do schools in norway have homework

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Is homework useful or necessary?

An updated norwegian education act is currently being considered. several researchers are sceptical about the benefits of homework..

We are used to homework being part of a school’s learning programme, but homework is not mandated by the state and is only one of several options that schools have.

The Education Act currently includes no clear authorisation for assigning homework. It is therefore up to individual municipalities, schools and teachers whether they want to use homework as part of the educational scheme.

The Norwegian Ministry of Education believes that the new Education Act should specify that an individual school can require students to do assignments and homework outside of school hours.

Researchers and teachers in the field of pedagogy in the university and college sector met to discuss and submit their response to the proposed new Education Act:

“We wonder what knowledge the Ministry has based its statement on. A decision authorising homework would be a serious setback for the development of homework-free/homework-aware schools and especially for researching the topic.”

More about their input is included later in this article.

Changed opinion about homework usefulness

Opinions about homework in school vary widely, and more research is needed on the effect that homework has on learning. A research project at NTNU on homework-free schools has captured interesting results.

Per Egil Mjaavatn is a researcher and associate professor affiliated with NTNU. He previously supported homework as a positive tool for the learning outcomes of children and adolescents. During the course of the research project, he changed his mind.

Need more knowledge

The city council in Trondheim wanted to try out a homework-free project in some of the city’s elementary schools in order to gain experience with a different way of working in schools. NTNU’s Department of Education and Lifelong Learning was asked to evaluate the experiment.

The purpose of the project was to improve the knowledge base about attitudes towards, and experiences with homework in primary school – and about the effects of homework.

Although the homework-free project had to be scaled back and eventually discontinued due to the COVID pandemic, the researchers made several interesting discoveries.

All four schools were in Trondheim municipality. Four control schools that gave traditional homework assignments as well as homework help at school were also involved in the trial project. Pupils in 5th through 7th grade participated.

Homework-free option reduced family conflicts

90 per cent of the children in schools with no homework experienced having more time to spend with family and friends. They also found that the level of conflict at home was less, as did more than half of the parents.

The parent of a child in a homework-free school with an extended school day said: “Fewer conflicts around homework, no need to fuss and follow up on whether homework was done. Better atmosphere in the home."

Another parent said: “Good for the family, but little control over my child’s development."

The parent of a child in a homework-free school with no timetable changes said: “There was less arguing about homework and when it had to be done. But I also think that the school hours should be extended if the no-homework policy continues next year."

Does homework promote or inhibit motivation?

A lot of students are tired of homework. A whopping 83.8 per cent of the pupils who took part in the trial project responded that they get bored with school because of homework.

Fewer than half the teachers believed that homework helps make pupils more interested in their schoolwork. The majority of parents (79 per cent) and teachers (89 per cent) believed that giving pupils homework is primarily dictated by tradition in Norwegian schools.

Some parents reported in their comments that pupils became more motivated about school and performed better during the homework-free period. Other parents said the opposite: the lack of homework made pupil motivation and performance worse.

Parents with an immigrant background were more positive about homework than the general parent average.

Girls missed homework

Only 28 per cent of the pupils in the homework-free schools believed that homework is necessary for them to learn everything that is expected of them. 20 per cent responded that they missed homework, and especially the girls at the homework-free schools missed having homework.

In the control schools with traditional homework, 70 per cent of the pupils would prefer not to have homework, yet 74.5 per cent of these pupils agreed with the statement that homework is necessary for learning.

Mathematics seems to be in a special position: a clear majority in all three informant groups believed that mathematics homework is necessary to get enough problem-solving practice.

Parents and teachers prefer different solutions

More than half of the parents would like to have an arrangement of an extended school day and no homework. Such a solution would satisfy both their desire for no homework and less homework stress at home.

A clear majority of the teachers preferred an ordinary school day with homework.

A pupil at a homework-free school with an extended school day said: "Not having homework was great. I'd rather be at school longer than have problems with homework at home."

Does homework contribute to increased inequality?

One task of schools is to reduce social differences in society. A clear majority of parents (75 per cent) believed that homework leads to greater differences between children of parents with different educational backgrounds.

The teachers disagreed with the parents in this regard. Only 39 per cent of the teachers believed that homework contributes to increased differences between children with different socio-economic backgrounds.

Homework should be a repetition of familiar material. Nevertheless, 95 per cent of the pupils answered that they got help at home to do their homework in Norwegian and mathematics.

“In other words, students aren’t able to do a lot of the homework that’s being assigned on their own, which seems demotivating. The pupils who had homework were less interested in these subjects than the pupils who didn’t have homework,” Mjaavatn says.

75 per cent of parents said they had to help their children with homework.

“Parents have different levels of preparation for helping their children with homework, and this can result in different learning conditions for children,” Mjaavatn says.

A majority of parents believed that homework also leads to greater differences between students’ academic levels.

Here too, the parent responses differed from those of the teachers. Only a third of the teachers shared the parents’ opinion.

How much time should children spend on homework?

Parents expect more homework with increasing age. The parents’ responses differed significantly here, with fathers wanting more time per week for homework than mothers.

Teachers’ homework expectations were slightly higher than those of parents in terms of what they perceive to be an appropriate amount of time spent on homework in a normal school week.

On average, the teachers suggested 3.27 hours per week for 5th graders and 3.55 hours for 7th graders.

Responses scattered

The researchers write in their report that they do not have measures of the impact that can show whether the homework-free project had an effect on the pupils’ effort and learning.

“But we’ve gained an understanding of the opinions held by pupils, parents and teachers on this issue. The answers vary widely, and we’ve concluded that the question of whether homework promotes learning and motivation depends on whom you ask.”

New Education Act

Now, back to the new Norwegian Education Act, which is out for review. Just over 30 pedagogical researchers and teachers in the university and college sector have gathered to craft a response relating to homework in particular.

“The answer to the question of whether homework is useful and necessary depends on who is given it and for what purpose. Whose perspectives are taken into account when issues relating to homework are formulated? Homework is a complex phenomenon that involves a lot of different players,” Elisabeth Rønningen at NTNU says. She is one of the authors of the text.

How teachers justify their views on homework

A qualitative study that examined how and why teachers give homework in elementary school showed that teachers justify homework by saying that:

homework provides more learning.
pupils should make the learning their own.
homework helps students develop good work habits.
homework is a good way to collaborate with children’s homes.
schools depend on parent participation to meet all the competency targets.
homework gives students time and peace to reflect on, repeat and automate their basic skills.

Thin knowledge base

The problem is that the knowledge base for these justifications is very thin, the researchers write in their response. For example, research shows no clear connection between homework and learning.

Australian school researcher John Hattie refers to 161 studies which conclude that homework has little or no effect on learning, least of all in primary school.

The literature review on homework research from the Norwegian Directorate of Education and Training (2021) includes no reference to studies that can document a strong connection between homework and pupils’ learning.

The review states that Norway showed no significant correlation between the time pupils spend on homework and their results in mathematics, according to the PISA survey.

Homework can lead to poor work habits

Nor does the research show any clear connection between homework and the development of good work habits in pupils. In Harris Cooper and colleagues' research summary, they found that homework can lead to developing bad work habits just as well as good ones.

Homework can lead to rushing assignments, doing tasks with little commitment and care, copying from the internet or getting others to do the tasks for them.

Stress and conflict-filled family relationships

In the experts' response, they argue that there needs to be a clear connection between homework and the development of good work habits if it is to be used as an argument for the Education Act to authorise schools to be able to require pupils to do school work after school hours.

The practice of giving homework assignments can be counterproductive . Holte’s research from 2016 showed that homework can contribute to destroying close and positive relationships between parents and children, because homework can lead to increased stress levels and conflict-filled relationships at home.

In their response, the researchers and teachers propose that the wording of the new law be changed to:

The school cannot require pupils to do assignments outside of school hours (homework).

A formulation like this sets a clear boundary against a teaching practice for which no good evidence exists and which can have very negative consequences both at an individual and societal level. This formulation is most in line with what we know today, they write

Read the full consultation response here (link in Norwegian).

Harris Cooper et al. 'Does Homework Improve Academic Achievement? A Synthesis of Research, 1987–2003', Review of Educational Research , 2006. Abstract.

K.L. Holte. Homework in Primary School: Could It Be Made More Child-Friendly? Studia paedagogica: Childhood , 2017.

This article/press release is paid for and presented by NTNU

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23 Norway Education Facts (all about schools in Norway)

Did you know that there are free Norwegian schools where pupils don’t take exams? Or that private schools were forbidden until recently?

Discover more thanks to these 23 Norway education facts you will love to know! 🇳🇴 🎓

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Best Facts About School in Norway

Is education free in norway, norwegian school hours, general facts about schooling in norway, more education facts, the full list of 23 norwegian school facts.

Norway is a large and beautiful country. It is located in Scandinavia, in northern Europe, and has an extensive coastline. Its capital city is Oslo, which has a bit more than 697,000 inhabitants.

An interesting part of the country that I wanted to tackle is its education. In light of that, I have listed my 23 best facts about school in Norway, and I hope you will love them:

1. Until 2005, most private schools were illegal in Norway

Almost every student in Norway goes to public school… because Norwegian law made private schools illegal until 2005!

The only ones that could possibly exist were religious institutes or pedagogic alternatives. However, standard private schools have started to appear since the law was abolished.

1 - private norwegian schools were illegal

2. Unlike in most countries, more and more Norwegian women take on higher education

In many countries in the world , there is a large gender gap between men and women when it comes to higher education, always favoring men.

In Norway however, the proportion of inhabitants with higher education has increased more among women than men!

3. The Norwegian government makes sure every area is covered when it comes to education

A recurring problem in education all around the world is the fact that urban areas are far more advanced than rural, isolated areas.

In Norway, the government always makes sure everyone has access to education, by funding these smaller towns. Thus, some colleges have been established in the countryside.

4. Student life is very rich in Norway

For the majority of students in Norway, life is rich, social, and active.

Many of them decide to have part-time jobs on top of their studies, in order to gain work experience and make money. International students can also get a part-time job, but it is limited to 20 hours a week.

5. Living in Norway is very comfortable

Norway is a very interesting destination for international degree-seeking students. Not only is the education of high quality, but living in the country is also very comfortable.

The living standard as a whole is indeed high, anywhere in the country but mostly in big cities like Oslo.

6. Norwegian students are very aware of environmental issues

Something that more countries should do is be aware of environmental issues as much as Norway is .

Norwegian families recently decided to limit cars to only one per household, and students almost always use public transports, which is very developed in the biggest cities.

6 - schools in norway educate about the environment

7. Studies are combined with outdoor experiences in Norway

Considering how beautiful Norway is, it would be a shame if students could not enjoy the unique fjords and majestic mountains.

Because of this, it is not uncommon to see students enjoying the Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) and any nature experience in general. The wilderness is never far from wherever they are in Norway.

8. The Norwegian society as a whole is very modern and equalitarian

Another great reason to study in Norway is the fact that the society as a whole is very modern.

Equality has always been an extremely important value in Norwegian society, both in people’s mindsets and in legislation. Because of this, you will have no trouble being accepted as you are in the Norwegian education system. Teaching is also innovative.

9. English is very important in Norway

The Norwegian government has quickly understood how important English is nowadays.

Because of this, many degree programs and courses are taught in English. This is ideal for international students, of course, but also benefits locals who are very proficient in English.

