Denmark's school system is famously generous, and that flows into international school fees in Copenhagen as well. Most international schools here receive a state subsidy and pass part of it on to families, so the headline tuition number is often lower than the city's salary level would suggest. That said, the subsidy structure changes depending on the type of school and the family's residency status. This 2026 guide breaks down the real costs of an international school in Copenhagen in Danish kroner, who qualifies for the lower rates, and what extras you should budget for.
The Danish Subsidy: Why Fees Look Lower Than Expected
Privatskoler (private schools) approved by the Ministry of Children and Education in Denmark receive a per-pupil subsidy. Many international schools in Copenhagen — particularly those that also offer a Danish track — qualify. Families resident in Denmark pay only the unsubsidised portion. Families not yet registered (or paying as non-residents) usually pay full price.
Practical consequence: get your CPR number and Danish address sorted as soon as you arrive. The fee difference between subsidised and unsubsidised rates can be DKK 50,000-DKK 100,000 per year per child.
Copenhagen International School Fees: 2026 Headline Ranges
Tuition ranges for the 2026-2027 academic year, in DKK:
- Early years (ages 3-5): DKK 50,000-DKK 110,000
- Primary (Grades 1-6): DKK 70,000-DKK 145,000
- Lower secondary (Grades 7-9): DKK 90,000-DKK 170,000
- Upper secondary, IB Diploma and A-Levels (Grades 10-12): DKK 110,000-DKK 200,000
The lower end represents subsidised, locally registered families at the Danish-track schools; the upper end represents non-resident or premium English-medium schools.
School-by-School Fee Notes
Rygaards International School
One of the city's longest-running international schools, offering an English-medium primary and secondary programme. Fees sit in the middle of the range, with significant savings for CPR-registered families. See the school profile.
North Zealand International School
A smaller English-medium option suiting families in the northern suburbs. Tuition is at the lower-middle of the range. See the school profile.
International Montessori School Copenhagen
Combines the Montessori method with bilingual Danish-English instruction. Particularly suitable for early years and lower primary. See the school profile.
Valby International Preschool
Early-years dedicated provider with English-medium delivery. See the school profile.
Viking International School
An English-medium school with smaller class sizes and a flexible curriculum. See the school profile.
One-Off Fees and the Extras
The Danish school market is more transparent than most. Expect these on top of tuition:
- Registration fee: DKK 1,000-DKK 3,000, paid with the application, non-refundable.
- Enrolment deposit: typically the equivalent of one term's fees, returned at the end of the child's time at the school (or used as final-term tuition).
- Capital fee: less common in Denmark than in other markets — most schools do not charge one. Confirm before signing.
- Lunch: DKK 5,000-DKK 10,000 per year if catered. Many Danish families pack a lunch.
- Bus or commute pass: DKK 4,000-DKK 12,000 per year. Public transport is excellent so many families do not buy a school bus seat.
- Trips, residential weeks and IB exam fees: DKK 5,000-DKK 15,000 per year in the senior years.
Tax and Employer Subsidies
Denmark's "researcher tax scheme" (forskerskatteordning) is available to qualifying inbound expats and gives a flat tax rate for up to seven years. School fees paid by the employer for the children of an expat under the scheme are typically treated as taxable benefit-in-kind, but the favourable tax rate makes the total package very competitive. Get the structure reviewed by a Danish tax adviser.
How Copenhagen Compares
For comparison, a year of upper-secondary international school in Copenhagen typically costs around half of an equivalent year in London or Geneva, before any subsidies. Once Danish-resident subsidies are applied, Copenhagen can be one of the most affordable major Western European cities for international schooling.
Compare All International Schools in Copenhagen
See the full directory and compare fees on International School Advisor: browse the directory.
FAQ
Why are international school fees in Copenhagen lower than in other European capitals?
Most approved private schools in Denmark receive a state subsidy and pass part of it on to families. CPR-registered families benefit the most.
Do I need a CPR number for the lower fee rate?
Yes. The school must verify Danish residency to apply the subsidised rate. Until your CPR is issued, you typically pay the full unsubsidised rate.
Are school fees tax deductible in Denmark?
Generally no. Where the employer pays the fees as part of an expat package, the treatment depends on your tax regime — particularly the researcher tax scheme. Confirm with a Danish tax adviser.