Teaching Jobs in Norway

Native English-speaking teachers will need to learn the language to teach in Norwegian schools, but opportunities exist in international schools and private institutions.

Teaching is a popular way to earn a living for thousands of English-speakers around the world. While there are opportunities in Norway for international teachers, it isn't quite so simple.

Teaching in Norwegian schools

In almost all cases, fluency in Norwegian and a lengthy teaching degree are the minimum standards to teach in Norwegian schools.

Universities and colleges offer specific training for those wishing to work with the education of small children. The course takes four years although there is a substantial work experience component.

Kindergartens also hire teaching assistants and will consider a foreigner if they have a reasonable grasp of Norwegian. As you'll be working with young children, many of whom won't have picked up any English yet, this is a non-negotiable.

Teaching in international schools

Many Norwegian cities are home to international schools that use English as the primary language of teaching. The schools are designed for the children of expats in Norway and as such, they regularly recruit teachers from overseas.

Most schools follow a British or American syllabus and will require their teaching staff to have at least two years of experience in their home country. Many jobs are for a one- or two-year contract and so there are often vacancies available. They are nearly always advertised on the specific school website.

There are international schools in many Norwegian towns and cities, especially those popular with expats and with significant oil and gas facilities. You can find a list here.

Teaching English in Norway

As mentioned earlier, teaching ‘English as a foreign language' is a popular way to make a living for native English speakers all around the world. While this is common in places like China, southeast Asia, and South America, it is not so common in Norway.

Private language schools do exist in Norway but because of the high English proficiency of Norwegians, opportunities for employment are rare. Many of the language schools that teach English aim squarely at the corporate market.

Typically, individual consultants are hired by large companies as and when needed. Private tutoring is a possibility especially to ambitious parents, but marketing is likely to be a challenge as it takes time to launch a new business in any country.

Teaching in Norwegian universities

You can find out more information about teaching in Norwegian universities on the researcher jobs page.

Salaries for teachers in Norway

New teachers can expect a minimum annual salary of 386.000kr, which rises 465,000kr depending on experience. Professors and other teachers at university level can expect to earn in the region of 470,000-510,000kr.