Denmark

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Denmark
Overview of the education system (EAG 2026)
  • In Denmark, the share of adults with tertiary attainment reaches 46% (OECD average : 42.7%), while the share of adults with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary attainment stands at 38.2% (OECD average : 39.9%) and 15.8% of 25-64 year-olds reached below upper secondary education (OECD average : 17.9%).
  • Some 95% of children aged 3 are enrolled in early childhood education (OECD average : 81.5%), while 95.8% of children aged 3 to 5 are enrolled in early childhood education (OECD average : 86%).
  • In upper secondary education, 56.9% complete their education within the theoretical programme duration (OECD average : 76.2%), while 74.6% of new entrants complete a general or vocational programme within two years after the end of the theoritical programme (OECD average : 84.9%).
  • Government expenditure on educational institutions, before transfers, on primary to tertiary education equalled 4.9% of GDP in 2023 (OECD average : 4%), while private expenditure equalled 0.5% (OECD average : 0.6%).
  • In 2023, Denmark allocated an average of 12% of total government expenditure to education from primary to tertiary levels (OECD average : 9.8%), equivalent to 5.7% of GDP (OECD average : 4.2%).
  • Total expenditure on educational institutions per full-time equivalent student equalled 32299 equivalent USD for tertiary education in Denmark (OECD average : 22402 equivalent USD), while it added up to 17184 equivalent USD for primary education (OECD average : 13552 equivalent USD).
  • The unemployment rate among tertiary-educated young adults stands at 7.6% in 2025 (OECD average : 5%), while it is equal to 13.4% for 25-34 year-olds without an upper secondary education (OECD average : 13.9%).
  • Some 12.6% of all 18-24 year-olds were not in employment, education or training (NEET) in 2025 (OECD average : 14.1%), while 12.1% of 25-29 year-olds were NEET (OECD average : 16.3%).
  • On-site work varies with the level of education, while 58.6% of tertiary-educated workers sometimes or usually work from home in Denmark (OECD average : 42.5%), 29.1% of workers with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary attainment did so (OECD average : 17.7%).
  • Women represent 92.5% of pre-primary teaching staff in Denmark (OECD average : 95.9%) and 60.9% in lower secondary education (OECD average : 68.2%).
  • In Denmark, there are 81.1% of fully qualified teachers in primary and secondary schools (OECD average : 90.9%). However, 14.5% of fully qualified teachers in primary and secondary education left the profession through retirement or resignation in 2025 (OECD average : 6.4%).
    • | Education at a Glance 2026 (EAG 2026): OECD Indicators | Country note | Annexes from Education at a Glance 2026 | OECD Handbook for Internationally Comparative Education Statistics 2018 | OECD Education Policy Outlook: Denmark | Undervisningsministeriet (The Ministry of Education) | Ministeriet for Forskning, Innovation og Videregående Uddannelser (Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education) | Danmarks Statistik (Danmarks Statistik) |

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    The following list displays indicators for which your selected country shows the highest and lowest values among countries. The list can be sorted by level of education or by age group. All rankings are calculated including available data from OECD and partner countries. Find out more about the methodology here.

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    Attainment

    The level of below upper secondary attainment among 25-34 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (15.1 %, rank 10/40 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of 25-34 year-olds who attained a doctoral or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the largest among countries with available data. (1 %, rank 6/31 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Attainment by gender

    The proportion of 25-34 year-old women who have attained tertiary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (61.3 %, rank 10/41 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-34 year-old men who attained below upper secondary education in Denmark is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (18.5 %, rank 10/40 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Entrance

    In Denmark, the percentage of new entrants in short-cycle tertiary programmes younger than 25 is relatively low. (40.5 %, rank 29/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the percentage of first-time entrants into tertiary education younger than 25 is relatively low. (75 %, rank 25/30 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Entrance by field of education and gender

