Compare International Schools in Bergen, Norway

Bergen Katedralskole

Instructs in Norwegian, English

Ages 16 - null years

Type Co-educational

Bergen Katedralskole, located in Bergen's city centre, is among Norway's oldest schools, founded in 1153. The main site at Kong Oscars gate 36 houses the studiespesialiserende program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, along with introductory courses for minority-language pupils. The school operates three divisions: the main campus, the Center for Adult Education at Kalfarveien 2, and Avdeling Kyrre at Lars Hilles gate 20B. The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 19, taught in English, offered in the final years of the Norwegian upper secondary programme, with a Pre-IB track for Norwegian-speaking students to become familiar with IB terminology and structure. Admissions cover residents of Vestland, with entry at the end of Vg1 or directly from MYP5 via Vigo. The school has undergone renovations in 1992 and again in 2016–2017, supporting facilities for academics and student life. Notable traditions include Kattenrevyen, a student-run megashow, and a broad range of clubs, language and cultural activities, and international day partnerships.

Location

Three campuses lie in Bergen city center. The main campus is at Kong Oscars gate 36, offering studiespesialiserende, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and introductory courses for minority-language speakers. Voksenopplæringa is at Kalfarveien 2, and Avdeling Kyrre is at Lars Hilles gate 20B. Postal address Postboks 414 Marken, 5832 Bergen.

Stages

Upper secondary (VG1–VG3). Offers studiespesialiserende (General Studies), the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and introductory courses for minority-language speakers.

Additional learning support

Accommodation for students with special education needs; Elevtjenesten (counseling services); two school nurses.

Country affiliation

Norway

Bus service

Located in Bergen city center; travel by bus uses Skyss 30-day youth passes for local transport.

Application fees

- There is no application fee charged by the school for admission to its publicly funded upper-secondary programmes. Public upper-secondary education in Norway is provided free of charge.

Tuition fees (by year group / per term / per year)

- Regular day students (Vg1–Vg3) do not pay tuition fees or term fees; the school's instruction in the public upper-secondary system is free of tuition.

- There are no periodic tuition invoices for standard full-time students; no per-term or per-year tuition amounts apply to the ordinary three‑year upper‑secondary programme.

Assessment / International Baccalaureate (IB) exam fees

- For IB subject registration (including retake registrations) the assessment/subject fee is approximately NOK 1,500 per subject. Invoices for these subject registrations are issued as soon as the school receives the registration. The subject registration fee applies even if the student does not achieve the Diploma or fails the retake. Late registrations incur both the subject fee and a late subject fee per subject. Registration deadlines and late‑registration windows are set by the school (the school's normal registration deadline is 10 November; limited late registration may be accepted with additional fees).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- IB subject registration invoices: issued immediately after the registration has been received; late registrations (after the main deadline) are accepted only in a defined late window and carry additional late fees. Payment is required according to the invoice terms supplied with the invoice.

- Textbook and learning‑material billing: textbooks and required printed/digital learning materials are provided on loan; if books are not returned at the end of course participation or are returned damaged/with writing, the school issues reminders and will send an invoice for replacement/compensation; unresolved claims may be forwarded to debt collection. Timing of any invoicing follows school administration practice (invoices or reminders are sent after non‑return or damage is registered).

- Student PC / equipment: if a student chooses to obtain a county‑arranged student PC, that scheme is billed by the county; such equipment invoices from the county are typically issued on an annual schedule (commonly in November) and follow the county's payment terms. The school facilitates access to the county PC scheme for eligible students.

Boarding / accommodation fees

- Boarding or school‑run residential accommodation is not offered as part of the school's programmes; there are no school boarding fees. The school operates as a day school in Bergen city centre.

Other costs or fees (uniforms, trips, materials, extras)

- No mandatory uniform or uniform fee is charged by the school for regular programmes.

- Costs that the school may invoice the student for include compensation for lost or damaged loaned textbooks and charges linked to optional, non‑compulsory activities where the pupil or family has chosen to participate (the free‑education principle requires that activities integral to instruction must not be charged to students). Standard consumables for personal use (for example pens, notebooks) are normally paid by the student/parent.

Refund information

- IB subject registration fees are applied per subject and the school makes clear that the subject registration fee is payable regardless of whether the Diploma is achieved; this indicates the subject registration fee is not contingent on passing. Refunds for IB subject registrations are not described as automatic; invoices are issued on receipt of registration.

- Replacement or compensation invoices for unreturned or damaged textbooks are issued; once an outstanding charge has been forwarded to collection, the debt must be paid according to the collection process.

