secondary education generally lasts for two to four years. The children aged 15 or 16 to 18 or 19 attend secondary education. However, secondary education in Denmark is not compulsory, but it is usually free, and students can choose from a variety of subjects.
Post-secondary education
Danish higher education is available at a variety of institutions and in a variety of subjects. It provides various types of education. Denmark has eight state-recognized and funded universities that provide research-based education and grant bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Other than that, Denmark has nine higher education institutions that teach architecture and the arts. There are eight university colleges in Denmark that are only located for awarding professional bachelor’s degrees. There are many other institutions and degrees available in Denmark which it is one of the top choices among students in terms of higher education.
Language in Denmark
Danish is the official and commonly spoken language of Denmark. However, there are several minority languages spoken in Denmark. Danish children are taught English from an early age however, students must teach a second foreign language, German or French, in their 7th to 10th year in Denmark. About 86% of Danes speak English as a second language.
Can you survive without knowing Danish in Denmark? The answer will be, you do not need to speak Danish. Many foreign students visit Denmark as their higher education destination. Danish higher education institutions provide a wide range of English-taught programs. Furthermore, because
almost all Danes speak English, it will be very simple for you to communicate with others.
International students in Denmark
Denmark are one of the best places in the world to pursue higher education degrees. From the low, even free tuition fees are offered by the Danish government for the students. There are special scholarships offered for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland to study in Denmark.
Popular Universities in Denmark
The education sector in Denmark is thriving and expanding vastly. The following are some of Denmark’s top universities:
| University Names in Denmark | Location in Denmark | QS Ranking (2023) | Global Score (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Copenhagen | Copenhagen | 82 | 64.1 |
| Technical University of Denmark | Kongens Lyngby | 104 | 58 |
| Aarhus University | Aarhus | 161 | 48.6 |
| Aalborg University | Aalborg | 330 5QS Stars |
32.5 |
| University of Southern Denmark (SDU) | Odense | 347 | 31.1 |
| Copenhagen Business School | Copenhagen | ||
| Roskilde University | Trekroner | ||
| IT University of Copenhagen | Copenhagen | ||
| Business Academy Aarhus | Aarhus |
Popular Program in Denmark
| Popular programs in Norway | Available in Norway University |
|---|---|
| Mathematics |
|
| Humanities, social sciences, communication and arts |
|
| Linguistics, Literature, Media and Culture |
|
| Architecture |
|
| Computer Science, IT, Artificial Intelligence, Multimedia Design, Graphic Design |
|
| International Business, Economics, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration |
|
| Tourism, Hotel management |
|
| Biology, Medicine, Health care, Environmental Science, Chemistry |
|
Distance Learning in Denmark
If you want to improve your skills and experience, Denmark’s online education is one of the most convenient options for you. Online education is one of the most popular educational systems among students. It is a method of continuing to study without changing your location from one country to another. You can earn one of the most prestigious degrees through online education offered by numerous Danish institutes.
Higher education in Denmark is available via distance learning, which is most popular among international students. Denmark’s distance learning is one of your best options if you want to earn a good degree without spending a lot of money.
Best Online Universities in Denmark
- Aarhus University.
- The University of Copenhagen.
- Roskilde University.
- VIA University College.
- Business Academy Aarhus.
- The University of Southern Denmark.
Best Areas for International Students in Denmark
Denmark has a few places for students but those few will give you a vibrant and lively student life if you choose Denmark for your higher study. Outside of classes, there are a lot of fun facts to enjoy your life. Below we have shortlisted some of the famous cities for you to study in Denmark:
- Aalborg
- Copenhagen
- Aarhus
Funding and Scholarships for international students in Denmark
The opportunity to study in Denmark will change your life. Most Danish scholarships for higher education degrees are open to international students. A fully funded scholarship or partial scholarships are available.
The Erasmus Mundus is open to both EU/EEA students and non-EU/EAA students in Denmark. You can apply for a scholarship to study for a Danish Master’s degree through the Erasmus Mundus scheme if you want to obtain some great scholarship options.
FAQs
Is the education system in Denmark good?
Denmark’s consistently high-quality education makes it a favorite among international students worldwide.
How long is Denmark’s compulsory school year?
In Denmark, education is compulsory for ten years.
Is education in Denmark completely free?
Denmark is one of the few countries that provides top-notch scholarships and almost fully funded scholarships to all international students.
In Denmark, how old are you in the tenth grade?
The 10th grade in Denmark may refer to lower secondary education.
Final Words
Denmark is the ideal country to enroll in your degree while studying abroad due to its rich culture, exclusive scholarships, and beautiful atmosphere.
Studying in Denmark provides you with the benefits of attending one of the world’s top universities. The Danish education system is well-known for its foreign degrees. There are numerous advantages to studying in Denmark, including access to some of the world’s best and most renowned universities and comparatively low tuition and living expenses.
Please see our post titled “Study in Denmark with Scholarship” for more information. If you have any questions about Denmark’s education system, please leave a comment below.
