Teach English in Norway

TEFL jobs in Norway

Living costs Key facts FAQ’s Student Story TEFL jobs in Norway

Yes, you can teach English in Norway, but it is a niche market. Norwegians already speak excellent English, so most opportunities sit in international schools, private language institutes and business or one-to-one tutoring rather than mainstream state schools. Pay is high and so is the cost of living, and a degree, often with some classroom experience, makes you far more employable.

Teaching English in Norway at a glance

Main employers	International schools, private language institutes, business English providers, private students
Typical pay	Language institutes often around NOK 300 to NOK 500 an hour; international schools pay annual salaries in line with Norwegian teaching scales
Minimum wage	Norway has no statutory national minimum wage; pay floors come from collective agreements in some sectors
Degree	Expected by most employers and needed for a skilled worker permit
Minimum TEFL hours	120 hours for institutes; international schools usually want a teaching licence
Main cities	Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim

Who can legally teach English in Norway?

EU and EEA citizens, including Irish passport holders. Norway is part of the European Economic Area, so you can live and work there and register your residence with the police or the immigration service.

UK, US, Canadian and other non EEA citizens. You usually need a residence permit for skilled workers from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). This generally requires a job offer, a degree or vocational qualification, and pay and conditions at least in line with Norwegian standards. Language institutes rarely sponsor permits, so international schools with qualified teachers are the most realistic route. Some nationalities, including Australians and New Zealanders, can apply for working holiday permits.

Check current rules on the UDI website and our Visa Desk before you apply.

What English teaching jobs are there in Norway?

International schools. The main source of full time, well paid positions. They usually require a teaching licence and experience, and teach the IB, British or American curriculum.

Private language institutes. Teach adults and some children, often part time and in the evenings, with demand for business English and exam preparation.

Business English and corporate training. Companies in Oslo, Stavanger’s energy sector and other cities hire trainers for specialist and professional English.

Private and online students. A common way to add income, especially for exam preparation and business clients.

Norwegian state schools teach English through Norwegian qualified teachers, so mainstream state school posts are not a realistic route for most TEFL teachers.

How much do English teachers earn in Norway?

Pay is among the highest in Europe, but so are living costs. Language institutes often pay around NOK 300 to NOK 500 an hour, usually for part time hours, so many teachers combine several employers or private clients. International schools pay annual salaries broadly in line with Norwegian teaching scales for licensed teachers. Because Norway has no statutory minimum wage, read your contract carefully and check how many paid hours it guarantees. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index.

What qualifications do you need?

A degree is expected by most employers and is usually needed for a non EEA work permit. A TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is the usual minimum for language institutes and business English, while international schools typically require a teaching licence. Our 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard requirement, and the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register, which helps with business English and corporate clients.

What does it cost to live in Norway?

Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Rent in Oslo and Bergen is the biggest cost, and food, eating out and alcohol are notably expensive. Public transport is excellent and healthcare is good once you are registered. Most teachers who make Norway work have either a full time international school salary or a well filled timetable of institute, business and private teaching.

What is it like teaching in Norway?

Norwegian learners are typically confident, independent and already strong in English, so classes focus on fluency, professional and academic English and exam preparation rather than basics. Workplaces are informal and egalitarian, punctuality is expected, and a good work life balance is the norm. Learning some Norwegian helps with daily life and integration.

Teaching in Norway: read next

Comparing the region? See teaching English in Sweden and our guide to teaching English in Denmark.
Add online income with our guide to online English teaching jobs.
Compare pay in our TEFL Salary Index and check entry rules on the Visa Desk.

Get TEFL qualified for Norway

Last updated: 1 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate typical ranges, not quotes. Immigration rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) before you apply.

Living costs

Norwegian culture is influenced by its history, geography, and values. Here are some key cultural aspects to consider:

Nature and Outdoors: Norwegians have a deep appreciation for their natural surroundings. Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping are an integral part of the culture.
Work-Life Balance: Norwegians value a healthy work-life balance. The work environment is generally characterized by flexible work hours and a focus on productivity rather than long hours.
Social Equality: Norway is known for its strong emphasis on social equality and welfare. The society is generally inclusive, and there’s a sense of collective responsibility for the well-being of all citizens.
Reserved Nature: Norwegians are often perceived as reserved and private. It might take time to establish close relationships, but once you do, they tend to be genuine and deep.
Cultural Heritage: Norway has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, art, and literature. Festivals and celebrations often revolve around cultural traditions.

