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Official figures from UDIR · Updated 04 Jun 2026

Private or public school in Norway? How to choose

What is a private school in Norway?

In Norway the word "private school" covers two quite different things: schools approved under the Private Schools Act (privatskolelova), and schools without public funding. Most private schools are of the first kind — approved schools that offer "an alternative pedagogical or religious orientation" (Montessori, Steiner, Christian faith schools) or a recognised international curriculum (IB, Lycée).

Approved private schools receive around 85% public funding per pupil and cannot be run for profit. The parental contribution ("school fees") typically covers the rest of operations and is regulated by law. By contrast, fully unfunded private schools must charge much higher fees.

Approval under the Private Schools Act

For a private school to receive funding, it must be approved by the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training (UDIR). Pupil counts and school types are also published in SSB's education statistics. The school must either:

  • Operate under a recognised alternative pedagogical orientation
  • Have a religious profile
  • Offer an international curriculum
  • Be an upper-secondary school with a vocational programme not available locally

The school must follow Norwegian minimum requirements for curriculum aims, teacher qualifications, and the Education Act. Pupils have the same rights as in public school — including adapted teaching, a safe and supportive school environment (§9A), and special-needs education (§5-1).

School fees and who pays

School fees at approved private schools typically range between 20,000 and 50,000 NOK per year. That is a significant amount, but a small sum compared with school fees in many other countries. Some schools offer sibling discounts or scholarships. Textbooks are usually included, but it varies.

At non-approved private schools, fees are much higher — often 100,000–250,000 NOK per year. These pupils still have the right to complete compulsory school privately, but the school does not receive public funding.

Admissions process

Approved private schools must run an open admissions process. They cannot discriminate based on academic performance or finances. When there are more applicants than places, lottery or local criteria such as siblings and geographic proximity are used. The criteria are set out in the school's admissions rules, which are public.

Application deadlines vary but are often November–January for the following school year. Check the school's website early. If you are considering both public and private, register interest at both — you are free to choose later.

Rights and duties (same as public)

Pupils at approved private schools have:

  • The right to a safe and supportive school environment (Education Act §9A)
  • The right to adapted teaching
  • The right to special-needs education after a PPT expert assessment — see our article on special-needs education
  • The right to appeal to the County Governor

The school must follow the national curriculum's competency goals, employ qualified teachers, and report to the authorities the same way public schools do.

When is a private school a good alternative?

There is no simple answer. Many parents choose a private school for pedagogical reasons (Montessori, Steiner) or values. Others choose because the local school has a poor reputation or the child is unhappy there. Sometimes the private school is simply the nearest option. Before you write off the public school, it's worth visiting it — see, for example, schools in Oslo and the profile for Kjelsås skole for how a public school presents itself online.

Before you decide, visit both schools, talk to parents who have children there, and ask:

  • How stable is the teaching staff?
  • How do they work on bullying and the school environment?
  • What support is available for children who struggle academically?
  • How is the transition to lower-secondary or upper-secondary school?

Frequently asked questions

Can a child switch back to a public school after attending a private one? Yes. The local school is required to take in every pupil who belongs to the catchment. This is a statutory right under §8-1 of the Education Act and applies regardless of where the child has previously attended — including a private school.

Do we have to pay for textbooks at a private school? Textbooks are usually included in the fees, but it varies between schools. Read the school's information carefully before signing, and ask explicitly about what is included — particularly digital learning resources and PE kit.

Do approved private schools get the same funding as public schools? No. Approved private schools receive around 85% state funding per pupil and must charge fees to cover the rest. Schools not approved under the Private Schools Act receive no public support and have to pass the full cost on to parents.

Do we have the right to school transport to a private school? Only in rare cases. The general rule is that the municipality only pays for transport to the local school. Some municipalities cover transport to an approved private school if the distance exceeds the legal threshold, but this varies — check with your home municipality before deciding.

Are private schools generally better than public schools? There is no academic basis for that claim. The national tests and Elevundersøkelsen show wide variation both within and between school types. Choose a school based on pedagogical profile, class stability, and how it works on the school environment — not on ownership form.