Bilingual Schools in Stavanger: A 2026 Guide for Expat Families

Quick answer: Are there bilingual schools in Stavanger? Yes. Stavanger's international schools teach in English and offer Norwegian as a second language, so children can become bilingual. The main options are the International School of Stavanger, with the IB, and the British International School of Stavanger, including its city-centre campus. Fees range roughly from 70,000 to over 200,000 kroner a year.

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

Stavanger is Norway's energy capital, and decades of oil, gas and now offshore wind projects have made it one of the most international cities in Scandinavia. For relocating families, bilingual schools in Stavanger means English-medium international schools that also teach Norwegian, so children can follow an international curriculum while settling into local life. This guide explains how languages work at school in Norway and compares three schools listed on International School Advisor for 2026.

Languages at school in Norway

Norwegian state schools teach in Norwegian, with English as a compulsory subject from the first year. Children who arrive without Norwegian have the right to adapted language teaching, but the transition can be hard for older students. That is why most families on international assignments choose an English-medium school, at least for the first years.

The legal framework changed recently: Norway's new Education Act (opplæringslova) came into force on 1 August 2024, replacing the 1998 law. It applies to state schools and sets the rules that independent schools approved under the Independent Schools Act must also take into account, including rights to adapted teaching and a safe school environment.

Language models you will find

English-medium IB schools: instruction in English with Norwegian as a language subject, plus other languages in secondary.
British schools: English National Curriculum with Norwegian taught as an additional language.
Norwegian state schools: free and Norwegian-medium, a good option for younger children and long-term stays.

Three schools to shortlist

International School of Stavanger

ISS is the largest international school in the region, located in Hafrsfjord, west of the city centre. It offers the IB programmes and has a very international student body, many from energy-sector families. Norwegian is taught as a language, and students can study other languages in secondary. Many places are funded by employers, which is reflected in its fee levels.

British International School of Stavanger

BISS follows the English National Curriculum from the early years, with IGCSE and the IB Diploma in the senior years. Its main campus is at Gausel, in the south of the city, close to many energy companies' offices. It is a strong choice for British families and for those who like a structured British approach with an IB finish.

BISS Sentrum

BISS Sentrum is the British school's central campus, near the city centre. It is convenient for families living in the centre or in Eiganes and Våland, and it gives younger children a smaller, more intimate setting within the same British school.

Fees in Stavanger for 2026

Fees are quoted in Norwegian kroner (NOK). Approved independent schools in Norway receive state funding, which keeps fees for privately paying families lower than in many other countries. As a rough guide for 2026:

Primary at British schools: roughly 70,000 to 140,000 kroner per year.
Secondary and IB Diploma years: roughly 120,000 to 220,000 kroner per year.
Company-sponsored places: some schools charge a higher corporate rate when an employer pays.

Extras to budget for:

Application and enrolment fees.
Lunch is often brought from home in Norway, but after-school care (SFO) is billed separately.
School trips, IB or IGCSE exam fees and transport outside the bus network.

Where families live

International families often choose Hafrsfjord, Madla and Sola for proximity to ISS and the airport, or Gausel, Hinna and Forus for BISS and the energy offices. Eiganes and Våland suit families who want to walk into town. Buses are reliable and many children cycle once they are old enough.

Tips for choosing a bilingual school

Check your employer's education policy first. Many energy companies pay international school fees directly, sometimes only at specific schools. Confirm this before you apply.

Decide how much Norwegian you want. If you expect to stay several years, more Norwegian at school and in leisure activities will help your children make local friends.

Apply early for August. The Norwegian school year starts in mid-August. Places in popular year groups can fill quickly when large projects bring new families to the region.

Choosing by age and stage

Kindergarten (1 to 5): Norwegian barnehage is subsidised and widely used, and some international schools run English-medium early years classes. Many families use a Norwegian kindergarten for the youngest children, which builds Norwegian naturally before school starts.

Primary (6 to 11): Norwegian children start school in the year they turn six. At international schools, primary follows the IB Primary Years Programme or the English National Curriculum, with Norwegian lessons several times a week. Ask about after-school care (SFO), since Norwegian school days end early.

Middle years (11 to 16): compare the IB Middle Years Programme with IGCSE. Ask which languages are offered beyond English and Norwegian, and how the school supports students who join mid-way through the programme.

Final two years (16 to 18): both main schools offer the IB Diploma, which is recognised by Norwegian universities as well as universities abroad. Students who want to stay in Norway should check the Norwegian language requirements for university admission.

Outdoor life is part of school culture in Rogaland. Expect regular outdoor trips in all weather, so good waterproof clothing is as important as the school uniform.

Bilingual life outside school

Stavanger makes it easy for children to use Norwegian outside the classroom. Sports clubs, music schools and scouts are run by volunteers and are open to everyone, and joining them is the fastest way for children to make Norwegian friends. Many international families sign up for football, handball or skiing, which are central to local life.

Parents can join free or low-cost Norwegian courses, and some employers pay for lessons. When the whole family makes an effort with the language, children tend to follow, and the move feels less temporary.

If you expect to stay long term, some families move children from an international school to a Norwegian school after a few years. The switch works best at natural transition points, such as the start of lower secondary at 13 or upper secondary at 16, and with extra Norwegian support in the first months. Ask your international school how it helps students who want to make this transition.

Compare schools in Rogaland

For a wider view, see our ranking of the best international schools in Rogaland, built from verified profiles and family reviews.

More guides to schools in Stavanger

Frequently asked questions

Do international schools in Stavanger teach Norwegian?

Yes. Both the International School of Stavanger and the British International School of Stavanger teach Norwegian as a language subject alongside English-medium lessons. This lets children follow an international curriculum while learning the local language. The level and number of hours vary by age.

How much do international schools in Stavanger cost?

In 2026, privately paying families can expect roughly 70,000 to 140,000 kroner a year in primary and 120,000 to 220,000 kroner in the senior years. Some schools charge a higher rate when an employer pays the fees. After-school care and trips are extra.

When does the school year start in Stavanger?

The Norwegian school year starts in mid-August and ends in late June. International schools in Stavanger follow a similar calendar, so it is best to apply in the spring if you are moving in the summer. Mid-year places depend on availability.