Asker International School and Oslo International School are both in Oslo, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Oslo International School also offers IPC. Published annual fees are NOK 40,500 at Asker International School and NOK 13,200 - 288,700 at Oslo International School, which puts Oslo International School roughly 273% higher. Asker International School takes pupils from 6 to 18, and Oslo International School from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 600 and 600 pupils. Typical class sizes are 21 at Asker International School and 15 at Oslo International School.
|
A
Asker International School
Oslo, Norway
|
O
Oslo International School
Oslo, Norway
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
|
Fees / year
|
Fees / year NOK 40,500 | Fees / year NOK 13,200 - 288,700 |
|
Age range
|
Age range 6 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 18 years |
|
Type
|
Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
|
Curriculum
|
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) | Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) |
|
Pupils
|
Pupils 600 | Pupils 600 |
|
Typical class size
|
Typical class size 21 | Typical class size 15 |
|
Instruction language
|
Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
|
Opened
|
Opened 2013 | Opened 1963 |
|
Bus service
|
Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
|
Location
|
Location The school is located at Gamle Borgenvei 3, 1383 Asker. | Location Gamle Ringeriksvei 53, 1357 Bekkestua, Norway. Bekkestua is located around 8 km from Oslo city centre and is well served by public transport. Parking is available at the school and in the nearby vicinity. |
|
Stages
|
Stages PYP 1-5; MYP 6-10; Upper Secondary and Diploma Programme. | Stages Pre-School; Primary (Years 1–6); Lower Secondary; Upper Secondary (Pre-IB to IB2). |
|
School type
|
School type Private international school; IB World School; English is the medium of instruction. | School type The school is a fully independent not-for-profit international school funded 100% by school fees. |
|
Pupil nationality mix
|
Pupil nationality mix Over 40 nationalities represented. | Pupil nationality mix More than 50 nationalities are represented; the school serves students from international and Norwegian families, with about 600 students across 13 year groups. |
|
Additional learning support
|
Additional learning support — | Additional learning support Support for Learning (SfL) provides small-group, individualized instruction. Primary students can receive up to four SfL lessons weekly, Lower Secondary and Pre-IB receive four SfL lessons weekly (split between mathematics and literacy), and Upper Secondary can access SfL services up to four lessons weekly on a tutorial basis. English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports non-native English speakers with developmental instruction. |
|
Country affiliation
|
Country affiliation — | Country affiliation Norway |
|
Religious affiliation
|
Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation — |
|
School day structure
|
School day structure MYP ends at 15:30 Mon-Thu; 12:20 Fri. PYP ends at 15:00 Mon-Thu; 12:20 Fri (Grades 1-5). SFO finishes at 16:30 on Fridays. | School day structure School Operating Hours: 08:00–16:00. School start: 08:45; finish: 15:00; supervised playground hours: 08:45–15:00. Upper Secondary may begin and finish outside the standard hours. |
|
Bus service details
|
Bus service details — | Bus service details OIS organises an optional bus service covering parts of Oslo, Bærum and Asker with links to public transport. Space may be limited; space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 2026–27 annual bus fees: round trip 25,800 NOK; one-way 15,100 NOK. |
| Fees | Fees | |
|
Fee details
|
Fee details Application / Admission fee - An administration fee of NOK 2,000 is payable when accepting an offered place (paid at the point the contract is returned and acceptance confirmed). Tuition — annual and per-instalment amounts (all grades) - Annual tuition (school year basis as stated by the school for the 2026 calendar year): NOK 40,500 per pupil per year. - Billing in 9 equal instalments: NOK 4,500 per instalment (40,500 ÷ 9). Instalments are invoiced and due at the end of January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October and November. - Optional termly payment: two termly payments of NOK 20,250 each (40,500 ÷ 2), payable at the end of January and the end of August if the termly option is chosen and arranged with the Business Manager. - The school states the same tuition level applies across all grade levels for the stated year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard invoicing: nine equal instalments invoiced and due at the ends of January–May and August–November. - Termly invoicing option available by arrangement; term payments due at the end of January and the end of August. - Use the KID number printed on invoices to ensure correct and efficient payment tracking (commonly used for bank transfers in Norway). The school can invoice an employer if requested. - Late / non-payment procedure: reminder after 5 days; reminder with charges and interest after 10 days; debt-collection warning (inkassovarsel) with charges and interest after 14 days; referral to collection agency (Inkasso) with charges and interest after 30 days. Parents are asked to contact the Business Manager to make payment arrangements before an invoice is