    The share of female new entrants to bachelor’s programmes in business, administration and law was among the smallest in Denmark compared to other countries. (49.3 %, rank 25/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of female new entrants to bachelor’s programmes in social sciences, journalism and information was among the smallest internationally. (61.2 %, rank 25/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of female new entrants to master’s programmes in business, administration and law was among the smallest across countries. (51.4 %, rank 23/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In social sciences, journalism and information, the proportion of female new entrants to master’s programmes was among the smallest across countries with available data. (64.4 %, rank 27/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (62.8 %, rank 29/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering short cycle tertiary programmes in education in Denmark is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (56.1 %, rank 19/20 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering short cycle tertiary programmes in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics in Denmark is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (20 %, rank 20/20 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering master's or equivalent programmes in engineering, manufacturing and construction in Denmark is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (59.8 %, rank 25/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering master's or equivalent programmes in information and communication technologies in Denmark is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (63 %, rank 25/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering master's or equivalent programmes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Denmark is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (56.3 %, rank 26/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering short-cycle tertiary programmes in engineering, manufacturing and construction in Denmark is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (74.4 %, rank 21/25 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of male students entering short-cycle tertiary programmes in health and welfare in Denmark is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (16 %, rank 20/23 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of female new entrants in short-cycle tertiary programmes in the field of business, administration and law is one of the smallest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (50.8 %, rank 23/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Participation in education

    Enrolment in early childhood education (ISCED 0) among 3- to 5-year-olds placed Denmark among the highest across countries. (95.8 %, rank 8/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of children under age 3 in ECEC (ISCED 01) was one of the highest across participating countries. (55.8 %, rank 5/30 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of three-year-olds in early childhood education in Denmark is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (95 %, rank 10/44 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students in government-dependent tertiary educational institutions is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.4 %, rank 19/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students in independent private tertiary educational institutions is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 33/35 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among 6–14-year-olds, enrolment in lower secondary programmes in Denmark ranked among the lowest internationally. (22.6 %, rank 38/42 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the percentage of students enrolled in private institutions at early childhood educational and development level is comparatively low. (15.4 %, rank 21/26 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of below-two year-olds in early childhood education in Denmark is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (38.5 %, rank 5/43 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate among students aged 15-19 in upper secondary programmes in Denmark is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (51.9 %, rank 35/43 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate among students aged 15-19 in upper secondary vocational programmes in Denmark is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (10.2 %, rank 31/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Graduation by field of education

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (5.4 %, rank 35/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of education in Denmark is relatively small. (0 %, rank 37/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of business, administration and law in Denmark is relatively small. (0 %, rank 38/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of information and communication technologies in Denmark is relatively small. (0 %, rank 36/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Graduation by field of education and gender

    The proportion of female tertiary graduates in education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries. (6.8 %, rank 36/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of female post-secondary non-tertiary graduates in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 21/21 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of female graduates in tertiary education in the field of education is one of the smallest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (72.4 %, rank 31/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of female graduates in tertiary education in the fields of social sciences, journalism and information is one of the smallest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (63.3 %, rank 32/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of female graduates in tertiary education in the fields of business, administration and law is one of the smallest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (51.7 %, rank 29/34 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Completion rates

    A relatively low share of upper secondary students complete their studies within the theoretical programme duration. (56.9 %, rank 25/26 , 2022) Download Indicator

    A relatively low share of students in upper secondary vocational programmes complete their studies within the theoretical programme duration. (10.4 %, rank 23/26 , 2022) Download Indicator

    A relatively low share of upper secondary students complete their studies up to two years later than the theoretical programme duration. (74.6 %, rank 24/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Fields of education

    In Denmark, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of business, administration and law is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (0 %, rank 31/31 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of education is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (0 %, rank 29/31 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of information and communication technologies is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (0 %, rank 31/31 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of services is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (0 %, rank 26/31 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the proportion of new entrants in education master's programmes is relatively low, compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (4.4 %, rank 27/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the proportion of new entrants in information and communication technologies bachelor's programmes is relatively low, compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (4.7 %, rank 28/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of new entrants in science, technology, engineering and mathematics bachelor's programmes is relatively low in Denmark among countries with available data. (23.9 %, rank 28/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the proportion of new entrants in services bachelor's programmes is especially low, compared to the other countries with other data. (1.3 %, rank 29/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the percentage of new entrants in services master's programmes is comparatively low among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.5 %, rank 28/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of new entrants in health and welfare master's programmes is relatively small, compared to other countries with available data. (9.7 %, rank 29/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Student mobility

    Denmark has a small share of international students among tertiary graduates compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (5.2 %, rank 22/30 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in doctoral or equivalent programmes is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (39.4 %, rank 10/41 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, international or foreign students from Africa are the least represented among all international or foreign students, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.2 %, rank 32/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the proportion of international students among first-time doctorate graduates is relatively high. (40.5 %, rank 9/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Student mobility by field of education

