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Oslo International School

Norway, Oslo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NOK 13,200 - 288,700
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 600
Type Co-educational
Opened 1963
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum)
Taught languages Norwegian, French, Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Oslo International School is an independent school in Norway, funded by fees. It serves ages 3 to 18 and offers the IB Diploma Programme for Upper Secondary, with Pre-IB/IB for Lower Secondary and IPC. The Upper Secondary path runs three years from Pre-IB to IB2, with examinations that prepare students for university and employment. The IB framework and IPC in the younger years encourage enquiry, knowledge and intercultural understanding, with results that frequently exceed international standards. Founded in 1963, OIS is accredited by the Council of International Schools and NEASC. The campus houses science and computer labs, a 300-square-metre library with 15,000 books and a Librarian, and an Innovation Space with a laser cutter and a 3D printer. Facilities include a large gym, a multi-purpose hall, and outdoor spaces. Beyond academics, OIS offers a co-curricular program, including Lego robotics, Visual Arts, language visits, and Service Learning through NGO partnerships.

Gamle Ringeriksvei 53, 1357 Bekkestua, Norway

The Essentials

Oslo International School has 600 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

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
Pre-School; Primary (Years 1–6); Lower Secondary; Upper Secondary (Pre-IB to IB2).

Type
The school is a fully independent not-for-profit international school funded 100% by school fees.

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
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
Norway

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
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.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is not a boarding school and does not offer host family arrangements.

Uniform Requirement
There is no school uniform; Spiritwear clothing is available for purchase by families.

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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at Oslo International School ranges from NOK 13,200 to NOK 288,700 for 2026/27.

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.)
Academics

Oslo International School teaches IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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
12-18 students per class.

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
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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)
EAL / Support for Learning is available as part of the learning program to support diverse learner needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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
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 and child protection are embedded in school policies and practice as part of the overall care for students.
Parent Experience

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
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 (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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
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
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
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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Languages

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.
Reputation

Awards
null

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
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
No scholarships or financial aid are offered.

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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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