International Schools in Norway

Diploma and graduate hat - Fotolia

You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Norway with fee information. It includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools and you will find the right school to prepare for International Baccalaureate, and other diploma in Norway. Schools generally follow the Norwegian curriculum, often with a focus on the UK system.

Education in Norway

The Norwegian school system mandates that children from age 6 to 16 must attend school. It is  divided into three parts:

  • Elementary school (Barneskole)
  • Lower secondary school (Ungdomsskole)
  • Upper secondary school (Videregående skole or VGS) - optional

Instruction is in Norwegian with English introduced fairly early. Student generally follow either general studies (studiespesialisering) or a vocational studies (yrkesfag). Within those paths there are sub-paths focusing on different specialties. To be accepted into higher education, students must earn the general university admissions certificate (generell studiekompetanse).

The school year in Norway runs from mid August to late June. There are regular holidays like Christmas break from mid December to early January. This split divides the year into two halves.

International Schools in Norway

International schools are the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Norway. There may be some local population, but the schools are usually geared for an international student body.

Schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

International School Accreditation & Membership

  • The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.
  • The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredits American curriculum schools abroad.
  • Council of British International Schools (COBIS) represents over 250 member schools with the British Government.

International Schools in Ålesund

Ålesund International School (AaIS)
Address: Postboks 6504 Hatlane
6024 Aalesund, Norway
Tel: 47 908 69 948
Tuition Rates: 24,720 NOK per year

AaIS is an English-language IB World School with Norwegian lessons. MYP students (Years 7-10) learn a third language. There is a student council and after-school activities.

International Schools in Arendal

Arnedal International School (AIS)
Address: Julius Smiths vei 40
 4817 His Norway
Tel: 47 370 55 100/2
Tuition Rates: Starting at 21,000 NOK per year

AIS was the first English-medium primary and middle school in Norway funded by the local authorities (it is now privately funded). It caters to students from age 6 to 16 with Norwegian Language and Literature for native speakers and Language Acquisition lessons for language learners. AIS offers two IB programmes: Primary and Middle Years programmes. There is a full range of clubs and activities like Sports Day, Drama club, Cooking Club, AIS Talent Show, etc.

International Schools in Asker

Arnedal International School (AIS)
Address: Johan Drengsruds Vei 60

1383 Asker, Norway
Tel: 908 90 609
Tuition Rates: 30,040 to 32,185 NOK per year

AIS was the first English-medium primary and middle school in Norway funded by the local authorities (it is now privately funded). All students will be required to do Norwegian. AIS offers IB Primary Years Programme and all students have the right to VGS. Asker is located on the outskirts of Oslo.

International Schools in Bergen

International School of Bergen (IBS)
Address: Vilhelm Bjerknesvei 15
Bergen 5081
Tel: 47 55 30 63 30
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

IBS's Lower School begins with preschool and kindergarten level. These first three years make up the ISB Early Childhood Centre (ECC), and encompasses Preschool 3, Preschool 4 and Kindergarten. The ECC is authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate. AIS follows the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) and ISB was the first school in the world authorized to offer this prestigious programme.

International Schools in Fredrikstad

Children's International School
Address: Gamle Ringeriksvei 53
1357 Bekkestua, Fredrikstad
Tel: 47 67 81 82 90
Tuition Rates: 2,500 to 2,700 NOK per month

Small international school with instruction in English. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Program are offered. There is also a focus on the arts. There is also a Children's International School in Moss.

International Schools in Gjøvik

Gjøvik International School (GIS)
Address: Studieveien 17
2815 Gjøvik
Tel: 47 24076141
Tuition Rates: 2,250 NOK a month

GIS offers an international education in English to from grades 1 through 8. From Grade 1 to 5, children learn English and Norwegian. In Grade 6, they start learning a third language. They are an IB candidate school.

International Schools in Kristiansand

Kristiansand International School (KIS)
Address: Kongsgård Allé 20
4631 Kristiansand
Tel: 95 82 66 01
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

Small international school for students from grades 1 to 10. It is authorized to offer the IB’s Primary Years Programme (Grades 1-5) and Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10).

International Schools in Kongsberg

Kongsberg International School
Address: Dyrmyrgt. 39 & 41
3611 Kongsberg
Tel: 95 82 66 01
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

Kongsberg International School is a non-profit foundation established in 2002.There is a Norwegian student base, with a growing international side. The language of instruction in all classes (except Norwegian) is English. KIS is an IB World School, which is fully authorized in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students from ages 3 to 11, and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students from ages 11 to 16. Nearby Kongsberg Videregående School offers a fully authorized IB Diploma Programme in partnership with KIS. There is also a Kongsberg International Preschool. Uniforms are required.