Fee payment options

- Invoices for IB subject registrations, textbook replacement, equipment or other school‑administered charges are issued by the school or by the county administration; payment is processed according to the invoice. Common payment channels used by Norwegian county schools and the county PC scheme include electronic invoice (eFaktura), Vipps and standard bank/paper invoice methods. Expect the invoice to include specific payment instructions and deadline.

Summary—Practical points for parents

- No application fee and no tuition or per‑term tuition charges for ordinary Vg1–Vg3 students (public, state‑funded provision).
- IB and other exam/assessment registrations carry subject fees (approximately NOK 1,500 per IB subject for the retake/registration service referenced by the school); invoices are issued on registration and late registration carries extra fees.
- Textbooks are loaned free while enrolled; charges are invoiced for unreturned or damaged books and may be forwarded to collection.
- The school does not provide boarding; any accommodation costs would be arranged privately and are not school fees.

Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 19, taught in English. It is offered in the last two years of the Norwegian upper secondary programme (Vg2 and Vg3). A Pre-IB program exists for Norwegian-speaking students considering the IB Diploma Programme; it follows the Norwegian state curriculum but is taught in English to familiarize students with IB terminology and structure. The IB Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, The Sciences, Mathematics, and The Art, taken across both years, plus the core. The programme aims to equip students with the academic skills needed for university study and lifelong learning, and IB diploma holders are sought-after for studies at Norwegian and international universities. Admissions indicate that the Diploma Programme is available to residents of Vestland; students can apply at the end of Vg1 or directly from MYP5 through Vigo.

Higher Education Progression

IB diploma holders are sought-after for studies at Norwegian and international universities; the Diploma Programme is designed to equip students with the academic skills needed for university study, further education and their chosen profession.

Gifted and Talented

A Pre-IB program exists for Norwegian-speaking students considering the IB Diploma Programme; teaching is in English and the program follows the Norwegian curriculum to prepare students for IB. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered alongside Studiespesialisering, providing pathways for advanced study.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school centers on student health and resilience as core aims. The overarching plan prioritizes Public health and life mastery and Learning in cooperation. The environment is designed to be safe and supportive so students can be themselves and build strong relationships with staff and peers. The guidance team (Rådgjevarane) provides a dedicated counseling service supporting health, wellbeing, social relationships, and study planning, and helps students navigate education and career choices. The on-site School Health Service (Skolehelsetenesta) is free and easily accessible, offering confidential guidance on mental health, stress, sleep, sexuality, vaccinations, and more; visits are confidential and do not count as absence when documented. Counselors can be contacted via Its Learning and maintain an open-door approach beyond teaching times to talk with students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school has Avdeling Kyrre, a unit for students who require extra support. Behandlaruttale explains the process for involving external professionals (e.g. psychologist via BUP/DPS) and states what information the treatment statement must include. The school coordinates with external health and welfare services to arrange supports and to facilitate assessments and transitions. Kyrre operates alongside the main study programs to ensure accessible learning opportunities for students with additional needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Innføringskurs for minoritetsspråklege is for students who need to improve Norwegian before starting upper secondary education; the course teaches Norwegian and other subjects (Norwegian, English, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education) and does not confer formal competence beyond this. There is a Nettilbod for minoritetsspråklege, an online offering for schools with new arrivals; online instruction starts on 1 September and operates with rolling admissions. The online program runs in two streams: A1 (basic Norwegian instruction) and A2 (Norwegian to reach level A2); A1 is 12 hours per week, and A2 is 8 hours per week, with class sizes of about 20–25 students. Applications for online study are handled through Dag Christer Kaarstad Haugstvedt, with rolling intake and clear school responsibilities outlined. Timeframes and expectations for students and schools are provided.

Mental Wellbeing

Skolehelsetenesta is a free, easily accessible health service on-site. It provides guidance on mental health, stress, sleep, sexuality, and related health questions; it does not provide treatment but offers advice and direction, with strict confidentiality. The service collaborates with teachers, counselors, the student inspector, and external services (e.g., OT/PPT, BUP) and can arrange referrals when needed. Helsesjukepleiarane have open doors and can be contacted by SMS or through It's Learning; they operate in the school and visits are not counted as absence when documented. The service also points to youth-focused resources and supports the school's resource team.

Safeguarding

All students have the right to a safe and good school environment. The school follows Vestland county's common rules, including Ordensreglement (Code of Conduct) and Fråværsreglement (Attendance Regulations). The attendance policy states that students with more than 10% absence in a subject will not receive a mid-year or final grade in that subject; documented absences are handled with specific guidelines. These safeguarding provisions are part of the school's framework to ensure safety, wellbeing, and orderly conduct.