9 - english is major in the norway school system

10. Almost every Norwegian kid attends kindergarten

Despite them not being compulsory, kindergartens are highly sought after in Norway.

In fact, depending on the region, the percentage of children aged 1 to 5 in Norwegian kindergartens ranges from 88.2 to 94.4, whilst the country average is 91.3 percent.

11. There is post-secondary vocational education in Norway

After secondary education, students can attend post-secondary vocational institutes in Norway.

This type of education is not considered higher education, yet it is only attainable by completing upper secondary education. It lasts from 6 months to 2 years in general.

12. Folk high schools are alternative boarding schools in Norway

Folk schools are specific to Scandinavia, though they are starting to spread. They are a very unique alternative way of education.

In Norwegian folk high schools, there are no examinations, nor student fees. However, students need to pay to live in the halls of residence as well as their school materials.

13. Lifelong learning is popular in Norway and enables adults to always keep learning

If, for various reasons, a Norwegian adult does not have the necessary basic skills despite how good the education system is, lifelong learning is a solution to that problem.

Its goal is to develop adults’ qualifications in general, and it can provide any primary and secondary education, as well as continuing programs.

14. In Norway, adults always want to know more and to get more qualifications

Many Norwegians take part in lifelong learning. Not only does it help people with no basic skills, but it can also lead to additional diplomas through further education programs.

This is a great way for people to update their competence and improve their ability to adapt, whether they want to radically change jobs, try something else, or are just curious.

15. Norwegian employees can leave their job for up to 3 years to attend additional courses

Lifelong learning is taken very seriously in Norway, even by employers.

Because of this, all Norwegian employees are entitled to partial or full leave for a maximum of 3 years, in order to attend specific courses of education. Most of these courses take place in vocational schools.

15 - the norway education system includes parents

16. The education sector and the labor market are closely connected in Norway

A good reason for the Norway education system to be that good is the fact that Norwegian students find a job quite easily.

This is made possible because the education sector and the labor market are closely connected in the country, so courses are constantly adapted to the market needs.

17. Even though most education is free in Norway, there are still grants and loans

Everything is being taken care of in Norway, even financial issues which should not happen that often.

Student loans are interest-free in the country, at least for the duration of their studies. For specific situations like students living on their own, they can have part of their loan converted into a grant when they complete their education.

18. Educators in Norway have three possible titles, depending on their qualifications

With their different degrees, Norwegian teachers have different titles.

The first one is the preschool teacher: he teaches in kindergartens and in the first 4 grades of primary school, and he needs a bachelor’s degree.

The second one is the adjunct teacher: he teaches in lower secondary schools, and sometimes high schools, and needs to be specialized.

Finally, the last one is a lecturer, who teaches in upper secondary schools and high schools and has a master’s degree.

18 - norway free education includes highly qualified teachers

And that is it for the best 18 interesting facts about the education system in Norway…. Wait, did I say 18? Oh yes, because there are 5 more of them, dedicated to free education in Norway, coming right up:

As you will see in this part, there are many financial advantages when it comes to the school system in Norway.

Here are 5 more facts about “is education free in Norway?”:

19. There are no tuition fees in public universities in Norway

Yes, you read that right. Despite higher education tuition fees being through the roof in the United States, there are none in Norway!

No matter the country of origin of a student, they will not be charged any fee to study in public Norwegian universities.

20. Education is of high quality in many Norwegian institutes

You might think that because the Norwegian school system is free, it must mean that it is of very poor quality.

However, that is far from being the case. In fact, it is very good! Most people probably think that because a university is funded by the state, it cannot provide quality teaching.

21. International students are very surprised when they come to Norway

Over the past few years, Norway has become a very important international hub for students.

The vast majority of them, no matter where they come from, are very surprised to learn that higher education is free and of high quality in Norway, which is not the case in their country of origin.

21 - the education system in norway is one of the best

22. Living in Norway is quite expensive

Before packing your suitcase and leaving for Norway as soon as possible, you must remember that living in Norway can be quite expensive, at least compared to many other European countries.

Of course, living costs are adapted to your income… but you don’t have any yet as a student!

23. Norwegian students need to pay a very small tuition fee each semester

In some universities like the University of Bergen , Norwegian students need to pay a very small fee each semester (around 60€, or $70).

This is only for locals though, as international students are exempt from this little fee while keeping the same advantages.

So there you have them, these were all my 23 interesting facts about Norway schools. I hope you enjoyed them and that you learned something new today.

In case you want to learn more about the rest of the country, feel free to keep reading, as I still have lots of things to tell you about:

Let’s keep going with our next part, dedicated to Norwegian school hours. The typical school schedule in one country can often be very different from your own, and it’s always interesting to have more details on how students go on about their day.

Norway Primary School Schedule

There are 3 parts in the Norway school system: elementary school or primary education, lower secondary education, and upper secondary education.

Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16. Most schools only offer one level, so students need to change schools whenever they go from elementary to lower secondary, and from lower secondary to upper secondary.

The school year in Norway typically runs from mid-August to late June of the following year.

Each school day starts at around 8:15 AM before ending at 1:10 or 1:55 PM. There are also 3 breaks during the day: lunch and two recesses.

Norwegian High School Schedule

When it comes to high school in Norway, it is at that time that students (aged 12 or 13) start getting grades for their work.

Students have to choose from another language than Norwegian and English in grade 8, usually among the following: German, French, and Spanish.

There is an examination in grade 10, leading to upper secondary school.

Upper secondary school is based on primary schools. The only possible private schools in Norway are either religious or pedagogic alternatives, but more general ones started to appear in 2005.

This last part is dedicated to general facts about schooling in Norway. More specifically, we’ll check 2 key figures that will give you a better understanding of Norway education level.

Enrollment in tertiary education for Norway: 76.12%

Data from World Bank EdStats/UNESCO

Norway literacy rate: 100%

Do you want even more education facts about other countries?

Check out these facts:

Education in Denmark
Education in Finland
Education in Sweden

Or click here to see ALL the education facts up on the blog!

Until 2005, most private schools were illegal in Norway
Unlike in most countries, more and more Norwegian women take on higher education
The Norwegian government makes sure every area is covered when it comes to education
Student life is very rich in Norway
Living in Norway is very comfortable
Norwegian students are very aware of environmental issues
Studies are combined with outdoor experiences in Norway
The Norwegian society as a whole is very modern and equalitarian
English is very important in Norway
Almost every Norwegian kid attends kindergarten
There is post-secondary vocational education in Norway
Folk high schools are alternative boarding schools in Norway
Lifelong learning is popular in Norway and enables adults to always keep learning
In Norway, adults always want to know more and to get more qualifications
Norwegian employees can leave their job for up to 3 years to attend additional courses
The education sector and the labor market are closely connected in Norway
Even though most education is free in Norway, there are still grants and loans
Educators in Norway have three possible titles, depending on their qualifications
There are no tuition fees in public universities in Norway
Education is of high quality in many Norwegian institutes
International students are very surprised when they come to Norway
Living in Norway is quite expensive
Norwegian students need to pay a very small tuition fee each semester

Share the knowledge! Click on the buttons below to share these Norwegian school facts with your friends, and help them learn more about the world 🙂

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How useful or necessary is homework?

This topic is one of several addressed in an updated Norwegian Education Act that is currently out for comments. Several researchers are sceptical about the benefits of homework.

We are used to homework being part of a school’s learning programme, but homework is not mandated by the state and is only one of several options that schools have.

The Education Act currently includes no clear authorization that provides for assigning homework. It is therefore up to individual municipalities, schools and teachers whether they want to use homework as part of the educational scheme.

The Norwegian Ministry of Education believes that the new Education Act should specify that an individual school can require students to do assignments and homework outside of school hours.

University and college sector researchers and teachers in the field of pedagogy met to discuss and submit their comment response to the proposed new Education Act.

They stated, “We wonder what knowledge basis the Ministry is referring to with this statement. A decision authorizing homework would be a serious setback for the development of homework-free/homework-aware schools and especially for researching the topic.”

More about their input is included later in this article.

Changed opinion about homework usefulness

Opinions about homework in school vary widely, and more study is needed on the effect that homework has on learning. A research project at NTNU on homework-free schools has captured interesting results.

Photo: Elin Iversen/ NTNU SHOW MORE

Per Egil Mjaavatn (pictured) is a researcher and associate professor affiliated with NTNU. He previously supported homework as a positive tool for the learning outcomes of children and youth. During the course of the research project, he changed his mind.

Mjaavatn wrote the final report as part of the group at NTNU that evaluated a homework-free project in Trondheim.

Need more knowledge

The purpose of the project was to improve the knowledge base about attitudes towards and experiences with homework in primary school – and about the effects of homework.

Although the homework-free project had to be scaled back and eventually discontinued due to the COVID pandemic, the researchers made several interesting discoveries.

In the 2019/2020 school year, Flatåsen and Stabbursmoen schools were homework-free with two extra school hours a week, while Byåsen and Romulslia schools were homework-free with no change in the timetable. All four schools were in Trondheim municipality. Four control schools that gave traditional homework assignments as well as homework help at school were also involved in the trial project. Pupils in 5 th through 7th grade participated.

Homework-free option reduced family conflicts

Ninety per cent of the children in the schools with no homework experienced having more time to spend with family and friends. They also found that the level of conflict at home was less, as did more than half of the parents.

“Fewer conflicts around homework, no need to fuss and follow up on whether homework was done. Better atmosphere in the home” (parent of child in homework-free school with an extended school day).

“Good for the family, but little control over my child’s development” (parent of child in a homework-free school with an extended school day).

“There was less arguing about homework and when it had to be done. But I also think that the school hours should be extended if the no-homework policy continues next year” (parent of child in a homework-free school).

Does homework promote or inhibit motivation?

Photo shows excerpt from homework notebook.

Excerpt from homework notebook. Photo: Idun Haugan/NTNU SHOW MORE

A lot of students are tired of homework. A whopping 83.8 per cent of the pupils who took part in the trial project responded that they get bored with school because of the homework.

Parents with an immigrant background were more positive about homework than the parent average.

Girls missed homework

Only 28 per cent of the pupils in the homework-free schools believed that homework is necessary for them to learn everything that is expected of them. Twenty per cent responded that they missed homework, and especially the girls at the homework-free schools missed having homework.

Mathematics seems to be in a special position: a clear majority in all three informant groups believed that mathematics homework is necessary to get enough problem-solving practice.

Parents and teachers prefer different solutions

More than half of the parents would like to have an arrangement with an extended school day and no homework. Such a solution would satisfy both their desire for no homework and less homework stress at home.

A clear majority of the teachers preferred an ordinary school day with homework.

“Homework-free was great. I’d rather be at school longer than have problems with homework at home” (pupil at a homework-free school with an extended school day).

Does homework contribute to increased inequality?

Homework should be a repetition of familiar material. Nevertheless, 95 per cent of the pupils answered that they got help at home to do their homework in Norwegian and mathematics.

Seventy-five per cent of parents said they had to help their children with homework.

“Parents have different levels of preparation for helping their children with homework, and this can result in different learning conditions for children,” says Mjaavatn.

A majority of parents believed that homework also leads to greater differences between students’ academic levels.

Here too, the parent responses differed from those of the teachers. Only a third of the teachers shared the parents’ opinion.

