Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Attending Silkeborg Højskole
What is a Danish Folk high school?
A Danish folk high school is an adult boarding school, so you sleep, eat, study and spend your spare time at the school. There are no academic requirements for admittance, and there are no exams – but you will get a diploma as a proof of your attendance.
As a student at Silkeborg Højskole you will experience 24/7 concentrated unfolding of life while exploring the subjects you are passionate about.
How much does a semester at Silkeborg Højskole cost?
Admission fee: 2.000 DKK (non-refundable)
School fee:
Cost per week 1,900 DKK (19 weeks in autumn 2024)
Cost per week 1,950 DKK (23 weeks in spring 2025)
Materials: 1,800 DKK
Room and key deposit: 500 DKK (refundable)
Study trip: Cost varies between destinations
More information on prices and what is included in tuition here.
How do I apply to be a student?
We encourage you to call us or email us if you have any specific questions after having looked through our website. When you are ready to apply, please sign up here.
As part of your application we kindly ask you to send us a short video presentation. Please, present your thoughts on attending Silkeborg Højskole e.g.; What are your expectations? What are your goals? What would you like to learn? We would also like to hear about your educational background, hobbies, and any volunteer work you may have done. Most importantly, just speak freely and without a script.
We might ask for a skype interview. In that case additional information will follow.
Once we have seen your presentation, we will contact you and inform you whether we can admit you to our school.
Our school secretary will subsequently email you an official confirmation of your admission along with a payment overview. She will also explain the next steps regarding applying for the appropriate type of residence permit.
How many International students attend silkeborg højskole?
Approx. 10% of our students come from various countries around the world.
The majority of students are between the age of 19 and 26.
How can I get in contact with the office?
Please contact us by email at info@silkeborghojskole.dk or give us a call at + 45 8682 2933.
Office hours are 8:30am to 3.30pm CEST Monday through Friday.
What kind of Danish Folk High School is Silkeborg?
Silkeborg Højskole adheres to the concept of “non-formal adult education” associated with N.F.S. Grundtvig, a Danish philosopher, poet, educational thinker and clergyman, (born in 1783 – died in 1872), and his thoughts concerning free educational opportunities. The concept arose in the 19th century and is one of the cornerstones of the Danish educational system.
The Danish Ministry of Children and Education offer an in-depth explanation of non-formal adult education.
Learn more about who we are.
What is the process for admission and visas?
Depending on your country of origin, different procedures, rules and document requirements apply for residing in Denmark.
When you want to attend a folk high school in Denmark, there are three types of residence permits you need to be aware of:
1) ST1 residence permit – long stay
2) OD1 EU residence
3) WH1 Working holiday visa
a) Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea
b) Japan.
When you sign up through our website our school secretary will take you through the steps of admission and suggest which type of visa is applicable in your case.
When should I start the application process?
If you are applying for a residence permit long stay (ST1) or a working holiday visa (WH1), we recommend that you apply before September 1st for a spring term, or April 1st for an autumn term. After these deadlines please contact the office.
If you are an EU resident we receive applications on an ongoing basis.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, you will need to take out health insurance to cover you in case of illness during the first approx. 10 weeks of your stay in Denmark. When you have received your residence permit, you will need to register at the city council in Silkeborg, where you will get a CPR number (a personal identity number in Denmark). Afterwards, a health insurance card (the yellow card) will be issued, and you will be covered by Danish health insurance.
Silkeborg Højskole has taken out collective accident insurance that covers you in the event of an accident that may occur during teaching or participation in activities organised by the folk high school. However, we recommend that you take out your own leisure-time accident insurance.
You must take out liability insurance to be covered in cases where you accidentally cause damage to others.
For private contents (camera, computer, mobile phone, clothes, etc.) that you bring to the folk high school, you must also make sure that you are covered in case of e.g. theft, water damage or fire.
Do I need travel insurance when going on a study trip?
When traveling with Silkeborg Højskole outside the borders of Denmark, you are covered by our agreement with Europæiske travel insurance.
The travel insurance covers:
1) Treatment in the event of illness (medical treatment for personal injury, medication and hospital stays)
2) Repatriation
3) Patient escort/summoning in the event of serious injury
4) Recall to Denmark in the event of an acute illness, serious injury or death in the immediate family
5) Personal security (emergency assistance)
6) Private liability (personal injury, property damage and legal aid).