Admissions

1. The deadline for admissions is March 1. It remains possible to apply after this date, but priority will be given to applications received before the deadline. Bergen Katedralskole has the following general admission policy for the IB Diploma Programme. 2. Admission depends on several criteria. Applicants must have a valid Norwegian residence permit and a registered address in Vestland county; applicants in the process of moving to Vestland with their parents may receive a conditional offer based on documentation provided, if otherwise qualified. Availability of places and subjects is a factor in admission. 3. A satisfactory level of English is required to follow the programme. Mathematics at VG1 or equivalent must be grade 4 or better; English at VG1 or equivalent must be grade 5 or better. Applicants must have an average grade of 4.5 from Norwegian VG1. 4. For entry into the Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) 5 requires grades of 6+ in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, 5+ in English or Norwegian Language A, and an overall average of 5.5 (IB scale). The MYP Personal Project must be completed. Students are expected to have completed at least two consecutive years in the MYP before entry. 5. A minimum of ten years of schooling is required. Applicants with other educational backgrounds will be assessed individually to establish equivalence with VG1 STUSP; documentation translated into English may be required. The applicant may be asked to sit additional entrance exams and interviews if a foreign certificate presents difficulties in determining ability. 6. Transfer Students: Students taking the first year of the IBDP at another IB-school can apply to complete their diploma at Bergen Katedralskole. Each student is considered on an individual basis, subject to space and compatibility of subject choices. Contact is encouraged before starting the IBDP or early in the first year. 7. IB-Exam fees: The school is a Norwegian public school and has no tuition fees. There is, however, an administrative IB-cost of NOK 10,000 per student per school year (paid in two parts). 8. Apply: Applications are through Vigo (try this first if you have a Norwegian ID-number). An application form to the IBDP is available for students unable to apply through Vigo.

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International School of Bergen

Instructs in English

Ages 1 - 16 years

Fees NOK 13,200 - 202,700

Pupils 250

Type Co-educational

Located in Sandsli, The International School of Bergen (ISB) is a private, coeducational day school for ages 1 to 16 offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The Early Childhood Centre teaches in English and blends the Norwegian Framework Plan for Kindergartens with the IB PYP. Lower School follows the PYP, while Upper School delivers the MYP. Founded in 1975 as the American School, ISB now serves a diverse community and operates from a modernised campus (renovated in 2019) that includes a welcoming library, art rooms, a science laboratory and dedicated visual arts spaces. On-site gym facilities are complemented by neighborhood swimming pool and ice rink, with Bergen's countryside used as an extended classroom. ISB maintains partnerships with the City of Bergen and local organizations, supports a wide range of ASAs, and runs the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award for Grade 9 participation.

Location

ISB is located at Sandslihaugen 36, 5254 Sandsli, Norway. The school provides an internationally accredited education serving the business and Bergen communities, and fosters intercultural understanding and respect for human rights toward a more tolerant, peaceful and globally responsible society. The school is organized into three sections: Early Childhood Centre (Preschool 1&2, Preschool 3&4 and Kindergarten), Lower School (grades 1–5), and Upper School (grades 6–10).

Stages

The school is divided into three sections: Early Childhood Centre; Lower School; Upper School.

Type

Private, coeducational day school offering IB programmes (Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme).

Additional learning support

Learning Services and Learning and Wellbeing Support Services (LWSS) provide support for learners and wellbeing.

School day structure

After-School Activities start at 15:05 and finish at 16:05 unless otherwise stated.

Application / Admission fees
- Admission fee for all new students admitted to Grades 1–10: NOK 2,500 per child. If two or more children are admitted at the same time the admission fee is NOK 5,000. The admission fee is a one-off, non-refundable charge and does not apply to families who already have a child enrolled at the school.

Early deposit / acceptance
- An initial deposit is billed together with the admission fee when a family accepts an offer of placement. The early deposit is non‑refundable. Acceptance of an offered place must be completed through the admissions portal within the school's stated acceptance period.

Tuition fees (school year 2026/27) — structure and billing
- Billing structure shown below applies to invoices issued for the 2026/2027 academic year. Annual tuition, the amount if settled in August (2.5% rebate where applicable), and the invoiced monthly amount (invoices issued August through June) are shown for each category. Monthly invoicing is arranged as 11 monthly invoices (August through June); payment due dates are indicated below.

Early Childhood Centre (ECC)
- ECC (5 days): Annual tuition NOK 13,200; August settlement NOK 13,200; invoiced monthly NOK 1,200 (August through June). ECC tuition is aligned with Bergen Kommune rules and may be subject to municipal regulation. ECC before- and after-school supervision (07:30–09:00 and 15:00–16:30) is provided free of additional charge. Students who enrol after the start of a month are charged for the entire month; no tuition refunds are given for incomplete fractions of a month.

