From Geirangerfjord, Pulpit Rock, to energetic Oslo, Norway is packed with natural and cultural wonder. As a world leader in quality of life, renewable energy, and UNESCO initiatives, Norway offers teachers an immense Scandinavian lifestyle with the backdrop of the northern lights.

But around 80–90% of Norwegians speak English to some extent, and the country ranks in the top 5 for non-English speaking countries. So, you'll need to come prepared to work in this competitive market. Read on for The TEFL Org's guide on teaching English in Norway, from the requirements, salaries, visas, and more.

Key Takeaways

• There's a lower demand for English teachers in Norway than in other countries due to their high levels of English proficiency.
• Requirements are high, with teachers often needing a TEFL, master's degree, and teaching licence.
• Salaries range from 40,000kr–70,000kr ($4,285–$7,500 / £3,185–£5,580) depending on the teacher's experience and school type.
• Most teaching job opportunities come in the private sector, mainly in international schools and language centres.
• EU teachers don't need a visa; non-EU teachers need a Residence Permit to work in Norway.
• Top locations for TEFL teachers include Oslo and Bergen.

Requirements for Teaching English in Norway

Do I need a TEFL certification to teach English in Norway?

Yes, you need a TEFL certificate or a teaching licence to teach English in Norway. Norway's high standard of English means that you'll need to compete with locals for teaching jobs.

While a 120-hour TEFL certificate is the industry standard, this will only take you so far – you might need experience and qualifications like a Level 5 TEFL course or a teaching licence from your home country.

Can I teach without a degree in Norway?

No, you can't teach in Norway without a degree. Some positions, like those at public or international schools, require a master's degree in English or education.

But don't worry, you can still teach English abroad without a degree in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Do I need teaching experience to teach in Norway?

It's possible to teach English in Norway without experience, but employers generally seek experienced teachers. This is especially true for non-EU teachers who need visa sponsorship to work in Norway.

But, it's still possible to teach abroad without experience at a private language school (engelskkurs) or summer language camp.

What are the visa requirements for teaching in Norway?

Norway isn't a member of the European Union, but it's integrated with the European Economic Area (EEA) so EU teachers don't need a work visa to enter, they'll just need to apply for a registration certificate in-country.

Non-EU teachers will need a Residence Permit for skilled workers, or Arbeidstillatelse as it's known in Norwegian. But first, teachers need to find a job so that the employer can sponsor their skilled worker residence permit.

Employers can apply for the visa and permit on your behalf. But if you're applying yourself, you can make an online application at the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) before booking an appointment at a VFS application centre.

Once you get the visa, you'll need to register for a residence permit after your arrival.

To qualify for the work visa and residence permit, you'll need the following:

• Valid passport and copy of stamped pages
• Signed signature form from the application portal (or application form)
• Proof of job contract with Norwegian employer
• Clear criminal background check
• CV and proof of education and/or work experience

Important: The information above is not intended as legal advice, be sure to check out the official government or immigration website for updated rules.

Salary and Cost of Living

Norway is an expensive country, but don't worry – teacher salaries are also high. Here's everything you need to know about teaching salaries in Norway.

How much can you earn teaching English in Norway?

The average salary for English teachers ranges from 40,000kr–70,000kr ($4,285–$7,500 / £3,185–£5,580), but it's never “one size fits all” – your salary depends on your experience, qualifications, and even your nationality.

Here's how salaries compare across different jobs in Norway:

• Public school: Teachers at public schools earn around 55,000kr–70,000kr ($5,895–$7,500 / £4,385–£5,580), but they teach multiple subjects and are fluent in Norwegian.
• International school: International school teachers also receive a high salary and benefits of around 55,000kr–75,000kr ($5,895–$7,500 / £4,385–£5,580), but salaries and requirements vary from one school to another.
• Private language schools: Private language school teachers typically earn around 25,000kr–45,000kr ($2,680–$4,820 / £2,125–£3,585) per month depending on contract hours, experience, qualifications in ESP subjects (English for Specific Purposes), and so on.

How much does it cost to live in Norway?

