Education System in Denmark


 EducationSchool/LevelGradesAgeYearsNotes
PrimaryPrimary1–97–169Primary- Folkeskole, Private grundskoler and Friskoler (state subsidized private schools) Certificate/diploma awarded: Folkeskolens Afgangsprøve (Leaving Examination after Class 9 or 10) or (only after Class 10) Folkeskolens 10 -klasse prøve (Class 10 examination)
MiddleMiddle School8–1015–173Middle - Efterskoler (continuation schools) (only after Class 10) Folkeskolens 10 -klasse prøve (Class 10 examination)
SecondarySecondary10–1316–182–3Secondary- Gymnasium, Studenterkursus, HF-Kursus, Voksenuddannelsescenter (Adult Education Centres): Studentereksamen after 3 years' study (Upper Secondary School Leaving Examination) or Højere Forberedelseksamen-HF (Higher Preparatory Examination) after two years' study.
SecondaryTechnical10–1216–202–3Technical- Erhvervsskole (Handelsskole or Teknisk Skole): Certificate/diploma awarded: Højere Handelseksamen - HHX (Higher Commercial examination) or Højere Teknisk Eksamen - HTX (Higher Technical examination)
TertiaryUndergraduate3–6 
TertiaryGraduate2Candidate or Master degrees
TertiaryPost-graduate3–8Doctorate, PhD

Primary Education

Education in Denmark is compulsory for children aged below 16 and takes place at folkeskole public schools or private ones. However about 82% of young Danes study further.  Pre-secondary “basic” education takes place at the same institution throughout the mandatory period, at the end of which a leaving examination takes place.

Secondary Education

There are two options at secondary school. A 3 year gymnasium program prepares young people for tertiary education, while vocational education readies them for specific jobs. In the latter case, their time is divided between school attendance and employment in a ratio of approximately 30:70.



Vocational Education

Adult vocational training in Denmark under control of government has 3 aims. These are to update individual competencies, correct structural deficiencies, and allow for career development. Almost ¾ of a million Danish adults avail themselves of these opportunities annually.

Tertiary Education

Denmark EducationAt non-university tertiary level, 2 year courses are available in commercial and technical fields that build on vocational schooling. University studies comprise 4 levels, namely bachelors, masters, phd’s and doctorates.

The University of Copenhagen depicted here was established in 1479. Of its average almost 40,000 students, up to 60% may be young women. It has been rated 47th best university in the world.




© 2023, Scholaro, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Your use of this service is subject to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.