The travel insurance does not cover: luggage or compensation in the event of injury after assault, disability or death.
Are materials included in the cost of a semester?
Included in your payment to the school are 1800 DKK to cover starting materials, entrance fees, excursions, etc. If you have chosen Ceramics for your main subject there is an additional 1,000 DKK for materials.
Additionally, you will receive a højskole songbook, a t-shirt, a study card, a semester picture and a SH Students Association (SHE) membership.
being a student at Silkeborg Højskole
what is it like to be a student at Silkeborg Højskole?
You may attend the højskole in the autumn term (5 months) or the spring term (6 months).
As a student at Silkeborg Højskole you largely design your own personal timetable chosing your favourite subjects. During a semester you will explore one main subject, two existential subjects and two elevtive subjects.
A højskole education offers high quality teaching but that is only half the experience. Living and sharing your every day life with 130 young Danish and fellow international students you will experience first hand the youth culture of Denmark and make friends for life.
In your free time you may choose to make use of the højskole facilities such as our indoor swimming pool, sports hall, gym, music rooms, recording studio, arts facilities etc., or maybe enjoy the outdoors by mountainbike, kayak or canoe. Hanging out with your friends in the living room or partying in the school cafe on weekends will also be part of your unique højskole experience.
Student initaitives are highly valued at the school and a lot of the weekend programme comes from creative students who eg. arrange for e.g. a house group soccer game, attending a concert in Silkeborg, quizzes, theme parties and much more.
Do I need Danish skills to become a student?
No. It is however nessesary that you feel comfortable communicating freely in English in order to partake in classes as well as social activities on an equal level to your Danish and fellow international students.
The school language is Danish but simultaneous translation in English is provided whenever we gather in the assembly hall and for common activities.
When do I sign up for classes?
You select your main subject and study trip during the application process. All other subjects will be presented to you during your stay.
You have the opportunity to choose from our range of existential and elective subjects twice each semester; during your first week (period A) and halfway through the semester (period B).
How many students attend per semester?
On average we have 125-130 students per semester. Our gender division is usually 60% women and 40% men but on occasion, we manage a solid 50/50.
It is possible to see a Doctor or a Dentist?
With an issued Danish residence permit and a yellow health card you are eligible to receive free medical treatment in Denmark with some exceptions, such as dental care and physiotherapy.
If you need medical assistance you may contact the GP listed on your health card. He/she will refer you to an emergency room if you have been injured and need further treatment.
In case of a life-threatening emergency please call 112.
Dentist appointments are self-pay in Denmark. You may book an appointment with any local dentist of your choice either by calling or by booking online. Make sure to ask about prices when booking as they may differ between clinics.
what is student accommodation like?
The vast majority of students share a room with a same sex roomate.
In rare circumstances, e.g. due to documented health reasons, a single room may be available for booking upon prior agreement with the office at an extra weekly cost. Please enquire with the school secretary as part of your application proces.
Please check our facilities and enjoy a virtual tour here.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
Silkeborg Højskole provides international students with a bedding set: Pillow, duvet, bed linen and two towels.
You may buy laundry tokens at the højskole.
Do the students have parties?
Yes, parties are typically arranged by the student committees and held on Fridays or Saturday evenings.
Should I bring something from my home country?
We love for you to share the peculiarities of your own culture with us, especially something that a foreigner would not otherwise be familiar with. Maybe a secret recipe or a dance or a perfect song for karaoke night. We will be happy to facilitate a cultural exchange.
What is the teaching language?
The main subjects are taught in Danish with English interpretation. A selection of existential and elective subjects are taught in English.
Will I learn Danish at Silkeborg Højskole?
We do not offer Danish lessons. However, living closely with more than a 100 Danes will surely allow you to pick up on a few frases – and you will surely be introuced to the most famous tongue twisters like “rødgrød med fløde”.
And we sing a lot, and you will get accustomed to singing in Danish. Højskolesangbogen, The Folk High School Songbook, is the most popular songbook in Denmark. The songs in the book are a mix between Danish folksongs and hymns, and it is at the centre of the Danes’ strong tradition for communal singing.
Are there any exams or grades at Silkeborg Højskole?
