Top International Schools in Norway

Published on November 12, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Norway, with its rich Viking history and breathtaking landscapes, is also a country renowned for its high-quality education system. In this context, international schools stand out for their comprehensive and innovative approach, offering students a unique blend of local and international knowledge.

These prestigious institutions are increasingly attracting expatriate families seeking to provide their children with a world-class education while living in a country known for its safety and quality of life.

Discover in this article how these elite institutions in Norway shape their students’ futures through diverse and rigorous educational programs, multicultural environments, and modern facilities that foster personal and academic development.

Top International Schools in Norway: Where to Place Your Child?

International schools in Norway play a central role for expatriate families, offering educational continuity, a multilingual environment, and a smooth transition for children coming from different school systems. They are particularly valued for their ability to meet the specific needs of mobile families, ensuring globally recognized education and significant cultural openness.

Essential Selection Criteria:

• Educational Programs:
  • Presence of the International Baccalaureate (IB), ensuring compatibility with other global education systems.
  • Various language options (English, German, French).
  • Pedagogical approach focused on critical thinking and autonomy.
• International Accreditations:
  • IB World School, CIS (Council of International Schools), NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges).
  • Teaching quality certification and control.
• Cultural Diversity:
  • High proportion of students from international families.
  • Respect and celebration of cultures, international holidays, multicultural activities.

Comparison Table of Reputable International Schools:

School	City	IB Program	Accreditations	Strengths	Annual Fees (approx.)
Oslo International School	Oslo	Yes	IB, CIS, NEASC	Modern facilities, high diversity, excellent reputation	239,650 NOK
Norlights International	Oslo	Yes	IB	More affordable fees, innovative pedagogy	33,550 NOK
French School of Oslo	Oslo	No (French program)	AEFE	Accredited French education, French-speaking community	~33,550 NOK
German School of Oslo	Oslo	No	German	German education, bilingualism	Variable

Key Strengths of International Schools:

• IB Program recognized for its rigor and ability to prepare for higher education worldwide.
• Modern facilities: laboratories, libraries, high-level sports and artistic infrastructure.
• Personalized support for non-English speaking students, including language courses and welcome classes.

Parent and Alumni Testimonials:

• Parents highlight the quality of supervision, ease of children’s integration, and support offered to newly arrived families.
• Alumni emphasize the richness of cultural exchanges and international opportunities provided by the IB school network.
• Some testimonials nuance the experience by stressing the high cost and difficulty of integrating into local Norwegian life if the child remains exclusively in an expatriate environment.

Admission Process:

• Application form to complete, often online.
• Possible interview and placement tests to assess language proficiency.
• Submission of school reports and identity documents.
• Admission sometimes conditional on seat availability and the child’s language ability.

Tuition Fees List (per year):

• International preschools: 33,550 NOK.
• International high school: up to 145,000 NOK (Norlights) or 239,650 NOK (Oslo International School).
• Additional registration fees in the first year, which can reach 15,000 NOK.

Transportation Options:

• School bus services available at most major international schools.
• Schools often located on the outskirts of major cities (Oslo, Bergen), requiring logistical organization for families.
• Some schools offer shuttles or facilitate carpooling among families.

Essential Information to Remember:

• International schools provide a safe, academic, and culturally open environment for expatriate children.
• The choice should be based on program, accreditation, and diversity criteria, but also considering cost and location.
• Testimonials from other expatriate families and school visits are recommended steps for an informed choice.

Annual Cost and Benefits: Exploring the Cost of International Education

International School	Annual Tuition Fees (NOK)	Registration Fees (NOK)	Financial Aid	Specific Remarks
Oslo International School	239,650	15,000	Yes (depending on employer)	Highly reputable school, English instruction
Norlights International	33,550	N/A	No	Much more affordable fees
Subsidized Schools	24,500 – 46,600	N/A	Yes (limited spots)	Reduced fees through public funding
Municipal Schools (IB)	Free	N/A	No	Very limited spots, English instruction
Non-subsidized Schools	Up to 250,000	N/A	No	Very high price, privileged access

List of Direct and Hidden Costs Related to International Education in Norway:

