Lower secondary boarding schools

 In order to enrol in a lower secondary boarding school you must have completed 7th grade or be 14 years old.

The cost of attending a Danish efterskole depends on the school's weekly price, which typically ranges from DKK 2,600 to DKK 3,000. Additionally, the government provides student subsidies, which often significantly reduce the amount families need to pay. The parents' income and the number of children under 18 living at home (in addition to the student) may also affect the price through deductions from household income.

Example of Costs

For the 2025/2026 school year, the self-payment for one child at an efterskole will be DKK 58,800 if the total cost is DKK 119,700 and the parents' combined income is DKK 400,000. If the parents' income doubles, the self-payment increases to DKK 82,278.

Additionally, there may be a registration fee and extra expenses for trips or special programs.

Use the Efterskole Association's price calculator to calculate the cost of attending a specific efterskole:

• Calculate the fees for attending a lower secondary boarding school (in Danish)

Furthermore, you can apply for local efterskole support (individual supplementary student support) at the efterskole where the student is enrolled. Various scholarships are also available, particularly for families with low incomes. Learn more here:

• Special options for financial support (in Danish)

Lower secondary boarding schools have general subjects such as Danish, English, mathematics and physical education.

You can also choose a number of electives that vary greatly from school to school, such as drama, music, electronics or information technology. The electives differ from school to school.

You can use the central website for lower secondary boarding schools to search for the exact subjects that you enjoy.

• The central website for lower secondary boarding schools (in Danish)

You can also attend lower secondary boarding schools as a child of refugees or immigrants.

• Bilingual pupils (in Danish) 

On the central website for lower secondary boarding schools, you can check where there are available places for the next school year.

• Overview of lower secondary boarding schools with openings (in Danish)

If you wish to appeal a decision made by your lower secondary boarding school, you can file an appeal with the head of the school; either yourself or together with your parents.

If you are subsequently dissatisfied with the decision on the appeal, you can then file an appeal at the school’s administrative board, which will take a position on the matter.

• Act on lower secondary boarding schools (in Danish)