How much time should children spend on homework?

Parents expect more homework with increasing age. The parents’ responses differed significantly here, with fathers wanting more time per week for homework than mothers.

Teachers’ homework expectations were slightly higher than those of parents in terms of what they perceive to be an appropriate amount of time spent on homework in a normal school week. On average, the teachers suggested 3.27 hours per week for 5th graders and 3.55 hours for 7th graders.

Responses scattered

The researchers write in their report that they do not have impact measures that can show whether the homework-free project had an effect on the pupils’ effort and learning.

The research group consisted of Professor Per Frostad, Associate Professor Jan Arvid Haugan, Professor Vegard Johansen and Associate Professor Per Egil Mjaavatn

The full evaluative report is available in Norwegian: Report no. 3 Final report 10.03.21

Wrong kind of homework causes problems

“The main problem with homework is that far too little thought is given to what the homework should be and what its purpose is. Pupils are often assigned homework that they don’t have the prerequisite skills for, and then the payoff tends to be meagre. That’s often the cause of problems at home,” according to Thomas Dahl, a professor in NTNU’s Programme for Teacher Education, in a previous Gemini article.

“Homework is not an important topic in most teacher education programmes, either. Education students receive little instruction in how to use homework in an effective way,” says Dahl.

You might like to read (in Norwegian): Feil type lekser skaper problemer

New Education Act

Now, back to the new Norwegian Education Act, which is out for consultation. Just over 30 pedagogical researchers and teachers in the university and college sector have gathered to craft a response relating to homework in particular.

“The answer to the question of whether homework is useful and necessary depends on who is to do it and for what purpose. Whose perspectives are taken into account when issues relating to homework are formulated? Homework is a complex phenomenon that involves a lot of different actors,” says Elisabeth Rønningen (pictured) at NTNU.

Here are excerpts from the researchers’ and teachers’ consultation response:

How teachers justify their views on homework

A qualitative study that examined how and why teachers give homework in elementary school showed that teachers justify homework by saying that:

homework provides more learning.
pupils should make the learning their own.
homework helps students develop good work habits.
homework is a good way to collaborate with children’s homes.
schools depend on parent participation to meet all the competency targets.
homework gives students time and peace to reflect on, repeat and automate their basic skills.

Thin knowledge base

The problem is that the knowledge base for these justifications is very thin, write the researchers in their consultation response. For example, research shows no clear connection between homework and learning.

Australian school researcher John Hattie refers to 161 studies which conclude that homework has little or no effect on learning, least of all in primary school.

The literature review on homework research from the Norwegian Directorate of Education and Training (UDIR, 2021) includes no reference to studies that can document a strong connection between homework and pupils’ learning. The review states that Norway showed no significant correlation between the time pupils spend on homework and their results in mathematics, according to the PISA survey.

Homework can lead to poor work habits

Nor does the research show any clear connection between homework and the development of good work habits in pupils. Harris Cooper et al. shows in his research summary that homework can lead to developing bad work habits just as well as good ones in pupils.

Homework can lead to rushing assignments, doing tasks with little commitment and care, copying from the internet or getting others to do the tasks for them.

Reference: Cooper, H., Robinson, J., & Patall, E. (2006). Does Homework Improve Academic Achievement? A Synthesis of Research , 1987–2003. Review of Educational Research.

Stress and conflict-filled family relationships

In the comment response from the pedagogical researchers and teachers, a knowledge base is therefore called for that clearly shows a connection between homework and the development of good work habits if it is to be used as an argument for the Education Act to authorize schools to be able to require pupils to do school work after school hours.

The practice of giving homework assignments can be counterproductive. Holte’s research from 2016 showed that homework can contribute to destroying positive and close relationships between parents and children, because homework can lead to increased stress levels and conflict-filled relationships at home.

Reference: Homework in Primary school: Could it be made more child-friendly?

In their comment response, the researchers and teachers propose that the wording of the new law be changed to:

The school cannot require pupils to do assignments outside of school hours (homework).

A formulation like this sets a clear boundary against a teaching practice for which no good knowledge base exists and which can have very negative consequences both at an individual and societal level. This formulation is most in line with the knowledge base we have today, the researchers write.

Read the full consultation response by pedagogical researchers and teachers (in Norwegian).

Should all learning happen at school or is homework important, too? Photo: Elin Iversen/NTNU SHOW MORE

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General information about education in Norway

NOKUT is responsible for quality assurance of higher education and tertiary vocational education in Norway. Such education is part of a more comprehensive education system, however, and builds on primary and secondary education.

Children and young people in Norway have a right and an obligation to complete primary and lower secondary education, and adults are also entitled to primary and lower secondary education. Everyone who completes primary and lower secondary education is entitled to upper secondary education qualifying for further studies or a vocation. The Higher Education Entrance Qualification qualifies students for admission to university or university college programmes. Higher education is offered at bachelor, master and PhD level and should be research-based. Tertiary vocational education is a short vocational alternative to higher education.

An overview of the Norwegian education system follows below.

Kindergarten is an educational service for children under compulsory school age. It is voluntary, and children can start attending kindergarten at different ages, but all children are entitled to a kindergarten place in their home municipality from the age of one. The purpose of kindergarten is to help families and to contribute to children's social and educational development. It is also intended to make it possible for parents and guardians to work or study while having responsibility for young children. The Framework Plan for the Content and Tasks of Kindergartens contains guidelines for values and work methods in kindergartens, and it is intended to ensure that all children receive equal provision of high quality.

Since January 2011, municipalities have had sole responsibility for funding the building and running of municipal kindergartens, which account for just over half of all kindergartens. Non-municipal kindergartens can also receive municipal operating grants. All kindergartens must have a pedagogical leader and a head teacher, both of whom must be qualified preschool teachers.

Primary and secondary education in Norway normally lasts for 13 years. This includes primary and lower secondary education (years 1–10) and upper secondary education (years 11–13). The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training is responsible for supervising the quality of primary and secondary education.

Primary and lower secondary school

There are two main parts: primary school (years 1–7) and lower secondary school (years 8–10). Pupils start primary school in the calendar year when they turn 6, and they normally complete lower secondary school in the year they turn 16.

Most schools in Norway are municipal, and the running and administration of these schools is a municipal responsibility. Primary and lower secondary education is free of charge and mandatory, and it is based on the principle of equal and adapted education for all in an inclusive comprehensive school system. The goal is that all children and young people shall acquire certain fundamental skills, be included in a common knowledge, culture and value base, and experience mastery and challenges at school.

No grades are given at primary school level. At lower secondary school, pupils are awarded grades in mandatory subjects before the Christmas holidays and at the end of the school year. On completion of lower secondary school, pupils receive a certificate listing their assessment grades. After completing lower secondary school, they are entitled to three years of upper secondary education.

Before and after school programmes are not part of primary education, but all municipalities are required by law to offer before and after school care in years 1–4 for all pupils, and in years 1–7 for children with special needs.

Upper secondary education

Upper secondary education consists of either a general studies programme preparing pupils for further studies, or a vocational programme. The education is intended to qualify pupils for work or higher education. The county authorities fund upper secondary education and have a high degree of freedom as regards how it is organised. Everyone who completes primary and lower secondary education or an equivalent education is entitled to upper secondary education. Adults over the age of 25 are entitled to upper secondary education for adults upon application.

Upper secondary education is divided into twelve programmes; four general studies and eight vocational programmes. General studies programmes are three-year programmes that emphasise theoretical subjects and lead up to the Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Vocational programmes usually lead to a trade or journeyman's certificate, normally after two years at school and a two-year apprenticeship period. Vocational programmes for vocations that are not recognised trades will consist entirely of school-based tuition. It is possible to achieve the Higher Education Entrance Qualification by supplementing a vocational education (by taking the Upper Secondary Level 3 programme Supplementary programme for general university admissions certification).

General studies:

– Art, design and architecture – Media and communication – Music, dance and drama – Specialisation in general studies – Sports and physical education

Vocational programmes:

– Electrical engineering and computer technology – Crafts, design and product development – Healthcare, child and youth development – Building and construction – Agriculture, fishing and forestry – Restaurant and food processing – Sales, service and tourism – Technological and industrial production – Hairdressing, floral, interior and retail design focuses – Information technology and media production

Folk high schools are boarding schools with no examinations. They are an alternative and supplement to the formal education system. The Directorate for Education and Training is responsible for administering the folk high schools. There are no tuition fees, but students pay to live in the halls of residence and also for their board, course material and study trips.

Folk high schools have existed in Norway since the late 19th century, and they are based on a philosophy of education developed by the Danish educationalist and theologian Grundtvig. Each school is free to choose its own values and profile. There are both independent, liberal folk high schools and Christian folk high schools owned by or closely affiliated to churches and Christian organisations. The schools offer different programme subjects that are normally taught over one school year (33 weeks), but some also offer shorter courses. Most schools have an 18-year age limit, and many choose to take a year at a folk high school after completing upper secondary school.

Tertiary vocational programmes are short programmes of vocational study that build on upper secondary education or equivalent prior learning and work experience. No Higher Education Entrance Qualification is required. Tertiary vocational programmes vary in length, but they should have a scope corresponding to between six months and two years of study.

There are both public and private vocational schools. Among other things, the county authorities offer publicly funded technical and maritime programmes as well as health and social work programmes. Private providers offer many different programmes in the areas of creative, commercial, service, media, multimedia and ICT studies. Tertiary vocational education is intended as an alternative to higher education that imparts knowledge and skills that are directly applicable in the workplace.

The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS) administers admission for some of the programmes, but some vocational schools have their own admission procedures, and applications to such institutions must be sent directly to the institution.

Tertiary vocational programmes must be accredited by NOKUT. Such approval entitles students to financial support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). See an overview of vocational schools here (only in Norwegian).

There are a total of 33 accredited (approved) higher education institutions in Norway (October 2019). There are 10 universities, 9 specialised university institutions (1 of which are art academy) and 14 university colleges. In addition, there are 18 non-accredited university colleges offering approved first degree programmes. Overall responsibility for accreditation rests with the Ministry of Education and Research , and it is regulated in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and in NOKUT's regulations, among others.

The universities and most university colleges are run by the Norwegian state, and studying at these institutions is free of charge. Students at private institutions pay tuition fees, but many of the institutions also receive financial support from the state. The Ministry of Education and Research has overall responsibility for higher education in Norway. See a list of accredited higher education institutions .

The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS) administers admission to first degree level programmes (bachelor's, university college graduate or one-year programmes) at universities and university colleges. The Higher Education Entrance Qualification or a corresponding qualification is a requirement for admission to higher education, but the programmes can have different additional admission criteria. Some programmes require certain grades or certain combinations of subjects from upper secondary education. If a programme has more applicants than places, applicants will compete for admission based on points calculated on the applicants' grades from upper secondary school and bonus points earned in other contexts.

Some programmes admit applicants without the Higher Education Entrance Qualification. This is called the vocational pathway ('y-veien'). Admission to these programmes is based on a relevant craft or journeyman's certificate or upper secondary vocational qualifications. It is up to the institutions to choose whether to admit students via the vocational pathway, and they must apply to the Ministry of Education and Research for exemption from the ordinary admission procedure (Higher Education Entrance Qualification).

Some private educational institutions have their own admission procedures, and applications to such institutions must be sent directly to the institution.