International Schools in Oslo

Oslo International School (OIS)
Address: Gamle Ringeriksvei 53
1357 Bekkestua, Oslo
Tel: 47 67 81 82 90
Tuition Rates: 102,500 - 224,000 NOK per year

OIS is an international day school which provides instruction in English for more than 600 students, aged 3 to 19. The school is split into pre-school, primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary. There are international students, as well as students from Norway. There is no minimum English language requirement for applicants to the Primary School. All OIS students in Years 1-10 study Norwegian. Students earn the equivalent to Norwegian VGS which allows for continued study abroad. It offers the IB programme. The school is accredited by CoIS and NEASC.

French International Schools in Oslo

Lycée Français René Cassin d’Oslo
Address: Skovveien 9
0257 Oslo
Tel: 47 22 92 51 20
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This French international school offers courses from maternal (preschool) through the final year of lycée, terminale. Instruction is in French and it is supported by French AEFE (l'Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Etranger).

German International Schools in Oslo

Deutsche Schule Oslo - Max Tau (DSO)
Address: Sporveisgata 20N
0354 Oslo
Tel: 47 22 93 12 20
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A German language international school. Originally located in the German Protestant Community of Oslo, it now has its own campus. It has a kindergarten, a primary and upper secondary school. Students can earn the Arbitur, offering them the ability to continue their education in Germany or abroad.

International Schools in Porsgrunn

International School Telemark (IST)
Address: Hovet Ring 7
Porsgrunn Telemark Norway 3931
Tel: 47 35 29 14 00
Tuition Rates: 28,260 - 27,360 NOK per year

This is an English-language international school. The International School Telemark is fully authorised by the Norwegian Education Ministry for Grades 1 -10. It also offers the Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Middle Years Program (MYP).

International Schools in Sandefjord

Skagerak International School
Address: Framnesveien 7
3222 Sandefjord Norway
Tel: 47 33 45 65 00
Tuition Rates: 23,250 NOK per year

This international school has IB authorization for Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). Skagerak International School offers a three year high school curriculum programme. The first year is a one year Year 11/Foundations Year/Norwegian VG1 Studiespesialisering course and the second and third year consists of the two year IB Diploma Programme (DP).

International Schools in Stavanger

British International School of Stavanger
Address: Gauselbakken 107
4032 Stavanger
Tel: 47 51 95 02 50
Tuition Rates: 150,000 NOK per year

This is an English-language international school offering the IB program. The school provids British based curriculum. There are school bus services and after-school clubs and sports. It is accredited by COBIS.

International School of Stavanger (ISS)
Address: Gauselbakken 107
4032 Stavanger
Tel: 47 51 95 02 50
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Formerly known as Stavanger American School (SAMS), this English-language international school offers a blend of British, American, European and Norwegian curriculum. Courses are offered from pre-school through high school. Both the IB Diploma and the IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) are offered, and it is an IB World School. It is accredited by CoIS and NEASC.

Northern Lights International School (NLIS)
Address: Skådalsveien 33
0781 Oslo
Tel: 47 40073550
Tuition Rates: 30,040 to 31,185 NOK per year

This English-language, non-profit, international school offers the IB program. The school is open to students from 1st to 5th grade with plans to expand. It has both the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP). Clubs and after-school programs are available.

French International Schools in Stavanger

Lycée Français de Stavanger
Address: Postboks 370 – Sentrum
N-4002 Stavanger – Norway
Tel: 47 51 91 94 50
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Created in 1972, a French international school for students from maternal (preschool) to lycée. Instruction is in French and it is supported by French AEFE.

International Schools in Stjørdal

Fagerhaug International School (FINT)
Address: Post Office Box 47510
Skatval, Norway
Tel: 47 74 84 07 70
Tuition Rates: 150,000 NOK per year

This is a Christian international school offering the IB program for students from grade levels 1-9. It is the first international school in Northern Trondelag. The curriculum is in English with additional Norwegian language instruction. 

International Schools in Tromsø

Tromsø International School (TRINT)
Address: Breiviklia 1, blokk 4
Tromsø, Norway 9019
Tel: 47 99 200 780
Tuition Rates: 22,000 NOK per month

TRINT is the northernmost school fully accredited to offer the two programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in grades 1 – 6 (for students ages 6 – 12 years old) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students in grades 7 – 10 (for students ages 13 – 16). Instruction is in English, with additional Norwegian courses. There are after school athletics and clubs.

International Schools in Trondheim

Birralee International School
Address: Bispegata 9c
7012 Trondheim
Tel: 47 73 87 02 60
Tuition Rates: 1,818 - 1,954 NOK per month

Founded by an Australian, this school provides English-speaking education for children aged 6-16. Birralee International Kindergarten accepts children aged 4-6, and graduates go on to Norwegian High School (Videregående skole). The Norwegian National Curriculum is taught as well as the University of Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum in several subjects including English, Maths and Science.

Trondheim International School (ThIS)
Address: Festningsgata 2
7014 Trondheim
Tel: 47 73 51 48 00
Tuition Rates: 24,750 - 26,708 NOK per year

ThIS offers English international education for students from grade 1 to grade 10 (6 –16 year old). ThIS is an authorized IB school with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and MYP (Middle Years Program). Graduates have the option to apply to the IB Diploma Program for Years 11-12 offered by the Trondheim Katedralskole.