CINXE.COM
Education in Denmark | From daycare to lifelong learning | denmark.dk
<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <title>Education in Denmark | From daycare to lifelong learning | denmark.dk</title> <meta name="description" content="In Denmark, most education is tax-financed and free of charge for the student. Learn more about why education is so important for Danes - even after graduation" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://denmark.dk/society-and-business/lifelong-education" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Denmark.dk" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Lifelong Education" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://denmark.dk/society-and-business/lifelong-education" /> <meta property="og:description" content="In Denmark, most education is tax-financed and free of charge for the student." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://denmark.dk/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/open-graph-img/lifelong-learning_vdk_utzon-center_bang-clemme-film-og-openhouse.ashx?mw=1600&hash=FFFCE84A356C4B1CD55D9495FDECA3D2" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Lifelong Education" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In Denmark, most education is tax-financed and free of charge for the student." /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://denmark.dk/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/open-graph-img/lifelong-learning_vdk_utzon-center_bang-clemme-film-og-openhouse.ashx?mw=1600&hash=FFFCE84A356C4B1CD55D9495FDECA3D2" /> <meta itemprop="name" content="Lifelong Education" /> <meta itemprop="description" content="In Denmark, most education is tax-financed and free of charge for the student." /> <meta itemprop="image" content="https://denmark.dk/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/open-graph-img/lifelong-learning_vdk_utzon-center_bang-clemme-film-og-openhouse.ashx?mw=1600&hash=FFFCE84A356C4B1CD55D9495FDECA3D2" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="vMnChwAufFfQlahh1Cb83DQVsQ_Lq2ouBCeHlzGd63Q" /> <link rel="icon" href="/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/system/favicon-96x96.ashx"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge" /> <meta name="format-detection" content="telephone=no" /> <link rel="preload" href="/Fonts/Font-Awesome/fontawesome-webfont.woff2?v=4.7.0" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin /> <link rel="preload" href="/fonts/Gibson/368239_7_0.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin /> <link rel="preload" href="/fonts/Gibson/368239_4_0.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin /> <link rel="preload" href="/fonts/Gibson/368239_5_0.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin /> <link rel="preload" href="/fonts/Gibson/368239_3_0.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin /> <link href='/Content/denmarkdk.css?v=077f44424fee65eeb195efb43ff18709' type ='text/css' rel='stylesheet'/> <script type='text/javascript' src='/Content/runtime.js?v=528fe42280bdccaf184ebf9425a0ad1b'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='/Content/vendor.js?v=027008d64ec5526f8a67c9fbb88cbdc3'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='/Content/denmarkdk.js?v=4403621d3acf8e713496351266443321'></script> <script type="text/javascript"> window._monsido = window._monsido || { token: "otZIQcsLxIYXcA0ZEkCCcw", statistics: { enabled: true, cookieLessTracking: true, documentTracking: { enabled: true, documentCls: "monsido_download", documentIgnoreCls: "monsido_ignore_download", documentExt: [], }, }, heatmap: { enabled: true, }, }; window._monsidoConsentManagerConfig = window._monsidoConsentManagerConfig || { token: "otZIQcsLxIYXcA0ZEkCCcw", privacyRegulation: ["gdpr"], settings: { manualStartup: false, hideOnAccepted: false, perCategoryConsent: true, explicitRejectOption: false, hasOverlay: true, }, i18n: { languages: ["en_US"], defaultLanguage: "en_US" }, theme: { buttonColor: "#e01836", buttonTextColor: "#ffffff", iconPictureUrl: "cookie_bite", iconShape: "circle", position: "bottom-left", }, links: { cookiePolicyUrl: "https://um.dk/om-os/kontakt/udenrigsministeriets-privatlivspolitik", optOutUrl: "", }, }; </script> <script type="text/javascript" async src="https://app-script.monsido.com/v2/monsido-script.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://monsido-consent.com/v1/mcm.js"></script> <meta name="facebook-domain-verification" content="iwih10oggucjr6cikc2pyuohk4pnhu" /><!-- www.Cludo.com search start JS --> <!