Education in Denmark

Most Danes speak English, so students who come to Denmark do not need to know Danish. About 80% of the population understands English, and some speak German, French or Spanish. However, being able to speak Danish will benefit you both socially and in your job search.
A residence permit for studies is issued to foreign students, and allows its holders to attend free Danish language classes. To do this, you only need to pay a deposit of 281 USD, which is later returned in full. Students who receive government welfare benefits are exempt from paying a deposit. Students are entitled to language studies for 42 months within 5 years after arriving in Denmark.
Language training programs consist of different levels and each of them is divided into modules, which culminate in an official exam. Private, public language centers and many Danish universities offer Danish courses. Programs in universities often take place at the beginning of the academic year or as part of a university summer school.

In Denmark, children go to school at the age of 6-7 and are obliged to study up until they are 15-16. Education takes place in public schools (folkeskole), which are free and open to everyone. Denmark also has a tradition of private schools, attended by about 15% of all primary-level children.

After grade 9, students can go to elective grade 10 (if recommended by the school, to improve grades) or continue their education for several years. The next school level corresponds to ages 16 to 19 and is only required for those who want to go to university. Students can choose one of two paths:

• General education or gymnasium — prepares for higher education;
• Professional or technical education — prepares for employment.

Teenagers wishing to study at the university must choose one of the four educational programs:

If students have completed 10 years of basic education, they can study in high school, known as HF only for 2 years. If they studied for 9 years, their studies must last for 3 years (STX, HHX and HTX).

Private schools in Denmark can be roughly divided into the following categories:

• Small independent schools in rural districts (friskoler);
• Large independent schools in urban districts (privatskoler);
• Religious or Congregational Schools;
• Progressive free schools;
• Schools with a specific educational purpose, such as the Rudolf Steiner schools;
• German minority schools;
• Immigrant schools.

There are about 20 such schools, 6% of all high school students study in them. The content of the curriculum is regulated in the same way as in public schools, because education leads to the unified high school exam (Studentereksamen).

• English. Despite the fact that Danish is the official language in the country, universities in Denmark actively accept international students, as more than 700 programs are taught in English. However, it should be noted that a limited number of English-language bachelor's programs are offered. At the Danish Technical University (DTU) there are only 3 programs in English, and in some universities (for example, the University of Copenhagen) the entirety of bachelor’s programs are taught in Danish. In everyday life, a foreigner will not have any problems — the Danes occupy the 4th place in the world in English proficiency index^[3].
• Learning approach. In Denmark, higher education is focused on finding solutions for the real world: students use the knowledge gained and turn it into innovative ideas. Here, traditional lectures are combined with open debates, project work and industry collaboration. This way of learning requires a high degree of personal initiative and independent thinking. However, thanks to the Danish methodology, students tap into their potential, learn to think critically, work with others and be creative.
• Applied nature of training. Danish university professors are also researchers and often past or present practitioners in their specialties. It provides up-to-date academic knowledge and a valuable practical teaching perspective. In the history of higher education in Denmark, more than 20 Nobel laureates have held professorships, including Werner Heisenberg (one of the founders of quantum mechanics), the brothers Niels and Aage Bohr (nuclear physics), Niels Finsen (the inventor of lupus treatment). In addition, Danish higher education institutions often partner with business, industry and research institutions, providing a dynamic learning environment in which students learn directly from industry experts. Many programs also include compulsory internships, providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience.
• Quality of life. In the OECD ranking Better Life 2019, one of the criteria in which is the quality of life, Denmark took 5th place^[4]. It successfully combines social security, an attractive business climate, a clean environment and high standards in education and research. Moreover, Denmark ranks 2nd in the ranking of the happiest countries in the world^[5], and the term “hygge” — the recipe for Danish happiness — has resonated throughout the world. Therefore, the future student will be lucky to learn the secrets of the Danes in practice and experience the Danish hygge.
• Country location. Denmark is a gateway to other Scandinavian countries and the rest of Europe. Berlin is just an hour's flight away, while London and Paris can be reached in less than two hours. From here you can also fly quickly to Barcelona, ​​Rome, Vienna and Prague. Therefore, for future students, traveling not only in Denmark, but throughout Europe will become an affordable luxury: it will be possible to travel to another country for a weekend.

• Different system. Studying in Denmark implies the independence and freedom of students. Such a system, combined with practice-oriented learning, is not suitable for everyone. There is widespread project work in teams, and individual assignments are given only a few times per semester. As a result, students receive a group grade and one final grade for the entire semester. Thus, students have no choice — they have to work in groups and find common ground with one another.
• Accommodation. Danish universities do not have dorms on campus. Most of the students live in student residences (kollegier), located some distance away from the universities. Often international students rent or sub-rent rooms, some rent apartments or houses with other students. It is necessary to look for housing several months before arrival, since there are practically no options left right before the start of the semester. In August and September, it is especially difficult to find housing in large cities.
• Expensive country. The standards of living in Denmark are one of the highest in the world, so living here, like in other Scandinavian countries, is quite expensive. For example, the monthly budget in Copenhagen will be around 1,341-1,886 USD^[6]. However, when cutting some corners to save money, it is quite possible to live on a budget here. For example, students buy bicycles (no wonder Copenhagen is the most suitable city for riding^[7]), cook at home and even fly to other countries to see dentists (buying air tickets and paying for services elsewhere will be cheaper than just going to a Danish dentist).