Education System in Denmark |
Education in Denmark is compulsory for children aged below 16 and takes place at folkeskole public schools or private ones. However about 82% of young Danes study further. Pre-secondary “basic” education takes place at the same institution throughout the mandatory period, at the end of which a leaving examination takes place.
There are two options at secondary school. A 3 year gymnasium program prepares young people for tertiary education, while vocational education readies them for specific jobs. In the latter case, their time is divided between school attendance and employment in a ratio of approximately 30:70.
Adult vocational training in Denmark under control of government has 3 aims. These are to update individual competencies, correct structural deficiencies, and allow for career development. Almost ¾ of a million Danish adults avail themselves of these opportunities annually.
At non-university tertiary level, 2 year courses are available in commercial and technical fields that build on vocational schooling. University studies comprise 4 levels, namely bachelors, masters, phd’s and doctorates.
The University of Copenhagen depicted here was established in 1479. Of its average almost 40,000 students, up to 60% may be young women. It has been rated 47th best university in the world.