While Norway's salaries are high, so is the cost of living. The average person in Norway spends around 12,000kr–14,000kr ($1,290–$1,505 / £960–£1,120) per month excluding rent. Rent for a 1-bed apartment averages at around 11,000kr ($1,180 / £880) nationally, or 18,000kr ($1,935 / £1,440) per month in Oslo.

But you can still be frugal, here's how you can stretch your teaching salary in Norway:

• Look beyond Oslo: Some teachers may have their hearts set on Oslo, but don't rule out other areas. Teaching jobs in Oslo may offer high salaries, but other areas may offer greater saving potential and lower costs of living. Kristiansand, Drammen, and Haugesund are examples of smaller cities that offer more affordability.
• Live outside the centre: You'll have plenty of time to visit the city centre and tourist spots, so don't worry about living centrally, especially when Norway has excellent public transport. Living outside the city centre can help save up to 2,500kr ($270 / £200) a month.
• Share housing: Flat or house sharing is common among expats in Norway, especially in cities like Oslo or Bergen. While the average rent for a 1-bed in the city centre sits at around 13,000kr ($1,400 / £1,040) a 3-bed apartment cost around 6,665kr ($715 / £530) per person, per month.
• Do free activities: Allemannsrett is the name for a local ‘law’ which means you can pitch your tent or hike anywhere in the country – great news for keen campers!
• Eat locally: While in Norway, you'll do well to embrace the Scandinavian diet. Eating locally isn't just cheaper, but it'll show you the best that the country has to offer! With world-famous chocolate, Svele pancake stacks and Lefse (sweet flatbreads with coffee) on the list of local luxuries, it's easy to find a sweet treat.

English Teaching Jobs in Norway

Generally, most English teaching jobs in Norway for TEFL teachers are found in the private sector, unless you have fluency in Norwegian and a teaching licence. Since English speakers are common, there are few private tutoring jobs unless you have knowledge within a niche subject.

Private language schools

Private language schools are potentially the most flexible route for TEFL teachers to go down in Norway. These private schools operate with a more business-approach, hiring year-round and entry requirements are more flexible.

Most language schools specialise in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in fields like business, engineering, tourism, and so on, with examples including Berlitz and Folkuniversitetet.

What to expect at private language schools in Norway:

• Evening and weekend classes
• Teaching a range of ESP subjects
• Small classroom sizes
• Year-round hiring

International schools

Bilingual international schools cater primarily to the children of expats, offering well-paid positions to TEFL teachers who are highly qualified and experienced. These schools offer some of the highest salaries and benefits, but requirements and expectations are high.

International school teachers deliver lessons from an international baccalaureate.

What to expect at international schools in Norway:

• Typical school schedule
• Teaching international students from a foreign curriculum
• Excellent salary and benefits, but high entry-requirements including a master's, teaching licence, and experience

Teaching English in Major Cities

Norway is full of vibrant cities and stunning landscapes, here are some of the most popular locations among teachers.

Teach English in Oslo

Oslo is a dynamic blend of modern architecture, sustainable innovation, and Viking heritage. When you're not gazing at modernist buildings you can embrace history at Viking Planet or medieval castles like Akershus Fortress.

When you've clocked out, Oslo caters to any character. If you need to unwind, hit the sauna and take a stroll down the waterfront past the Opera House, or soak up history at the Museum of Norwegian Culture. If you've got a free weekend, take a trip to see the illuminating northern lights (it's not just a “once in a lifetime” activity when you live in Norway).

Teach English in Bergen

English teaching jobs can be found in language centres and international schools. If you're lacking experience, you can even volunteer at one of its summer camps that caters to migrants and refugees. From trekking any of its seven mountains to strolling alongside its UNESCO-listed wooden wharf of Bryggen, Bergen gives teachers a quintessential Nordic experience.

Don't Forget Your TEFL Certificate

Ready to teach English abroad? Don't forget your TEFL certificate. Beyond the technical requirements for finding jobs abroad, it's a practical requirement that lets employers know you're ready to take on the classroom.

You'll learn how to become a skilled and confident teacher in the classroom by learning how to manage large groups, plan lessons, and create an engaging learning atmosphere at school.

Get started today with the 120-hour TEFL certificate, the industry standard!