Tuition and all major schooling activities are free as it is financed
through the general taxes. Tuition is only charged in private schools.
The Danish education system is organised in four levels:
1. Preschool starts at the age of 6 after kindergarten
2. Basic school (primary and lower secondary school) from the age of 7 to 15-16
3. Youth education (upper secondary education) from the age of 16-17 to 18-19
4. Higher education (colleges and universities) from the age 19-20
1. Pre-school
Pre-school socializes children and prepares them for their entry into the
basic school one year later. Though not compulsory, most children attend
preschool class. Hence, for a majority of the children, school effectively
starts at the age of 6.
2. Basic school
Basic education is compulsory in Denmark. Compulsory education starts in the
year of a child’s 7th birthday and lasts for 9 years. Education is free. There
are no tuition fees for the municipal school. If a private school is chosen,
15%of the tuition fees are paid by the parents and 85% by the state. In
addition to compulsory education in 9 years, there is an optional 10th year.
3. Youth education
Upon completing basic school, most young people in Denmark go on to attend
youth education or upper secondary education. The general upper secondary
education is more academic oriented and results in a High School Degree, which
qualifies the student for admission to universities and other higher education
institutions.After basic school between 55 and 60% choose one of the
academically oriented upper secondary programmes.
Apart from the Upper secondary education, students can opt for Vocational
secondary education. This qualifies students to enter the labour market
directly upon completion. Technical, commercial, social and health-oriented
courses are offered as part of this curriculum.
The third option upon completion of the Basic school is ‘Open Youth
Education’ where special individual education and training is offered.
4. Higher education
Higher education in Denmark is largely financed by the state. The tuition is
free of charge, students only have to buy books and teaching material
themselves.
The state also offers student grants – the State Education Fund (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte)
– to all students who are enrolled on approved education programmes. Each
student at the age of 20 and above receives DKK 4,618 (2005) (pre-tax) on a
monthly basis. It is also possible to get a favourable loan while studying.
Special rules apply if the student lives together with the parents and/or is
under the age of 20 and/or has children.
As a general rule, a completed youth education programme is required in
order to gain access to a higher education programme.
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