Credits, grades and degrees

Completed courses are measured in credits that comply with the European standard. A full-time study programme corresponds to 60 credits per academic year. Examination grades are awarded on a scale from A (best) to F (fail), where E is the lowest pass grade. Some examinations are only assessed as Pass/Fail.

Since 2003, higher education has been structured as three-year bachelor's programmes, two-year master's programmes and three-year PhD programmes, with some exceptions.

Bachelor's programmes

A bachelor's degree programme is a three-year course of study (180 ECTS credits). After completing your bachelor's degree, you can continue to a master's degree and a doctorate in accordance with certain rules.

Some bachelor's programmes have a fixed structure, while others allow you to choose between different courses after completing the first part of the programme. In study programmes where you have more freedom of choice, the combination of courses must comply with the guidelines of the educational institution in order to confer a bachelor's degree.

University college graduate programmes There are some two-year bachelor-level programmes at university colleges that confer the title university college graduate.

One-year programmes/supplementary programmes/short programmes There are also many one-year programmes, supplementary programmes and short programmes. Many of them can form part of bachelor's degrees, and some can also form the basis for programmes of professional study in the subject, for example in psychology.

Master's degree programmes

A master's degree programme is usually a two-year course of studies (120 ECTS credits). The programme builds on academic specialisation in the bachelor's degree and includes independent work.

Some master's degree programmes are based on relevant work experience in addition to academic specialisation in the bachelor's degree. Such programmes are called experience-based programmes, and their scope can be either two years (120 ECTS credits) or one and a half years (90 ECTS credits).

Doctoral degree (PhD)

This degree is based on a master's degree or equivalent qualification and is the highest academic degree in Norway. The study programme must be based on independent research conducted in cooperation with academic supervisors and other researchers, and it can be carried out within the framework of a researcher training programme.

Programmes of professional study

Programmes of professional study are characterised by fixed course plans over several years in a subject area.

Three-year programmes of professional study lead up to a bachelor's degree. Examples include nursing training and social work programmes.

Many university colleges offer four-year teacher training programmes . Candidates can be awarded the bachelor's degree after three years if the programme meets the requirements for a bachelor's degree set out in the regulations for the university college. Teaching qualifications for primary and lower secondary school can only be achieved after four years.

Five-year programmes of professional study (integrated master's degrees) are most common at universities and in the following subject areas: pharmacy, fisheries science, informatics, engineering, law, odontology, teacher training and economics.

Six-year programmes of professional study lead up to special degrees. Programmes in medicine, veterinary medicine, psychology and theology result in the degrees of cand.med., cand.med.vet., cand.psychol. and cand.theol.

Adult education in Norway aims to enable adults to acquire necessary basic skills and allow them to formalise and develop their qualifications. The municipalities and county authorities are responsible for providing primary and secondary education for adults.

Continuing and further education programmes allow people to update their competence and improve their ability to adapt. Such programmes are intended to ensure that enterprises and organisations have employees with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Further education programmes lead to new formal qualifications at university and university college level (programmes for which ECTS credits are awarded). There are many further education programmes in healthcare subjects, for example in anaesthetic nursing and oncology nursing. Some further education programmes require relevant work experience in addition to a bachelor's degree/authorisation as a nurse or similar.

Continuing education updates existing qualifications, and no ECTS credits are awarded.

Under the Norwegian Working Environment Act, all employees are entitled to full or partial leave for up to three years in order to attend organised courses of education. Vocational schools provide flexible and vocationally oriented courses that can be used in the workplace without further education being required. The range of tertiary vocational education offered will therefore be governed by the demand for qualifications in the labour market. The higher education institutions also play an important role as providers of continuing and further education.

Close contact between the education sector and the labour market is necessary in order for the institutions to be able to develop continuing and further education programmes that correspond to the needs of enterprises and the individual employees.

The Norwegian educational grant and loan schemes are intended to help to ensure that everyone has equal educational opportunities. Another goal is to ensure that society has a labour force with the necessary qualifications. The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) manages the different grant and loan schemes. There are two main support schemes: one for young pupils in ordinary upper secondary education, and one for higher education and other types of education, including primary and lower secondary education for adults, tertiary vocational education, folk high school studies etc.

As a rule, student loans are interest-free for the duration of the studies. Students in higher education receive a fixed amount as a loan. Students who do not live with their parents can have part of their loan converted to into a grant as they complete their education.

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Primary and lower secondary school in Norway

Right to a place in a Norwegian primary or lower secondary school

Primary and lower secondary education in Norway is compulsory. If you are staying in Norway for more than three months, and have children of primary and lower secondary education age, contact the municipality in which you are to live to enrol the child in school. The parents must actively enrol the child in the school.

All state-run primary and lower secondary education in Norway is free of charge, and is financed by the municipalities. There are also a number of private primary and lower secondary schools. Contact the municipality in which you live, or are moving to, for more information about the schools there. The alternative to primary and lower secondary education is private home tuition (hjemmeundervisning).

Primary and lower secondary education is ten years, and pupils normally start school in the year of their sixth birthday. This period of education is divided into two main stages. The first seven years (Years 1-7) are called the primary level (barnetrinnet), and the three subsequent years (Years 8-10) are called the lower secondary level (ungdomstrinnet). The school must provide, for example, all necessary teaching materials and equipment. Pupils take their own lunch.

Special needs education

Pupils who do not or cannot satisfactorily benefit from the ordinary teaching are entitled to special needs education (spesialundervisning). It is the school/school owner that decides whether or not the pupil is entitled to special needs education. If the pupil or parents are not satisfied with the decision, they may submit an appeal to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren).

Special language teaching

All pupils whose mother tongue is not Norwegian or Sami are entitled to special tuition in the Norwegian language until their proficiency in Norwegian is sufficient for them to take part in the ordinary teaching. If necessary, they are also entitled to mother tongue instruction and/or subject teaching in two languages.

If there are at least three pupils with a Kven-Finnish background at primary and lower secondary schools in Troms and Finnmark, these pupils are entitled to tuition in Finnish. In the Sami district, all pupils of primary and lower secondary education age are entitled to be taught in Sami and in the Sami language. Outside the Sami district, if at least ten pupils in a municipality request teaching in Sami and in the Sami language, they are entitled to this, as long as there are at least six pupils left in the group.

Homework help scheme and daycare facilities for schoolchildren

All pupils at primary and lower secondary level are entitled to free homework help. It is the municipality that must offer this. Participation in the homework help scheme is voluntary. Municipalities must also offer schoolchildren in Years 1-4 daycare facilities (skolefritidsordning, SFO) before and after the school day. The same applies to children with special needs in Years 1-7. The daycare scheme is also voluntary. To find out more about these schemes, contact the municipality or the individual school.

Route to school and school transport

Pupils are entitled to free school transport if the route to school is of a certain distance, if it is dangerous, or if the pupil has a disability or injury.

Holidays and school-free days

The school owner decides when there are holidays and school-free days. All Norwegian public holidays are school-free days. The municipality may also allow individual pupils leave from school for up to two weeks if this is justifiable.

Primary and lower secondary education on Svalbard

On Svalbard, it is the local authority, Longyearbyen Lokalstyre, that is responsible for teaching in Longyearbyen.

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NB! If you have questions regarding the processing of a specific case or application, or other personal matters, please contact the relevant authority directly.

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Norway boasts some of the best schools and higher education in the world. Attending public universities in this country is tuition-free—even for international students! This is because Norway believes that everyone should have access to education regardless of socio-economic background.

Compulsory education starts at the age of six in Norway and is mandatory until a student reaches 16 years of age. Daycare, preschool, and kindergarten (all known as barnehage in Norway) is optional and will cost parents a fee. Nevertheless, a great portion of the cost is subsidized by the government. There is a yearly cap for these fees, and in 2019 it was 3,040 NOK (333 USD) per month. This cap is subject to change from year to year. This also excludes the cost of food.

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Ask other international parents about schools in Norway

The Education System in Norway

What is the education system like in Norway? The public education system in the country is one of the best in the world. Norway has a higher level of general education than the European average.

Education Facts about Norway

School is compulsory between the ages of 6–16.
Classes are taught in Norwegian with the exception of foreign language classes.
Students only begin receiving grades in school once they enter lower secondary school.
The entire education system in Norway is state-supported, including higher education.

Should My Child Attend Public or Private School?

The main differences between public and private schools are the number of schools and students who attend. Private schools in Norway tend to be favored by expat families versus local Norwegians. There are also very little private schools in the country in comparison to public ones. This could be due to the fact that private school in Norway was illegal up until 2005. Before then, in order for a private school to qualify as private, they had to offer religious or pedagogic education.

School Ages in Norway

It is important to know what grade level your child will be entering dependent on their age. The school system in Norway can be divided into the following three levels:

School Level Grades Ages Primary 1–7 6–13 Lower Secondary 8–10 13–16 Upper Secondary VG1–VG3 16–19

Grading System in Norway

For secondary and upper secondary school, the following number scale is used:

6—Outstanding competence
5—Very good competence
4—Good competence
3—Fairly good competence
2—Low level of competence
1—Very low level of competence/fail

Universities and university colleges grade in the following way:

Letter Grade Description A Excellent B Very Good C Good D Satisfactory E Sufficient F Fail

What is the School Year in Norway like?

The school year in Norway starts in mid-August and goes until late June of the following year. It is divided into two terms split by the Christmas break, which runs from mid-December to early January. School hours are short in Norway. Children go to school starting at 8:15 a.m. and end at 13:10 or 13:55 p.m. with three different breaks during the day: lunch and two recesses.

Daycare and Kindergarten

Daycare/childcare, preschool, and kindergarten all refer to the same thing in Norway. It is known as barnehage and it is completely voluntary. If a parent/guardian wishes to enroll their child in barnehage , they will need to pay. However, a large portion of the costs is subsidized by the government.

Is Preschool and Kindergarten Mandatory?

No. School is only compulsory starting at the age of 6 (Grade One). However, the majority of Norwegian children do attend preschool daycare centers / kindergarten.

What Age Do You Start Kindergarten?

Kindergarten is for children between 0–5 years of age.

Educational Approach

Preschool daycares and kindergartens take a holistic approach to education. They focus on fun learning, social skills, and a play-based program. There is also a strong emphasis on outdoor play (some even have lunch outside). Preschool daycares and kindergartens promote well-being and enjoyment. They also concentrate on fostering children’s creativity, natural curiosity, and language skills.

Daycare/Childcare and Kindergarten Fees

As of 2019, the school cost for barnehage cannot exceed 3,040 NOK (333 USD) per month (2019). Keep in mind that this cap changes annually. This is excluding food costs which can be 200–800 NOK (22–88 USD) extra per month. In some daycare centers, you can opt for part-time spots (80%, 60%, 50%, 40%, or 20% of the time). In these cases, tuition fees will be adjusted accordingly. Discounts also exist if you have more than one child attending at a time.

Apart from kindergarten, other daycare options include nannies and babysitters. For a full-time nanny in Norway (Mondays—Fridays for eight hours a day), you can expect to pay between 4,000 to 8,500 NOK (438–931 USD) per month. If you only need your child looked after on occasion, you can consider hiring a babysitter. Hourly rates range from 50 to 200 NOK (5–22 USD).

Talk to other international parents with young children in Norway

Primary and Secondary Schools

School costs for primary and secondary schools in Norway are completely free of charge.