--[if lte IE 9]> <script src="https://api.cludo.com/scripts/xdomain.js" slave="https://api.cludo.com/proxy.html" type="text/javascript"></script> <![endif]--> <!-- www.Cludo.com search end JS --> <script src="/sitecore%20modules/Web/ExperienceForms/scripts/jquery-3.4.1.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/sitecore%20modules/Web/ExperienceForms/scripts/jquery.validate.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/sitecore%20modules/Web/ExperienceForms/scripts/jquery.validate.unobtrusive.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/sitecore%20modules/Web/ExperienceForms/scripts/jquery.unobtrusive-ajax.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/sitecore%20modules/Web/ExperienceForms/scripts/form.validate.js " type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/sitecore%20modules/Web/ExperienceForms/scripts/form.tracking.js " type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/sitecore%20modules/Web/ExperienceForms/scripts/form.conditions.js " type="text/javascript"></script> </head> <body class="website-state-normal page-type-content-page "> <header> <a href="#ContentZone" class="skip-content sr-only sr-only-focusable">Skip to content</a> <div class="page-header"> <div class="page-header-inner"> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="page-header-direction d-flex justify-content-between"> <div class="website-logo d-flex"> <a class="website-logo-link" title="Denmark.dk" href="/"> <div class="d-none d-xl-block"> <svg class="logo-denmark" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="252" height="29"> <g transform="matrix(.18246 0 0 .18421 .767 .698)"> <g> <g class="logo-denmark-text"> <path d="M130.9 149.2H84.8l.6-11.9c-7.6 9.7-20.5 14.5-34.6 14.5-31.3 0-50.8-25-50.8-57.5s19.5-57.5 50.8-57.5c22.7 0 31.8 11.9 31.8 11.9s-.4-8.7-.4-17.3V0h48.7v149.2zM66.4 74.6c-9.1 0-17.3 6.5-17.3 19 0 12.3 8.2 18.8 17.3 18.8 9.3 0 17.3-6.5 17.3-18.8 0-12.5-8-19-17.3-19z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M268.5 105.8H196c1.7 10.2 12.5 12.3 21.2 12.3s20.5-2.2 30.3-8.7l18.4 23.8c-5.4 4.3-20.5 18.8-55.8 18.8-35 0-62.1-19.7-62.1-57.5S176.1 37 210.7 37s58.4 21.6 58.4 55.2c0 6.4-.6 13.6-.6 13.6zm-44.3-25.6c-.4-7.6-5.8-13-14.1-13-8 0-13.4 5.4-14.1 13h28.2z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M406.2 149.4h-48.7v-54c0-10.8-1.1-19-11.5-19-10.2 0-11.2 8.2-11.2 19v54.1h-48.7V39.1h48.7l-.6 14.1c6.1-8.7 14.7-16.2 30.9-16.2 32.4 0 41.1 20.5 41.1 47.6v64.8z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M612.1 149.4h-48.7V93.2c0-10.8-2.2-16.9-9.7-16.9-7.6 0-9.7 6.1-9.7 16.9v56.2h-48.7V93.2c0-10.8-2.2-16.9-9.7-16.9-7.6 0-9.7 6.1-9.7 16.9v56.2h-48.7V39.1h48.7l-.6 14.1c6-8.7 15.7-16.2 29.8-16.2 14.1 0 27 3.2 32.9 18.4 8.2-13 18-18.4 35.3-18.4 27 0 38.9 17.3 38.9 46.5v65.9z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M745 149.4h-46l-1.1-9.7c-5.4 5.4-14.1 12.3-28.1 12.3-20.5 0-42.2-9.1-42.2-36.1s27.3-33.3 43.3-34l25.5-1.1v-1.1c0-6.1-5-10.4-18-10.4s-27 5.4-34.6 9.7l-11.9-30.7c10.8-5 30.3-11.5 53-11.5s35.7 4.3 45.4 13C740 58.6 745 70.5 745 88.9v60.5zm-48.2-44.9l-9.7.6c-5.2.2-10.8 2.2-10.8 8.7 0 6.5 5.4 8.7 10.8 8.7s8.7-3.2 9.7-4.3v-13.7z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M850.7 83.5h-2.2c-2.2-1.1-7.6-3.2-14.1-3.2s-12.1 3-15.1 7.1c-3 3.9-4.3 10.2-4.3 18.8v43.3h-48.7V39.1H815l-.6 14.1C821.5 41.3 830.1 37 842 37c7.6 0 10.8 2.2 10.8 2.2l-2.1 44.3z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M995 149.4h-55.2l-17.3-33.5-7.1 7.6v26h-48.7V.2h48.7v68.1l23.4-29.2H994l-37.9 41.1 38.9 69.2z" fill="#e01836"/> </g> <g class="logo-denmark-static-end"> <path d="M1044.2 151.8c12.5 0 22.6-10.1 22.6-22.6 0-12.5-10.1-22.6-22.6-22.6-12.5 0-22.6 10.1-22.6 22.6.1 12.5 10.2 22.6 22.6 22.6" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M1220.4 149.2h-46.1l.6-11.9c-7.6 9.7-20.5 14.5-34.6 14.5-31.4 0-50.8-25.1-50.8-57.5s19.5-57.5 50.8-57.5c22.7 0 31.8 11.9 31.8 11.9s-.4-8.7-.4-17.3V0h48.7v149.2zM1156 74.6c-9.1 0-17.3 6.5-17.3 19 0 12.3 8.2 18.8 17.3 18.8 9.3 0 17.3-6.5 17.3-18.8 0-12.5-8-19-17.3-19z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M1370.2 149.2H1315l-17.3-33.5-7.1 7.6v26h-48.7V0h48.7v68.1l23.4-29.2h55.2L1331.3 80l38.9 69.2z" fill="#e01836"/> </g> </g> </g> </svg> <svg class="logo-denmark-simple" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="125" height="29"> <g transform="matrix(.1848 0 0 .18421 .5 .825)"> <g> <g> <g> <path d="M252.7 152c12.5 0 22.6-10.1 22.6-22.6 0-12.5-10.1-22.6-22.6-22.6-12.5 0-22.6 10.1-22.6 22.6 0 12.5 10.1 22.6 22.6 22.6" fill="#e01836"/> </g> <g> <path d="M0 0h63.9v63.9H0z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M85.2 