due. Sibling discounts - Third child of the same family: no tuition charge (third child attends free). Fourth and subsequent children: invoiced at 50% of the standard tuition. After-school care (SFO) fees and terms - The school runs its own After-School Services (SFO). For grades 1–3 the government currently funds up to 12 hours per week under national provisions (this is managed through the authorities and subject to their continuing policy). For grade 4 and above, paid SFO options apply. - SFO fees for Grade 4 and above (cost per 4-week period): - 5 days per week: NOK 2,250 per 4-week period. - 4 days per week: NOK 1,800 per 4-week period. - 3 days per week: NOK 1,350 per 4-week period. - 2 days per week: NOK 900 per 4-week period. - 1 day per week: NOK 450 per 4-week period (equivalently NOK 450 per day). - Enrollment for SFO is organised by term; a one-month notice is required for changes to SFO hours. Applications for the free government-funded 12 hours for Grades 1–3 must be submitted by 15 September for that school year; late applications will not receive the free hours. Boarding - No boarding provision or boarding fees are indicated; the school operates day programmes with supervised opening hours and after-school services. Other costs and typical additional charges - No separate compulsory uniform fee, separate yearly tuition surcharge by grade, or published boarding charges are listed. Parents may expect occasional charges for specific optional activities, trips, or materials where applicable, but no standard uniform or textbook fee schedule is published on the school's admissions and fees pages. Refunds and leaving-notice requirements - For withdrawal from the school, a minimum of three months' notice is requested for all grades. SFO changes require one month's notice. No separate, detailed tuition refund schedule (for example, pro rata refunds for mid-term withdrawal) is published on the admissions/fees pages. Contact the Business Manager to discuss any individual refund or exceptional-case arrangements. Payment methods and invoice handling - Invoices include a KID number for efficient payment reconciliation, indicating bank transfer (bank-payment) is the standard method used. The school also accepts employer invoicing if requested; parents should notify the Business Manager if the invoice is to be sent to an employer. For alternatives to bank transfer (credit card or other electronic payment methods) no standard public instruction is listed on the published fee pages; payment method details should be confirmed with the Business Manager. Notes on policies and contacts - Termly payment arrangements, employer invoicing, and any special payment plans must be arranged directly with the Business Manager. The school emphasises timely payment and sets out the escalation steps for late accounts. Brief summary of items not specified in published fee pages - The school's published admissions and fees pages do not provide an itemised list of charges for uniforms, standard textbook packs, or a formal detailed tuition-refund table; they do specify notice periods for leaving and SFO changes. For specific itemised additional costs (uniform, excursion fees, IB examination fees, instrument hire, etc.) parents should consult the school's Business Manager or admissions contact for confirmed billing practices. | Fee details Application and admission fees - Application fee: NOK 5,000 per student, non-refundable. - Registration fee (new students, Year 1 and above): NOK 25,000, invoiced on acceptance and non-refundable. (Pre‑School entrants are invoiced this fee when re-enrolling into Year 1.) - Enrolment / (Re)Enrolment fee: NOK 10,000, invoiced after accepting a place (or mid‑March for re‑enrolment); this fee is applied to the annual tuition and is non‑refundable. Tuition fees by year group - Academic year 2026/27 (published figure): Years 1 through IB2 — Annual tuition NOK 288,700. - Academic year 2026/27 (published figure): Pre‑School — monthly price set at NOK 1,200 charged over eleven (11) months (totaling NOK 13,200 per year under the current regulation for Pre‑School). - Where full term-by-term detail is published for the prior year (2025/26), the schedule was as follows and indicates how fees have been split between two invoicing dates (this gives a reference for the school's usual invoicing structure): - Pre‑School 1 and 2 (2025/26): Annual fee NOK 22,000 — Term One NOK 10,000 and Term Two NOK 12,000. *Term amounts include any (Re)Enrolment fee when applicable.* - Years 1 — IB2 (2025/26): Annual fee NOK 277,100 — Term One NOK 124,700 and Term Two NOK 152,400. *Term amounts include the NOK 10,000 (Re)Enrolment fee applied to Term One.