Denmark education system

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The Kingdom of Denmark is one of the most popular countries for studying abroad. High quality of education and tuition-free studies are among the main reasons behind the popularity of Danish educational institutions. Creativity, critical thinking, up-to-date knowledge, and discussion – studies in Denmark are unimaginable without these components. To ensure that students consolidate what they learn, a strong emphasis is also placed on practical activities during the study period.

Teaching style / characteristics:

As soon as a new topic is learned, it is immediately discussed how it could be applied in practice.
During discussions, students' needs and opinions are taken into account.
Students and lecturers collaborate—through discussions, projects, and extracurricular activities.
Traditional lectures are combined with project work, during which students receive all the necessary support from lecturers.
The focus is on active participation and problem-solving rather than passive listening.

You gain:

Excellent communication and collaboration skills
The ability to think analytically and creatively when solving various problems
The ability to work independently as well as in a team
An internationally recognized qualification
A solid foundation for your career

Education system

UNIVERSITIES	COLLEGES / ACADEMIES
University studies are usually chosen by young people aiming to become specialists in their chosen field of science. Most Danish universities have well-developed research centers where students are taught to conduct research both independently and in groups.	The main goal of academies and colleges is to offer and develop practice-based higher education.
TYPES OF STUDIES
Bachelor’s studies: Duration of studies: 3 years (180 ECTS credits) Focus on research and practical application Emphasis also on theoretical knowledge acquisition Students are prepared for further academic careers Master’s studies: Duration of studies: 2 years (120 ECTS credits) Focus is placed on scientific research and developing the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice Studies are completed by presenting a Master's thesis (30–60 credits), after which a Master’s diploma is awarded The program is oriented toward an academic career	Professional bachelor’s studies: Duration of studies is 3 to 4½ years (180–270 ECTS credits); Studies are based on practical training and the development of skills in the chosen profession. Close cooperation with business and industry companies; Internships are carried out in Danish and international companies. After completing professional bachelor’s studies, you can apply for master’s programs. Academy Profession (AP) degree studies: Duration of studies: 2 years (120 ECTS credits); Equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree. After completing an AP degree, students can continue their studies at the same college or another higher education institution in Denmark or abroad and, after 1–1½ more years, obtain a (professional) bachelor's degree. The studies are based on practical training and the development of skills related to a chosen profession, so after obtaining this degree, you can already look for a job in the relevant field. Close cooperation with business and industry companies; Internships are carried out in Danish and international companies. Top-up studies: Studies last 1–1½ years (60–90 ECTS credits). These studies are intended for those who have studied for at least 2 years at a university or college in Lithuania or abroad and wish to obtain a Danish professional bachelor’s degree. After completing Top-up studies, you will receive a professional bachelor’s diploma. Upon completion, you may apply for master’s studies.

UNIVERSITIES

COLLEGES / ACADEMIES

University studies are usually chosen by young people aiming to become specialists in their chosen field of science. Most Danish universities have well-developed research centers where students are taught to conduct research both independently and in groups.

The main goal of academies and colleges is to offer and develop practice-based higher education.

TYPES OF STUDIES

Bachelor’s studies:

Duration of studies: 3 years (180 ECTS credits)
Focus on research and practical application
Emphasis also on theoretical knowledge acquisition
Students are prepared for further academic careers

Master’s studies:

Duration of studies: 2 years (120 ECTS credits)
Focus is placed on scientific research and developing the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice
Studies are completed by presenting a Master's thesis (30–60 credits), after which a Master’s diploma is awarded
The program is oriented toward an academic career

Professional bachelor’s studies:

Duration of studies is 3 to 4½ years (180–270 ECTS credits);
Studies are based on practical training and the development of skills in the chosen profession.
Close cooperation with business and industry companies;
Internships are carried out in Danish and international companies.
After completing professional bachelor’s studies, you can apply for master’s programs.