0H197v63.9H85.2z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M85.2 85.2H197v63.9H85.2z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M0 85.2h63.9v63.9H0z" fill="#e01836"/> </g> <path d="M429.1 149.4H383l.7-11.9C376 147.2 363 152 349 152c-31.4 0-50.9-25.1-50.9-57.6s19.5-57.6 50.9-57.6c22.7 0 31.8 11.9 31.8 11.9s-.4-8.7-.4-17.3V0h48.7v149.4zm-64.5-74.7c-9.1 0-17.3 6.5-17.3 19.1 0 12.3 8.2 18.8 17.3 18.8 9.3 0 17.3-6.5 17.3-18.8 0-12.6-8-19.1-17.3-19.1z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M579 149.4h-55.2l-17.3-33.6-7.1 7.6v26h-48.7V0h48.7v68.2L522.7 39h55.2L540 80.1l39 69.3z" fill="#e01836"/> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> <div class="d-block d-xl-none"> <svg class="logo-denmark-simple-solo" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="125" height="29"> <g transform="matrix(.1848 0 0 .18421 .5 .825)"> <g> <g> <g> <path d="M252.7 152c12.5 0 22.6-10.1 22.6-22.6 0-12.5-10.1-22.6-22.6-22.6-12.5 0-22.6 10.1-22.6 22.6 0 12.5 10.1 22.6 22.6 22.6" fill="#e01836"/> </g> <g> <path d="M0 0h63.9v63.9H0z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M85.2 0H197v63.9H85.2z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M85.2 85.2H197v63.9H85.2z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M0 85.2h63.9v63.9H0z" fill="#e01836"/> </g> <path d="M429.1 149.4H383l.7-11.9C376 147.2 363 152 349 152c-31.4 0-50.9-25.1-50.9-57.6s19.5-57.6 50.9-57.6c22.7 0 31.8 11.9 31.8 11.9s-.4-8.7-.4-17.3V0h48.7v149.4zm-64.5-74.7c-9.1 0-17.3 6.5-17.3 19.1 0 12.3 8.2 18.8 17.3 18.8 9.3 0 17.3-6.5 17.3-18.8 0-12.6-8-19.1-17.3-19.1z" fill="#e01836"/> <path d="M579 149.4h-55.2l-17.3-33.6-7.1 7.6v26h-48.7V0h48.7v68.2L522.7 39h55.2L540 80.1l39 69.3z" fill="#e01836"/> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </a> </div> <div class="mobile-nav"> <div class="search-icon-btn search-toggle" id="search-toggle" data-search-box-toggle></div> <div class="menu-toggle" id="menu-toggle"> <span></span> <span></span> <span></span> </div> </div> <div class="nav-container"> <nav class="service-menu-nav" role="navigation" aria-label="Service"> <ul class="service-menu"> <li class="service-menu-item"> <a class="service-menu-link" target="_blank" href="https://da-dk.facebook.com/denmark.dk/" title="" rel="noopener"> <span class="service-menu-icon fa fa-facebook"></span> <span class="sr-only">Denmark.dk on Facebook</span> </a> </li> <li class="service-menu-item"> <a class="service-menu-link" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/denmarkdotdk?lang=en" title="" rel="noopener"> <span class="service-menu-icon fa fa-twitter"></span> <span class="sr-only">Denmark.dk on Twitter</span> </a> </li> <li class="service-menu-item"> <a class="service-menu-link" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Denmarkdotdk" title="" rel="noopener"> <span class="service-menu-icon fa fa-youtube"></span> <span class="sr-only">Denmark.dk on YouTube</span> </a> </li> <li class="service-menu-item"> <a class="service-menu-link" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/denmarkdotdk/?hl=en" title="" rel="noopener"> <span class="service-menu-icon fa fa-instagram"></span> <span class="sr-only">Denmark.dk on Instagram</span> </a> </li> </ul> </nav> <nav class="main-navigation-nav " role="navigation" aria-label="Main"> <ul class="main-navigation"> <li class=" main-navigation-item"> <a class="main-navigation-link" href="/people-and-culture">People and Culture</a> </li> <li class="active main-navigation-item"> <a class="main-navigation-link" href="/society-and-business">Society and Business</a> </li> <li class=" main-navigation-item"> <a class="main-navigation-link" href="/innovation-and-design">Innovation and Design</a> </li> <li class=" main-navigation-item"> <a class="main-navigation-link" href="/quick-facts">Quick Facts</a> </li> <li class=" main-navigation-item"> <a class="main-navigation-link" href="/quiz">Quiz</a> </li> </ul> </nav> <div class="search-box-container"> <div class="search-box d-flex"> <button class="search-icon-btn search-box-button" type="button" title="Search" data-search-box-toggle></button> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="search-box-open" id="cludo-search-form" data-search-box-open> <div class="container-fluid"> <input class="search-box-input" placeholder="What are you searching for?" aria-label="Search: What are you searching for?" type="text" title="Search: What are you searching for?" data-search-box-open-input /> <button class="search-icon-btn search-box-open-button" type="button" title="Search" data-search-box-open-button></button> </div> </div> </div> </header> <main> <nav