Grades 1–10 — tuition categories (annual / August settlement / monthly)
- Tuition B1 (Internationally mobile families residing in Bergen kommune, residing in Norway fewer than three years): Grade 1–10 — Annual NOK 149,044 / August settlement NOK 145,418 / Monthly NOK 13,550. Sibling reduction (second sibling) 25%: Annual NOK 111,783 / August settlement NOK 108,988 / Monthly NOK 10,163.

- Tuition B2 (Families residing outside Bergen kommune): Grade 1–10 — Annual NOK 202,700 / August settlement NOK 197,633 / Monthly NOK 18,428. No sibling reduction for B2.

- Tuition C1 (Local fee for families working for not‑for‑profit organisations; prioritized ahead of C2): Grades 1–7 — Annual NOK 84,857 / August settlement NOK 82,736 / Monthly NOK 7,715. Grades 8–10 — Annual NOK 95,935 / August settlement NOK 93,537 / Monthly NOK 8,722. Sibling reduction of 25% applies for C1 families; sibling C1 annual and monthly amounts are shown in the published schedule.

- Tuition C2 (Local fee for families with Norwegian citizenship or families resident in Norway more than three years): Same published figures as C1 for 2026/27 (Grades 1–7 and Grades 8–10) with sibling reductions where indicated in the published schedule. Families in C2 are lowest priority for seat allocation.

Discounts and sibling reductions
- A 2.5% rebate is applied to annual tuition for Grades 1–10 if the annual tuition account is settled by the August settlement date (payment by August 15). The August settlement column shown above reflects that rebate amount. Sibling reductions (25%) apply for specified categories (B1 where stated and C1/C2 where stated) and do not apply to Tuition B2.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoices for annual or monthly tuition are issued for the period August through June. Annual settlement is due on August 15; monthly invoices are due on the 15th of each month (August through June). Students enrolling after the start of a month are charged for the entire month in which they enrol. No tuition refunds are given for uncompleted fractions of a month. Supervision (where charged) is billed monthly and is non‑refundable for partial months.

Supervision / before-and-after-school care (Grades 1–4)
- Extended supervision for Grades 1–4 (paid service): Morning & Afternoon — Annual NOK 20,267 (invoice per month NOK 1,843). Morning only — Annual NOK 12,156 (invoice per month NOK 1,106). Afternoon only — Annual NOK 12,156 (invoice per month NOK 1,106). Supervision hours: 07:30–08:45 and 15:00–16:30. Payment for supervision is billed separately on a monthly basis; no refunds for partial months. ECC supervision within standard hours is provided free of additional charge.

Other costs and optional charges
- After-school activities (ASAs): ASAs are run by independent providers and are charged separately. Parents sign up and pay ASA providers directly on a term‑by‑term basis. ASAs are therefore an additional, optional cost outside published tuition.

- Trips and specialist excursions: Certain school trips, expedition staffing (for programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh adventurous journey) and some extracurricular trips incur additional charges. The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze-level registration carries a registration charge equivalent to GBP 50 (the registration fee for the award). Expedition staffing and specific trip costs are charged as required.

- School supplies and kit: Parents are expected to supply standard stationery, swim kit, PE kit and appropriate outdoor clothing as listed on the supply lists published for ECC, Lower School and Upper School; these items are an additional parental cost. No mandatory school uniform or uniform fee is specified in the published supply lists; the published supply lists request that all clothing and personal items be labelled.

Refunds and non‑refundable items
- The admission fee (NOK 2,500 per child or NOK 5,000 for two or more children) is non‑refundable. Early deposit charged at acceptance is non‑refundable. No tuition refunds are given for uncompleted fractions of a month for students who depart mid‑month. Supervision fees are billed monthly and are non‑refundable for incomplete fractions of a month. These non‑refund rules apply across the published fee schedule.

Boarding
- Boarding is not available; the school operates as a day school only.

Fee payment: invoicing and how payment is processed
- The school issues invoices for the admission fee, deposits and tuition according to the billing schedule (annual August settlement or monthly invoicing August through June). An invoice for the admission fee and initial deposit is issued after an offer of placement is accepted. Specific payment methods are arranged through the invoice and the school's admissions/finance office as part of the enrolment and billing process. Parents receive invoice details and payment instructions from the school's admissions and finance offices.

