School and education

Norway offers free public education at all levels, from primary school through university. Children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend compulsory schooling (grunnskole), which is divided into primary (barneskole, grades 1–7) and lower secondary (ungdomsskole, grades 8–10). After compulsory school, students have a statutory right to three years of upper secondary education (videregående).

The education system emphasises equal access regardless of background, gender, or economic status. Norwegian schools promote democratic values, critical thinking, and inclusion. All children living in Norway, including refugees and asylum seekers, have both the right and the duty to attend school.

Higher education is offered at universities and university colleges across the country. Tuition at public institutions is free for Norwegian, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens and for permanent residents; since autumn 2023 institutions charge tuition to degree students from outside the EU/EEA. The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) provides financial support to students through a combination of grants and loans.