Adult and continuing education

Formal adult education and training 

Denmark has a broad range of adult education and training programmes for adults running parallel to the mainstream education system. Adult education and training leading to formal qualifications comprises a general and a vocationally oriented education and training system and ranges from lower secondary level to higher education level.

The syllabus and examinations are adapted to the experience and interest of adults, and in some cases participants may get recognition for prior formal and non-formal learning.

General adult education

– lower/upper secondary level + special offers at levels that cannot be indicated precisely)

Preparatory Adult Education (Forberedende Voksenundervisning, FVU)

Aims to offer all adults (18+) the possibility to improve their basic literacy and numeracy skills in order to be better equipped for the labour market and for further education and training.

General Adult Education (Almen Voksenuddannelse, AVU)

Lower secondary level single subject courses for adults (18+). Parallel to, but not identical with, the upper classes of mainstream compulsory education. Completion gives access to upper secondary education.

Single Subject Courses leading to Higher Preparatory Examination at upper secondary level (HF enkeltfag)

Identical to the HF courses in mainstream upper secondary education. All qualified adults can participate. 

Various courses at levels that cannot be indicated precisely
Provided for adults with special needs, for instance "Danish as a Second Language" aiming to support integration in Denmark, and "Special education for handicapped adults".

Adult vocationally oriented education

– from initial vocational education and training level to the highest academic level

Adult Vocational Training Courses (Arbejdsmarkedsuddannelse, AMU)
Aim to improve and develop the qualifications of the Danish labour force. Mainly designed for skilled and unskilled adults in employment.

Adult Vocational Education and Training (Voksenerhvervsuddannelse, VEUD)
Adults having worked as unskilled workers in a particular trade can undertake Adult Vocational Education and Training to become a skilled worker within that trade. The programme is aimed at adults (25+) who can document relevant formal and non-formal prior learning that may be recognised and accredited as part of the programme, thus, reducing the study/training period.

Like ordinary VET, adult VET alternates between college and in-company training, and the college-based training periods are often the same as for ordinary VET.

Basic adult education (Grundlæggende Voksenuddannelse, GVU)
Basic Adult Education is a framework for courses up to the level of vocational education and training. It allows adults (25+) with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience to supplement previous qualifications as well as work experience in order to achieve a full vocational qualification (skilled level).

The target is the same for basic adult education as for the corresponding formally qualifying youth education. Adults who complete a GVU programme pass the same final examinations as young persons in youth education, but a GVU programme is organised in a more flexible manner and the content of the programme varies according to the student's experience and qualifications in order to make the best possible use of them.

Before starting on a GVU programme, participants go through an assessment of prior learning. This is an assessment of previous courses taken and of the competence achieved through work experience. The procedure may include practical testing of skills in a course of up to two weeks. The school then draws up a personal education and training plan for the supplementary activities the student must undertake in order to earn a full qualification.

The entire programme consists of courses at a vocational college or an AMU centre, single subjects and/or a final exam. It may be organised on a full-time or part-time basis. The programme must be completed within a maximum of 6 years.

Higher Education for adults

A reform of lifelong learning was introduced in 2000 (Act no. 488 of 31 May 2000). It introduced three advanced levels of open education qualifications at levels comparable to mainstream higher education, although not identical:

• Videregående voksenuddannelse (Advanced Adult Education) – comparable to a short-cycle higher education level

• Diplomuddannelse (Diploma programmes) – comparable to a medium-cycle higher education level

• Masteruddannelse (Master's programmes) – comparable to a long-cycle higher education level, e.g. Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Health (MPH).

Most programmes consist of 2 years of part-time study, equivalent to 1 year of full-time study. The admission requirements are a relevant prior qualification and at least 2 years of professional experience. Institutions may accept applicants on the basis of other relevant qualifications.

Education programmes at the advanced levels within the adult education system may be advanced in depth and in breadth, i.e. either vocational specialisation within or outside the ordinary vocational field of the participant. The organisation of the content and teaching methods of the continued education programmes within the adult education system is also to a high degree based on the life and work experience of the adults.

Non-formal adult education

A wide range of different schools operates within the framework of liberal non-formal adult education. The courses do not lead to recognised formal qualifications, the aim being personal development.

The Folk High Schools

The Folk High Schools are the most well known types of non-formal adult education. They are state-funded self-governing residential schools providing general and liberal education.

The courses are meant to broaden general, social and democratic competencies. The courses last between 1 and 36 weeks and do not lead to examinations. For courses longer than four weeks, a certificate is normally issued. The courses are attended by people from 18 to 70-80 years.

User payment is charged and includes tuition fees and free board and lodging.

Other non-formal adult education

Evening Schools, Day Folk High Schools and University Extension Courses offer other possibilities for non-formal adult education.