The government proposes keeping the kindergarten price cap at NOK 1,200 a month in 2027, with lower prices in certain areas. The scheme providing 12 free SFO hours a week in grades 1–3 would also continue. The budget proposal was presented on 7 October 2026 and has not been adopted.

What is proposed for kindergarten prices in 2027?

The government wants to keep the limits at the same amounts as in 2026. The price cap means the highest parental payment for a kindergarten place, before any meal charges.

The proposal is:

  • NOK 1,200 a month as the standard price cap.
  • NOK 700 a month in municipalities in centrality categories 5 and 6, the least central municipalities.
  • Continued free kindergarten in the designated action zone in Finnmark and Nord-Troms.

The last scheme covers that particular zone, not all of Northern Norway. Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norway’s Ministry of Education and Research, explains the proposal in its announcement about the 2027 price cap⁠.

SamfunnPrep’s guide to reduced parental payments explains how to investigate the support schemes that apply now. Continuing today’s price does not mean a new reduction of NOK 1,200.

Are meals included in the price cap?

Not necessarily. Kindergarten may charge separately for meals. The price cap applies to both public and private kindergartens, and the municipality may have a lower price.

This appears in Utdanningsdirektoratet’s explanation of parental payments⁠. Utdanningsdirektoratet is the state directorate for kindergarten and school education.

Example: A bill may list parental payment and meal charges on separate lines. The parental payment complying with the cap does not mean the entire bill must be exactly NOK 1,200. Check what each line covers before comparing prices.

Will the whole SFO place be free in 2027?

The scheme provides 12 free hours a week for children in grades 1, 2 and 3. SFO is the before- and after-school programme. The government mentions its continuation in the budget overview for Rogaland⁠.

If your child needs more hours, those may cost money. The municipality may also charge for meals, as Utdanningsdirektoratet’s explanation of section 2-2⁠ shows. Twelve free hours therefore does not mean every full-time place is completely free.

Read SamfunnPrep’s guide to SFO and AKS if you need help with the programme and applying. AKS is the name used in Oslo.

Can your family pay less than the price cap?

Yes. Separate schemes may provide reduced parental payments, sibling discounts or free core hours in kindergarten. Rights depend on factors including income, the child’s age and family circumstances. The municipality processes applications for reduced payments and free core hours.

Do not budget for a support scheme simply because you see a low price in a headline. Ask the municipality to explain the conditions and application deadlines that apply to your family.

What should you check before making a budget?

Look at parental payments, meal charges and extra SFO hours separately. Also check the municipality’s information and the final rules after Stortinget, Norway’s parliament, has considered the budget.

SamfunnPrep’s practical tools can help you keep track of tasks for your family.