How to apply for kindergarten

When applying for a kindergarten placement you can apply to both public and private kindergartens. The City of Oslo manages the admissions process.

How to apply

Select five kindergartens you would like to apply to. Each kindergarten provides detailed information on its website.

The application process is the same whether you're applying for the first time or want to switch kindergartens.

Select kindergartens and start the application

  • Have you already submitted your application and want to make changes? All changes must be registered before the application deadline. Log in to the application portal

Application deadlines

The application deadline for your child depends on your child's birth month. There are two main deadlines: 1 March and 15 August.

Application deadlines

  • Deadline for children born between January and August: 1 March

    They are guaranteed a placement in August the year they turn one. The requested start date must be no later than 30 September.

  • Deadline for children born in September: 1 March

They are guaranteed a placement in September the year they turn one. The requested start date must be no later than 30 September.

  • Deadline for children born in October and November: 15 August

They are guaranteed a placement the same month they turn one. The requested start date must be no later than 30 November.

  • Children born in December need to apply before 1 March in the year they turn two. They are guaranteed a placement in August the same year.

You can apply for an earlier start as there might be vacancies. However, we can not predict when you will get an offer outside the primary selection process.

  • Older children without a kindergarten placement: We recommend that you apply before 1 March in order to get a placement in August. Because there are more available spots in August, you have a greater chance at getting a placement in your preferred kindergarten.

You can apply at any time, also after the application deadlines. However, many kindergartens might not have any available spots left after the primary selection process is completed.

When applying to private kindergartens

Many private kindergartens fill their spots during the spring, and some require that the child starts kindergarten in August. Therefore, if you want a spot in a private kindergarten, we recommend that you apply no later than 1 March, even for children born in October or November. Check their admission criterias in their by-laws on their website.

Requirements

  • You can apply online when you have a Norwegian personal identity number (fødselsnummer) or D-number for yourself and your child. We recommend that you log in with an electronic ID, but this is not a requirement.

  • If you do not have a Norwegian identity number, you will need to get a premade number to use for your application. Your local city district office (bydelsadministrasjonen) can make it for you. Contact the City of Oslo service center.

  • Your child must be a registered resident of Oslo before the first day of kindergarten.

Video: How to fill in the application form

The video is available in multiple languages. Select the language you prefer using the settings wheel at the bottom right corner of the video.

Additional information