class="breadcrumb" role="navigation"> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12 breadcrumb-container"> <a class="breadcrumb-link" href="/">Home</a> <a class="breadcrumb-link" href="/society-and-business">Society and Business</a> <a class="breadcrumb-link" href="/society-and-business/lifelong-education">Lifelong education</a> </div> </div> </div> </nav> <div class="contentheader contentheader-default "> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12 "> <div class="contentheader-body contentheader-default-body"> <div class="page-title-container"> <span class="page-title-prefix"> society </span> <h1> <span class="page-title"> Lifelong education </span> </h1> </div> <div class="page-summary"> In Denmark, most education is tax-financed and free of charge for the student. Education is important for Danes: even people who have obtained a degree sign up for extra classes to boost their professional skills or pursue a hobby. </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="container-fluid container-fluid-metadata"> <div class="page-metadata-content-container"> <div class="page-metadata-content"> <div class="share-buttons"> <ul class="share-buttons-list"> <li class="share-buttons-item"> <a class="share-buttons-item-link" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3a%2f%2fdenmark.dk%2fsociety-and-business%2flifelong-education" title="Facebook" rel="noopener"> <span class="share-buttons-item-icon fa fa-facebook"></span> <span class="sr-only">Facebook</span> </a> </li> <li class="share-buttons-item"> <a class="share-buttons-item-link" target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3a%2f%2fdenmark.dk%2fsociety-and-business%2flifelong-education&title=Lifelong Education" title="LinkedIn" rel="noopener"> <span class="share-buttons-item-icon fa fa-linkedin"></span> <span class="sr-only">LinkedIn</span> </a> </li> <li class="share-buttons-item"> <a class="share-buttons-item-link" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3a%2f%2fdenmark.dk%2fsociety-and-business%2flifelong-education&text=Lifelong Education" title="Twitter" rel="noopener"> <span class="share-buttons-item-icon fa fa-twitter"></span> <span class="sr-only">Twitter</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="ContentZone" class="content-zone"> <div id="module-B1AD1ACE26A24EDDA0DD544F017AC6EC" class="module module-text module-text-default module-id-B1AD1ACE26A24EDDA0DD544F017AC6EC module-colorscheme-none " > <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="module-body module-text-body module-body-id-B1AD1ACE26A24EDDA0DD544F017AC6EC " > <h2>From daycare to primary schools: An emphasis on social skills</h2> <p> <span>Danish children begin public daycare as early as 9 months, and by age 3, 98% of children in Denmark are attending public kindergartens. </span>Staffed by professionals with training in early childhood education, these institutions teach basic academic concepts like letters and numbers, as well as social rules like taking turns and helping others. Most of the day is spent on "free play" and activities outdoors. </p> <p>At age 6, Danish children begin their formal schooling. The educational approach in Denmark avoids class rankings and formal tests; instead, children work in groups and are taught to challenge the established way of doing things. Teachers are called by their first names. The emphasis is on problem-solving, not memorisation.</p> <p>All children in Denmark have access to tuition-free government <em>folkeskole </em>(people's school) until they are 16 years old. Some parents choose private schools because they are smaller, or because they have a particular educational approach.</p> <p>Others choose private schools for religious reasons: Denmark is home to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim schools. English-language international schools and French and German-language schools are also available on a paid-for basis. All schools are required to follow the national government's basic requirements for primary education. <span style="font-size: 2.2rem;"><br /> </span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="module-C317D2E36B534F41B9CD4CDBB0EA362E" class="module module-image module-id-C317D2E36B534F41B9CD4CDBB0EA362E module-colorscheme-none " > <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="module-body module-image-body module-body-id-C317D2E36B534F41B9CD4CDBB0EA362E " > <figure class="module-image-figure"> <img class='b-lazy 