Academy Profession (AP) degree studies:

Duration of studies: 2 years (120 ECTS credits);
Equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree. After completing an AP degree, students can continue their studies at the same college or another higher education institution in Denmark or abroad and, after 1–1½ more years, obtain a (professional) bachelor's degree.
The studies are based on practical training and the development of skills related to a chosen profession, so after obtaining this degree, you can already look for a job in the relevant field.
Close cooperation with business and industry companies;
Internships are carried out in Danish and international companies.

Top-up studies:

Studies last 1–1½ years (60–90 ECTS credits).
These studies are intended for those who have studied for at least 2 years at a university or college in Lithuania or abroad and wish to obtain a Danish professional bachelor’s degree.
After completing Top-up studies, you will receive a professional bachelor’s diploma.
Upon completion, you may apply for master’s studies.

Academy Profession (AP Degree) studies

AP degree study programs (typically offered by colleges) are intended for those aiming to work in business and industry sectors. By combining theory and practice, AP degree studies maintain close cooperation with representatives from the relevant professional field, ensuring that the skills acquired during the program can be quickly applied in practice and that the knowledge gained is up-to-date and in demand on the job market. AP degree students not only attend lectures but also work on various group projects. Students complete internships both in Denmark and abroad, giving them the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in real work environments. Typically, AP degree studies last for 2 years, divided into four semesters (two per academic year).

Some examples of AP degree study programs: communication, computer science, design, tourism management, marketing, multimedia design. After completing this degree, you can already begin searching for a job in the market.

Professional bachelor studies:

Professional bachelor studies provide qualifications in a specific field or profession. These programs are most often offered by Danish university colleges, which maintain strong connections with business sectors, universities, and research institutions. A professional bachelor’s diploma is awarded after 3½ to 4½ years of study, depending on the specific program. During their studies, students attend regular lectures, actively participate in seminars, and work on various group and individual projects—making this a more practical form of education. Theoretical knowledge is also acquired, primarily through practical activities and work experience. At the end of the program, students are required to present a final project.

Top-up studies

Students who have completed college or university studies in Lithuania and want to obtain an additional Danish bachelor's degree, or those in their final years of higher education and wishing to transfer to Denmark, have the opportunity to choose Top-up studies at colleges. Top-up studies last 1½ years (90 ECTS credits). Most applicants choose Top-up programs based on their previously studied subject, as admission is based on credit compatibility. To apply for Top-up studies, approximately 120 relevant ECTS credits are required (so make sure you have enough!). After completing these studies, you will be awarded a professional bachelor's degree (equivalent to full bachelor's studies). After completing a professional bachelor's degree, you may apply for master's studies without the need for bridging programs.

Bachelor studies

Bachelor's study programs at Danish universities typically last for 3 years. These programs focus on scientific research and preparing students for a future academic or research-oriented career. Although a strong emphasis is placed on theoretical knowledge, the development of practical skills and the application of theory through real-world, often globally relevant, research is also a key component.Students not only gain general academic knowledge (as is common in bachelor's studies) but also receive specialized insights related to the profession they aim to pursue. During their studies, students attend lectures, engage in research, participate in seminars, and work on group projects. After three years, students are awarded a Bachelor's diploma. With this diploma, they may choose to pursue a Master’s degree or enter the job market.

Master's studies

Master’s studies in Denmark last for 2 years. The main focus is on scientific research, the development of theoretical knowledge, and its practical application. Master’s studies are completed by submitting a theoretical Master’s thesis (30–60 ECTS credits), or in some cases – a more practical work or project. After obtaining a Master’s degree, a student can either enter the job market or continue academic research toward a PhD.Master’s studies in Denmark last for 2 years. The main focus is on scientific research, the development of theoretical knowledge, and its practical application. Master’s studies are completed by submitting a theoretical Master’s thesis (30–60 ECTS credits), or in some cases – a more practical work or project. After obtaining a Master’s degree, a student can either enter the job market or continue academic research toward a PhD.

Grading system

Since 2007, all higher education institutions in Denmark use a 7-point grading scale:
12 – excellent,
10 – very good,
7 – good,
4 – fair,
02 – adequate (this is the minimum passing grade).

Grades below this are failing:
00 – insufficient,
-3 – unacceptable.

In addition to this grading scale, a “pass/fail” system is also used in some cases.

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