Primary School

Primary school, known as elementary school in other countries, is where compulsory education begins in Norway. Children must enroll when they turn six years old. Attending is a right for all students.

Lower Secondary School

Lower secondary school is often taught in the same school as primary. It, too, is compulsory and a right. A typical schedule at both the primary and lower secondary school levels include the following school subjects:

mathematics
social science
Christina knowledge, religions, and ethical education
art and crafts
natural science
English (compulsory foreign language starting in grade one)
foreign language / in-depth study of a language
food and health
physical education
student council work
optional program subject

Upper Secondary School

Following the completion of lower secondary school, students are able to attend three years of upper secondary school (known as high school in some countries), which is where students will prepare to access university. This level of schooling is optional. Pupils can also choose between vocational training or general studies. Programs for vocational education include:

buildings and construction;
design, arts, and crafts;
electricity and electronics;
health and social care;
media and communication;
agriculture, fishing, and forestry;
restaurant and food processing;
service and transport;
technical and industrial production.

General studies programs are:

specialization in general studies;
sports and physical education;
music, dance, and drama.

How to Access University

Requirements for higher education include:

three years of upper secondary school education;
proficiency in English or Norwegian;
minimum grade point average (varies between university/college);
student visa (if applicable).

There are several scholarships and grants for international students wishing to go to university in Norway. These include:

Norwegian-Russian Scholarship Scheme;
Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme;
High North Fellowship Program;
Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund;
UiT Marie Sklodowska Curie Individual Fellowship for International Students in Norway.

International Schools

Some of the best international schools in Norway are listed below. Schools in Norway for international students can include nursery, primary, and secondary schools. They can help prepare pupils for the International Baccalaureate and other diplomas. There are more than 40 schools offering the International Baccalaureate in Norway.

International schools can be a great choice for expat families and children of diplomats, NGO staff, and multinational corporation executives. While you may find a few local students at some international schools in Norway, the student body is typically made up of foreign national pupils.

Top International Schools in Norway

Ålesund International School (AaIS) (Ålesund): This is an English-language IB World School with Norwegian lessons. It has a student council and several after-school activities.
Arnedal International School (AIS) (Arnedal and Asker): This school was the first English-medium primary and middle school in the country. It boasts a variety of clubs and activities including Sports Day, drama club, cooking club, and a talent show, among many others.
International School of Bergen (IBS) (Bergen): This school begins at the preschool and kindergarten levels. It follows the International Baccalaureate. IBS was also the first school in the world to offer the prestigious program: International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program.
Children’s International School (Fredrikstad): This is a small school with lessons in English that focus on the arts. Both the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and Middle Years Program are offered.
Gjøvik International School (GIS) (Gjøvik): This school offers an international education in English. Students learn both English and Norwegian from Grades 1–5. Starting in Grade 6, pupils begin a third language. They are an International Baccalaureate school.

Other schools in Norway for international students include the following British, French, and German schools.

British International School of Stavanger (Stavanger): This English-language school offers the International Baccalaureate program and is based on the British curriculum. The school offers bus service, after-school clubs, and sports. It is accredited by the Council of British International Schools.
Lycée Français René Cassin d’Oslo (Oslo): Instruction at this school is in French and is supported by the French l’Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Entranger (AEFE). It offers school from preschool to the final year of high school.
Lycée Français de Stavanger (Stavanger): This school has lessons from preschool to the end of high school. Lessons are taught in French. It, too, is supported by the AEFE.
Deutsche Schule Oslo—Max Tau (DSO) (Oslo): This school has a kindergarten, primary, and upper secondary school. Students can earn their Arbitur which will give them the ability to continue their education in Germany or abroad.

International School Tuition Fees

Tuition tends to be expensive for international schools in the country, but they often come with better facilities, higher standards of learning, and smaller class sizes. Below are some examples of school costs.

Ålesund International School (AaIS)—24,720 NOK (2,690 USD)
Arnedal International School (AIS)—21,000 NOK (2,285 USD)
British International School of Stavanger— 150,000 NOK (16,321 USD)
Children’s International School—2,500–2,700 NOK (272–294 USD)
Gjøvik International School (GIS)—2,250 NOK (245 USD)

International School Requirements and Admission

Enrollment requirements vary from school to school. Some schools require pupils to be of a certain nationality in order to be considered for admission. Generally, you will need to have:

completed application form;
school records;
proficiency in English and mathematics (for some schools);
standardized test results (if applicable);
samples of student work/portfolio.

It is best to contact your school of choice for specifics. It is important to note that space is often limited at many international schools, so it is better to inquire and apply early.

Higher Education

If you are interested in studying in Europe, or maybe your child is nearing university age, Norway is an excellent country to consider for high education. Many programs are taught in English. The country follows the Bologna Declaration, which means final degrees correspond to levels in other European countries. Bachelor’s degrees require three years of study while masters require five. Professional studies like psychology, medicine, and law also require five years of study.

Types of Higher Education in Norway

There are different types of higher education institutions in Norway.

Universities —There is a focus on subjects like arts, humanities/liberal arts, natural science and they offer bachelor’s, masters, and PhDs. They also run professional studies such as law, medicine, dentistry, psychology, and pharmacy.
University colleges —Like universities, they offer bachelor’s, masters, and PhDs. The difference is they offer smaller teaching classes, have more group lessons, more project work, and closer monitoring of pupils. They offer engineering degrees and professional vocations like teachers and nurses.
Specialized universities —These are known as national competence centers for the field they concentrate in.
Private institutions —The offer popular subjects that tend to fill up fast at public universities such as business management, marketing, or fine arts.

In Norway, there are nine universities, eight university colleges, and five scientific colleges owned by the state. There are also a number of private higher education institutions. Higher education is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and Research. Although they are few compared to the number of schools in other countries, they nonetheless offer high-quality education to its pupils.

Top Universities in Norway

University of Oslo
University of Bergen
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
UIT the Artic University of Norway
Norwegian University of Life Sciences

These universities are also considered the best universities for international students in Norway.

Top Faculties

The best subjects to study in Norway are:

life sciences and biotechnology;
agricultural science;
natural sciences;
energy and sustainability;
social sciences;
digital media, animation, and visual arts;
marketing and management studies;
IT and technology;
tourism and hospitality;
marine studies;
architecture.

The most popular programs for international students in Norway are:

architecture;
master of business administration;
bachelor of engineering;
bachelor programs in the sciences.

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Norway for International Students?

The great news is that public university tuition fees in Norway are non-existent! There is no charge to study at the undergraduate level—not even for international students. This is because Norway believes that everyone should be able to get an education despite their social background.

Depending on where you are studying, there may be a small fee you will need to pay, but this is generally between 300 to 600 NOK (33–65 USD). This fee typically gives you access to student union memberships, health services, counseling, sports facilities, and your official student card. Occasionally you will find some public institutions charging a tuition fee for some programs, but this is rare and usually only found with postgraduate programs.

How to Apply

To apply for higher education in Norway, you can do so through Samordna opptak . Even if you do not have a Norwegian national identity number, you should still apply via this website. The last day for applications is April 15. For some institutions and programs, such as a master’s program, you may need to apply directly via the school’s website. You will get your admission decision on July 20 and you must go online to see your results. This is where you will accept and confirm your place at the school as well. Studies typically begin on August 10, but this date may vary between universities.

Alternative to Higher Education

Tertiary vocational education is an alternative to higher education for those students who do not wish to attend university. The Higher Education Entrance Qualification is not required for this. Programs last between half a year to two years.

Ask other international parents already living in Norway

Join one of our many local parent groups and get advice on which schools to choose.

Language Schools

Language schools in Norway include the following institutions in the following main areas:

Lingu—Olso and Stavanger
Alfaskolen—Olso and Drammen
Berlitz Language Services—Oslo
Language Power International A / S—Oslo
Language Champ—Olso

Language school fees for these institutions vary depending on the type and length of the program you choose. Some cost examples are outlined below.

School Course (A1 Beginner) NOK USD Lingu Online 1,790/month 195 Lingu Fast-track daytime 2,290/month 250 Lingu Fast-track flexi 2,690/month 290 Language Champ For beginners 3,290 (36 hours) 360 Alfaskolen Daytime intensive 18,320 (192 hours) 1,990

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Enjoying the great spirit of our InterNations’ Oslo Community for the last few months, I am absolutely convinced of the vision to bring people from different nations together.

Communities in Norway

Like-minded expatriates in norway, brits in norway, americans in norway, indians in norway, germans in norway, russians in norway, french in norway, poles in norway, italians in norway, spaniards in norway, romanians in norway, norway guide topics.

StarTribune

What works for kids in norway, it's a less-stressful classroom atmosphere..

This past July, our family moved to Oslo for six months. We left behind our 9-year-old son's ADHD medication, which he started taking last year. The medication did wonders for his standardized test scores, which our suburban school district seems to care about a lot. But we wanted to give him a break from the side effects, and we did not have high expectations about what he or his sister would learn in the classroom in Oslo, where instruction would be in Norwegian, a language new to them.

When our son started school in August, we weren't sure what to expect.

We didn't anticipate that his ADHD would disappear, but this is what seems to have happened. It isn't that ADHD is unknown here; 3 percent to 5 percent of Norwegian schoolchildren have it. But our son's behavior no longer fits the condition, and his teacher here sees no evidence of it. The characteristic signs — fidgeting, inattention in the classroom, weepiness over homework, trouble falling asleep at night — are gone.

Incredibly, he cannot wait to get to school each day. He is rapidly learning Norwegian. He is happy to do homework and, in fact, sometimes works ahead or asks his sister to make up math problems for him to solve. At night, he readily reads before falling asleep, something he would never do back home.

What accounts for this dramatic change? Neither his diet nor the amount of "screen time" — two factors sometimes implicated in the rise in ADHD — has changed significantly. What has changed is his school experience.

He has three recesses here, rather than just one, as in Minnesota. The school day is about an hour shorter than at home, giving him extra time to play before doing homework. He enjoys nearly two hours of unstructured, outdoor play every day here, four times more than in the United States.

His classroom experience is also very different here. His classroom is virtually free of technology. There is an interactive whiteboard, but it is not used much. The teacher has no computer; she is thus liberated from the tyranny of endless e-mail messages that teachers back home receive. She also does not grade assignments during class; with the shorter day, that can wait. The entire day, she is both physically and mentally present with her students.

Education here focuses on the "whole child." So while most of the week, our son gets instruction in the three Rs, he is also learning to cook, do needlework and dance. And every other week, regardless of weather, his class takes a half-day field trip. This usually involves a long walk to a park where they grill hot dogs and play.

Perhaps the field-trip time could be better spent in the classroom. But a recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development suggests that Norway's education system is doing an excellent job producing a population with high literacy and numeracy. Norway ranked sixth among industrialized countries in both these categories. The United States, in contrast, ranked 16th in literacy and 21st in numeracy.

Building camaraderie, as opposed to competition, is also a goal here. This is a main reason for the field trips, the teacher explained to me; group cohesion is considered important to learning in school. This contrasts with school back home, where the kids talk about who is in which math track and at times even know each other's test scores.

The group esprit among Oslo classmates has nothing to do with ethnic homogeneity. None of the children in my son's class are native Norwegian speakers. At home they speak, variously, Urdu, Russian, Icelandic, Polish, Chinese, English and Spanish. This diversity is reflective of Oslo itself, where 30 percent of the population is composed of immigrants or children born in Norway to immigrant parents.

