Admissions Process

What you will need to apply to OIS...

When completing the application through our online OpenApply system, you will be asked to upload supporting documentation.

All Applicants

Please have the following available:

• A recent photo of each student applying (in JPG or PNG file format; head and shoulders against a plain white or light-coloured background)
• Passport copy of each student applying (photo ID page showing date of birth and nationality)
• Passport copy of each parent (photo ID page)
• Credit card to make the non-refundable application fee payment

 

Once you’ve submitted your application form and fee, you will find the teacher recommendation form, school records request form, and other year level specific forms in your OpenApply checklist.

Primary School Applicants

• The most recent school report along with the end of year report for the previous year completed
• Children applying to Pre-School/Year 1 only need to include reports if available
• Confidential teacher questionnaire
• Parent questionnaire (Pre-School - Year 2)

Secondary School Applicants

• Confidential teacher questionnaire
• The most recent academic report along with school reports for the previous two academic years completed

 

All documents must be in English/Norwegian or accompanied by an official English translation.

If your child has a diagnosis (diagnosed learning difference, physical or medical disability, language disorder, mental health disorder, etc.), receives additional learning support or other therapy, we will need additional information to determine if we can meet your child’s needs. Please provide us with their most recent diagnostic reports and Individual Education Plan (IEP)/ Individual Learning Plan (ILP) along with other relevant reports. The reports must be submitted in full and in English and sometimes additional documentation will be requested. The diagnostic reports should be within the last three years, and the IEP/ILP should be current. If the child’s diagnostic report is older, we may ask for a re-evaluation before considering admittance.

 

When will I know if my child has a place?

Although you may apply at any time, the admissions process is connected to our current student's annual re-enrolment, which is initiated in March each year. Once we have an idea of the number of returning students and spaces available, we will start to offer places. 

Once an applicant’s file is fully complete, it will be sent for review decision by the Head of the relevant school section, along with their team of key staff members.  The Admissions Office will inform you of the decision via OpenApply. If your child has been admitted, you will be asked to confirm your child's enrolment within 14 days.

OIS wishes to accept all applicants, but admission is not guaranteed. The school may decide to deny admission for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, when there are concerns about the applicant's ability to thrive in our academic program, when a candidate’s English language proficiency does not meet the requirement of the year level to which they are applying, the inability of OIS to provide suitable learning support for the applicant, evidence of a poor disciplinary record or anti-social behavior.  If an applicant is denied admission, notification of the decision will be communicated to the family by the Admissions Office.

If your application is successful, you will receive a formal offer of a place in OpenApply. 

Complete the enrollment process in OpenApply:

• Confirm Enrolment at the the top of your dashboard (check Yes!) within 14 days
• Complete the Parent Enrollment Confirmation form in your checklist within 14 days.
• Complete the Student Health form in your checklist and upload vaccination/immunization records no later than 1 July.
• Complete any year level specific forms in your checklist no later than 1 July.

School fee payments
Registration & Enrolment Fee: invoiced upon acceptance of an enrolment offer, due by invoice due date.
Remaining Tuition and Fees: Term 1 fees due in May, and Term 2 fees due in November and/or by due date on invoice. See School Fees for more details on current fees, terms and conditions.
 

Before starting in school...

Individual Orientation Meetings (required)
Newly enrolled students and their parents will be invited to a personal orientation meeting.  This required 30-minute meeting is a private meeting with the relevant Principal/Counsellor, student and parent/s and must occur before the student can begin attending classes.

For students starting in school at the beginning of the academic year, the Admissions Office will schedule your appointment to take place in May, June or early August. Otherwise, they will be scheduled according to your arrival in Oslo.

It is our opportunity to meet each student and their parent/s. We'll review the curricular program, routines, schedules, answer any questions, and confirm the student’s start date in school.

New Student Induction Day Events in August (optional)

Primary School students and parents
Prior to the first day of school in August, all new students joining Years 1-6 (and their parents) are invited to this one-hour event to learn more about the Primary School and meet other new students and families.

Following this event, students and parents are invited to attend the New Families Welcome Gathering.

Secondary School students
Prior to the first day of school in August, all new students joining Years 7-IB1 are invited to attend this half-day induction session (normally from 10:00-14:00). 

Students will bring their laptops and prepare for a fun day where they will learn all about OIS, get to know teachers and other students through icebreakers and other interactive activities. Lunch is provided.

Following this event, students and parents are invited to attend the New Families Welcome Gathering.

New Families Welcome Gathering
Prior to the first day of school in August, all new students and parents are invited to attend our welcome gathering.  Meet other new families, our Parents’ Association, and members of staff. Refreshments served.

Students who join mid-year
Although most new OIS students join our school at the beginning of the school year in August, some may arrive during the year.  These students will be welcomed to school on their arranged first day by their contact teacher or a Principal/Counsellor. They will also be provided with a class buddy/student ambassador who will welcome and partner with them as they get settled into school.