Curriculum

ISB uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across its divisions. Lower School (Grades 1–5) follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The Units of Inquiry make up ISB's Programme of Inquiry and use the IB's Transdisciplinary Themes to structure learning. Upper School (Grades 6–10) follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The Early Childhood Centre blends the Norwegian Framework Plan for Kindergartens with the IB Primary Years Programme, and the language of instruction in the ECC is English.

Exam Results

Norwegian national tests are carried out in Grades 5, 8 and 9 in Numeracy, Reading and English, with ISB students exempt from English tests. ISA (International Schools' Assessment) is administered annually in Grades 3, 5, 7 and 9; ISA results indicate ISB students compare favourably with peers in other international schools and with the PISA results for individual nations.

Higher Education Progression

ISB prepares students for Diploma programmes and United World Colleges (UWC). The Erasmus+ exchange programme provides opportunities for international experience.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Learning and Wellbeing Support Services (LWSS) team provides support for every student's personal, social, emotional and educational needs. The LWSS team includes the School Counselor, the IENS Coordinator, and the English Learning Support (ELS) Coordinator, and works closely with the School Nurse. The LWSS emphasizes early contact with students and parents to discuss wellbeing and progress. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing a healthy approach to school, work, and life through self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills. ISB enables students to respect themselves, others, and the learning, social, and natural environments, aims to maintain positive social relationships, develop emotional intelligence, and achieve personal success in school and life, and delivers this through the International Baccalaureate programme.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

At ISB, students may experience learning challenges or additional needs. The Individual Educational Needs Support Coordinator (IENS) works with home room and subject teachers to ensure appropriate support. This includes differentiated resources, in-class support, team teaching, and 1:1 programmes, including writing and providing Individual Student Support Plans. The IENS Coordinator acts as facilitator between the school, parents and outside services, such as Pedagogisk Psykologisk Tjeneste (PPT) and Barn og Ungdoms Psykiatri (BUP).

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the language of instruction at ISB. Students who come to ISB without fluency in English are given the help necessary to ensure that they can fully benefit from the school programme as quickly as possible. Help may be in-class support, special ELS classes with a specialist teacher, an English Language-focused programme, or a combination of the two. English Language Support (ELS) is offered to all students who have been recognised as needing additional support in reading, writing or speaking English, and the ELS Coordinator and teachers work closely with subject and homeroom teachers to develop individualised learning plans.

Mental Wellbeing

The School Counselor provides personal counselling as well as academic and whole-class counselling support and acts as an advocate for student concerns. The LWSS coordinates Social-Emotional Learning programs with Home Room teachers. The team also supports transitioning students and their families to promote wellbeing and stability throughout school life.

Safeguarding

The Child Protection Policy places the safety and well-being of our students at the heart of ISB. It outlines procedures for child protection, legislation and guidance, and related policies, and appoints a Child Protection Officer. Staff receive ongoing training, including ECIS Level 2 Certificate in Child Protection, with robust referrals to relevant agencies. The policy recognises that some students are at increased risk, including those with SEN or English as an additional language, and commits to anti-discriminatory practices and safeguarding for all students.

Admissions

1. Application Process: Pre-school and Kindergarten admissions are in collaboration with Bergen Kommune's central database; parents apply using the ISB application form at isbergen.openapply.com in addition to the Bergen Kommune application forms; if Norwegian is difficult, information is available in other languages or contact the School Office; Grades 1–10 must complete the ISB application form in addition to submitting school records for two complete years showing evidence of formal schooling, including any available Individual Education Plans; ISB Admission Fee: new students in grades 1–10 accepting a place for the school year 2023–2024 or later will be charged 2500 NOK; admission and enrolment fees are non-refundable; if two or more students are admitted at the same time, the admission fee is 5000 NOK.

2. Placement Process: The Placement Process determines the grade a student will enter, based on learning needs, social development and chronological age, using an age-to-grade mapping. A formal offer of enrolment may be made after information from Steps 1 and 2 is received and validated. For placement, required items include samples of student work/portfolio (which can be brought on the day of the visit), information about previous placement and anticipated length of stay in Norway, standardised test results if available, and for students in grades 2–10 the specified form will be sent electronically to the previous school through Open Apply.

3. Welcome and Transition: Once assigned to a class, ISB informs the teacher about the new enrolment and appoints a buddy to help the student adjust to the new environment.

Scholarships

ISB does not offer scholarships. In Grade 1–10 a sibling reduction of 25% is offered for families who pay Tuition C.

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Compare International Schools in Bergen, Norway

Location

Stages

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Bus service

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Location

Stages

Type

Additional learning support

School day structure

Boarding Arrangements

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Exam Results

Higher Education Progression

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

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Annual fees

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Curriculum offered

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