Choosing an international school in Copenhagen means weighing a small but high-quality field of options against the realities of Danish waiting lists. Copenhagen's international community has grown rapidly around pharma, shipping, green energy and tech, and demand for English-language education regularly outstrips supply. This 2026 guide covers the curricula available, the city's leading international schools, realistic fees in Danish kroner, and the practical decisions that make or break a school choice here.
Which Curricula Can You Find in Copenhagen?
- International Baccalaureate (IB): The dominant international pathway in Denmark, with continuum schools offering PYP, MYP and the Diploma.
- Cambridge and British-style programmes: Available at several schools, often combined with IB in the senior years.
- European School curriculum: Copenhagen hosts an accredited European School offering multilingual European Baccalaureate education.
- Danish-international hybrids: Danish friskoler with international streams, a budget-friendly route for settling families.
Leading International Schools in Copenhagen
Copenhagen International School
Copenhagen International School is Denmark's best-known international school and a full IB continuum school, housed in a striking solar-panelled campus in Nordhavn. It serves over 900 students from dozens of nationalities, with strong university placement worldwide. Waiting lists in popular year groups are the norm, so apply as early as you can.
North Zealand International School
North of the city near the expat-favoured coastal suburbs, North Zealand International School offers international education at a notably lower price point, making it popular with families who settle along the Øresund coast corridor.
European School Copenhagen
European School Copenhagen follows the European Schools curriculum leading to the European Baccalaureate, with multilingual sections and publicly subsidised fees that make it one of the most affordable international options in the capital.
Skt. Josef's International School
In Roskilde, within commuting distance of western Copenhagen, Skt. Josef's International School runs a Cambridge international stream within a long-established Danish school, a strong value option for families outside the city centre.
Waldorf International School Copenhagen
Waldorf International School Copenhagen offers an English-language Steiner-Waldorf education, an alternative pedagogy for families seeking a less exam-driven early and middle childhood.
International School Fees in Copenhagen
Denmark subsidises private education, which keeps fees lower than in most Western European capitals:
- Danish-international hybrids and subsidised schools: roughly 30,000 to 60,000 DKK per year (4,000 to 8,000 euros)
- Mid-range international schools: roughly 60,000 to 110,000 DKK per year (8,000 to 14,700 euros)
- Copenhagen International School: roughly 130,000 to 180,000 DKK per year (17,400 to 24,100 euros) depending on grade
Add enrolment deposits, bus or DSB commuter costs, lunches and after-school care (SFO-style programmes) to your budget.
Practical Tips for Expat Families
Location matters less than in megacities — Copenhagen is compact and cycling infrastructure is exceptional — but the north-coast suburbs (Hellerup, Charlottenlund, Klampenborg) remain the classic expat belt with easy access to international schools. Many families also choose Nordhavn or Østerbro for proximity to Copenhagen International School.
The decisive factor in Copenhagen is timing: apply the moment your relocation is likely, even before contracts are signed. Schools operate genuine waiting lists, and a six-month head start can be the difference between your first choice and a backup plan. Most schools charge a modest application fee and will interview by video for overseas families.
Build Your Copenhagen Shortlist
Compare school profiles, fees and parent reviews side by side on International School Advisor and contact schools directly from each profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do international schools in Copenhagen cost?
Between roughly 30,000 and 180,000 DKK per year. Subsidised hybrids sit at the low end, while Copenhagen International School occupies the premium tier.
Are waiting lists really a problem in Copenhagen?
Yes, especially in early primary and IB Diploma years. Apply 6 to 12 months ahead; popular year groups at the best-known schools can be full a year in advance.
Can my child attend a Danish school instead?
Yes — Danish public schools are free and excellent, but teaching is in Danish. Most expats on shorter postings choose international schools for curriculum continuity.