• Tuition fees: Range from 24,500 NOK (subsidized schools) to over 239,650 NOK (reputable private schools).
• Registration fees: E.g., 15,000 NOK for the first year at Oslo International School.
• Extracurricular activities: Can represent 2,000 to 10,000 NOK/year depending on the school and chosen activities.
• School uniforms: Not mandatory in all schools, but can cost between 1,000 and 3,000 NOK/year.
• Educational materials: Books, supplies, tablet or computer, average budget of 2,000 to 5,000 NOK/year.
• School trips: International or domestic travel may be additional (1,000 to 10,000 NOK/year depending on destination and duration).
• Student housing (for foreigners):
  • University room: 4,000 to 7,000 NOK/month.
  • Private studio: 8,000 to 12,000 NOK/month.
• Transportation: Monthly pass: 750 to 1,000 NOK/month.
• Health insurance: Approximately 3,000 to 6,000 NOK/year for foreign students.
• Meals: Cafeteria or dining, budget 3,000 to 6,000 NOK/month.

Available Scholarships and Financial Aid:

• Government grants for subsidized schools (capped fees).
• Some international companies cover registration fees for children of expatriate employees.
• Occasional aid for low-income families at certain schools.
• Scholarship programs for international students at the university level, particularly for masters and doctorates.

Benefits of an International Education in Norway:

• Access to a global network: Partnerships with international schools and universities, exchanges and internships abroad.
• High-level academic training: IB, Cambridge, or other globally recognized curricula.
• Preparation for higher education: Facilitated admission to Anglo-Saxon and European universities.
• Language skills: Mastery of English and sometimes other languages (German, French…).
• Openness to the global job market: Diplomas and experiences valued by international employers.

Examples of Reputable International Schools in Norway:

• Oslo International School: English instruction, renowned for its IB program, high fees but excellent academic reputation and international alumni network.
• Norlights International School: Much more affordable fees, English instruction, hosts students from many nationalities.
• Stavanger International School: Equivalent in prestige to Oslo International School, similar fees, strong presence of expatriate students.

Key Takeaways:

• International schools in Norway offer a multicultural environment, effective international preparation, and privileged opportunities.
• The total cost, including hidden fees and additional expenses, can be very high for non-subsidized private schools.
• Scholarships and aid are limited but exist for certain categories of students and families.
• Subsidized and municipal schools offer an affordable alternative, but access is highly competitive and spots are limited.

Expatriate Budget: Everything to Plan for Education

Financial Factors to Consider for Expatriate Children’s Education in Norway:

Tuition Fees of International Schools

International schools in Norway show significant cost disparities based on their status:

• State-subsidized international schools: fees range between 24,500 NOK and 46,600 NOK per year, with discounts for siblings.
• Non-subsidized private international schools: fees can reach 239,650 NOK at Oslo International School, or even up to 250,000 euros per year for some very exclusive schools.

Example for the French Lycée of Oslo (LFO)

School Level	Annual Fees (NOK)
Preschool	33,550
Elementary	35,000
Middle School (6th-8th)	38,000
Middle School (9th)	40,000

Additional Fees to Budget For

• Uniforms: uncommon in Norwegian schools, but sometimes mandatory in private international schools. Budget: 1,000 to 3,000 NOK/year.
• School supplies: approximately 1,500 to 4,000 NOK/year depending on the level and school requirements.
• Extracurricular activities: from 2,000 to 10,000 NOK/year, depending on the type of activity (sports, arts, etc.).
• Registration fees: some private schools charge entrance fees (e.g., 15,000 NOK for Oslo International School in the first year).

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

• Some international schools offer merit scholarships or discounts for large families.
• International companies covering school fees for children of assigned employees: check with HR department.
• Exchange programs or Nordic scholarships (e.g., Nordplus Student Exchange).
• Specific scholarships based on nationality or education level, particularly for higher education.

Costs Related to Transportation and School Outings

• School transportation: not systematic, but a public transport pass in Oslo costs about 800 to 1,000 NOK/month.
• Educational outings and school trips: budget annually 2,000 to 8,000 NOK depending on frequency and destination.

Currency Fluctuations

• Expatriates paid in foreign currency must account for the volatility of the Norwegian krone (NOK).
• Depreciation of the home currency against NOK can significantly increase the real cost of tuition and associated expenses.
• It’s advisable to include a margin in the budget to absorb currency variations.

To Remember:

• The choice between Norwegian public schools (free) and international schools (paid) strongly impacts the family budget.
• Tuition fees vary enormously and additional fees (registration, supplies, activities, transportation) must be anticipated.
• Aid exists but is often conditional on the expatriate’s situation or employer’s policy.
• Careful management of exchange rate risk is essential to avoid budget surprises.