'src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw' data-src='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-teacher-and-children.ashx?mw=1600&hash=B74835D50B70486B37369E062AB752D3' data-src-lg='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-teacher-and-children.ashx?mw=1366&hash=979BDFA84AEB4000C307E3D50D40E706' data-src-md='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-teacher-and-children.ashx?mw=1024&hash=C1E54CD3D8F1D294B8D0F020D3CF804D' data-src-sm='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-teacher-and-children.ashx?mw=667&hash=1E59A0A9B7B21DA480AD6BE52ED5CE3B' data-src-xs='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-teacher-and-children.ashx?mw=480&hash=3EA3A9D62951D43C47838A2D900AFD1C' alt='Danish School teacher and children' /> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div id="module-3ECF27B782A94D4D8A2BDD2700A08DD9" class="module module-text module-text-default module-id-3ECF27B782A94D4D8A2BDD2700A08DD9 module-colorscheme-none " > <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="module-body module-text-body module-body-id-3ECF27B782A94D4D8A2BDD2700A08DD9 " > <h2>Choosing a secondary education: Academic or trade school?</h2> <p> Near the end of their time in primary school, Danish children take a nationwide test to help them choose the next step in their education. </p> <p>Pupils with strong academic abilities often select a gymnasium for their secondary education, where they can focus on languages, sciences, math or similar subjects to prepare them for university. </p> <p>More practically-oriented pupils often prefer a trade school that can train them in high-paying skills like metalworking, electrical technology, or mechanics, or a business school where they can learn about accounting or software development. </p> <p>Other pupils delay the decision for a year, choosing an efterskole (after school) where they live away from home and study topics of interest like theatre or sports alongside their academic requirements.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="module-1A36546E535942FE83A7152344232F01" class="module module-text module-text-default module-id-1A36546E535942FE83A7152344232F01 module-colorscheme-none " > <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="module-body module-text-body module-body-id-1A36546E535942FE83A7152344232F01 " > <h2>Universities and "getting paid to go to school"</h2> <p>Once they have completed their secondary education, Danes can choose from a variety of tertiary options, including a standard university that grants bachelors, masters', and PhD degrees; a university college that awards bachelors degrees in hands-on subjects such as social work; or a public arts and architecture academy, like The Royal Academy of Music. </p> <p>Full-time students in Denmark are eligible for <em>Statens Uddannelsestøtte</em>, or SU (limited income support) from the government alongside other work they do to help pay their expenses while studying. <br /> <br /> <span>It is common for Danes to begin working in their future job roles while they are still in the process of education, either as an intern, by having a relevant student job or as a paid apprentice.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="module-6DEA409FA0FE48138F70CCB36165317D" class="module module-focustext module-focustext-factbox module-id-6DEA409FA0FE48138F70CCB36165317D module-colorscheme-none module-colorscheme-has-inner " > <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="module-focustext-factbox-body module-body module-body-id-6DEA409FA0FE48138F70CCB36165317D module-colorscheme-brandcolor-3 " > <h2 class="module-title-container"> <span class="module-title"> Did you know </span> </h2> <div class="module-focustext-content"> <p><span>Denmark has eight universities, nine art and performance institutions including the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and eight university colleges that award professional bachelor degrees in areas like nursing and teaching. That is pretty impressive for a country with only 5.9 million people!</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div id="module-870AB4A9D7F5407E819C4910F53D4833" class="module module-text module-text-default module-id-870AB4A9D7F5407E819C4910F53D4833 module-colorscheme-none " > <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="module-body module-text-body module-body-id-870AB4A9D7F5407E819C4910F53D4833 " > <h2>Lifelong learning for fun and profit</h2><p>Education in Denmark does not stop with graduation; at any given time, one out of three Danish adults age 25-64 is taking some kind of continuing education course. </p><p>Many Danish workplaces pay for their employees' additional training, and there are also public and private providers of classes that help build business and professional skills. Unemployed people in Denmark are often required to take courses that will prepare them to return to the job market.