Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
Gamle Ringeriksvei 53, 1357 Bekkestua, Norway. Bekkestua is located around 8 km from Oslo city centre and is well served by public transport. Parking is available at the school and in the nearby vicinity.
Pre-School; Primary (Years 1–6); Lower Secondary; Upper Secondary (Pre-IB to IB2).
The school is a fully independent not-for-profit international school funded 100% by school fees.
More than 50 nationalities are represented; the school serves students from international and Norwegian families, with about 600 students across 13 year groups.
Support for Learning (SfL) provides small-group, individualized instruction. Primary students can receive up to four SfL lessons weekly, Lower Secondary and Pre-IB receive four SfL lessons weekly (split between mathematics and literacy), and Upper Secondary can access SfL services up to four lessons weekly on a tutorial basis. English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports non-native English speakers with developmental instruction.
Norway
School Operating Hours: 08:00–16:00. School start: 08:45; finish: 15:00; supervised playground hours: 08:45–15:00. Upper Secondary may begin and finish outside the standard hours.
OIS organises an optional bus service covering parts of Oslo, Bærum and Asker with links to public transport. Space may be limited; space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 2026–27 annual bus fees: round trip 25,800 NOK; one-way 15,100 NOK.
The school is not a boarding school and does not offer host family arrangements.
There is no school uniform; Spiritwear clothing is available for purchase by families.
Nutritious hot lunches are offered up to three times per week through a local catering supplier; the service is optional and menus cater for dietary needs and change regularly.
Oslo International School is organized as a not-for-profit foundation, regulated by Norwegian law; a board of trustees oversees the foundation and is responsible for appointing, supporting and appraising the Head of School, guiding strategic direction, and ensuring sound financial management.
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for all Upper Secondary students, with a Pre-IB/IB preparation curriculum for Lower Secondary. For younger learners, literacy, mathematics, and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) are taught. The Upper Secondary program is a cohesive, balanced three-year course of study from Pre-IB to IB2, with final examinations that prepare students for university and employment. The IB framework emphasizes developing enquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who foster intercultural understanding and responsible citizenship. At each level, OIS students achieve results that are higher than international standards.
12-18 students per class.
IB Diploma Programme results for 2025 include a pass rate of 98%, with an average Diploma score of 34.7 points and 32% of graduates earning a bilingual diploma. Over 95% of graduates are admitted to at least one of their top university choices.
Graduates matriculate at universities worldwide, including University of Melbourne, University of Toronto, Sciences Po Paris, Copenhagen Business School, and the University of Oslo. Almost all graduates go on to university and many receive unconditional offers; university counselling supports applications.
The school supports social and emotional development through a vibrant, inclusive community that emphasizes cooperation and global awareness within its learning environment.
EAL / Support for Learning is available as part of the learning program to support diverse learner needs.
The school teaches in English and serves an international community; EAL support is part of the learning offerings to assist students with language development.
Health and well-being are integrated into student life, with a focus on a safe, supportive environment and access to well-being resources as part of the program.
Safeguarding and child protection are embedded in school policies and practice as part of the overall care for students.
OIS accepts applications year-round. The Admissions Office guides applicants from application to enrolment and prioritises international families seeking an English-language program in the Oslo region. The community includes students and staff from more than fifty nationalities, and instruction is delivered in English. For more than sixty years the school has served international families in Oslo. Applications are submitted via OpenApply and the non-refundable application fee is 5,000 NOK per applicant. All applicants provide a recent photo of the applicant, passport copies for the applicant and for each parent, and a passport copy for each parent; documents can be in English or Norwegian or translated. Primary School applicants provide the most recent school reports and confidential teacher questionnaires; Secondary School applicants provide confidential teacher questionnaires and the most recent academic reports from the previous two years; documents must be in English/Norwegian or translated. Applications are reviewed by the Head of the relevant school section and admission decisions are communicated via OpenApply and enrolment must be confirmed within 14 days if offered. If admitted, the enrollment process includes confirming enrolment, completing the health form and vaccination records, completing year-level forms, and paying the enrolment fee and remaining tuition by the due dates. New student orientation meetings and induction sessions occur before the start of the school year. OIS does not discriminate on race, nationality, sex, or religion in admission decisions.
No scholarships or financial aid are offered.
An optional bus service is available for Oslo, Bærum and Asker; seats may be limited and a waiting list will be created. 2026-27 bus fees are 25,800 NOK round trip or 15,100 NOK one way.
Bjørnholt videregående skole is located at Slimeveien 17, 1275 Oslo, Norway. It is part of Oslo kommune Utdanningsetaten (Oslo Education Agency). There is a free school bus from Jernbanetorget to Bjørnholt every day; for information on departure times and bus stops, details are available.
The school offers Studiespesialisering (general studies) and Vocational programs in Information Technology and Media Production (VG2), Information Technology (VG2), Media Production (VG2), Electro and Datatechnology, Drone and Drone-related studies (VG2), and a study-preparatory program with drone studies. Tailored programs include Oppfølgingstjenesten (OT), Tilrettelagt avdeling, IMT (Informasjonsteknologi og medieproduksjon Tilrettelagt), and NoMa Norsk og Matte: a center for success.