    In Denmark, the share of students enrolled in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics among all international or foreign students is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (44.8 %, rank 4/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Adult participation in non-formal education

    In Denmark, the share of employed adults aged 25-44 participating in non-formal education or training was among the largest across countries with available data. (67.5 %, rank 5/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of employed adults aged 45-64 participating in non-formal education or training was among the largest in Denmark compared with other countries with available data. (60.4 %, rank 6/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Among employed adults aged 25-64, participation in non-formal education or training in Denmark was among the highest across countries with available data. (63.9 %, rank 5/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Among unemployed adults aged 25-64, the share participating in non-formal education or training in Denmark was among the highest across countries with available data. (49 %, rank 2/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Among adults aged 25-64 outside the labour force, participation in non-formal education or training in Denmark was among the highest across countries with available data. (28.1 %, rank 1/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of adults aged 25-64 with below upper secondary attainment who reported never having participated in non-formal education or training was among the smallest across countries with available data. (12.9 %, rank 28/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of adults aged 25-64 with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary attainment who reported never having participated in non-formal education or training was among the lowest in Denmark compared with other countries with available data. (5.7 %, rank 28/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Among adults aged 25-64 with tertiary attainment, the share reporting never having participated in non-formal education or training in Denmark was among the smallest across countries with available data. (3.4 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of adults aged 25-64 across all education levels who reported never having participated in non-formal education or training was among the lowest across countries with available data. (5.4 %, rank 28/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student

    Annual expenditure per tertiary student is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (32299 USD Equivalent, rank 3/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Annual expenditure per primary student is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (17184 USD Equivalent, rank 5/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Annual expenditure per secondary student is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (16947 USD Equivalent, rank 10/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Annual expenditure per student on research and development in tertiary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (17656 USD Equivalent, rank 3/33 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student for ancillary services on primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education in Denmark is comparatively low. (198 USD Equivalent, rank 29/32 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student for ancillary services on tertiary education in Denmark is comparatively low. (2 USD Equivalent, rank 29/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student for ancillary educational services on primary to tertiary education in Denmark is comparatively low. (154 USD Equivalent, rank 32/33 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, government expenditure per full-time equivalent student on public tertiary educationial institutions is relatively largest . (26413 USD Equivalent, rank 7/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the total annual expenditure per full-time equivalent student on tertiary education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (27594 USD Equivalent, rank 3/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The total annual expenditure per full-time equivalent student on upper secondary general education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (9794 USD Equivalent, rank 22/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Expenditure in education and national wealth

    In Denmark, government expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP at primary to tertiary levels of education is comparatively high. (5.7 %, rank 2/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, expenditure on primary through tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of GDP is one of the highest among OECD countries and partner economies. (5.5 %, rank 6/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, expenditure on primary educational institutions as a percentage of GDP is comparatively high. (1.6 %, rank 7/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, expenditure on tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of GDP is comparatively high. (2 %, rank 3/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, government expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP on primary to tertiary education from final source of funds is relatively high. (4.9 %, rank 6/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Government expenditure as a percentage of GDP from initial source of funds at primary to tertiary education is relatively high in Denmark. (4.9 %, rank 6/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Government and private expenditure in education

    In Denmark, total government expenditure on primary through tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of total government expenditure is comparatively high. (12 %, rank 5/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of government expenditure on educational institutions, for primary to tertiary education is comparatively large. (89.2 %, rank 10/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Nature of expenditure

    In Denmark, the share of capital expenditure on primary through tertiary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (6.3 %, rank 30/35 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of current expenditure on primary through tertiary education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (93.7 %, rank 7/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Who the teachers are

