Privatundervisere

Privatundervisere are private tutors who provide individualized instruction to students outside the formal school system. In many European countries, including Norway, they play a significant role in supporting learning for children, adolescents and adults who may need extra help with school subjects, preparation for examinations, or language acquisition. A privatundervisere typically offers one‑to‑one or small group lessons, often in the student’s home, a tutoring centre or online platforms.

Qualifications for privatundervisere vary. Some tutors hold formal degrees or teaching certificates and specialize in particular subjects, while others rely primarily on professional experience, such as teaching at different levels or working as a subject‑specific consultant. In Norway, there is no national licensing requirement for private tutoring, but many tutors obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree to increase credibility and competitiveness. Parents and students usually assess a tutor’s expertise through references, curriculum vitae, and often by trial sessions.

The private tutoring market is largely driven by demand from parents seeking to supplement school education or to improve grades quickly in preparation for standardized tests. Timings are flexible, allowing tutors to work nights, weekends or early mornings to accommodate school schedules. Fees are negotiated individually, but pricing can range from a few hundred to several thousand kroner per month, depending on the tutor’s credentials, subject difficulty, and location. Common subjects include mathematics, languages, natural sciences and computer skills.

Overall, privatundervisere offer tailored learning environments that can adapt to each student’s pace, style and goals, providing an alternative to conventional classroom instruction. Their prevalence continues to rise as educational expectations and digital learning platforms advance.