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Adult Learning

Denmark has a long-standing tradition of lifelong learning for adults, building on the idea that a prerequisite for active participation in a democratic society is to provide education for all citizens on a lifelong basis.

General adult education

The qualification level of lower secondary courses is parallel to the ordinary system, but the syllabus and examinations are adapted to the experiences and interests of adults. Completed examinations give access to upper secondary education.

For adults who do not have sufficient qualifications to follow these programmes, preparatory adult education is offered to improve basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Vocationally oriented education and training for adults

Continuing Vocational Training (CVT) - or labour market training programmes - aims to improve and develop the qualifications of the workforce. CVT is designed mainly for unskilled adults in employment.

The basic adult education (BAE) is a vocational education and training programme for adults, which provides an opportunity for adults to have prior formal as well as non-formal learning recognised as part of a formal VET programme.

Further education programmes for adults are offered at three advanced levels. The qualification levels are comparable to those in the ordinary higher education system, but are not identical in terms of contents, profile, etc.

The three levels are:

  • Advanced adult education corresponding to academy profession programmes
  • diploma programmes corresponding to the level of professional bachelor programmes
  • Master's programmes corresponding to the level of candidatus programmes.

Non-formal adult education

A wide range of different schools and courses operate within the framework of liberal and non-formal adult education (folkeoplysning). 

The most famous schools are the Folk High Schools, which are residential schools providing general and liberal education. Courses have a duration from 1 to 36 weeks and do not lead to examinations. They are meant to broaden general, social and democratic competencies. They are attended by people from 18 to 70-80 years. 

Other possibilities are evening classes offered by education associations, day folk high schools and university extension courses.

last modified : May 26, 2009