Bringing children

Kindergarten

In Norway, kindergarten (known as barnehage) is a popular childcare option for families with young children.

It is designed for children aged 1 to 5 years, with many children starting when they turn one, as parental leave almost covers an entire year. In August of the year they turn six, children start primary school.

There are both public and private kindergartens, though in most cases they are very similar as they all follow national guidelines. Most commonly, parents choose the kindergarten that is the closest to their home or work due to logistical reasons. In addition, the cost is similar because the fees are capped by the government, ensuring affordability.

Kindergarten is optional, but the vast majority of families use it. There is a legal right to a kindergarten place (rett til barnehageplass) from the August after your child turns one, provided you applied during the main application period.

The application process

You apply for kindergarten placement through the municipality where you live. In Bergen, this is done via the Bergen municipality's website. Main application deadline is usually March 1, for placement starting in August. You can also apply outside of this period, but availability may be limited. If you need placement before or after August, it is suggested to contact the kindergartens directly.

Placement offers are sent out between March 13th and June 1st, and you must respond within five days through the municipality’s online system, Vigilo.

Kindergarten for employees at UiB

Many kindergartens, especially those linked to universities or international communities, are familiar with helping families from abroad. Staff often assist with settling in, explaining Norwegian childcare culture, and supporting your child’s language development.

The university has an agreement with Fagertun kindergarten which is run by the Student Welfare Organisation (Sammen), but is owned by the University of Bergen. The kindergarten prioritizes children of employees and visiting researchers. Read more about this offer on the Employee Pages.

You can also find the list of all kindergartens in Bergen at the municipality webpages.

Other alternatives

Staying home

It is an option to stay home with your child/children if you have a partner that has this option. If you do this, you may be eligible to receive support in terms of child care benefit from the National Insurance Scheme (Nav).

An option to meet other children and parents is open kindergartens (åpen barnehage). Children are always accompanied by a parent or carer and has limited opening hours. It is made to be a place for children to play and socialixe and for parents to meet others in similar situations.

Nanny (dagmamma)

Hiring a "dagmamma" is often the only way to take care of your child/children if both parents are working and do not have a placement in kindergarten. It is not as common as it used to be, but you can still find some alternatives. It can be quite expensive.

For more information or help navigating the system, you may contact us at the International Centre.

Norway offers a high-quality, publicly funded education system that focuses on inclusion, equality, and student well-being. Education is free and compulsory for all children aged 6 to 16, but schooling continues beyond that with a variety of options.

• Primary School (Barneskole) – Grades 1 to 7 (Ages 6–13)
• Lower Secondary School (Ungdomsskole) – Grades 8 to 10 (Ages 13–16)
• Upper Secondary School (Videregående Skole) – Typically Ages 16–19

After upper secondary schools: higher education, apprenticeships for vocational students, entering the workforce.

Admission

For admission to public primary and secondary school, you should contact the school directly. The rule for childen in primary school age is that they attend the school closes to their home. If you are unsure which school to contact, start with contacting Bergen municipality.

Language

Pupils in primary/lower secondary school and upper secondary school are entitled to special tuition in the Norwegian language, tuition in their mother tongue and/or bilingual tuition in school subjects if they do not have sufficient Norwegian skills to follow ordinary tuition. Read more about Norwegian language tuition at  bergen.kommune.no.
Children may also receive this training through;

• parents or guardians who take responsibility for the training under municipal supervision
• admission to a private elementary school approved by the Ministry for Private School Act

Change of Public School

Pupils may move to another school than their local school when there is a good  reason for this. In most municipalities, it is common that such applications will be met as long as there is an open spot at the requested school.

Public Schools

A list of public schools in Bergen

Private Schools in Bergen: 

• The International School of Bergen.
• St.Paul´s Catholic school 
• The Rudolf Steiner´s School in Bergen
• The Montessori Society in Bergen

General Information:

Ministry of Education and Research: The Norwegian Education System

New in Norway: The school system