The day I observed our son's class, the teacher focused almost entirely on reading and writing. The students sat at their desks most of the day, with periodic breaks for a song or game. The teacher moved around the room, taking time to sit with each child and talk about his or her work. In Minnesota, our son's classroom bustles with activity, as the students move from subject to subject and from individual work to group work, to rug time, and to other classrooms. The Oslo classroom, in contrast, was placid.

In Oslo, the teacher knows each child well, in part because she has just 13 students and a full-time aide. The teacher-student ratio in our son's classroom back home is good by American standards, but twice that of his Oslo classroom.

One more difference: Our son has taken no standardized tests here and won't, as students learning Norwegian take these tests only in their second year in the school. So we only have his enthusiasm, and his teacher's evaluation of his abilities, by which to judge his educational experience here.

In January, we will return to Minnesota and to our kids' routine of testing, competitive pressures and a long school day with little play time. We're hoping that our son can somehow hang onto the love of learning that he discovered in Norway.

Rebecca Lowen teaches American history at Metropolitan State University.

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I HELP YOU INTEGRATE TO LIFE IN NORWAY. From an insider. Venha conhecer os bastidores da vida na Noruega.

10 facts about school system in Norway.

Do you have kids at school age? Life is not easy for first graders who have just started to attend school. Neither is it easy for parents to see their kids struggling to make new friends and understand the new system. As a mother and a school worker, I’ve decided to write this post as a guide for you. Here it is.

1. START. Children start at school the year they fill six years old. In the past, the start age was seven years old. It changed after the school reform in 1997-98. It’s a big change in their lives, maybe the biggest for children. At kindergarten where they play and receive care and limits, to school, where they have fixed framework, new routine and homework. Read my post about kindergartens here . And first school day on Instagram here .

2. DURATION. Primary and secondary education in Norway normally take 13 years . This includes barneskole = primary school (1st-7th grade) ungdomskole = lower secondary education (8th-10th grade) , and videregående = upper secondary school, like a highschool (11th til 13th).

3. WHERE. Primary school is at one building while secondary and highschool are in other schools and buildings. Since the system is the same, children attend the nearest school. It’s an advantage as they can walk or cycle to school.

4. HOW MUCH. School is free of charge for all children who are residents in Norway. There are some private schools like Montessori. The public ones are majority and more or less even in quality.

5. WHICH. The closest school to your house is the one your child will have guaranteed place. Unless you wish him or her to attend someplace else and you need to state that and apply. In Stavanger, there are private schools like the British International School and the Montessori school. Some really small towns don’t have high school, so teenagers must spend the week at a near city.

6. FOOD. There’s no food provided by school. You can order (and pay) milk to be delivered to your child daily or according to your preference. In the past, when Jens Stoltenberg (NATO’s president) was prime minister of Norway, children used to get free fruit at school. That was cancelled when Erna Solberg’s government came, in 2013. Children bring their own lunch box.

7. DIGITAL SKILLS. Already at first grade, kids are given a Chrome-book to use in classroom. From 2nd grade on, they take the Chrome-book home. They must return it before Summer holidays. Digital development is part of the teaching plan.

8. GRADES. From 1st to 7th grade, children aren’t given formal grades. They do get comments from the teachers on their homework and essays. From 8th grade on, they must keep good grades to enter a the videregående of choice.

9. SFO. After-school program. It’s a paid program with activities for the children right after school, while parents are still at work. They are open half an hour before school time and around four hours after. From 7:30 to 8:15 and after school until 16:30. It’s an important arena for making friends and developing social skills through play. The new national framework plan for SFO has just been launched. A complete plan including children’s security, care and well-being. Diversity and inclusion, among others. It’s quite expensive, specially if you have more than one kid from 1st to 4th grade at SFO. In Norway, most families have their children close in age. Stavanger mayor Kari Nessa Nordtun has implemented free SFO for all first graders in town. Parents pay also for food at SFO. Meals are served.

10. CLOTHES. There’s no uniform is Norwegian schools. There’s been discussion about social differences and pressure to wear some brands, but kids are still free to wear what they want.

Are you moving to Norway with kids? My advice for you is: If you are going to stay here longer, let you kid attend regular Norwegian school. They have a system to help your child learn the language and adapt, with special teachers for a period of time. Check my tips for you to learn to speak Norwegian here .

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2 responses.

Muito bom o sistema de ensino na Noruega.

You give many good advices to moms. Congratulations !

Please leave a comment here. I'd love to hear your input. :-) Cancel reply

Rebekah Buchanan

Teacher, writer, researcher

Teaching in Norway

Last week I shared some basics of the structure of the upper secondary schooling here in Norway. This week I wanted to share what I’ve learned from teachers in the time that I have been here.

In my limited time in Norwegian schools, here’s what I’ve learned so far about teaching.

Because of how upper secondary schools are set up in Norway teachers have a great deal more freedom here. For example, VG1 students (first-year upper secondary students) have 5 hours of English each week, but those do not happen at the same time each day. Usually, they have one class for 2 hours one day and another for 3 another day. This may be structured differently depending on the school, but in the schools I’ve visited so far most students have English two days a week for longer blocks of time. (This is similar with other subjects as well.)

Teachers teach 3 or 4 classes a year. Some teach less, but the majority of teachers I’ve met are teaching 3 or 4.

What this means for teachers is that when they are not teaching or in meetings, they do not need to be in school. Most teachers have to be in school 31 or 32 hours a week, most of which involve teaching or meetings (during school hours), and the rest of the work they do, they can complete wherever they choose. If they want to work from home, they are trusted to do so and complete their work. When I was talking with one teacher about this and explained that in the US high school teachers are required to be at school the whole day, the response was, “well that doesn’t make for a positive teaching environment, does it?”

I have yet to meet a teacher who needs to be in school all day every day Monday through Friday like teachers in the US. If they don’t teach until 10 am one day, that’s when they come in. If they have a day with no teaching or meetings then they can stay home. Teachers are trusted to complete their work and to be in school when they are required. Often an idea that is lost in the U.S. And, these teachers are committed to their teaching and students. Like teachers in the US, they take their teaching seriously.

Another important difference is that in Norway the whole school has lunch at the same time. Even if there are 1,500 students in the school they all each lunch together. That means ALL teachers at a school have lunch together. They have a space to eat together and spend time together. They do not use this time for meetings, they use it for lunch. When I explain how lunch works in schools in the US, most teachers are amazed that our teachers don’t have to opportunity to just have lunch with one another. Imagine being able to spend even 30 minutes during the day with all your colleagues just eating lunch in the teachers’ lounge. And, having a teachers’ lounge that would fit all of you.

Every teachers’ lounge I’ve visited is large enough to fit the whole staff and is full of teachers from 11:30 to 12:00 (Around this time every day is lunch in most Norwegian schools.) Sometimes there are announcements, but usually, it is just a time to talk and eat.

Because of how classes are scheduled in Norway, teachers have meetings during school hours. They do not need to stay after school to meet with other teachers. Some schools do have after school meetings, but the majority of the schools I have visited so far find time during the school day to meet with each other. When I explain how school meetings happen in the US and that many times teachers have to stay after school for meetings, I am often asked how that works if you have children you need to pick up from school or other commitments once school is done for the day.

In Norway, teachers are also paid for any work they do apart from teaching. For example, if a teacher takes students on a trip they are paid for doing so. If teachers do anything outside their contracted teaching and planning time, they are paid for that work. This gives teachers the freedom to be more or less involved in school events and activities depending on their life circumstances and choices. And, maybe it is because I am primarily meeting teachers who are already engaged in teaching and students because they are choosing to bring in a Rover, teachers seem to be happy to do additional work because their time is valued.

I have also found that the majority of teachers in Norwegian high schools teacher more than one subject. Because of how schools and classes are set up, it is difficult to get a job if you do not teach more than one subject. Teachers are not only an English teacher. Most English teachers I meet are also foreign language teachers. They may teach English and French or English and Spanish. Some also teach religion (a required subject in Norway) or social studies. A number of teachers I have met have moved to Norway from other countries and they are often teaching Norwegian as well as their first language.

In thinking about how we teach and approach Foreign Languages in the US, the fact that all teachers teach more than one subject means that if a school chooses, they can offer a larger variety of foreign languages. Even if there is only one group of students at each year/level taking French, since the teacher is also certified in other subjects, the school can offer one section of French along with one section of Spanish, German, Russian, or whatever other languages teachers speak and can offer. I would love if that opportunity was available even in small towns (like mine) in the US.

Another difference and one that many Norwegian teachers would like to change to make more like U.S.

schools is that teachers don’t have their own classrooms. Instead, teachers have offices and go to classrooms when they teach. Most teachers share a group of offices with other teachers and that is where they do their work when they are at school and not teaching. A number of teachers have said they wish that they could have their own classroom to put up posters or leave information in the room for students.

Often in lower secondary schools, but also in upper secondary schools, students will stay in one classroom all day and teachers will rotate in. Depending on the program of study students have chosen, they may stay with the same group of students all day. For example, I visited a group of Mechanics students and they were together the entire day, and many of them the entire time they were in VGS. They had one classroom where they would have subjects like math, English, and history and then they would spend a great deal of time in the shop, learning about mechanics and completing projects

The relationship between teachers and students is different as well. I am sure I will discuss this more in a later post, but even in primary (elementary) school, students call teachers by their first names. My children both do. And, Jack even sends texts to his teacher–who responds and texts him back. This relationship is quite common. Young people are taught early on that their teachers are actual people and there is a mutual respect. Watching how teachers and students interact at the upper secondary level is much more like colleges in the U.S.

All of these elements make for a more trusting environment. Teachers are trusted to do their jobs. Students are trusted to do what is asked of them. And, there is trust that learning takes place. In most schools I have been in there has been a time when the teacher needed to leave the room to help a student, make copies, get something out of their office or a number of other things. The teachers just tell students what to do while they were gone and the students would do their work. When the Rovers commented to Norwegian teachers that in the U.S. a teacher could not leave their classroom–and in some cases leaving students alone may result in being fired–teachers were surprised, wondering why it would be such an issue.

Norwegian teachers say they take a number of pedagogical ideas from the US and are very excited to hear about teaching ideas and resources, but I have spent a great deal of my time here wondering why US teachers and schools don’t look to other countries and see what works and how teachers are treated and make changes to schools and districts based on what is effective in other places.

I know that the US is much larger than Norway, but my small town isn’t. We could easily make changes to how we structure schools to provide more freedom for teachers and students. Maybe, if we all just trusted teachers a bit more that could help. Trust that teachers actually know how to do their jobs. Trust that teachers have the best interest of students at heart. And, trust that if we give teachers a bit more freedom to create, plan, and implement their ideas our schools would start to get better.

High School in Norway

Norway is a Scandinavian country made up of mountains, glaciers, and deep coastal fjords. Known for fishing, hiking, and skiing, Norway offers visitors many activities in a beautiful, historic landscape. Want to learn more about this amazing country first hand? You can with our high school study abroad programs!

Program Dates

Costs & discounts, eligibility, academic info, orientation, application process.