Danish folk high schools offer no exams and make no demands for previous grades or occupation. Silkeborg Højskole belong to a unique concept in Scandinavian cultural tradition and is recognized and subsidized by the Danish Ministry of Culture.
what are your House Rules?
We invite you to check our House rules to know more about school policies.
How do meals work at the school?
We serve tasty, healthy meals and aim to be ecologically responsible. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are available at all meals. Learn more about meals and our sustainable practice in the kitchen.
Is it possible to do laundry at the school?
Yes, our laundry room is equipped with washing machines and dryers. Tokens are sold at the school.
Washing: 20 DKK incl. allergy-friendly detergent
Drying: 20 DKK
How much pocket money do I need?
We estimate that you will need around 800-1000 DKK a month to cover your personal needs.
What should I bring with me?
A month before your arrival you will receive an information package, but here are the most important items to bring:
- Passport
- Vaccination card
- ID Card
- Prescription medicine: Make sure to bring enough for the duration of your stay as well as your prescription in case you need to buy more
- Personal necessities incl. toiletries, painkillers, band-aids, etc.
- Sports clothes, trainers, swimsuit and indoor shoes
- Warm and waterproof clothes
- A small backpack to carry the essentials for trips outside of the school
- Outdoor gear if your main subject is Nature and Outdoor life: Medium-sized backpack, sleeping bag, roll mat, plate, cutlery and mug. The school also holds discount agreements with specific stores in Silkeborg, if you prefer to purchase your gear in Denmark.
- Smartphone, laptop or iPad
how do i get to the højskole?
From Billund Airport to Silkeborg Station / Bus
- Take the regional bus (blue bus) to Skanderborg Train Station. From there you take the Arriva/GoCollective train to Silkeborg Station (approx. 35 minutes)
From Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) to Silkeborg Station / Train
- Locate a DSB ticket machine to purchase your ticket to Silkeborg. You may also book your ticket beforehand online (CPH Lufthavn to Silkeborg). Traveltime approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes incl. a change of trains in Skanderborg.
From Copenhagen Central Station (København H) to Silkeborg Station / Train
- Locate a DSB ticket machine to purchase your ticket to Silkeborg. You may also book your ticket beforehand online (København H to Silkeborg). Traveltime approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes incl. a change of trains in Skanderborg.
From Copenhagen Central Station (København H) to Silkeborg Station / Bus
- Kombardo offers bus travel from DGI-byen which is located right next to the Central Station. Part of the trip will be by ferry where you can enjoy the view and grab a snack before heading back to the bus, that will take you to Silkeborg Station.
From Silkeborg Station to Silkeborg Højskole / Bus:
- Bus number 9 and 11 stop right outside Silkeborg Højskole.
- Visit Rejseplanen to see routes and timetables.
- You can pay in cash on the bus (24 DKK) or use the Midtrafik app.
denmark – practical information
Currency
Danish Kroner DKK (10 € = 74 DKK approx.)
Most Danish shops and stores accept cash. However, the vast majority of Danes pay by card. You can use any VisaCard or MasterCard card to pay in taxis and shops.
Please note, that American express is not accepted in Denmark.
You can pay by card at the school but we recommend that you bring a couple of 100 DKK notes, which can be changed into coins as well.
Public Transportation
Denmark has a very complete transportation system that allows you to travel around the country by train, bus, ferry or plane. It’s very important to buy tickets before boarding as the lack of a valid ticket will result in fines. Within the city, a bus ticket is approximately 25 DKK (3,35€) slightly cheaper outside rush hour or with a travel card (www.rejsekort.dk). You can find offers for tickets on DSB or 24h tickets on the Midttrafik app and plan your trip on www.rejseplanen.dk
Danish phone number
You can buy a sim card online or in any supermarket at the cashier. You can also order a sim card online with a phone service company and opt for a subscription.
Exploring Denmark
Exploring Denmark is easy and there is a lot do for everyone. The Visit Denmark page will give tip and ideas – Here is Silkeborg
Language
The language is Danish, but most Danes speak and understand English very well, so don’t be shy to ask a Dane on the street for directions etc.
Energy Voltage
Silkeborg as your new Home
In the centre of Silkeborg, you can find train and bus connections, shops and many cultural institutions that are worth a visit; e.g. Art Center Silkeborg Bad, Galerie Moderne or Museum Jorn.