Homeschooling in Norway
Legal with notification and municipal supervision.
Home education is legal in Norway as an alternative to school attendance under the Education Act (Opplæringslova). Parents must notify the local municipality and ensure the education aligns with national curriculum standards and competence goals. Municipalities conduct oversight through meetings typically 1-2 times per year.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
once
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Notify local municipality (kommune) before starting homeschooling; no permission required.
- Compulsory education from year child turns 6 to 16.
- Municipal supervision (tilsyn) required, typically 1-2 evaluation meetings per year in agreement with parents.
- Education must achieve national competence goals; no strict school-like structure mandated.
- Achievement tests possible if municipality doubts progress after meetings.
- No formal parent qualifications or prescribed teaching hours.
- Parents facilitate supervision; focus on child's learning and adapted education.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notification of Private Home Instruction
When
Before starting homeschooling
Where
Local municipality (kommune) education authority
How to submit
Contact local school or kommune directly; no standardized form required
What to include
- • Intent to provide private home instruction; can begin immediately after notification without waiting for response
Notification is mandatory but not approval-based. Parents may begin homeschooling immediately after notifying the kommune. No formal application process exists.
How to Get Started
- 1
Notify local municipality (kommune) of intent to provide private home instruction
- 2
Begin homeschooling immediately after notification; no approval waiting period
- 3
Establish contact with appointed municipal evaluator to arrange supervision meetings
- 4
Develop educational plan aligned with national competence goals for child's grade level
- 5
Prepare for first evaluation meeting (typically within first semester)
- 6
Maintain records of child's progress and learning activities
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Complete educational freedom within national standards framework
- ✓Individualized pacing and teaching methods
- ✓Flexible scheduling and curriculum adaptation
- ✓Respectful collaboration with municipality on supervision
- ✓No formal teacher certification required
- ✓Can accommodate family circumstances and values
Cons
- •Mandatory municipal oversight and evaluation
- •Potential for achievement testing if progress questioned
- •Difficulty obtaining formal diploma for secondary education
- •Limited access to school resources and extracurricular activities
- •Requires significant parental time and responsibility
- •Must align with national standards despite educational freedom
Questions about homeschooling in Norway
Do I need permission from the municipality to start homeschooling in Norway?
No. You only need to notify your local municipality (kommune) of your intent to provide private home instruction. You do not need to apply for or receive permission. Homeschooling may begin immediately after notification without waiting for a response from the kommune.
What are the national competence goals my child must achieve?
Education must align with national curriculum standards and competence goals specified in Opplæringslova for your child's grade level. The municipal evaluator will assess whether your child is attaining these goals during supervision meetings. The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training (Udir) provides detailed competence goals for each subject and grade level.
How often will the municipality supervise my homeschooling?
Municipal supervision (tilsyn) occurs 1-2 times per year through evaluation meetings. These meetings are typically held at school or another public location, not at home. The appointed evaluator will contact your family to arrange the meetings. Supervision is conducted in collaboration with parents and respects your right to educate according to your religious and philosophical beliefs.
Can the municipality require my child to take tests?
The municipality may administer achievement tests only if there is documented doubt about the adequacy of your homeschooling after a prior supervision meeting. Tests can only be used to verify whether your child is meeting national competence goals. Routine testing is not required.
What qualifications must I have to homeschool in Norway?
No formal qualifications or teaching credentials are required. Parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives adequate education aligned with national standards. You do not need to be a certified teacher to homeschool in Norway.
Can my homeschooled child receive a diploma?
Homeschooled children do not have an automatic right to a diploma. Some schools may permit homeschooled children to sit for 10th year exams and issue a diploma, but this is uncommon and rarely happens. You should clarify diploma pathways with your local school authorities.
What happens if I want to return my child to school after homeschooling?
The kommune is obligated to offer your child a school placement if you choose to return to traditional schooling. There is no formal withdrawal process required; simply notify the kommune of your intention to return to school.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · NO homeschool law guide