* Billing schedule and payment terms - Re‑enrolling students are invoiced twice yearly. Standard payment due dates for the published schedule were Term One: 15 May and Term Two: 15 November. - New students admitted for the start of the academic year are invoiced for Term One on enrolment (due 15 May or 30 days from invoice) and payment is required prior to attendance. Students who start mid‑year are invoiced for the term they start and full term fees apply; fees are not prorated. - On‑time payment expectation and consequences: the school reserves the right to charge penalty interest for late payments; outstanding accounts can result in exclusion from school, withholding of reports/transcripts, refusal to re‑enrol, and referral to debt collection. IB2 students' fees must be paid in full by 15 November of their graduating year. Optional services — School bus and after‑school activities - School bus (2026/27 published): Round‑trip service — NOK 25,800 per student (annual); One‑way service — NOK 15,100 per student (annual). Bus fees are invoiced per term; bus fees already paid are not refunded if the family cancels or changes service during a term and mid‑term registrants are invoiced for the full term. - After‑school activities: Fees vary by activity and season; activities typically run about 11 weeks per season and start from approximately NOK 850 per activity, per season. Payments for after‑school activity fees are taken online by credit/debit card and are charged per participation. Optional school trips are charged at actual cost per participant and payments are non‑refundable once a student commits. Other costs and typical extras - School lunch: hot lunch service is available as an optional paid service; families may also supply packed lunches. - Consumables and small equipment: certain small items (for example, a recorder for music in Primary) and PE/swim items are normally required by families; specific year‑group lists and recommended clothing for weather are provided to parents. The Parents' Association offers school spirit‑wear for sale. Uniform / dress code - There is no school uniform requirement at OIS; clothing recommendations are provided for weather and PE needs. School spirit‑wear is available for purchase from the Parents' Association. Boarding fees - Boarding: not applicable. Oslo International School operates as a day school and does not publish boarding provisions or boarding fees. Refunds, cancellation and force majeure - Application, registration and enrolment/(Re)Enrolment fees are explicitly non‑refundable. Fees already paid (registration, enrolment, bus, tuition, etc.) will not be refunded if a student withdraws prior to starting school. Early withdrawals during the school year do not entitle parents to a refund of tuition that has been paid; the school does not prorate or refund tuition for the remainder of a term or year. In circumstances of force majeure (including epidemic/pandemic or other events beyond the school's control), there is no obligation for the school to refund tuition for lost instructional days. Fee payment options and bank details - Standard payment method for tuition and term invoicing: bank transfer to the school's account using the KID number on the invoice; all transfer charges are covered by the payer. The published bank details are shown on invoices (account name: Stiftelse Oslo International School; Bank: Danske Bank A/S; BIC/SWIFT: DABANO22; IBAN: NO25 8601 9268 7223). (These details are published within the school's Schedule of Fees and appear on official invoices.) - Application fees are paid online by credit/debit card at time of application. After‑school activity fees are paid online by credit/debit card. Where a third party pays fees, the parents remain jointly and severally liable for any unpaid balances. Key points to note (summary) - Years 1–IB2 annual tuition for 2026/27 is NOK 288,700; Pre‑School is charged under the regulated monthly rate (NOK 1,200 × 11 months). - Common one‑off and recurring charges: Application fee NOK 5,000; Registration fee NOK 25,000 (new students Year 1+); Enrolment/(Re)Enrolment fee NOK 10,000 applied to tuition. - Invoicing cadence is normally two terms per year with standard due dates in mid‑May and mid‑November; full term fees apply even if the student begins after the start of a term and fees are generally non‑refundable. (For specific invoice amounts per term for 2025/26, see the 2025/26 Schedule of Fees figures given above. For the 2026/27 academic year the school publishes the annual figure for Years 1–IB2 and the regulated Pre‑School monthly rate as noted.) |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
|
Boarding arrangements
|
Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements The school is not a boarding school and does not offer host family arrangements. |
|
Uniform requirement
|
Uniform requirement — | Uniform requirement There is no school uniform; Spiritwear clothing is available for purchase by families. |
|
Food options
|
Food options There is no on-site cantine. Lunch is provided by the parents. | Food options Nutritious hot lunches are offered up to three times per week through a local catering supplier; the service is optional and menus cater for dietary needs and change regularly. |
|
House system
|
House system House system named after Norse gods: Buri (blue), Heimdal (yellow), Skadi (red) and Tyr (green). Houses will be led by student leaders; in the first year members and leaders will be assigned to establish routines. The house system provides opportunities to interact across grades and to showcase students' strengths. | House system — |
|
Governance and ownership
|
Governance and ownership AIS is governed by a School Board. The board was elected in June 2025 and includes Chair Anders Sjøløkken, Vice Chair To be confirmed, and board members Per Goffeng-Nielsen, Bente Gulliksen Solbakken, Dinesh Karunakar, Jane Awuh, Steinar Bustad and Mya Esplin; non‑voting members include Parent Council Representative Erane Hobbs, Teaching Staff Representative Annie Locke, Non‑teaching Staff Representative Chantale Williams, and Student Council Representative Reeva Sharma. | Governance and ownership Oslo International School is organized as a not-for-profit foundation, regulated by Norwegian law; a board of trustees oversees the foundation and is responsible for appointing, supporting and appraising the Head of School, guiding strategic direction, and ensuring sound financial management. |