    The share of women among teaching staff in pre-primary education is one of the smallest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (92.5 %, rank 35/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff in primary education is one of the smallest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (67.2 %, rank 41/43 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff in lower secondary education is one of the smallest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (60.9 %, rank 31/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff in upper secondary education is one of the smallest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (50.6 %, rank 37/42 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff in short-cycle tertiary education is one of the smallest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (45.5 %, rank 20/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of women among teaching staff in general upper secondary education in Denmark is relatively small. (52.6 %, rank 33/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of women among teaching staff in vocational upper secondary education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (46.4 %, rank 31/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers younger than 30 in primary education is especially low in Denmark. (56.9 %, rank 42/42 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers under 30 in lower secondary education is especially low in Denmark. (53.9 %, rank 36/39 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of female teachers younger than 30 in tertiary education is relatively small . (45.9 %, rank 34/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Females aged 50 or more represent a small proportion of teachers in primary education in Denmark. (72.2 %, rank 37/42 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers aged 50 or more in upper secondary education is especially low in Denmark. (47.9 %, rank 36/41 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of short-cycle tertiary teachers younger than 30 is relatively low, compared to other countries with data available. (2 %, rank 21/25 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of bachelor's, master's and doctoral level female teachers younger than 30 is relatively low, compared to other countries with data available. (45.8 %, rank 33/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The percentage of teachers under 30 in early childhood educational development is especially low in Denmark. (11 %, rank 17/22 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of women among teaching staff in early childhood educational development is one of the lowest, compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (92.3 %, rank 19/23 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of teachers under 30 in upper secondary vocational education is especially small in Denmark. (4.4 %, rank 27/32 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Teachers' salaries

    In Denmark, average actual salaries for pre-primary teachers aged 25-64 rank among the highest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (68888 USD Equivalent, rank 6/30 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, average actual salaries for primary teachers aged 25-64 rank among the highest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (81741 USD Equivalent, rank 4/34 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, average actual salaries for lower secondary teachers aged 25-64 rank among the highest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (82233 USD Equivalent, rank 5/34 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, average actual salaries for upper secondary teachers aged 25-64 rank among the highest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (94886 USD Equivalent, rank 5/34 , 2025) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, a lower secondary teacher with typical qualification can expect to have one of the highest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (80544 USD Equivalent, rank 7/42 , 2025) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, an upper secondary teacher with typical qualification can expect to have one of the highest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (83905 USD Equivalent, rank 9/42 , 2025) Download Indicator

    After 15 years of experience, a primary teacher with typical qualification can expect to have one of the highest salaries among OECD and partner countries with available data. (79882 USD Equivalent, rank 7/42 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The salaries of 55-64 year-old general lower-secondary teachers relative to earnings for full-time, full-year similarly educated workers with tertiary education are low in Denmark. (0.75 Ratio, rank 19/26 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Teachers' salaries progression

    The salary progression from the start to the top of the salary scale for a lower secondary school teacher is among the smallest across OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.15 Ratio, rank 42/43 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The ratio of pre-primary teachers' salaries at the top of the scale to their starting salary is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.13 Ratio, rank 35/37 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The ratio of primary teachers' salaries at the top of the scale to their starting salary is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.15 Ratio, rank 42/43 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In pre-primary education, the salary ratio of teachers with maximum qualifications at the top of the salary scale to those with minimum training and starting salaries is relatively low. (1.13 Ratio, rank 35/37 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In primary education, the salary ratio of teachers with maximum qualifications at the top of the salary scale to those with minimum training and starting salaries is comparatively low. (1.15 Ratio, rank 43/44 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In lower secondary education, the salary ratio of teachers with maximum qualifications at the top of the salary scale to those with minimum training and starting salaries is comparatively low. (1.15 Ratio, rank 43/44 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Principals' salaries

    In Denmark, the average actual salaries of 25-64 year-old primary school heads is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries. (120867 USD Equivalent, rank 5/30 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the average actual salaries of 25-64 year-old upper-secondary school heads is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries. (152235 USD Equivalent, rank 5/30 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Teacher shortages

    In Denmark, the proportion of fully qualified teachers in primary and secondary schools is one of the smallest among OECD and participating countries. (81.1 %, rank 29/31 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of fully qualified primary and secondary teachers who left the profession is relatively high compared to other participating countries. (14.5 %, rank 1/24 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Between 2015 and 2024, Denmark reported a decrease in the number of students enrolled in education. (92 Index, rank 32/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Between 2015 and 2024, Denmark reported a decrease in the number of full-time equivalent classroom teachers. (93 Index, rank 37/40 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Ratio of student to teaching staff