Despite the high costs, Norway consistently ranks high in quality of life indexes due to factors such as excellent healthcare, education, social services, and overall safety.

To obtain the most up-to-date cost of living figures, we use the world’s biggest cost of living comparison website, Numbio.com.

Accommodation: $600-$1,300
Utilities: $206.67
Health insurance: N/A
Monthly transport pass: $75
Basic dinner out for two: $94
Cappuccino in an ex-pat area: $4.26
A beer in a pub: $9.21
1 litre of milk: $1.96

TEFL jobs in Norway: KEY POINTS

SALARY

NOK 300–500 an hour at institutes

EDUCATION

BA degree preferred

MAIN JOB TYPES

Private schools, public schools, private tutoring, volunteering projects

TEFL CERTIFICATION NEEDED

180 hour TEFL Training

KEY FACTS

Popular locations for TEFL jobs: Oslo: As the capital and largest city of Norway, Oslo offers a range of opportunities for TEFL teachers. It's home to numerous language schools, international schools, and universities. Bergen: Bergen is a picturesque city known for its cultural scene and natural beauty. It has several language schools and educational institutions that may offer TEFL positions. Trondheim: Trondheim is a historical city with a vibrant academic and cultural atmosphere. It's home to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and various language centers.
English teacher salaries in Norway: Generally, wages in Norway tend to be relatively high due to the country's strong economy and high cost of living. However, specific wage information can change over time. TEFL teachers in Norway might be employed by language schools, public schools, international schools, or other educational institutions. Additionally, freelance or self-employed TEFL teachers may have a different earning structure.
TEFL qualification requirements: At least a 180-hour TEFL qualification
Prerequisite university degree: A degree is usually required to teach in Norway but may find work without.
Term times: In Norway, the school term times can vary slightly depending on the region and the level of education (primary, secondary, etc.), but generally, the academic year follows a pattern of three terms: autumn, spring, and summer. Here is a general overview of school term times in Norway: Autumn Term (Høstsemester): Typically starts in mid-August or early September. Runs until mid-December. Includes a week-long autumn break (høstferie) in October, which varies by region. Spring Term (Vårsemester): Generally starts in early to mid-January. Continues until late June. Includes a winter break (vinterferie) in February or March, which also varies by region. Summer Vacation (Sommerferie): The summer vacation in Norway is usually the longest break and extends from late June to mid-August.
Currency: Norwegian Krone
Language: Norwegian
Teaching programmes: Teaching adults or children in private language schools as well as international schools or as a private tutor.
Age restrictions: None
Previous teaching experience: is desirable for many roles but not essential

Facts about Norway

LANGUAGE

Norwegian

POPULATION

5.4 million

TEFL JOB DEMAND

Mid

CURRENCY

Krone

CAPITAL

Oslo

OUR NORWAY TEFL RATING

3.5

TEFL jobs in Norway: FAQS

How much can I earn as an English teacher in Norway?

Language institutes in Norway often pay around NOK 300 to NOK 500 an hour, usually for part time hours, so many teachers combine several employers or private clients. International schools pay annual salaries broadly in line with Norwegian teaching scales for licensed teachers. Norway has no statutory minimum wage, so check your contract carefully.

Is Norway expensive to live in?

Norway is generally considered to be an expensive country to live in. The high cost of living in Norway is influenced by several factors, including a strong economy, high wages, and a generous social welfare system.

Can I teach English in Norway without a degree?

Most English teaching jobs in Norway expect a degree, and international schools usually want a teaching licence. EU and EEA citizens, including Irish passport holders, may find some language institute or private teaching work without one. For UK, US and other non EEA teachers, a degree or vocational qualification is usually needed for the skilled worker permit.