| Academics | Academics | |
|
Curriculum details
|
Curriculum details The school offers an IB-structured curriculum with Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is an authorised World School. It opened in August 2013 and now has about 600 students and over 60 staff. In the MYP, subjects include Mathematics, English, Norwegian, Sciences, Individuals and Societies, Physical Education, Performing Arts, Design, Spanish and Mandarin. English is the language of instruction in the IB programmes, with weekly Norwegian instruction; four languages are taught in the MYP (English, Norwegian, Chinese and Spanish) and two in the PYP (English and Norwegian). Year 11 in August 2026 begins IB Foundation; AIS plans to offer the Diploma Programme and has applied to become an authorised DP School, with consultancy in 2026 and first DP teaching planned for August 2027. AIS is a MOT school, a Dysleksi Norge School and Eco-Lighthouse organisation. | Curriculum details The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for all Upper Secondary students, with a Pre-IB/IB preparation curriculum for Lower Secondary. For younger learners, literacy, mathematics, and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) are taught. The Upper Secondary program is a cohesive, balanced three-year course of study from Pre-IB to IB2, with final examinations that prepare students for university and employment. The IB framework emphasizes developing enquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who foster intercultural understanding and responsible citizenship. At each level, OIS students achieve results that are higher than international standards. |
|
Student teacher ratio
|
Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio 12-18 students per class. |
|
Exam results
|
Exam results — | Exam results IB Diploma Programme results for 2025 include a pass rate of 98%, with an average Diploma score of 34.7 points and 32% of graduates earning a bilingual diploma. Over 95% of graduates are admitted to at least one of their top university choices. |
|
Higher education progression
|
Higher education progression — | Higher education progression Graduates matriculate at universities worldwide, including University of Melbourne, University of Toronto, Sciences Po Paris, Copenhagen Business School, and the University of Oslo. Almost all graduates go on to university and many receive unconditional offers; university counselling supports applications. |
|
Gifted and talented
|
Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
|
Academic calendar
|
Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
|
Social & emotional learning
|
Social & emotional learning The school emphasises inclusive learning and the IB Learner Profile in practice; all teachers are inclusion teachers and implement Quality First Teaching to ensure access and engagement for all students; AIS fosters collaboration, mutual respect and problem solving to support belonging and well-being; the school maintains a psychosocial wellbeing framework aligned with IB standards. | Social & emotional learning The school supports social and emotional development through a vibrant, inclusive community that emphasizes cooperation and global awareness within its learning environment. |
|
Special educational needs (SEN)
|
Special educational needs (SEN) The school identifies learning differences early and provides targeted interventions; it adheres to Norwegian law for special education and IB standards, including Special Education and pedagogical-psychological services with appropriate accommodations and additional support as needed. | Special educational needs (SEN) EAL / Support for Learning is available as part of the learning program to support diverse learner needs. |
|
English as an additional language
|
English as an additional language English is the language of instruction in the IB programmes; from Grade One the classroom operates as an English immersion environment, with EAL support consisting of individual guidance, differentiated teaching and optional separate language development lessons as required; EAL constitutes the largest language environment at AIS. | English as an additional language The school teaches in English and serves an international community; EAL support is part of the learning offerings to assist students with language development. |
|
Mental wellbeing
|
Mental wellbeing All pupils are entitled to a good physical and psychosocial environment that promotes health, well-being and learning; AIS has a Psychosocial Environment Strategy and clear guidance on supporting the social, emotional and physical well-being of students and staff. | Mental wellbeing Health and well-being are integrated into student life, with a focus on a safe, supportive environment and access to well-being resources as part of the program. |
|
Safeguarding
|
Safeguarding AIS provides a friendly, welcoming, healthy and protective environment that is gender‑sensitive; safeguarding is embedded in policies and day‑to‑day practice to protect students. | Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are embedded in school policies and practice as part of the overall care for students. |
|
Safeguarding policy
|
Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
|
Facilities overview
|
Facilities overview Asker International School is located at Gamle Borgenvei 3, 1383 Asker. It delivers International Baccalaureate programs with English as the medium of instruction. Four new classrooms, a theatre and a breakout room are being added on Block C, floor 1 as part of ongoing renovations. The nurses' office has been redesigned into two offices with a waiting area. The playground has a new higher fence; summer work is planned and there is a plan for a separate elevated area for a small football pitch. | Facilities overview The school has a two-building campus with classrooms, study areas, labs, a library, an innovation space, and multi-purpose and sports halls. The Library is a 300 square metre space with over 15,000 books and online resources, staffed by a full-time Librarian and a Teacher Librarian. An Innovation Space beside the Library features folding glass walls, a laser cutter and a 3D printer to support hands-on learning and project work. The Sports & Recreation Areas include a large gym hall with a balcony viewing gallery and a multi-purpose hall with a retracting screen and bleachers for concerts and assemblies. Two large outdoor playgrounds and inner courtyards serve young and older students, a green field opposite the main playground, and an astro-turf pitch connected to the local football team; a large public park nearby is used for group sports events. |
|
Sports facilities
|
Sports facilities Playground improvements include a higher fence and planned summer work. A separate elevated area for a small football pitch is being considered. | Sports facilities The school has a large gym hall with a balcony viewing gallery and a multi-purpose hall with retracting screen and bleachers for concert and assembly seating. There are two large outdoor playgrounds and inner courtyards, with age-appropriate equipment; a green field opposite the main playground and an astro-turf pitch belonging to the local football team support outdoor and team sports. A large public park is within walking distance and is often used for group sports events. |
|
Academic facilities
|
Academic facilities Block C, floor 1 will house four new classrooms, a new theatre and a breakout room. The old science room, the nurse's office and a theatre were located there. The nurses' office has been redesigned into two offices with a waiting area. The school delivers IB programmes with English as the medium of instruction. | Academic facilities The school has dedicated science and computer labs. OIS has a makerspace with state-of-the-art facilities. The Innovation Space near the Library provides a bright, versatile area with folding glass walls, a laser cutter and a 3D printer to support hands-on learning. The Library is a 300 square metre space with over 15,000 books and online resources, with a full-time Librarian and a Teacher Librarian. |
|
Extra curricular facilities
|
Extra curricular facilities Clubs include BrainoBrain (coding), Piano, Hip-Hop/Dance, Coding/YoungCoderZ, Chinese class, Bridge club, Model UN, Chess, and Ceramic Club. Hip-Hop/Dance and other clubs meet in the theatre space. AIS has hosted the YoungCoderZ Global Robotics Event. | Extra curricular facilities The After School Activities Program offers sports such as football, floorball, basketball and volleyball, science and technology such as Lego robotics and science club, and arts and crafts such as sand art, choir, dance and theatre. Most activities follow a three-season schedule and are led by skilled community members, with downhill ski courses offered in winter. The school regularly participates in competitions with local clubs and other international schools. Co-Curricular Trips include nature school for Pre-School through Year 2, cross-country skiing, farm sleepovers, Brennabu Winter Activity Camp, Kragerø Sea School, Troll Aktiv, language visits to France, Spain or Norway, Soleggen Mountain Activity Trip, UNSTAD Surf Camp and various ad hoc field trips. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
|
History
|
History Asker International School opened in August 2013. It started with 39 students and 8 employees. Starting with 5 grades and expanding vertically every year, the school offers an IB structured curriculum. It is registered as an authorised World School for the Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme. The school has approximately 600 students and over 60 staff; students and staff come from more than 40 nationalities. | History Founded in 1963 by Margaret Stark, Else Fearnley Hvas, and Frida Berents, Oslo International School provided an internationally minded education in English for students in the Oslo region. The school grew from 36 pupils to about 280 during the 1960s and offered British GCE A Levels. In 1989 it became an approved International Baccalaureate (IB) school. Barbara Carlsen became head of school in 1997 and led the school through accreditation with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and NEASC, which remain its accrediting bodies. The campus has been updated over time with refurbishments in 2006, a new Primary wing in 2008, a multipurpose hall and sports hall in 2013, and a new Upper Secondary building in 2017; today Thale Herbertson leads the school in fulfilling its mission. |
|
Community
|
