Education in Denmark
Denmark has compulsory education (undervisningspligt), not compulsory schooling. Children must be taught for 10 years, but parents can choose a public school (folkeskole), a private or independent school, or other teaching of the same standard. Public schools are run by the municipalities and are free. Higher education is free for Danish and EU/EEA students and for many residents, and students can get a state grant (SU).
School (folkeskole)
- Children normally start school in the year they turn 6, in the compulsory kindergarten class (børnehaveklasse or 0. klasse). They then continue through 1st to 9th class; an optional 10th class exists. The municipality writes to you through Digital Post the year before, and you enrol your child online.
- A start can be postponed by one year if the child is not ready, with the municipality's approval.
- Public school is free, including books, computers and other teaching materials.
- Your address decides your district school, but there is free school choice: you can apply to another public school, also in another municipality, if it has room.
- Subjects include Danish in all years, English from 1st class, a second foreign language (German or French) and Christian studies.
Private schools (friskoler and privatskoler)
About 15% of Danish pupils go to a private or independent school. They must teach to the same standard as public schools. Parents pay a fee, which each school sets itself, and you apply directly to the school, often well in advance.
Higher education and student grants
- Tuition: higher education is free for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, for students with permanent residence, and for some others with a residence permit that can lead to permanent residence. Other full-degree students pay fees, typically DKK 45,000–120,000 a year (figures published by Study in Denmark in 2026).
- SU (state educational grant): as a starting point SU is for Danish citizens. Foreign citizens must apply for equal status under Danish rules or EU law. In 2026 a student in higher education who lives away from their parents can get DKK 7,426 a month before tax. Students living with their parents get a basic DKK 1,154 plus a supplement that depends on their parents' income. You can also take an SU loan.
Common pitfalls for newcomers
- Apply for "equal status" within 3 weeks of your SU application. If you apply later, your SU only counts from the date you applied for equal status.
- If your child arrives outside the municipality's enrolment period, you cannot use the online form. Contact the municipality directly.
- Check which tuition rule applies to you before you accept a place. The university decides on fees based on your residence status when you apply.
- Free school choice depends on places. Apply early if you want a school outside your district.
Official guidance: borger.dk: about the folkeskole, borger.dk: starting school, Study in Denmark: tuition fees, SU rates, lifeindenmark.dk: SU