    The number of pupils per teacher in pre-primary schools is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (10.4 Ratio, rank 30/38 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the ratio of children to contact staff in pre-primary education is one of the lowest compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (5.9 Ratio, rank 22/26 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the number of students per teacher in private upper secondary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (6.9 Ratio, rank 39/41 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the upper secondary level in government-dependent private institutions is especially low in Denmark. (7.1 Ratio, rank 24/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the upper secondary level in independent private institutions is especially low in Denmark. (5.2 Ratio, rank 28/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the secondary level in government-dependent private institutions is especially low in Denmark. (10.5 Ratio, rank 19/22 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the number of students per teacher in independent private institutions at the short-cycle tertiary level is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (4 Ratio, rank 11/11 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark the ratio of children to contact staff in early childhood educational development is one of the lowest compared to the other OECD and partner countries with available data. (3 Ratio, rank 14/17 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Organisation of the education system

    Classes are particularly small in lower secondary schools. (19 Students, rank 32/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, classes in lower secondary education are comparatively small. (19 Students, rank 32/37 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Employment and educational attainment

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-olds with a general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (66.6 %, rank 30/36 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Employment by gender and educational attainment

    In Denmark, the share of employed 25-64 year-old men with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (75.3 %, rank 33/36 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the employment rate of 25-34 year-old men with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low in Denmark. (70.1 %, rank 32/36 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Unemployment and educational attainment

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-olds with tertiary education is comparatively high across surveyed countries. (7.6 %, rank 7/40 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education is comparatively high across surveyed countries. (5.1 %, rank 6/40 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (7 %, rank 10/35 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Unemployment by gender and educational attainment

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-old men with tertiary education is relatively high in Denmark compared to other participating countries. (7.5 %, rank 5/38 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-old women with tertiary education is relatively high in Denmark compared to other participating countries. (7.7 %, rank 6/38 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Inactivity and educational attainment

    In Denmark, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-olds with a master's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (3 %, rank 31/34 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-olds with a master's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (4.8 %, rank 33/36 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Earnings and educational attainment

    The proportional difference in earnings between 25-64 year-old adults with tertiary education and those with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is quite marginal. (123 Index, rank 28/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Earnings of 25-64 year-old full- and part-time workers with a bachelor's or equivalent education are comparatively low across surveyed countries. (109.9 %, rank 24/25 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Earnings of 25-64 year-old full- and part-time workers with a master's, doctoral or equivalent education degree are comparatively low across surveyed countries. (158.9 %, rank 17/25 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 25-64 year-olds with below secondary education compared to those of adults with an upper secondary education are relatively high in Denmark. (91.2 %, rank 3/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of workers earning more than twice the median among those with a master's or doctoral or equivalent education degree is comparatively small. (17.4 %, rank 23/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of workers earning more than twice the median among those with a short-cycle tertiary education degree is comparatively small. (6.2 %, rank 17/22 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of workers earning more than twice the median among those with a tertiary education degree is comparatively small. (10 Index, rank 27/30 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The relative earnings of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent attainment in Denmark were among the lowest across countries with available data. (109 Index, rank 22/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the relative earnings of full-time, full-year workers aged 25-34 with tertiary education (relative to those without an upper secondary education) are comparatively low in Denmark. (123 Index, rank 25/27 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the relative earnings of full-time, full-year workers aged 45-54 with tertiary education (relative to those without an upper secondary education) are comparatively low in Denmark. (144 Index, rank 29/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the relative earnings of full-time, full-year workers aged 25-34 with bachelor's or equivalent attainment (relative to those without an upper secondary education) are comparatively low in Denmark. (116 Index, rank 21/22 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the relative earnings of full-time, full-year workers aged 25-64 with bachelor's or equivalent attainment (relative to those without an upper secondary education) are comparatively low in Denmark. (123 Index, rank 23/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the relative earnings of full-time, full-year workers aged 45-54 with bachelor's or equivalent attainment (relative to those without an upper secondary education) are comparatively low in Denmark. (127 Index, rank 24/24 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the relative earnings for 45-54 year-old workers with tertiary attainment are low compared to workers with upper secondary attainment. (130 Index, rank 27/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the relative earnings for 25-34 year-old workers with master's or doctoral or equivalent degree are low compared to workers with upper secondary attainment. (127 Index, rank 21/23 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among workers with below upper secondary education in Denmark, the proportion earning between 0.5 and 1 times the median is comparatively low. (37 Index, rank 25/30 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Among workers with tertiary education in Denmark, the proportion earning between 1.5 and 2 times the median is comparatively low. (13 Index, rank 26/30 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Earnings, gender and educational attainment

    The proportional difference in earnings between 25-64 year-old men with tertiary education and those with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is quite marginal. (127 Index, rank 28/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The proportional difference in earnings between 25-64 year-old women with tertiary education and those with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is quite marginal. (124 Index, rank 28/29 , 2024) Download Indicator

