International School Admissions in Oslo: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer: How do you get a place at an international school in Oslo in 2026? Apply directly to each school, ideally between October and February for an August start, with passports, residence documents and two years of reports. Places at Oslo International School, Norlights and Asker International School are limited, so join waiting lists early and register with your local public school as a backup.

Last reviewed: September 2026 by David from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Norway has a strong, free public school system, and many expat families use it happily. But for children who will move again, who arrive with no Norwegian, or who are in the middle of an international programme, international school admissions in Oslo are often the priority. The challenge is capacity: the Oslo area has only a handful of international schools, and the most popular grades have waiting lists. This guide explains the process step by step and profiles five schools from our directory.

Step 1: understand your options

Children in Norway start school in August of the year they turn six. Every child living in Oslo has the right to a place at their local public school, which is free and assigned by address. The rules were updated when a new Education Act entered into force on 1 August 2024, and it still guarantees free public schooling and adapted teaching for pupils who need Norwegian language support.

Alongside the public system, the Oslo region has international and foreign schools teaching in English, French or German. Several are approved independent schools that receive state funding, which keeps their fees moderate by international standards. That funding also means they are popular, so demand often exceeds supply.

Step 2: decide where you will live

International schools are spread around the capital region rather than concentrated in one district. Bærum to the west, including Bekkestua and Fornebu, is a long-standing expat base. Asker lies further west along the fjord. Central Oslo neighbourhoods such as Frogner, Majorstuen and Grünerløkka suit families who want city life, and Holmenkollen and Vinderen in the hills are popular with families who love the outdoors. Public transport is excellent, and many children travel alone by tram, metro or bus from a young age.

Step 3: contact the schools

Oslo International School

Oslo International School (OIS) in Bekkestua provides a challenging international education in English to children of all nationalities in the greater Oslo area. It has around 600 students from roughly 50 nations, making it the largest international community in the region.

Norlights International School

Norlights International School on Skådalsveien is a state funded independent school, or friskole, established in 2015. It offers international programmes designed for a worldwide community of schools, and its state funding makes it one of the more accessible options for families.

Asker International School

Asker International School (AIS) opened in August 2013 within Asker municipality with 39 students and eight staff. It has since grown to around 320 students and 40 staff, and it reports having waiting lists, which tells you how early families need to apply.

Lycée Français René Cassin d'Oslo

The Lycée Français René Cassin d'Oslo on Skovveien welcomes around 650 students aged 3 to 18 from about 50 nationalities. It follows the French system, with strong results in national and international exams, and is the natural choice for French speaking families.

Deutsch-Norwegische Schule Oslo

Deutsch-Norwegische Schule Oslo (DSO) on Sporveisgata is part of the network of more than 140 German schools abroad, with a kindergarten and all-day care. German and Norwegian language and culture connect families from Germany, Norway and 28 other nations.

Step 4: prepare your application

Each school runs its own admissions, so you will apply separately to each one. Typical requirements:

Passport of the child and parents, and your residence permit or registration certificate once issued.
A Norwegian national identity number or D-number, which schools may ask for once you have it.
School reports for the last two years and any standardised test results.
A recommendation or confidential form from the current school.
Information on learning support or language needs.

Younger children usually have an informal visit or play session, while older students may sit English and maths assessments. Schools teaching in French or German may test language level for entry above the early years.

Step 5: plan the costs

Costs in Oslo are modest compared with other capitals because several schools receive public funding. As a rough guide for 2026:

Public schools: free, including Norwegian language support where needed.
State funded international and foreign schools: roughly NOK 30,000 to 120,000 a year, depending on the school and grade.
After-school care (SFO or AKS): charged separately; Norway now offers 12 hours a week of free after-school care to pupils in the first years of primary, with extra hours charged.

Add application or registration fees, school trips, lunches where not included, outdoor clothing and sports equipment, which in Norway is a real line in the budget.

Tips for a smoother admission

Apply early and follow up. Main application windows run from autumn to February for August entry. If you are placed on a waiting list, confirm your interest regularly and let the school know as soon as your moving date is fixed.

Register with the public school too. Having a confirmed public place protects your child if an international place does not come through in time.

Think about Norwegian from day one. Even in an English medium school, Norwegian opens doors to local sports clubs, friendships and after-school life. Most international schools teach Norwegian as a subject, and some offer separate groups for beginners. Ask how many hours a week are included and whether your child can take Norwegian exams later, which helps if you decide to stay and switch to the public system or a Norwegian upper secondary school.

Prepare for outdoor life. Oslo schools spend a lot of time outside in all weather, including skiing days in winter. A good set of outdoor clothing is part of the school list, and schools expect children to arrive properly dressed.

See the full Oslo ranking

For ratings, reviews and facilities, browse our ranking of the best schools in Oslo and contact schools directly from their profiles.

More guides to schools in Oslo

Frequently asked questions

When should we apply to international schools in Oslo?

Apply between October and February for an August start. Places are limited, and schools such as Asker International School report waiting lists. If you relocate mid-year, contact schools as soon as your move is confirmed, since places sometimes open when other families leave Norway.

Is public school an option for expat children in Oslo?

Yes. Every child living in Oslo has the right to a free place at the local public school, assigned by address. Children who do not yet speak Norwegian are entitled to adapted language support. Many families register for a public place as a backup while waiting for an international school offer.

How much do international schools in Oslo cost?

Less than in many European capitals, because several international schools in the Oslo area receive state funding as approved independent schools. As a rough guide, expect around NOK 30,000 to 120,000 a year, plus trips, after-school care and outdoor equipment. Always confirm current fees with each school.