Our high school exchange program in Norway will enable you to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture while living with an Norwegian host family and sharing in their daily life. You will be attending a local public High school (Videregående skole 11th or 12th grade) depending on your age for the specified program period, and the availability at the local school.

You will have the opportunity to learn about Norwegian culture by actively participating in family, school and community life; and to help improve their written and oral Norwegian skills. High school abroad in Norway is a once in a lifetime experience!

Not interested in studying in Norway? How about Spain! Learn more here .

About Norway

Have you ever imagined being able to see for yourself the dramatic beauty of the Norwegian fjords and glaciers, ski or snowboard on the slopes of Scandinavian mountains, or photograph breathtaking landscapes with sunlight at midnight ? All of this is can be possible in Norway, the Scandinavian country that stretches furthest to the north, reaching the Arctic Circle. In some areas in Norway, you can see beautiful fjords and in other areas, you can enjoy breathtaking landscape and the highest mountain you will ever see. If you are very lucky, you can experience the northern lights. Norway offers great skiing areas as well.

The days are short in the winter and the sun may only rise for a few hours. In the summer the days are long and in some areas you can go for days with continuous light! Research your arrival season so that you have appropriate clothing and can be prepared for these adjustments.

Program Dates & Deadlines

Apply early and get a discount! Submit your application 45 days before the deadline to receive an Early Bird Discount.

These are the approximate start dates. Exact start dates will be provided closer to your arrival.

Academic Semester: Mid-January – Mid June

Final Deadline for Completed Applications: September 15th

Academic Semester: Mid-August – Mid-January

Academic Year: Mid-August – Mid-June

Final Deadline for Completed Applications: April 1st

Program Costs

Discounts, scholarships & fundraising.

Early Bird Discount – $250 discount if you apply 45 days prior to the application deadline

Host Family Discount – Discount of up to $1000 for families that hosted an inbound student

Area Representative Discount – Discount of up to $500 for children of ISE Area Representatives

ISE Ambassador Scholarship – Designed for students who would like to engage deeply with their host community and reflect on their experience via blog/video contributions.

Additional Scholarships – We gathered a list of some additional scholarships that can help finance your dream exchange

ISE Fundraising Guide – Check out our tips and tricks for planning your very own study abroad fundraiser.

What's Included In The Program

Arrival Orientation
Comprehensive medical insurance
Support and supervision by local representative
Host family accommodation including 2 meals a day during the week, and 3 meals a day on the weekends.
School tuition and fees
Progress reports sent directly to parents
24/7 emergency support
ISE Tote bag, luggage tag & lanyard

Additional Expenses You Might Incur

Personal Expenses – cell phone bills, personal spending money, travel expenses
Transportation to airport at conclusion of program
Extra School Fees – Uniform, class trips, extra curricular activities
Applicants must be between 15-17, however, if they are applying for August semester or year programs, they must turn 16 before the end of the calendar year
If applying for January semester or year programs, applicants must turn 17 before the end of the calendar year

In Norway, school typically starts at 8am. Most students walk or ride their bikes to school if they live close enough or alternatively they take the bus. If the distance is more than 6 km from the house to the school, most of the schools will give the students a free bus card. It is normal in Norway to spend around 1 hour from home to school. Lunch is normally eaten at school, at around 11am. You can bring your own lunch or you can buy food in the cafeteria.

School finishes around 3 pm. Students are expected to do 1-2 hours of homework every night. In the Norwegian school, it is required to have your own computer, so it is important that you bring a laptop to Norway. All schoolbooks are free in Norwegian schools, except notebooks, pencils and that sort of things. You don´t need a school uniform. It is also necessary for you to bring a cell phone that can use a Norwegian sim card. If you do not have a phone like this, you have to get a new phone before departure or latest 2 weeks after arrival in Norway.

Upon arrival in Norway, there will be a 2 day, 2 night arrival orientation in Oslo or Copenhagen. During this orientation, you will learn about the culture, language as well go on a guided city tour.

Explore our programs, options and countries to find your best match.
You can submit the interest form here: Travel & Study Abroad Interest Form
Schedule a meeting with one of our Travel & Study Abroad experts.
Submit your application and a $200 application fee. This non-refundable fee will be applied to your overall program costs.
Upon acceptance, you will be required to pay a deposit of 50% of the total program costs, up to $1500. The final payment is due several weeks before your departure.

Parent FAQs

How can my child's mental health impact their program.

Moving away from your support network and into a new and unfamiliar environment can be difficult even for the most well-adjusted students. Students with pre-existing mental health conditions may find this adjustment particularly challenging, which could worsen any issues they were previously facing.

We conduct a thorough screening of all applicants to ensure they are in the right mindset to participate. While the majority of students are eligible to participate, we may not be able to accept students who have recently struggled with mental illness and/or are reliant on medication to treat mental illness in order to protect the student’s well-being.

Pre-existing mental health conditions include, but are not limited to:

Severe anxiety
Eating Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Will studying abroad help my child mature?

For students prepared to take on the challenge, absolutely. It is, however, important to consider a student’s level of maturity prior to the program because it directly impacts their success.

Ideally, our programs will push students beyond their comfort zone and into what is referred to as their stretch zone . It’s in the stretch zone that learning, growth, and development - along with challenges and risk - occur.

If a student is not ready and/or willing to move beyond their comfort zone, plunging into a new and unfamiliar environment could actually have an adverse effect and place them in what is referred to as the panic zone . Parents should make an honest assessment of their child’s maturity level and understand that study abroad will not fundamentally change their child’s personality or behavior when considering the program.

What kind of support will my child receive while studying abroad?

While abroad, your child will be fully supported. First, they will receive a personal Program Manager to assist with everything from the initial request to your child’s departure. Then, they will be supported abroad by a dedicated Local Coordinator who will frequently check in on the student and provide monthly progress reports . Your child will have the contact information of their Local Coordinator and can contact them at any time. There is also a 24/7 emergency line managed out of ISE headquarters.

Can our child come home to visit during their program? Can we visit them?

No. Visits of any kind are not allowed during our programs . If you plan to visit your child, you should plan to do so after the program has ended.

High School Program FAQs

Why participate in the high school program.

There are many benefits to attending high school abroad, including but not limited to:

Developing new language skills
Developing problem-solving skills
Identifying interests to better select your college major
Inspiring insightful college admissions essays
Improving academic scores upon your return home
Developing cross-cultural collaboration skills

If I must take a required class, can you guarantee I can take it abroad?

We can’t offer any guarantees that certain classes will be offered at your host school . We can provide you with general curriculum information, but often students are not able to sign up for specific classes until after they arrive in the host country. In certain instances, virtual high school options for required classes might be a useful option.

Can I take the SATs while abroad?

You will not be able to take the SATs while abroad. We highly recommend that you take the SATs prior to or after the program.

Will I receive a transcript? Will my credits from studying abroad transfer back home?

Upon successful completion of the program, everyone is guaranteed a Certificate of Attendance. Transcripts (i.e. grades) have to be earned. To earn the grades, you will have to excel in your classes abroad, in the language of your destination country. All of our high schools abroad are accredited institutions, therefore their grades are transferable to the United States. Please visit Scholaro for more information on translating and evaluating grades from abroad. As part of the preparation process, you have to check with your guidance counselor which classes/credits you will need to graduate or to advance to your next year of high school. Some classes, such as US History might not be offered abroad, and therefore you will have to find a way to earn those credits either before your study abroad year or after. One option to consider is a virtual high school.

If I already graduated, can I still study abroad?

Yes! We offer a post-high school Gap Year Program . Visit our Gap Year Program page for more details.

Are there additional costs I should budget for?

Yes. Additional expenses to consider include (estimates):

Stationary and school supplies: $100
School excursions and trips: $50
Cell phone service: $20-$50/month
Personal expenses (shopping, movies, nights out, etc.): $300/month
Bus pass/transportation: $10-$20/week

General FAQs

Why should i study abroad.

ISE’s Travel & Study Abroad Program will take your academic, career, and life opportunities to new levels! College admissions and employers love compelling personal growth stories, and Travel & Study Abroad will supply you with those stories.

Some of the many benefits of participating in our programs include:

Academic & Career Benefits

Stand out during the college admissions process
Develop new language skills in an immersive environment
Develop problem-solving skills
Identify interests to better select academic & career paths
Establish cross-cultural skills
Improve academic scores

Personal Benefits

Improve personal organization and time management skills
Develop a sense of adaptability, independence, and self-reliance
Boost self-confidence
Learn about new lifestyles
Experience new cuisines
Make lifelong friends
Gain life experience

Why study abroad with International Student Exchange?

Since 1982, our nonprofit organization has remained committed to educating future leaders and making a positive, long-lasting impact in communities.

To make cross-cultural experiences accessible to more people, we offer the best pricing available to our participants ...and we do so without compromising the quality of the experience or level of support offered .

We assign each participant a personal Program Manager, so you’ll receive assistance throughout your entire program experience by someone you know by name. We also provide 24/7 support from our dedicated Student Services Team.

Lastly, the trusted international organizations we partner with have been trained and certified over the course of many years working to provide study abroad programs

Does studying abroad in high school help with college admissions?

“ The summer abroad experience does lend itself to some very important essays that students write. ” Deputy director of admissions for the University of Texas

“ A lot of schools, including ours, are looking for a diverse perspective, and international experiences lend themselves to that. ” - Admissions Advisor, University of California

“ Anything that makes your application stand out is a good thing. ” - Admissions officer, University of Chicago

“ Not only does studying outside the United States help build necessary language fluency for all college-bound students, it shows those headed to elite institutions will go outside their comfort zone and expand to meet the challenge. Nothing speaks to the ethics of those institutions quite like a commitment to that kind of excellence and personal achievement. ” - Admissions Advisor, New York University

What makes someone a good exchange student?

First and foremost, program candidates should be mature, open-minded, and adaptable . Wondering if our Travel & Study Abroad Program is right for you? Check out our article Should You Study Abroad? 8 Signs You’d Make a Great Exchange Student to find out!

When can I study abroad?

During the Academic Year (Visit Our High School Programs Page for Specific Dates)

Short Term Option (1-2 months)
Trimester and Semester Options
Full Year Options

During the Summer (Visit Our Summer Program Page for Specific Dates)

Program options from 1-8 weeks

Post-High School Gap Year (Visit Our Gap Year Page for Specific Dates)

12-month program option

Where will I live when studying abroad?

For the majority of our programs, you’ll be living with a host family.

A few of our programs offer boarding schools. In those cases, you will be living with other students in a dormitory.

Can I choose my host family?

We offer placements in big cities, medium-sized suburbs, and small towns. For select programs, you can choose the specific location you’d like to stay in for an added fee.

Is airfare included in the program price?

We don’t include airfare in our pricing because we know that allowing people to shop around for the most competitive rates and convenient airport locations is best . Not to mention you might have frequent flyer miles that you could use towards the purchase of a ticket, why take that opportunity away?

You may see other programs that include flights, but it should be noted that often these flights will cost more than what participants could find on their own and/or depart from less convenient locations.

Will someone meet me at the airport?

Yes, pick up and drop-off at the airport is included in all of our programs.

Is insurance included in the program price?

Yes, a travel medical insurance policy is included in the program price for all participants.

Am I required to speak another language?

To attend a high school you must be sufficiently proficient in the native language of the country you would like to visit , but you don’t have to be fluent. Your language skills will improve quickly once you are culturally immersed!

