Norlights International School Oslo vs Oslo International School

	N Norlights International School Oslo Oslo, Norway	O Oslo International School Oslo, Norway
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year NOK 43,450	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 200	Pupils 600
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2015	Opened 1963
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Visiting address: Skådalsveien 33, 0781 Oslo. The school is located in the Skådalen area of Oslo, Norway. The nearest public transport is the Holmenkollen Line metro.	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 1st-13th grade	Stages Pre-School; Primary (Years 1–6); Lower Secondary; Upper Secondary (Pre-IB to IB2).
School type	School type state-funded private school	School type The school is a fully independent not-for-profit international school funded 100% by school fees.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	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 Norway	Country affiliation Norway
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	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 The school does not operate its own bus service. Transportation reimbursement through Oslo Municipality is available for eligible students (distance thresholds and application process).	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 fees and deposit - There is no application fee for a school place. - To accept an offered place, parents must pay a deposit equal to one month's school fee. This deposit is applied to cover the first month of tuition and is non-refundable if the application is withdrawn. Tuition fees (by year group) - Grade 1–7: - Annual fee: NOK 43,450. - Monthly billing: NOK 3,950 per month, invoiced over 11 months (3,950 NOK × 11 = 43,450 NOK). - Per term (academic year is organised in two main halves): NOK 21,725 per term (annual fee ÷ 2). - Grade 8–10: - Annual fee: NOK 43,450. - Monthly billing: NOK 3,950 per month, invoiced over 11 months. - Per term (two main terms): NOK 21,725 per term. - Grade 12–13 (DP1–DP2): - Annual fee: NOK 29,700. - Monthly billing: NOK 2,700 per month, invoiced over 11 months (2,700 NOK × 11 = 29,700 NOK). - Per term (two main terms): NOK 14,850 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is invoiced monthly; the published fee amounts are shown as a monthly amount multiplied by 11 months (the invoice schedule is monthly). - The one-month deposit must be paid by the deadline stated in the offer; failure to pay the deposit may result in cancellation of the admission. The deposit is applied to the first month's tuition and is non-refundable if the application is withdrawn. - Invoices are sent by email (invoices originate from autoinvoice@visma.com). Parents transfer payment to the school's bank account. eFaktura (B2C) is available; Avtalegiro is not offered. eFaktura is recommended to simplify monthly payments. - A 5% sibling discount on tuition is applied for second and subsequent children; the discount is calculated monthly and shown on the monthly invoice. Boarding fees - Norlights International School Oslo operates as a day school; there are no boarding facilities or boarding fees. Students bring their own lunches (no school canteen provided). Other costs and optional services - After School Care Program (ASCP) for Grades 1–5 (optional): - Full-time ASCP (more than 12 hours per week): NOK 3,212 per month. - Part-time ASCP (up to 12 hours per week): NOK 2,171 per month. - Single-day ASCP attendance: NOK 350 per day. - Transport: families living at the required minimum distance from the school (4 km for most pupils; 2 km for Grades 1–2) may apply for a transportation reimbursement through Oslo Kommune following municipal rules and deadlines. The school provides instructions for the municipal reimbursement process. This is a municipal reimbursement scheme, not an additional school tuition charge. - No mandatory uniform fee or school canteen fee is published as a separate recurring charge in the school's fee schedule. Optional school activities or trips may carry separate charges as arranged by the school (fees for specific activities are handled and invoiced separately when applicable). Refund information - The one-month deposit paid to secure an offered place is applied to the first month's tuition and is non-refundable if the application is withdrawn. Standard monthly invoices are handled through the invoicing/payment process described above. Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes - Invoices are issued by email and must be paid by bank transfer to the school's account; parents may register for eFaktura (B2C) so invoices arrive pre-filled in their online bank for approval and payment. Avtalegiro is not available. Invoices will include account and KID details for payment.	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 —	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 —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership NLIS is part of Norlights Education AS, a Norwegian educational holding company, and NLIS is one of four subsidiary companies.	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 Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) as IB World School; authorized to offer the Diploma Programme.	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 Approximately 6.7:1 (200 students and 30 employees).	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 PPV prioritizes social learning and interpersonal values as essential elements of a well-rounded education. The program increases understanding in human dignity, the rights of the child, equality and gender equality, identity, diversity, inclusion and respect, along with critical thinking, ethical actions, sustainable development, democracy and democratic values, and life skills and health. It strengthens collaboration between school and home and promotes belonging and wellbeing among students, staff and parents. It fosters a shared understanding of school values and a positive social environment within the NLIS community. The program supports overall social development and a constructive, respectful school culture.	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) —	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 The main language of instruction is English. English is used for teaching, while Norwegian is the second taught language. The school accommodates language needs through mother tongue support and a formal EAL program identified at the start of each school year. EAL instruction uses a Pull Out model for beginners and a Push In model in collaboration with mainstream teachers, with planning that differentiates instruction to meet each student's language goals. Language development is supported with print and digital resources in English and Norwegian, and assessment practices reflect each learner's current language level.	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 The Health Service aims to promote the child's physical, mental and social health. The school nurse visits the school twice weekly to present health talks, conduct eyesight and hearing tests, and measure height and weight, with follow-up as needed. The nurse supports students dealing with bullying, puberty and mental health, and students can contact the nurse if they need to talk. The program includes discussions on physical activity, diet, sleep and emotions, psychological first aid for younger students, and relaxation and stress-management strategies as part of wellbeing.	