    Neither in education nor employed

    The share of youth who have been unemployed for at least one year and not in formal education or training among 18-24 year-olds in Denmark is one of the smallest among countries with available data. (0.1 %, rank 29/31 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of youth who have been unemployed for at least 3 months but less than a year and not in formal education or training among 18-24 year-olds in Denmark is one of the smallest among countries with available data. (0.9 %, rank 23/28 , 2024) Download Indicator

    The share of men without an upper secondary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Denmark is relatively low. (21.2 %, rank 28/33 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The share of women with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Denmark is relatively low. (10.7 %, rank 24/26 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-29 year-olds neither in employment nor in education and training with general upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Denmark is relatively low. (10.1 %, rank 28/32 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The share of women with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Denmark is relatively low. (10.7 %, rank 26/28 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The share of men with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Denmark is relatively low. (3.2 %, rank 29/30 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-29 year-olds neither in employment nor in education and training with vocational upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education in Denmark is relatively low. (6.1 %, rank 30/31 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The share of women with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Denmark is relatively low. (10.7 %, rank 35/36 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The share of men with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education neither in employment nor in education and training (25-29 year-olds) in Denmark is relatively low. (5.9 %, rank 36/37 , 2025) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-29 year-olds neither in employment nor in education and training with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary in Denmark is relatively low. (8 %, rank 36/38 , 2025) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of 18-29 year-olds with literacy proficiency at Level 2 or below in the Adult Skills Survey who were NEET was among the smallest across countries with available data. (12 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of youth neither employed nor in education or training among 25-29 year-olds in Denmark is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (12.1 %, rank 33/38 , 2025) Download Indicator

    Social outcomes

    In Denmark, the share of employed men aged 25-64 with tertiary education reporting high or very high flexibility in their main job was among the highest across countries with available data. (55.2 %, rank 7/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of employed women aged 25-64 with tertiary education reporting high or very high flexibility in their main job was among the highest across countries with available data. (45 %, rank 5/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Among employed adults aged 25-64 with below upper secondary attainment, the share who sometimes or usually work from home in Denmark was among the largest across countries with available data. (17.7 %, rank 8/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of employed adults aged 25-64 with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary attainment who sometimes or usually work from home was among the highest in Denmark compared with other countries with available data. (29.1 %, rank 6/32 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of employed adults aged 25-64 with tertiary attainment who sometimes or usually work from home was among the largest across countries with available data. (58.6 %, rank 7/32 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Denmark, the share of adults aged 25-64 with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary attainment who kept worrying about work when not working some or most of the time was among the largest across countries with available data. (41.9 %, rank 6/26 , 2024) Download Indicator


    The data table will display up to six selected countries.
    General findings
    
                        
    
                            
    
                                
    • Educational attainment remains at an all-time high in 2025 as more people obtain advanced qualifications. Across the OECD, 43% of working-age adults have a tertiary qualification, while the share of adults with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary attainment is slightly lower at 39%.
    • On a similar note, the share of young adults without upper secondary attainment continues to decline across the OECD, standing at 12% in 2025. Therefore, while more young adults obtain a tertiary qualification, the share of individuals whose highest qualification is upper secondary with a vocational orientation is decreasing in almost all OECD countries. 
    • Regarding the share of young people being neither in employment nor in education or training, it stood at 14% as of 2025 across OECD countries. However, cross-country comparisons reveal a wide variety of trends, ranging from large falls in Croatia or Ireland to increases in Germany or Latvia.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Attainment | Education policies: Labour market outcomes | 
    
                            
    
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    • Most children aged 3 to 5 are enrolled in early childhood education, with an average participation rate of 86% across the OECD in 2024. Participation in early childhood education increases with age and tends to be higher in countries with stronger institutional support for participation.
    • 76.2% of students complete upper secondary programmes within the theoretical programme duration. This rises to 84.9% with two additional years on average across the OECD.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Access and Participation  | 
    
                            
    