Public upper secondary school; part of Oslo municipality's school system.
Oppfølgingstjenesten (OT) and Tilrettelagt avdeling provide support for students with additional learning needs; IMT (Informasjonsteknologi og medieproduksjon Tilrettelagt) and NoMa Norsk og Matte: a center for success are also offered.
Norway
There is a free school bus from Jernbanetorget to Bjørnholt every day; details on departure times and bus stops.
The canteen is open from 07:30 to 15:00 every day and serves nutritious food. Today's lunch is a hot dish that changes daily, and the weekly menu is available in the canteen. In addition to hot meals, a variety of bread, salads, drinks, and snack items are available. The canteen uses eco-friendly plates and cutlery to reduce waste, and day-old food is sold at a reduced price at the end of the day to cut food waste. For students and staff with food allergies or intolerances, suitable meals can be provided with advance notice of at least 45 minutes.
Part of Oslo Municipality Education Agency (Oslo kommune Utdanningsetaten); Bjørnholt vgs is a school within Oslo's school system.
The school offers Studiespesialisering (General Studies) and Yrkesfag (vocational programs). Vocational options include Information Technology and Media Production; Information Technology (VG2); Media Production (VG2); Electronics and Data Technology; Drone subjects (VG2); and Study-preparatory with drone subjects. Adapted programs include the Follow-Up Service (OT), Adapted Department, IMT (Adapted Information Technology and Media Production), and NoMa Norwegian and Mathematics: a center for success. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered and taught in English; admission is open to Oslo residents with no IB fees; class sizes are small and IB-qualified teachers lead the program. IB Diploma students study across a broad range of subjects and go on to study at universities in Norway and abroad.
IB Diploma Programme graduates go on to study at universities in Norway and abroad.
NoMa Norwegian and Mathematics: a center for success. NoMa provides individualized or small-group support in Norwegian and mathematics, with teachers offering help for other subjects as needed. It focuses on reading skills, study techniques, learning strategies, motivation, independence, collaboration, problem solving and presentation preparation.
Safe learning and student mediation contribute to a positive learning environment. The school participates in PROUD. The Green School program supports sustainability and community initiatives. A School Environment Action Plan guides work on school climate, safety, and student well-being. Grønn skole is part of the school's environmental and community initiatives.
The school offers tailored programs to support students with special needs. Oppfølgingstjenesten (OT) provides follow-up support. Tilrettelagt avdeling offers a dedicated adapted learning space. IMT (Informasjonsteknologi og medieproduksjon Tilrettelagt) provides adapted information technology and media production pathways. NoMa Norsk og Matte: et senter for suksess supports Norwegian and Mathematics.
Mental wellbeing is supported by the School Health Service. The Rådgivertjenesten (Guidance Counseling) and Elevtjenesten (Student Services) provide counseling and welfare support. Diversity Advisors assist with inclusive practice and student welfare. The school coordinates with external welfare services such as NAV. These resources contribute to a safe and supportive learning environment.
Safeguarding and child protection are supported by School Rules, ICT-use rules, and Attendance Rules, plus a Complaints & Appeals Procedure. The school offers safeguarding-related support through School Health Service, Counseling, Diversity Advisors, and Elevtjenesten. Online safety is supported by content filtering to block harmful and unwanted content. The School Ombud and Diversity Advisors address concerns to ensure a safe school environment.
The IB Diploma Programme at Bjørnholt vgs can be applied for. The Diploma Programme requires study of languages, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics over two years. Students must have completed the first year of Norwegian videregående skole, or an equivalent preparation such as MYP 5 or GCSEs, among other equivalencies. The IB Diploma course is taught in English and serves internationally mobile applicants and internationally minded Norwegian students seeking a university-preparatory education with in‑depth study. Bjørnholt vgs has offered the IB Diploma Programme since 2010. The school has a highly qualified faculty with many years of IB experience as teachers, examiners and alumni. Acceptance into the Bjørnholt vgs IB Diploma Programme does not grant a right to live in Norway; applicants must be legal residents of Oslo kommune at the time of application. If you plan to move to Oslo with your parent(s)/legal guardian before August 1 in the year you wish to study, contact the school for instructions on how to apply. For questions regarding the application process, contact the IB Counsellor, Ms. All IB students must choose a total of six subjects: one from each of Groups 1–5, with the option to take one extra from Groups 3 or 4; three subjects must be at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). At the start of the IB Diploma Programme, all students will take placement tests to inform subject choices; there is no pressure to finalize subject choices at that stage. Available subjects include: Group 1 Language and Literature (Norwegian Language and Literature; English Language and Literature; Self‑Taught Literature); Group 2 Language B (Norwegian B; English B); Group 3–4 Individuals and Societies (Psychology; Economics); Group 3–4 Cross‑Disciplinary (Environmental Systems and Societies); Group 4 Experimental Sciences (Physics); Group 5 Mathematics (Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations).