</p><p>Denmark's public and private investment in the development of new qualifications and skills is one of the highest in Europe. The idea is to maintain a highly-qualified and well-educated workforce that can succeed in a global knowledge economy.<br /><br />Of course, not all education is for professional reasons. Many adults in Denmark take classes in cooking, painting, foreign languages, music, or dance just for fun. A lot of these classes are publicly funded and offered for a minimal fee. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="module-57533DDED2A44376812C7CF6BE6C2E8A" class="module module-gallery module-id-57533DDED2A44376812C7CF6BE6C2E8A module-colorscheme-none " > <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="module-body module-gallery-body module-body-id-57533DDED2A44376812C7CF6BE6C2E8A " > <div class="gallery-inner"> <div class="gallery-columns-2 Columns gallery-list"> <div class="gallery-item"> <img class='b-lazy 'src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw' data-src='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-kayaking.ashx?mw=1600&hash=5348BAEAF3FB0947C88C20A1CD42065F' data-src-lg='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-kayaking.ashx?mw=1366&hash=1320530206AFECAB5AEA1C783F721D8D' data-src-md='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-kayaking.ashx?mw=1024&hash=5AE19F44FD28FA73493AAFE26BE6DE80' data-src-sm='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-kayaking.ashx?mw=667&hash=1EE052AD65312709BFA184E27FA6EE0C' data-src-xs='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/danish-school-kayaking.ashx?mw=480&hash=9276D28DAADB02FDEAB534EAB88F07A5' alt='Danish-School-Kayaking' /> </div> <div class="gallery-item"> <img class='b-lazy 'src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw' data-src='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/ry-danish-folk-school.ashx?mw=1600&hash=6349AEA72BEEFD381217173B29B3C155' data-src-lg='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/ry-danish-folk-school.ashx?mw=1366&hash=77B38613043A77B72BE4D32D64E76883' data-src-md='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/ry-danish-folk-school.ashx?mw=1024&hash=A1A832D47694B8BA8F895AE37D5436FD' data-src-sm='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/ry-danish-folk-school.ashx?mw=667&hash=E15E28ADBDBAB97885E1CF638EFF480F' data-src-xs='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/people-and-culture/lifelong-education/ry-danish-folk-school.ashx?mw=480&hash=A500F52B038080E08E85B304400C4176' alt='Ry Danish Folk school' /> <div class="gallery-item-caption"> Ry Folk High School in Jutland </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="module-88C9DBAA191D4857897D1B8180EF9B02" class="module module-text module-text-default module-id-88C9DBAA191D4857897D1B8180EF9B02 module-colorscheme-none " > <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="module-body module-text-body module-body-id-88C9DBAA191D4857897D1B8180EF9B02 " > <h2>"Folk high schools": A fundamental part of Danish culture</h2> <p>Adult education is nothing new in Denmark: since 1844, <em>folkehøjskoler</em> or <em>højskoler</em> (folk high schools) around Denmark have helped ordinary people develop the skills they needed to thrive as citizens.</p> <p><span>The schools were inspired by the influential Danish educational leader Nicolai Grundtvig (1783-1872), who believed that offering higher education to rural people was as important as cultivating the urban intellectual elite. Grundtvig's ideas were widely copied in other Scandinavian countries.</span></p> <p>These days, there are 75 <em>højskoler</em> around Denmark, many specialising in subjects like film, design, sports, theatre, and politics. <br /> <br /> The schools are voluntary and require no grades or exams. Many offer "live-in courses" for a week or more, and while they are not tuition-free, prices are low and the cost of attending includes room and board.</p> <p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://danishfolkhighschools.com/" target="_blank">Read more about the Danish højskoler.