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    • In 2023, OECD countries allocated an average of 9.8% of total government expenditure to education, equivalent to 4.2% of GDP.
    • Total expenditure on education tends to rise with the level of education. In primary education, expenditure per student was USD 13 552 in 2023 on average across the OECD. This amount rises to USD 14 923 in secondary education and to USD 22 402 in tertiary education.
    • Tertiary education continues to expand, placing pressure on public budgets. Private sources represent a larger share of total funding at the tertiary level than at any other level of education. However, as a whole most investment in education comes from public sources. On average, across the OECD, government expenditure on primary to tertiary education corresponded to 4% of GDP in 2023, while private expenditure corresponded to 0.6%. Both of these figures are measured as initial source of funds, which implies that we are tracking the original provider.
    • Research and development represents around one-third of total expenditure across the OECD on tertiary educational institutions, underlining their dual role in both teaching and research. On average across the OECD, in 2023, USD 8 060 were invested annually into research and development for every student enrolled in tertiary education.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Finance and Funding | 
    
                            
    
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    • Compulsory teaching time averages 770 hours per year for primary students and 710 hours for lower secondary students (general programmes), a difference of about 60 hours annually.
    • The ratio of children to teachers in primary education has slightly fallen across most OECD countries, decreasing from an average of 15 children per teacher in 2015 to 14 in 2024.
    • Teachers’ statutory salaries increase with the level of education taught. On average, across OECD countries and economies, the salaries of teachers with the most prevalent qualifications with 15 years of experience range from USD 60 437 at pre-primary level to USD 68 928 at upper secondary level.
    • Teachers’ actual salaries at primary and general secondary levels of education are 87-95% of the average earnings of tertiary-educated workers across OECD countries. School heads' actual salaries are usually higher than those of tertiary-educated workers.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Teachers | Education policies: Learning environment | OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS)  | 
    
                            
    
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    • On average across OECD countries, 9.1% of teachers in primary and secondary education are non-fully qualified, with shares exceeding 18% in Chile, Denmark, Estonia and Germany.
    • Furthermore, the share of fully qualified teachers leaving the profession in primary and secondary schools stands at 6.4% of the total teaching workforce.
    • The ratio of children to teachers in primary education has slightly fallen across most OECD countries, decreasing from an average of 15 children per teacher in 2015 to 14 in 2024.
    • Regarding job satisfaction among teachers, participating countries show wide differences. Japan, Spain and Czechia reported that teachers tend to be much more satisfied with their jobs than other employed adults. On the other hand, teachers in Hungary, Chile or Latvia tend to be less satisfied with their jobs than other employed adults.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Teachers | Education policies: Teacher working conditions | Education policies: Teacher employment | 
    
                            
    
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            Diagram of funding flows - Denmark
            
    
            
    
        
    


        
		
    
            
    
			Click on the coverpage to see the full OECD iLibrary version
			
    
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            Country Reviews for Denmark
            
    
            
    
			
    
        
    
		
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
        
    
            Note: These values should be interpreted with care since they are influenced by countries' specific contexts and trade-offs. In education, there is often no simple
            most- or least-efficient model. For instance, the share of private expenditure in education must be read against other measures designed to mitigate inequities, 
			such as loans and grants; longer learning time is an opportunity to convey more and better content to students, but may hinder investments in other important
            areas. If you want further information on the nature of different variables, please take the time to read the analysis and contextual information, available at the website
            for each publication.
    
            All rankings for individual variables are compiled on the basis of OECD and G20 countries for which data are available. The OECD average includes only OECD countries which are listed here: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/members-partners.html
            

    
			
            Reference years displayed in the Education GPS correspond to the most common year of reference among countries for which data is available on each variable. Data for the latest available year is preferred and some 
			countries may have provided data refering to a more recent or late year. 
			However, OECD averages from Education at a Glance coming from the OECD database are the averages for the indicator reference year appearing in the Education GPS and may differ from averages in the book where averages can include data from multiple reference years, based on countries' data availability.
			

    
			To know more about possible exceptions on data please click on the "Download Indicator" link on each variable. When a year of reference corresponds to a school year encompassing two years, the reference reads as follows: 2026 for school year 2025/2026 in the Northern Hemisphere.
			

    
	    *TALIS averages are based on all countries participating in the TALIS survey, including partner countries and economies. 
		This explains the difference between the OECD average and the TALIS averages.
		Data from the TALIS survey and Education at a Glance (EAG) may differ. See Annex E of the TALIS technical report and 
		Sources Methodologies and Technical Notes 
		of EAG 2025 for more details about the data collections.
		

    
        For additional notes, please refer to annexes in the list of links below the introductory country profile text.