Community The AIS community includes students and staff from over 40 nationalities. The school is located in Gamle Borgenvei 3, 1383 Asker. AIS is a World School authorised for the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. AIS is a MOT school, a Dysleksi Norge School and an Eco-Lighthouse organisation. | Community The OIS community is diverse, dynamic, and supportive, with parents, families, and volunteers as partners in education. It upholds the school's mission, vision, values, and commitments, promoting global awareness, intercultural understanding, and acceptance of diverse perspectives. The community is inclusive, respectful, and collaborative, fostering empathy, resilience, a growth mindset, and opportunities to engage with local, national, and global communities. Members are encouraged to participate in school life and decisions by volunteering, attending meetings and events, and building strong relationships across the school community, while ensuring a safe and caring environment for all. |
|
Parent teacher association
|
Parent teacher association — | Parent teacher association Our Parent Association (OISPA) is a dynamic, committed body that makes a real difference to students and the community. OISPA fosters community and engagement, coordinating activities and events that enhance communication between parents and staff and enrich the learning experience. OISPA arranges monthly Community Coffees and Parent Association meetings to facilitate dialogue with OIS management. It offers social events—from quiz nights to books and beverages—along with volunteering opportunities such as trunk or treat and sports day and fundraising activities. By joining OISPA, parents become part of a supportive network that helps shape the student experience. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
|
Academic & intellectual
|
Academic & intellectual The school delivers curricular programmes developed and authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), with English as the medium of instruction. Year 11 August 2026 marks the IB Foundation and continuation of the Middle Years Programme; DP1 and DP2 are exam-driven years. AIS has recently applied to become an authorised Diploma Programme School, with a timeline that includes a consultant visit in 2026, DP authorization expected in 2027, and first DP teaching in August 2027. The Diploma Programme core elements—Creativity, Activity, and Service—support inquiry, research, critical thinking and reflexivity, and emphasise intercultural understanding and community involvement. | Academic & intellectual OSIS offers a wide after-school program that includes sports, science and technology such as Lego robotics and a science club, and arts and crafts including sand art, choir, dance and theatre. The program runs on a three-season schedule and involves many skilled community members and external instructors from local clubs. OSIS regularly participates in competitions with local clubs and with other international schools. The school also supports intellectual growth through a broad range of academic competitions in Norway, abroad and online, including ABEL, ISMTF, Kangaroo, and Model United Nations. |
|
Arts & creative
|
Arts & creative AIS offers a diverse array of clubs in the arts and creative disciplines, including Piano and Hip-Hop/Dance. Other clubs include Ceramic Club, Chinese language classes, Bridge Club, Model UN, Chess, and a thriving arts and performance culture. The school also highlights robotics competitions and events such as the YoungCoderZ Global Robotics Event at AIS and First Lego League Champions of Scandinavia. | Arts & creative Visual Arts are taught from Primary through Secondary, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and printmaking; Secondary includes digital art and a broader media program. Music and Drama are taught from Pre-School through Year 10, and the co-curricular program includes a Secondary School production. The Create & Perform program emphasizes creativity, self-expression and collaboration, with exhibitions and performances such as the IB2 Artwork Show and a School Play. |
|
Cultural & language
|
Cultural & language English is the language of instruction in the IB programmes; from Grade One classrooms are English-immersion and EAL support is available. Norwegian is regularly taught with weekly instruction in Norwegian Bokmål at all grades, including a ‘Norwegian for beginners' programme. In the MYP, four languages are taught—English, Norwegian, Chinese and Spanish—and in the PYP, English and Norwegian are taught. The school values home languages with a library and efforts to promote multilingualism, and British English is the primary form with American English acknowledged in class when appropriate. | Cultural & language Language visits to France, Spain or Norway are offered to challenge language study and cultural understanding. All students in Years 1-10 study Norwegian, with options for Norwegian Language A or Norwegian B; EAL support is available for younger students and pathways exist to continue Norwegian in the IB program. |
|
Social & hobbies
|