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="module-C49C4F12C01C447791396D071C96B825" class="module module-manual-list module-id-C49C4F12C01C447791396D071C96B825 module-colorscheme-grey-1 " > <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="module-body module-body-id-C49C4F12C01C447791396D071C96B825 " > <h2 class="module-title-container"> <span class="module-title"> We also recommend </span> </h2> <div> <ul class="row item-list module-list-graphic"> <li class="col-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4 col-third"> <div><span class="list-item-icon fa fa-file"></span></div> <a href="/people-and-culture/hygge" class="list-link-item"> <div class="list-item-image-container responsive-background"> <img class='b-lazy 'src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw' data-src='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/hygge-grandparents-denmark.ashx?mw=500&hash=6EEE2F1B6A042DD166E53C9402890374' data-src-lg='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/hygge-grandparents-denmark.ashx?mw=500&hash=6EEE2F1B6A042DD166E53C9402890374' data-src-md='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/hygge-grandparents-denmark.ashx?mw=500&hash=6EEE2F1B6A042DD166E53C9402890374' data-src-sm='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/hygge-grandparents-denmark.ashx?mw=667&hash=0A724F26D05EF5E5BDD075145B80DA77' data-src-xs='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/hygge-grandparents-denmark.ashx?mw=480&hash=88D2D932FD3EB1EF4C4CF22D09034C62' alt='Grandfather and grandson building' /> </div> <div class="list-item-inner"> <h2 class="list-item-title-container "> <span class="list-item-info-prefix"> Culture </span> <span class="list-item-title">What do we mean by "hygge"?</span> </h2> <div class="list-item-date">08.01.2020</div> <span class="list-link-readmore">Read more</span> </div> </a> </li> <li class="col-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4 col-third"> <div><span class="list-item-icon fa fa-file"></span></div> <a href="/society-and-business/work-life-balance" class="list-link-item"> <div class="list-item-image-container responsive-background"> <img class='b-lazy 'src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw' data-src='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/worklife-balance-in-denmark.ashx?mw=500&hash=8A4DAF403AB86E0BFB1D866E5959F5D0' data-src-lg='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/worklife-balance-in-denmark.ashx?mw=500&hash=8A4DAF403AB86E0BFB1D866E5959F5D0' data-src-md='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/worklife-balance-in-denmark.ashx?mw=500&hash=8A4DAF403AB86E0BFB1D866E5959F5D0' data-src-sm='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/worklife-balance-in-denmark.ashx?mw=667&hash=DAC1BA72B6E8A8DDA99D56731496CC06' data-src-xs='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/worklife-balance-in-denmark.ashx?mw=480&hash=AF49333F534524A62406B4E2961712E3' alt='Farmer in denmark' /> </div> <div class="list-item-inner"> <h2 class="list-item-title-container "> <span class="list-item-info-prefix"> working in denmark </span> <span class="list-item-title">The Danish work-life balance</span> </h2> <div class="list-item-date">03.02.2025</div> <span class="list-link-readmore">Read more</span> </div> </a> </li> <li class="col-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4 col-third"> <div><span class="list-item-icon fa fa-file"></span></div> <a href="/society-and-business/government-and-politics" class="list-link-item"> <div class="list-item-image-container responsive-background"> <img class='b-lazy 'src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw' data-src='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/government-and-politicsnew.ashx?mw=500&hash=8F7BF1627420597645CB7EC00A1478AF' data-src-lg='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/government-and-politicsnew.ashx?mw=500&hash=8F7BF1627420597645CB7EC00A1478AF' data-src-md='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/government-and-politicsnew.ashx?mw=500&hash=8F7BF1627420597645CB7EC00A1478AF' data-src-sm='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/government-and-politicsnew.ashx?mw=667&hash=CF7C7B1B3FC005D8328AA0125AB9EE8F' data-src-xs='/-/media/websites/denmarkdk/list-images/government-and-politicsnew.ashx?mw=480&hash=3E8129DFFF157523F43069F7A934A78A' alt='Danish government and politics' /> </div> <div class="list-item-inner"> <h2 class="list-item-title-container "> <span class="list-item-info-prefix"> society </span> <span class="list-item-title">Government and politics</span> </h2> <div class="list-item-date">03.02.2025</div> <span class="list-link-readmore">Read more</span> </div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer> <div class="page-footer-top"> </div> <div class="page-footer"> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12 col-lg-3"> <div class="page-footer-column-1"> <div class="module-footer module-footertext"> <div class="module-footertext-text"> <p>Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark<br /> Asiatisk Plads 2<br /> DK - 1448 Copenhagen </p> </div> </div><div class="module-footer module-footermenu module-footermenu-horizontal"> <h2 class="module-footer-title">This website tells you the story about Denmark. We hope it will inspire you.