Contact the municipality about school immediately. Apply for kindergarten separately; its admission rules and deadlines differ.

Understand how it works

Children of compulsory-school age have a right to primary/lower-secondary education when they are likely to stay over three months. Ask the municipality for the earliest start and the current statutory deadline. Kindergarten entitlement depends on age and a timely application: children turning one by August normally qualify from August; birthdays in September–November normally qualify by the end of that birthday month.

When and how long?

Do not wait for the next school year to ask about school. Kindergarten application deadlines are set locally. Check the municipality’s current intake and supplementary admission.

Have these ready

  • Child’s identity and age
  • Address and parental responsibility details
  • Previous school records and relevant support needs

What to do

  1. Contact the school administration and explain the arrival date and expected stay.
  2. Ask about language assessment, interpretation and any support the child needs.
  3. Use the municipality’s kindergarten application and save confirmation of the submission date.

Local intake, prices and an offer of a place

The municipality sets its kindergarten application deadline and local procedure. A 1 March date on another municipality's website is not a national deadline. Ask about supplementary admission if you moved later or missed the main intake. A child without the statutory entitlement may still be offered a vacant place; this is different from a guaranteed right.

The national maximum parent payment is NOK 1,200 per month from 1 August 2025, with lower limits or free places in specified areas. Food charges can be additional. Income-based reductions and sibling discounts can also matter: check Udir and the municipality's current rules. After an offer, check its response deadline, starting date, notice period and payment terms before accepting.

Keep in mind

School enrolment and kindergarten admission are separate processes. There is no nationwide 1 March deadline and no unconditional immediate kindergarten place for every child.

Next steps and related guides

Sources for this step