Social & hobbies AIS offers a broad slate of after-school and weekend clubs, including BrainoBrain coding, Piano, Hip-Hop/Dance, YoungCoderZ coding, Chinese language classes, Bridge, Model UN, Chess and Ceramic Club. Life at AIS showcases activities such as FLL (First Lego League) teams and theatre-related developments, illustrating a rich extracurricular culture. These clubs and activities foster social interaction, teamwork and creative expression across grade levels. | Social & hobbies OSIS offers a wide range of after-school activities including sports (football, floorball, basketball, volleyball), science and technology (Lego robotics, science club, kids concoctions) and arts and crafts (sand art, choir, dance and theatre). Many activities are led by external instructors from local clubs and advertised at the annual after-school activities fair. The school regularly participates in competitions with local clubs and with other international schools. |
|
Community & service
|
Community & service AIS emphasises responsible attitudes toward local, national and global communities, and aims to offer students opportunities to choose actions and reflect on them. Service is defined as an unpaid, voluntary activity that benefits organizations or individuals, with guidelines ensuring time, energy and non-profit impact. There are three types of service learning in the MYP—Curriculum Based, School Community Based, and Community Based—with clear expectations for hours, reflections and monitoring. | Community & service Service Learning and Global Citizenship is embedded in the curriculum across all year levels, with a Service Learning Director connecting students to local and global NGOs and guiding initiatives. The program includes guest speaker engagements with NGOs such as Doctors Without Borders, the Inter-African Committee and Amnesty International, and opportunities to visit local organizations. Upper Secondary CAS includes projects such as the Bobole, Mozambique community project, and fundraising initiatives to support selected charities. |
|
Leadership & professional
|
Leadership & professional AIS has recently applied to become an authorised Diploma Programme School. The DP timeline includes consultancy (January–November 2026), a consultant visit (February–early September 2026), submission for authorization by 18 December 2026, a verification visit in 2027, a DP authorization decision in April/May 2027, and first DP teaching in August 2027. The Diploma Programme core elements—Creativity, Activity, Service—foster inquiry, research, critical thinking and reflexivity, with an emphasis on intercultural understanding and community involvement and strong student engagement in self-assessment. | Leadership & professional The Student Council represents the student body and fosters leadership through student-led clubs. Two representatives from each division serve on the Cooperation Council with parents, staff and leadership to improve the learning environment. Student-led clubs, including Amnesty, The Thirst Project, and LGBTQ+, organize events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities to support their causes and build a positive community. |
|
Lifestyle & wellbeing
|
Lifestyle & wellbeing The school offers After School Services (SFO) with supervision from 07:30; free SFO hours are provided for Grades 1–3 (12 hours per week), with after-school care running until 17:00 Monday–Thursday and 16:30 on Fridays. Enrollment for SFO requires advance planning and has associated fees. The after-school program aims to extend learning through activities such as arts and crafts and occasional off-site hikes, supporting a balanced, active school life. | Lifestyle & wellbeing OSIS prioritizes safety and well-being with a comprehensive Health, Safety and Welfare framework, including a welfare committee. The school has two full-time School Counsellors who support students' social and emotional development, and onsite nurses provide health care during the school day. The PE program is comprehensive, with two large sports halls, a gym and access to nearby facilities; students participate in a wide range of sports and can join recreational or competitive leagues such as the Norwegian International Schools League (NISL) and the Nordic Sports League. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
|
Language provision
|
Language provision English is the language of instruction in the IB programmes; from Grade One, English immersion begins, with a language scope and sequence drawing from various curricula including the IB and Norwegian national standards. Norwegian Bokmål is taught weekly at every grade level, with a 'Norwegian for beginners' programme for students new to Norwegian. In the MYP, four languages are taught: English, Norwegian, Chinese and Spanish; in the PYP, English and Norwegian are taught. AIS values home languages and maintains a library representing the diverse language backgrounds of its community. | Language provision English is the primary language of instruction at Oslo International School, and separate English language tuition is provided to students with low proficiency. Norwegian is taught to Years 1–10 with three levels, and for native-speaker classes (Norwegian A), participation in the Norwegian National Tests is compulsory in Years 6, 8 and 9. All students in Years 8–10 choose French or Spanish as an additional language and are encouraged to continue these languages in Upper Secondary. Language support is available for students whose mother tongue is neither English nor Norwegian through the IB Diploma Programme structure, including a school-supported self-taught option or a Special request language option, and external language teachers deliver Language A options wherever possible. |
|
Bilingual teaching
|
