Relocating to Oslo comes with a predictable question: how much will international school cost? The honest answer is that fees in Norway vary a lot depending on curriculum, age, and nationality of the family. In 2026, expect to budget somewhere between NOK 80,000 and NOK 240,000 per child per year once you factor in tuition, enrolment, meals and activities.
This guide breaks down what families actually pay across the main international schools in Oslo, why fees look the way they do, and the practical line items that often surprise newcomers. If your employer is negotiating a package, it also gives you the numbers you need to push back with confidence.
How international school fees work in Oslo
Norway has a strong public school system, so private international schools mostly serve expat families with short or medium-term postings, diplomats, and bilingual households. Because demand is narrower than in places like Dubai or Singapore, fee structures in Oslo tend to be more uniform, with fewer luxury tiers and less aggressive marketing.
Fees normally include classroom tuition and core curriculum materials. They usually exclude meals, school bus transport, after-school clubs, exam entry fees for IB or IGCSE, uniforms if applicable, and educational trips. Some schools also charge a non-refundable application fee of NOK 2,000 to NOK 5,000 and a one-off capital levy on enrolment.
Curricula available in Oslo and how they affect cost
Oslo offers five main curriculum routes through its international schools, and each one has its own fee logic:
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes. Typically the highest-fee option at Diploma level because of exam entry and teacher training costs.
- British curriculum (EYFS, National Curriculum, IGCSE, A Level): Strong demand among UK and Commonwealth families. Mid to upper fee range.
- French curriculum (AEFE network): Partially subsidised by the French state, which keeps fees noticeably lower for French passport holders.
- German curriculum: Offered through a bilingual German-Norwegian route, also subsidised for German nationals.
- Montessori and bilingual early years: Preschool-only options for families whose children enter the Norwegian system at age six.
Fee breakdown at the top international schools in Oslo
Below are five well-regarded international schools in Oslo, all listed on the International School Advisor platform, along with a realistic picture of what families are paying in 2026.
Oslo International School
The largest and oldest international school in the city, offering the full IB continuum from age 3 to 18. Annual tuition ranges roughly from NOK 175,000 for Early Years to NOK 240,000 for IB Diploma. There is a one-off capital levy on enrolment of around NOK 30,000. Families should also budget for bus transport (NOK 20,000 to 28,000 per year) and IB exam fees in the final two years.
The British School of Oslo
A smaller, English-medium school following the English National Curriculum up to IGCSE. Fees sit in the middle of the market, typically NOK 140,000 to NOK 190,000 depending on year group. Uniform is required and usually adds NOK 3,000 to 5,000 in the first year. Lunch is optional and charged monthly.
Lycée Français d'Oslo
Part of the AEFE network, so fees are significantly lower for French nationals, starting from around NOK 70,000 per year. Non-French families typically pay NOK 110,000 to NOK 150,000. The school offers a French national curriculum with strong Norwegian and English integration, and prepares students for the French Baccalauréat.
Deutsch-Norwegische Schule in Oslo
A bilingual German-Norwegian school with partial subsidy from the German government. Fees for German citizens start below NOK 60,000; other nationalities typically pay between NOK 90,000 and NOK 140,000 depending on age group. Strong option for mixed German-Norwegian households.
Asker International School
Located just outside Oslo in Asker, this school follows a British curriculum and caters to families who prefer a suburban setting. Fees run from around NOK 130,000 for younger years to NOK 180,000 at secondary. Factor in daily commute or relocation to the Asker area, which is well connected by train.
Hidden costs expat families often miss
Published tuition is only part of the picture. In our experience the following extras regularly catch families off guard in Oslo:
- One-off capital or enrolment levy: NOK 20,000 to 35,000 at the larger IB schools, non-refundable.
- School bus: Oslo is spread out and public transport with small children is demanding in winter. Budget NOK 18,000 to 28,000 per year.
- Lunch programme: Norwegian tradition is a cold matpakke from home, but international schools often offer hot lunches at NOK 10,000 to 18,000 per year.
- After-school clubs, trips and exam fees: Easily another NOK 10,000 to 20,000 per year at secondary level.
- Second-language tutoring: Many families add Norwegian tutoring so children can integrate into local life. Expect NOK 400 to 700 per hour.
How to negotiate an education allowance for Oslo
Norway is a high-cost posting and most multinational employers expect to contribute to schooling. When you benchmark your package, ask for the following in writing: annual tuition at the specific school, one-off capital levy, bus and lunch, uniform in year one, and IB or IGCSE exam fees from Year 10 onwards. Total all-in figures for an Oslo International School family with two children at secondary level typically land between NOK 500,000 and NOK 600,000 per year.
Payment schedules and tax treatment
Most Oslo international schools offer termly payment (three instalments) or monthly payment plans. A few still require annual payment up front with a small discount. If your employer pays the school directly, fees are generally treated as a taxable benefit in kind, so ask your tax adviser to confirm the exact impact on your Norwegian payslip.
For families on short postings (under three years), it is worth checking the cancellation policy carefully: most schools require one term's notice in writing and will retain at least the capital levy and enrolment fee regardless.
Where to go from here
Oslo has a small but high quality international school market and most families find a place that works if they start their search six to nine months before the move. Compare curricula first, then fit fee structure around your employer package rather than the other way around.
You can see the full ranking of international schools in Oslo, including parent reviews and admissions windows, on the International School Advisor ranking for Oslo.
Frequently asked questions
Are international school fees in Oslo tax deductible?
Not for Norwegian residents. Tuition paid by parents is not deductible on the Norwegian personal tax return. If your employer covers fees directly, it is treated as a taxable benefit and reported on your payslip.
Can Norwegian citizens attend international schools in Oslo?
Yes. Most international schools in Oslo accept Norwegian passport holders, though some prioritise families on international assignment. Fees are usually the same regardless of nationality, except for subsidised schools such as the French Lycée and the Deutsch-Norwegische Schule.
What is the cheapest international school in Oslo?
For French and German nationals, the AEFE-affiliated Lycée Français d'Oslo and the Deutsch-Norwegische Schule are the most affordable thanks to home-country subsidies. For other passports, the British School of Oslo and Asker International School tend to sit at the lower end of the fee range.