Why choose IB at Nesbru?
- A small, close-knit programme. We take in [up to 30] new IB students each year, so teachers and the IB coordinator know every student well.
- Experience. We have taught the Diploma Programme for more than 30 years.
- A diverse community. Our IB students come from Norwegian schools, international schools and families who have recently moved to Norway.
- The only public IB school in Asker and Bærum. [One of two schools in Akershus offering the IB Diploma.]
- A pre-IB year. You can start with pre-IB in Vg1 and get to know IB ways of working before you begin the Diploma Programme.
- Life beyond the classroom. [Model United Nations, the Model European Parliament, trips and other activities.] Read more on our student-run website, ibnesbru.com.
How the programme is structured
You take the same six subjects over both years of the Diploma Programme. Most assessment happens at the end of IB2, but internal assessments, the Extended Essay and TOK are completed during the two years.
You do not have to take pre-IB to apply. Students from other Vg1 programmes, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP5), IGCSE and equivalent schooling abroad can also apply. See Admission and how to apply below.
Do you want
- to study a programme that is both challenging and rewarding at the same time?
- your education to make a positive difference for others in addition to yourself?
- to learn how to think critically and to develop work methods that will prepare you for higher education?
The IB Diploma Programme will
- encourage you to think independently and drive your own learning
- qualify and prepare you for colleges and universities in Norway and abroad. The IB diploma is equivalent to vitnemål from studiespesialisering in the Norwegian educational system.
- will improve your language skills and make you become more culturally aware. The language of instruction, as well as most of your curriculum, is in English. All assignments and the final exams are also in English.
Read more about the programme at www.ibo.org.
Preparing for the brightest future, Nesbru VGS is pioneering the field of education through our dedication and commitment to our students’ needs. We offer a unique educational experience designed to enhance intellectual growth and promote participatory engagement. We welcome all prospective students for a visit.
Nesbru VGS is a Norwegian state upper secondary school founded in 1980. Since then, the school has developed in many areas. The school has nearly 800 students and offers a variety of different programs. The IB was added in 1993 and the program attracts all types of students with solid academic skills and with an engagement in the world and society around them.
The application deadline is March 1st . Applicants should apply through Vigo.no.
In addition, applicants must to fill in an Application (PDF, 554 kB). A transcript of the applicant’s academic record must be attached.
To apply to the IBDP, you must have completed the first year of a general studies programme (studiespesialiserende), the IB Middle Years Programme or middle school education at an equivalent level.
Applicants must be residents of Akershus county. Foreign applicants must hold a valid residence permit in Norway.
A guideline for future students
Fill out the IBDP Application form and follow its instructions. As stated in the document, completed forms can be sent directly to the school at Torstadåsen 7, 1396 BILLINGSTAD, delivered to the school reception or sent electronically to Elizabeth Laney-Mortensen. T: 66 85 44 14.
See this document for more about the Admission policy (PDF, 275 kB) for the Diploma program.
Nesbru videregående skole offers the following subjects:
(HL = Higher Level, SL = Standard Level)
1. A-Language (first language):
- Norwegian A Literature (HL/SL)
- English A Literature (HL/SL)
- Other A-Languages (SL): Self-taught, school supported
2. B-Language (second language):
- Norwegian B (HL)
- English B (HL)
- Spanish B/French B (SL) (Online courses only. Extra fees apply.)
- Mandarin/French/Spanish ab initio (Online courses only. Extra fees apply.)
3. Individuals and Societies:
- History (HL/SL)
- Economics (HL/SL)
- Psychology (SL)
4. Experimental Sciences:
- Physics (HL/SL)
- Biology (HL/SL),
- Chemistry (HL/SL)
5. Mathematics
- Mathematical Analysis and Approaches (HL/SL)
- Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (SL)
6. Visual Arts (HL/SL)
The IB Diploma Programme concludes with exams in all academic subjects studied in May of the second and final year of the program. Students must also complete an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course requirement, and a CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) portfolio. During the course of the two years, students will have summative and formative assessments in all subjects and receive grades from Nesbru at the end of every term (except for the final term of the second year when the IBO will issue a transcript with course grades.) Read more details about the Nesbru Assessment Policy here. (PDF, 281 kB)
The DP core
Alongside your six subjects, all IB students complete the three parts of the core. You must complete all three to be awarded the diploma.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) asks how we know what we claim to know. You explore knowledge across subjects and, and are assessed through an exhibition and an essay.
- The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent research paper of up to 4,000 words on a topic you choose within one of your subjects. A supervisor at school guides you through the process.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is the part of IB that happens outside the classroom. Over the two years you take part in creative activities, physical activity and service to others, reflect on what you learn, and complete a CAS project together with other students.
Studying in Norway
The IB Diploma gives you general admission to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse). Samordna opptak converts your IB points to a Norwegian grade average. The conversion table was changed from the 2025–26 admission year, so check the current table at Samordna opptak
Studying abroad
The IB Diploma is recognised by universities around the world. Our IB coordinator and school counsellor help students with applications to universities abroad.
Life as an IB student
The IB is demanding. You read a lot, write a lot, and work towards final exams in every subject. It suits students who are curious, motivated and able to plan their own work. In return, IB students tell us they arrive at university well prepared for independent study and academic writing.
At Nesbru you are supported by a contact teacher who follows your class, an IB coordinator who helps with subject choices, a university counsellor, and a shared calendar of internal deadlines so assignments are spread across the year.
Contact
Do you have questions about the IB Diploma Programme or the application process? Contact our IB coordinator:
Elizabeth Laney-Mortensen, IB Coordinator Email: helenl@afk.no Phone: +47 66 85 44 00
Nesbru videregående skole, Torstadåsen 7, 1396 Billingstad
Learn more about the Diploma Programme at ibo.org.