</h2> <div class="module-footermenu-list"> <ul> <li> <a href="/contact">Contact us</a> </li> <li> <a href="/faq">FAQ</a> </li> <li> <a href="/cookie-policy">Cookie Policy</a> </li> <li> <a href="/privacy-notice">Privacy notice</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.was.digst.dk/denmark-dk" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Accessibility statement (in Danish)" target="_blank">Accessibility statement (in Danish)</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-12 col-lg-3"> <div class="page-footer-column-2"> <div class="module-footer module-footermenu module-footermenu-horizontal"> <h2 class="module-footer-title">Find denmark.dk on</h2> <div class="module-footermenu-list"> <ul> <li> <a class="module-footermenu-iconlink" target="_blank" href="https://da-dk.facebook.com/denmark.dk/" title="" rel="noopener"> <span class="module-footermenu-icon fa fa-facebook"></span> <span class="sr-only">Denmark.dk on Facebook</span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="module-footermenu-iconlink" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/denmarkdotdk?lang=en" title="" rel="noopener"> <span class="module-footermenu-icon fa fa-twitter"></span> <span class="sr-only">Denmark.dk on Twitter</span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="module-footermenu-iconlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Denmarkdotdk" title="" rel="noopener"> <span class="module-footermenu-icon fa fa-youtube"></span> <span class="sr-only">Denmark.dk on YouTube</span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="module-footermenu-iconlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/denmarkdotdk/?hl=en" title="" rel="noopener"> <span class="module-footermenu-icon fa fa-instagram"></span> <span class="sr-only">Denmark.dk on Instagram</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-12 col-lg-3"> <div class="page-footer-column-3"> <div class="module-footer module-footermenu module-footermenu-vertical"> <div class="module-footermenu-list"> <ul> <li> <a href="/visiting-denmark">Visiting Denmark</a> </li> <li> <a href="/investing-in-denmark">Investing in Denmark</a> </li> <li> <a href="/studying-in-denmark">Studying in Denmark</a> </li> <li> <a href="/working-in-denmark">Working in Denmark</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-12 col-lg-3"> <div class="page-footer-column-4"> <div class="module-footer module-footermenu module-footermenu-dropdown"> <div class="module-footermenu-list"> <select class="select-module" search aria-label="More websites about Denmark"> <option value=""> More websites about Denmark </option> <option value="https://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/tourist-frontpage?_ga=2.166418554.571389813.1536914965-349616547.1534325336" data-target="_self" title="">VisitDenmark</option> <option value="http://um.dk" data-target="_blank" title="">Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark</option> <option value="https://www.dst.dk/en" data-target="_self" title="">Statistics Denmark</option> <option value="http://studyindenmark.dk/" data-target="_self" title="">Study in Denmark</option> <option value="https://investindk.com/" data-target="_self" title="">Invest in Denmark</option> <option value="https://thetradecouncil.dk/" data-target="_self" title="">The Trade Council</option> </select> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </footer> <!-- www.Cludo.com Search body init script start --> <script type="text/javascript" src="//customer.cludo.com/scripts/bundles/search-script.min.js"></script> <script> var CludoSearch; (function() { var cludoSettings = { customerId: 173, engineId: 10486, /* IDK: 9651 – TC: 9650 – Denmark: 9652 */ searchUrl: "/search", /* MUST POINT TO SEARCH RESULTS PAGE */ searchInputs: ["cludo-search-form", "cludo-search-form-promoted"], /* ADD ID’S OF SEARCH FORMS TO CONNECT THE SEARCH */ hideSearchFiltersIfNoResult: true, loading: "<div class='loader list-loader' aria-hidden='true'></div>", language: "en", endlessScroll: { stopAfterPage: 3, resultsPerPage: 10, bottomOffset: 700 } }; CludoSearch = new Cludo(cludoSettings); CludoSearch.init(); })(); </script> <!-- www.Cludo.com Search body init script start --> </body> </html>