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 The Anti-Bullying Policy outlines preventive work, detection and resolution of bullying, and assigns staff responsibilities to prevent and stop bullying. It emphasizes creating a safe and respectful learning environment and involves parents in the process. It highlights the importance of positive teacher-student relationships and school-home collaboration to ensure student safety. The policy describes how bullying is uncovered through surveys and observations, how cases are resolved quickly, and what follow-up actions are needed 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 Norlights International School Oslo is a school for the 1st-13th grade. Established in 2015, it is a state-funded private school in Oslo, Skådalen. The school has about 200 students and 30 employees representing more than 40 nationalities. The metro is the closest neighbour to the premises on the Holmenkollen Line. The school offers International Baccalaureate programs including the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma Programme.	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 —	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 The school offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 6 to 12 (PYP-1 to PYP-6), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16, and the Diploma Programme (DP). NLIS is IB World School authorized to offer these three IB programmes.	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 —	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 Norlights International School Oslo (NLIS) opened in 2015 as a state-funded private school in Oslo, Skådalen. It welcomed 1st–5th graders in its first year and now serves students from Grade 1 to Grade 10. NLIS is part of Norlights Education AS, a Norwegian educational holding company that owns four subsidiary companies. NLIS is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, with the Diploma Programme also available as part of IB education.	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 school has about 200 students and 30 staff, representing more than 40 nationalities. Diversity is celebrated and all students are free to be themselves. NLIS provides a range of clubs and activities, including Music Choir Club, Art Club, Ski Club, Gardening Club, Piano & Guitar Club and BrainoBrain. The IB framework guides learning, with the school implementing the PYP and MYP and offering the DP as part of its IB program.	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 Norlights International School Oslo is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP covers grades 1-6 for ages 5 to 12 and uses an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum with six subject areas including Arts to develop conceptual understanding and real-world application. The MYP emphasizes learner-centered, practical approaches and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, exploring topics through global contexts to build understanding of cultures and languages, and aligns with Norway's LK20 framework. The DP provides the IB continuum for students aged 16-19, with DP-1 and DP-2 offerings and IB authorization in place.	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 Arts is a PYP subject area. Students have opportunities to explore visual arts, music, and language and culture with specialists. The program supports creativity and aesthetic development within the IB framework.	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 The Middle Years Programme focuses on learners and global contexts to increase understanding of cultures and languages. Students explore the local Norwegian context as well as their home country and cultures from around the world. The PYP includes language and culture exploration as part of its six subject areas, including language and arts.	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 Outdoor education and field visits provide opportunities for enhanced communication and socio-emotional skills. The PYP includes Arts, Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and PSPE, supporting social development through inquiry-based learning. The IB framework emphasizes collaboration, curiosity, and personal growth across learning experiences.	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 —	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 The mission emphasizes developing inquisitive, knowledgeable, productive learners who are motivated to succeed. It aims to nurture internationally-minded compassionate young people with intercultural understanding and respect who strive to create a better and more peaceful world. The objective is to provide students with the academic and social skills to reach their full potential. Students are encouraged to think critically and to challenge norms in order to tackle change.	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 Outdoor education and field visits contribute to well-being by promoting enhanced communication and socio-emotional skills. The PYP includes Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE) as part of the six subject areas. The MYP emphasizes healthy relationships and personal growth within its learner-centered approach. Across IB programmes, the focus on intercultural understanding and respect supports well-being through social inclusion.	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, Norwegian, and Spanish are taught. In the MYP, Language & Literature offers English A and Norwegian A, while Language Acquisition offers Norwegian B and Spanish. The Primary Years Programme is offered for ages 5–12, and the Diploma Programme is offered for ages 16–19, reflecting NLIS's IB continuum.	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 Grades 7–10 (ages 11–16) are taught through the Middle Years Programme. The MYP comprises eight subject areas. In Language & Literature English A and Norwegian A are offered, and in Language Acquisition Norwegian B and Spanish are offered.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	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 1. Attend a school tour and an informative session with an administrator. Following the tour and session, parents may complete an enrollment form. This formality assists in assessing availability. Applications are processed on a continuous basis and based on space availability. 2. Submit the online enrollment form. After submission you will receive an auto-generated confirmation email; the administration will process the application and you will receive an agreement form if a place is available. To confirm the offered place, return the signed form and complete other checklist items through the application portal. 3. If admitted, pay a 1-month school fee as a deposit to accept the offer. The deposit covers the first month of school fees. If the deposit is not paid by the stated deadline, admission will be cancelled. The deposit is non-refundable if the application is withdrawn. 4. NLIS offers placements for grades 1-10 and DP1-DP2, and applications are processed on a continuous basis based on availability. The PYP and MYP admissions start October 1 each year, with placement offers typically issued in February if space is available. The Diploma Programme admissions also start October 1, with decisions following after the process is completed. Residence status and visa requirements apply for DP. 5. For DP, residence status and visa requirements apply for high school students.	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 —	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.
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