Lån og stipend (Loans and Scholarships) Skal du begynne på videregående skole? Du kan søke om stipend fra Lånekassen. Utstyrsstipend: Alle elever med ungdomsrett som går i vanlig videregående skole har rett til utstyrsstipend fra Lånekassen. Dette stipendet utgjør i skoleåret 1 140, 2 279 eller 3 421 kroner, avhengig av hvilket utdanningsprogram man går. Gunnstipend – avhengig av foreldrenes inntekt: Du kan få i grunnstipend 1 140, 2 279 eller 3 421 kroner per måned. Hvis en forsørger har ny ektefelle, blir det lagt til et fast beløp på forsørgerens inntekt. Bostipend (borteboerstipend): Hvis man må flytte hjemmefra for å ta videregående, kan man ha rett til bostipend på 3 920 kr pr. måned. I tillegg må man oppfylle krav som avstand til hjemmet eller reisetid, eller det kan være særlige forhold som gjør at man må bo borte. Reisestipend: Har du rett til bostipend, kan du også ha rett til reisestipend. Har du barn? Da har du rett til forsørgerstipend. Hvor mye kan du få? Bruk Lånekassens støttekalkulator for å finne ut hvor mye du har rett til. Fristen for å søke stipend er 15. november. Dersom du har ungdomsrett og har søkt opptak til en offentlig videregående skole, er det enkleste å klikke seg direkte fra Vigo.no inn på Lånekassens elektroniske søknad samtidig som man takker ja til skoleplassen på Vigo.no. Vent med å søke om støtte til du har bestemt deg for skole og utdanningsprogram. Bytter du skole eller program etter at du har søkt om støtte, tar det lengre tid før du får pengene. Er du allerede kunde i Lånekassen, har du også tilgang til søknaden inne på Dine sider, ved innlogging med MinID. Lurer du på noe? Det finnes mange vanlige spørsmål på ung.no, og Lånekassen gir detaljert informasjon om stipend og lån. Artikkelen er skrevet av Lånekassen i samarbeid med ung.no. Nyttige linker: Lånekassen.no, Dine sider, Støttekalkulator, Nedbetalingskalkulator. Bjørnholt videregående skole – en del av Osloskolen.
Birralee International School Trondheim is located at Bispegata 9c, 7012 Trondheim, Norway, in the heart of Trondheim close to the Nidaros Cathedral, NTNU and St Olav's Hospital. It is centrally situated with access to Trondheim's cultural and educational amenities. The school leverages the city's public transport network and local facilities for its community.
Early Years/Kindergarten for ages 3-6; Primary for ages 6-11; Middle Years for ages 11-14; IGCSE for ages 14-16.
Cambridge International School offering an English-medium curriculum.
Approximately 300 students; 50 nationalities.
Norway
Free transportation is available for students living more than 4 km away (2.trinn+) under Norwegian law; for Year 1 the distance is 2 km. Parents can apply for other transport by letter, forwarded to Sør Trøndelag Fylkeskommune or Trondheim Kommune for decision.
Stiftelsen Birralee International School Trondheim runs a school and a kindergarten through two separate aksjeselskap (limited companies). The School Board supervises the general running of the school and meets approximately eight times per year.
Birralee supports social and emotional learning through a safeguarding framework that emphasizes wellbeing and belonging across the school community. The School Leadership and Pastoral Counselors collaborate with parents, students, and teachers to promote student safety and wellbeing. A Pastoral Team provides ongoing support for students, with dedicated coordinators for Years 1–5 and Years 6–10. Students have the right to a safe and good school environment, and the school has a duty to act when a student is not feeling safe or supported. The school maintains a zero-tolerance stance on offensive behavior such as bullying, violence, discrimination, and harassment, and it documents actions and plans when concerns arise. Safeguarding is embedded into the curriculum, facilities, professional development, parent education programs, and recruitment practices.
Birralee provides two Norwegian language programmes from Year 1 to Year 10: Norwegian A and Norwegian B. Norwegian A is at a level similar to the Norwegian language programme taught in local Norwegian schools, while Norwegian B is designed for students who have just arrived in Norway. English is the primary language of instruction; all subjects, except Norwegian and Spanish, are taught in English. The Cambridge curriculum is delivered in English, with language support integrated.
Birralee ensures a safe and good school environment that promotes health, inclusion, well-being, and learning. There is zero tolerance for harassment, and staff and students are encouraged to intervene and report concerns. A Pastoral Team supports student wellbeing with the Principal and Pastoral Coordinators for Years 1–5 and Years 6–10. The school provides a pathway to report concerns to child welfare services and to develop action plans for individuals or groups as needed. Safeguarding and wellbeing are integrated into school life through the School Environment plan, policies, and ongoing practice.
Birralee is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment and adheres to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, relevant Norwegian laws, and recommendations from the International Curriculum Association. Safeguarding is a core element of wellbeing and belonging, integrated into curriculum, facilities, professional development, parent education programs, and recruitment practices. The School Leadership and Pastoral Counselors collaborate with parents, students, and teachers to promote student safety and wellbeing. The Safeguarding Team includes the Principal and Pastoral Coordinators for Years 1–5 and Years 6–10. If concerns arise about a child, concerns should be shared with the Pastoral Coordinator or the School Principal, and reports can be made to Child Welfare Services.