Bilingual teaching The school uses English as the medium of instruction in the IB programmes. Starting in Grade One, the classroom is an English immersion environment with differentiation based on language needs. Norwegian is regularly taught in the IB programmes, with a 'Norwegian for beginners' programme for new arrivals. Four languages are taught in the MYP: English, Norwegian, Chinese and Spanish, and two languages in the PYP: English and Norwegian; AIS also values home languages and strives to create a library representing the varied language backgrounds of its community. | Bilingual teaching — |
|
Immersion programs
|
Immersion programs English is the immersion language of instruction in the IB programmes. Beginning in Grade One, classrooms function as English immersion environments with differentiation based on language needs. EAL support is available, including targeted language development as needed, and additional support may involve parents or school services when English proficiency remains insufficient. British English is the primary form of English taught, with American English acknowledged and taught if the class includes students with that background. | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
|
Awards
|
Awards — | Awards null |
|
Accreditations
|
Accreditations — | Accreditations The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB). It is also re-accredited by CIS and NEASC in June 2021, and it is approved by the Norwegian Educational Authority for Years 1–10 and by the Norwegian Kindergarten Authority for Pre-School. Abelia, ECIS, and the Nordic Network are affiliated associations. NEASC accreditation is indicated by the NEASC logo on site. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
|
Admissions
|
Admissions The school registers your application after you submit it; the application is an expression of interest. When a place becomes available, you will receive an email with the offer and a contract. To accept, sign and return the contract and pay the admin fee of NOK 2000 by the date stated in the email. Once the contract and payment are received, you will receive a confirmation email. The Board prioritises admissions as follows: open to all school‑aged children; if applications exceed capacity, priority goes to the children of staff, siblings of current students, former AIS students who have attended school outside Norway for at least six months (updated September 2020), and the date of application. Applicants are asked to indicate which criteria they meet on the application. Places for grade 1 are offered from the beginning of November in the year before the students start; after this date, contracts are issued based on the criteria listed above. There is continuous admission until the 60 places in grade 1 are filled. For all grades, parents must give a minimum of three months' notice when leaving; if spaces become available during the school year, AIS will fill them as soon as possible. AIS accepts new students as long as capacity allows. When capacity is reached, students are placed on a waiting list. You do not need to re‑apply if you do not secure a place during the school year; there can be no more than one application in the system for a student. In March each year AIS contacts those on waiting lists to confirm whether they wish to remain on the list for the next year. | Admissions OIS accepts applications year-round. The Admissions Office guides applicants from application to enrolment and prioritises international families seeking an English-language program in the Oslo region. The community includes students and staff from more than fifty nationalities, and instruction is delivered in English. For more than sixty years the school has served international families in Oslo. Applications are submitted via OpenApply and the non-refundable application fee is 5,000 NOK per applicant. All applicants provide a recent photo of the applicant, passport copies for the applicant and for each parent, and a passport copy for each parent; documents can be in English or Norwegian or translated. Primary School applicants provide the most recent school reports and confidential teacher questionnaires; Secondary School applicants provide confidential teacher questionnaires and the most recent academic reports from the previous two years; documents must be in English/Norwegian or translated. Applications are reviewed by the Head of the relevant school section and admission decisions are communicated via OpenApply and enrolment must be confirmed within 14 days if offered. If admitted, the enrollment process includes confirming enrolment, completing the health form and vaccination records, completing year-level forms, and paying the enrolment fee and remaining tuition by the due dates. New student orientation meetings and induction sessions occur before the start of the school year. OIS does not discriminate on race, nationality, sex, or religion in admission decisions. |
|
Scholarships
|
Scholarships — | Scholarships No scholarships or financial aid are offered. |
|
Waitlist
|
Waitlist If capacity is reached for a grade, applicants are placed on a waiting list. AIS contacts waiting lists in March each year to confirm whether families wish to remain on the list for the next year. | Waitlist An optional bus service is available for Oslo, Bærum and Asker; seats may be limited and a waiting list will be created. 2026-27 bus fees are 25,800 NOK round trip or 15,100 NOK one way. |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
Comparing more schools, or want notes and ratings of your own? Build your own compare board.