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THE DANISH EDUCATION SYSTEM

Education in Denmark

Provision of high quality education at all levels Lifelong learning
is essential to ensure competitiveness in today’s
global society. Thus, Danish education aims to Lifelong learning is a key principle in Denmark.
ensure that all young people acquire knowledge The idea goes back all the way to the 19th century
and competencies which will qualify them to Danish clergyman and philosopher N.F.S. Grundt-
take an active part in society and contribute to vig, who argued that a prerequisite for active par-
its further development. Education is open to all ticipation in a democratic society is education for
and generally free of charge. Other characteristic all citizens on a lifelong basis.
features of the Danish education system include:

Active participation
High standards
Treating pupils and students as independent pe-
The quality of Danish education is assured in ople with a right to form their own opinion and
many ways. It is mainly regulated and financed by a duty to participate actively in discussions is a
the State, and all public educational institutions matter of course in Danish education.
are approved and evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Project work
Relevance
At all levels of the education system, pupils and
Danish educational institutions must provide students attend classes, however, they also carry
their students with knowledge and competen- out project work, either on an individual basis
cies for them to use in their future job and in life or in small groups. Interdisciplinary activities are
in general. Institutions therefore seek to ensure also an integrated part of Danish education.
education programmes are of a high quality, are
of relevance to society and are oriented towards
the needs of the labour market.

Further information
The Ministry for Children, Education and Gender Equality www.uvm.dk
The Ministry of Higher Education and Science www.ufm.dk
The Ministry of Culture www.kum.dk

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