Published: March 9, 2026
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s national film academy, connected to the Dogme 95 movement, with a world-class reputation and extremely limited spots for students.
Quick facts
4-year full-time Bachelor programs in nine disciplines
Programs: Fiction directing, documentary directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, sound, animation, producing, production design
Language of instruction: Danish (required proficiency)
Tuition: Free for EU/EEA citizens; €25,000 per semester for non-EU/EEA students
Admits only 6 students per program every other year (approx. 54 total per year)
Extremely competitive entrance exam based on artistic talent and potential
Eligible students receive Danish government financial support (SU) during studies
Exchange/visiting students: Limited availability; international students must speak Danish
What this school is known for
The National Film School produced the filmmakers behind Dogme 95, one of cinema’s most influential movements. Graduates include Oscar winners and internationally recognized directors. Denmark’s film industry is world-class relative to its population size, and this school is central to that success.
Programs offered
Fiction directing (4 years).
Documentary directing (4 years).
Cinematography (4 years).
Screenwriting (4 years).
Editing (4 years).
Sound (4 years).
Animation (4 years).
Producing (4 years).
Production design (4 years).
Teaching approach
The Film School emphasizes collaboration and hands-on production. Students work in teams on actual film projects. The school focuses on developing artistic vision and technical skills. Most classes happen in Danish, so language proficiency is essential. No formal prerequisites beyond artistic talent are required.
Equipment and facilities
The school has access to professional film production equipment, editing facilities, sound stages, and cinematography labs. Copenhagen is home to major Scandinavian production facilities and studios. The school maintains connections with Denmark’s active film production industry.
Industry connections
Lars von Trier (co-founder of Dogme 95; Dancer in the Dark, Breaking the Waves).
Thomas Vinterberg (Dogme 95 founder; The Hunt, Another Round).
Susanne Bier (Oscar-winning director; In a Better World).
Bille August (Oscar-winning cinematographer and director).
Anthony Dod Mantle (acclaimed cinematographer for Dogme films and others).
- Peter Albrechtsen (acclaimed sound designer)
Admissions
Admission is based entirely on an entrance exam that evaluates artistic talent and potential. There are no age or education requirements. However, you must demonstrate proficiency in Danish. Admissions occur every other year, with the next intake in August/September 2025.
Cost
Tuition is free for EU/EEA citizens. Non-EU/EEA international students pay €25,000 per semester. EU/EEA students are also eligible for Danish government financial support (SU), which can help cover living expenses in Copenhagen.
For visiting and exchange students
Exchange students are very limited due to the school’s small size and Danish-language requirement. Visiting students must speak Danish at a high level. Contact the school directly about the rare opportunity to participate in their exchange programs.
Who this school is best for
This school is best for dedicated Danish speakers who are serious about film and can handle extreme competition. It’s a world-class education but only 6 people per discipline per year get in. International students should only apply if they are fluent in Danish.