Don’t speak another language? Don’t worry - we offer several programs in English-speaking countries.

How do I apply to study abroad?

We try to make the application process as simple as possible. Here are the steps you should follow if you’d like to apply:

Explore our programs, options, and countries to find your best match.
Complete our interest form and, if applicable, let us know who referred you to us.
Upon acceptance, you will be required to pay a deposit of 50% of the total program cost, up to $1500. The final payment is due several weeks before your departure.

Are there any payment plans available?

All program fees must be received before departure, usually 6-8 weeks before. The usual payment schedule is: $200 student application fee, $1500 deposit before your application is forwarded to our partner in the country of choice and a remainder 6-8 weeks before departure. Personalized installment plans are also available, where a minimum payment is set at $500. We understand that financing a study abroad program might be challenging for some, therefore we want you to know that we are here to help as much as we can. Please visit our Scholarship and Fundraising pages for additional financing hints.

Can I travel alone or with friends when I have free time?

Minors are not permitted to travel alone or with other minors. You may travel with your host family, local representative, or with a school. Students above 18 years old, must coordinate with their host family and local representative before making any travel plans.

How can I make purchases with my spending money abroad?

Making the best decision on how to prepare for a trip to another country where different currency is used takes a bit of planning. Besides US dollar banknotes, that you can exchange anywhere in the world, most debit and credit cards are also accepted worldwide. Before leaving the US you should speak to your bank to make sure that you won’t be charged exorbitant international fees. Many banks in the US offer cards with no international or ATM fees. Also, consider inquiring about prepaid cards. Another option might be traveler’s checks that are an alternative to cash and cards. It is not very common that you will be able to open a local bank account to which you could transfer money to. However, since we live in an ever-changing world, you should never disregard this option; we encourage you to inquire about it upon your arrival. Our local representative will always be happy to assist you. Remember, never keep all of your cards and cash in one place.

Visiting Scandinavia

Come see the beauty

What are the school hours in Norway?

There are no school hours in Norway.The day starts at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 13:10 or 13:55 p.m.

What time do schools finish in Norway?

How long is school in norway, what time does high school end in norway, what is the school system like in norway, does norway give homework, what are norwegian high schools like, what country has the longest time in school.

According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, young kids in Chile spend more time in school than any other country.

Which country has longest school hours?

What grade are 16 year olds in norway.

Adults are entitled to both primary and secondary education.Elementary school, lower secondary school and upper secondary school make up the Norwegian school system.

In which country there is no exam?

One exam at the end of students’ senior year in high school is the only standardized test in the country.There is no competition between students, schools or regions.Finland’s schools are funded by the public.

How long is a school day in Norway?

Which country has the hardest schooling.

Which country has the most difficult education system?One of the hardest education systems in the world are South Korea, Japan, and Singapore.

How long is Japan’s school days?

Kids have to be at school by 8:45 amThey have to be in school for six and a half hours every day from Monday to Friday.Many kids go to juku in the evening to do extra studying, as well as attending after-school clubs.

What country is #1 in math?

The U.S. was followed in the rankings by Taiwan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Iran.

Which country has the hardest education?

What country has shortest school days.

The school day in the country starts at 9 a.m. and students spend about five hours a day in the classroom.Finns have little to no homework.

Swedens National Anthem (Half)

“Du gamla, du fria” (You old, you free) with the text of Richard Dybeck used as Sweden’s national anthem and played at major events and at festivals, but unlike many countries, this song has never been officially accepted, but the use of the national anthem rests on traditions.

Norways National Anthem

”Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (“Yes, we love this country”) really ”Sang for Norge” (“Song for Norway”), is Norway’s national anthem. The text is written by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson1859 and the melody was composed in 1864 by his cousin Rikard Nordraak.

Denmarks National Anthem

”Der er et yndigt land” (“There is a lovely country”) is Denmark’s national song. The text was written in 1819 by Adam Gottlob Oehlenschläger, and the melody most commonly used is by Hans Ernst Krøyer.

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How Homeschooling Works in Norway
Primary and lower secondary school in Norway
23 Norway Education Facts (all about schools in Norway)
The Global Search for Education: More from Norway
Education in Norway
23 Norway Education Facts (all about schools in Norway)

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COMMENTS

Primary Schools in Norway: A 2024 Guide for Parents
A Quick Snapshot of Norway's Education System. In Norway, the education system is divided into several key stages: Barnehage (Kindergarten): For children aged 1 to 5 years. Though not mandatory, most Norwegian children attend kindergarten. Barneskole (Primary School): For children aged 6 to 13 years.
Is homework useful or necessary?
Only 28 per cent of the pupils in the homework-free schools believed that homework is necessary for them to learn everything that is expected of them. 20 per cent responded that they missed homework, and especially the girls at the homework-free schools missed having homework. In the control schools with traditional homework, 70 per cent of the ...
Education in Norway
The percentage of people aged 19-24 in higher education has risen substantially, from around 10-12% in 1980 to 28% (men) and 43% (women) in 2016. The most popular fields are currently natural sciences, vocational and technical subjects (19.5%) followed by education (18%). Some Norwegian students choose to study at universities abroad.
23 Norway Education Facts (all about schools in Norway)
17. Even though most education is free in Norway, there are still grants and loans. Everything is being taken care of in Norway, even financial issues which should not happen that often. Student loans are interest-free in the country, at least for the duration of their studies.
Education in Norway
Before 1997, mandatory education in Norway started at the age of 7. Students often have to change schools when they enter lower secondary school and almost always have to change schools when they enter upper secondary school, as many schools only offer one of the levels. Primary school (barneskole, grades 1-7, ages 6-12)
How useful or necessary is homework?
Only 28 per cent of the pupils in the homework-free schools believed that homework is necessary for them to learn everything that is expected of them. Twenty per cent responded that they missed homework, and especially the girls at the homework-free schools missed having homework. In the control schools with traditional homework, 70 per cent of ...
Facts about education in Norway 2021
schools that also have a clear integrative goal. Folk high schools do not have a curriculum or examinations. Folk high schools of- ... Source: Statistics Norway, kindergarten statistics 1990-2019 and population statistics for projections of children in kindergartens 2020-2040 are estimated according to the
Facts about education in Norway 2023
The Facts about education publication includes most of the figures on education in Norway - from kindergarten to university. Published: 5 January 2023. Using text, tables, figures and maps, this publication provides brief facts about education in Norway. Open and read the publication in PDF (972.4 KB) ISBN (electronic): 978-82-587-1643-. To ...
General information about education in Norway
Folk high schools have existed in Norway since the late 19th century, and they are based on a philosophy of education developed by the Danish educationalist and theologian Grundtvig. Each school is free to choose its own values and profile. There are both independent, liberal folk high schools and Christian folk high schools owned by or closely ...
Homework and pupil achievement in Norway
Statistics Norway has overall responsibility for providing statistics on Norwegian society. ... Another explanation may be poor out-of-school learning environments. I.e., these pupils may have parents who do not or cannot help with homework or make sure that they complete their homework. There are also many possible explanations why pupils from ...
Norwegian Policy Initiative of Offering Free Homework Assistance in Schools
During the 2006/2007 school year, around 50% of Norwegian schools offered homework assistance to their students. During this period, some schools offered homework assistance as an integral part of the school day or skolefritidsordningen (SFO), 2 while others received help from parent groups or volunteer organizations (Haugsbakken et al., 2009).
PDF Education Policy Outlook Norway
Promoting quality and efficiency within the higher education sector. Knowledge Promotion 2020, the new curriculum for primary and secondary school, is due to be implemented in 2020/21. Through this renewed curriculum, Norway aims to reduce curriculum overload and respond to rapid changes in society.
Primary and lower secondary school in Norway
All pupils at primary and lower secondary level are entitled to free homework help. It is the municipality that must offer this. Participation in the homework help scheme is voluntary. Municipalities must also offer schoolchildren in Years 1-4 daycare facilities (skolefritidsordning, SFO) before and after the school day.
How Homeschooling Works in Norway
In Norwegian, this is known as privat hjemmeundervisning. In the case of homeschooling, parents are in charge of their children's practical education. Education must align with national standards. As such, this is subject to oversight and inspection by the local municipality. Not all parents choose to send their children to schools.
Improving School Quality in Norway: The New Competence ...
The New Competence Development Model. Norway is committed to a high quality and equitable education system, as demonstrated by its high level of public expenditure on education and the dynamic policy activity targeting education quality. Despite progress made in enhancing average student performance in recent years, there still are significant ...
Norwegian school system : r/Norway
They have quite short school hours (middle school = ca. 0800-1330), but are expected to complete a bunch of work every day at home. This varies between schools, of course. One of the schools I work at is a 'specialist' high school (all kids kind of focusing on one 'trade' that interests them). The school hours are longer (730-1530) but ...
International Schools and the Education System in Norway
As of 2019, the school cost for barnehage cannot exceed 3,040 NOK (333 USD) per month (2019). Keep in mind that this cap changes annually. This is excluding food costs which can be 200-800 NOK (22-88 USD) extra per month. In some daycare centers, you can opt for part-time spots (80%, 60%, 50%, 40%, or 20% of the time).
OPINION EXCHANGE
In Norway, it's a less-stressful approach to the classroom. My son loves it. This past July, our family moved to Oslo for six months. We left behind our 9-year-old son's ADHD medication, which he ...
10 facts about school system in Norway.
3. WHERE. Primary school is at one building while secondary and highschool are in other schools and buildings. Since the system is the same, children attend the nearest school. It's an advantage as they can walk or cycle to school. 4. HOW MUCH. School is free of charge for all children who are residents in Norway.
Homework and pupil achievement in Norway
Homework and pupil achievement in Norway. Published: 5 February 2011. Open and read the publication in PDF (27 pages) By using data on Norwegian 4th and 8th graders who participated in TIMSS 2007, this report starts out by investigating whether time spent on homework varies across pupils from different socio-economic backgrounds. The findings ...
Teaching in Norway
In my limited time in Norwegian schools, here's what I've learned so far about teaching. Because of how upper secondary schools are set up in Norway teachers have a great deal more freedom here. For example, VG1 students (first-year upper secondary students) have 5 hours of English each week, but those do not happen at the same time each day.
Study Abroad in Norway
School finishes around 3 pm. Students are expected to do 1-2 hours of homework every night. In the Norwegian school, it is required to have your own computer, so it is important that you bring a laptop to Norway. All schoolbooks are free in Norwegian schools, except notebooks, pencils and that sort of things. You don´t need a school uniform.
What are the school hours in Norway?
One exam at the end of students' senior year in high school is the only standardized test in the country.There is no competition between students, schools or regions.Finland's schools are funded by the public. How long is a school day in Norway? There are no school hours in Norway.The day starts at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 13:10 or 13:55 p.m.

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How useful or necessary is homework?

Changed opinion about homework usefulness

Need more knowledge

Homework-free option reduced family conflicts

Does homework promote or inhibit motivation?

Girls missed homework

Parents and teachers prefer different solutions

Does homework contribute to increased inequality?

How much time should children spend on homework?

Responses scattered

Wrong kind of homework causes problems

New Education Act

How teachers justify their views on homework

Thin knowledge base

Homework can lead to poor work habits

Stress and conflict-filled family relationships

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General information about education in Norway

Primary and lower secondary school

Upper secondary education

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