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Admissions • Costs • Scholarships • Visas • Student Life
Study in Norway
Quality education, innovation, and stunning natural landscapes
Overview
Norway combines world-class education with a high standard of living and stunning natural beauty. Public universities offer quality programmes in English, particularly at master's level, while maintaining strong research connections to industries like renewable energy, maritime technology, and oil & gas.
The Norwegian education system follows the Bologna structure, enabling credit transfer across Europe. International students benefit from modern facilities, safe cities, and a welcoming environment. While tuition fees were introduced for non-EEA students in 2023, Norway remains competitive with generous scholarship opportunities.
Why Choose Norway
Top-ranked universities
English-friendly
Innovation hub
Quality of life
Top Universities in Norway
University of Oslo
Key Strengths
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Key Strengths
University of Bergen
Key Strengths
BI Norwegian Business School
Key Strengths
Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)
Key Strengths
Popular Programmes & Focus Areas
Norway excels in engineering, renewable energy, maritime studies, business, and social sciences. Programmes emphasise practical learning, research projects, and collaboration with industry.
Engineering & Technology
Strong programmes in petroleum engineering, renewable energy, maritime technology, and software engineering with industry partnerships.
Featured: NTNU, University of Stavanger, University of Agder
Business & Economics
BI and NHH offer internationally recognised business programmes with strong connections to Nordic and global companies.
Featured: BI Norwegian Business School, NHH, University of Oslo
Marine & Environmental Sciences
Norway's coastal location drives research in marine biology, oceanography, climate science, and sustainable fisheries.
Featured: University of Bergen, UIT The Arctic University, NTNU
Admission Requirements
Applications are submitted directly to universities or through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS) for bachelor's programmes. Deadlines vary by institution and programme.
undergraduate
- Upper secondary diploma equivalent to Norwegian vitnemål with minimum GPA requirements.
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 (no band < 5.5) or TOEFL iBT 80 (minimum 20 per section).
- Mathematics and science prerequisites for STEM programmes.
- Some programmes require entrance exams or portfolios.
postgraduate
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field with strong academic record.
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 90 for most master's programmes.
- Statement of purpose, CV, two academic references, and transcripts.
- GMAT/GRE may be required for business programmes.
Language test benchmarks
IELTS Academic
6.0-6.5 (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT
80-90
Norwegian language (for Norwegian-taught programmes)
Bergenstest B2 or equivalent
Application Steps
Most universities manage applications through their own portals. Master's programmes typically have deadlines in December (non-EEA) or March (EEA).
1. Research programmes
Shortlist universities and programmes matching your academic background and career goals.
2. Prepare documents
Gather transcripts, diplomas, English test scores, CV, motivation letter, and references.
3. Submit application
Complete online application, upload documents, and pay application fee (typically NOK 500-1,000).
4. Await decision
Universities review applications and notify candidates typically in February-April for autumn intake.
5. Accept offer & apply for residence permit
Accept admission, pay tuition deposit, and begin residence permit application with UDI.
12-9 months
- Research programmes, prepare IELTS/TOEFL, and gather academic documents.
- Explore scholarship opportunities (Quota Scheme, Erasmus+, institutional awards).
9-6 months
- Submit applications by December 1 (non-EEA) or March 1 (EEA) deadlines.
- Request recommendation letters and prepare motivation statements.
6-3 months
- Receive admission decisions, accept offers, and pay tuition deposits.
- Begin residence permit application with financial proof and accommodation.
3-0 months
- Complete residence permit process, arrange travel, and prepare for arrival.
- Register with local municipality and obtain Norwegian ID number.
Cost of Studying in Norway
Norway has high living costs, but tuition remains competitive. Budget approximately NOK 126,000 per year for living expenses (2025 requirement for residence permit).
bachelor programmes
NOK 130,000-225,000/year (≈ EUR 11,000-19,100 ≈ 119,000-206,000 MAD)
master programmes
NOK 125,000-255,000/year (≈ EUR 10,600-21,700 ≈ 115,000-234,000 MAD)
professional programmes
NOK 300,000-500,000/year (≈ EUR 25,500-42,500 ≈ 275,000-458,000 MAD)
Oslo
NOK 12,000-15,000 (≈ EUR 1,020-1,275 ≈ 11,000-13,700 MAD)
Accommodation NOK 6,000-9,000; food NOK 3,000-4,000; transport NOK 600 with student discount.
Bergen
NOK 11,000-13,000 (≈ EUR 935-1,105 ≈ 10,100-11,900 MAD)
Slightly lower than Oslo; student housing available through Sammen.
Trondheim
NOK 10,500-12,500 (≈ EUR 890-1,060 ≈ 9,600-11,400 MAD)
Affordable student accommodation through Sit.
| Expense | NOK | Approx. EUR | Approx. MAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (master's avg) | NOK 150,000 | EUR 12,700 | 137,000 MAD |
| Accommodation | NOK 5,000-7,000 | EUR 425-595 | 4,600-6,400 MAD |
| Food & groceries | NOK 3,000-4,000 | EUR 255-340 | 2,750-3,650 MAD |
| Transport | NOK 600 | EUR 51 | 550 MAD |
| Insurance & healthcare | NOK 500-800 | EUR 42-68 | 460-730 MAD |
| Personal expenses | NOK 2,000-3,000 | EUR 170-255 | 1,840-2,750 MAD |
Scholarships & Funding
Norway offers several scholarship programmes for international students, including the Quota Scheme (now replaced by individual university scholarships), Erasmus+, and institutional awards.
University scholarships
University of Oslo Scholarships
Full or partial tuition coverage
Merit-based awards for outstanding master's applicants.
NTNU Excellence Scholarships
Tuition waiver + NOK 10,000/month stipend
Top applicants in engineering and technology programmes.
Government & External
Erasmus+
Full scholarships for exchange and joint master's programmes.
Nordplus
Mobility grants for students from Nordic and Baltic countries.
Private & Industry
Industry partnerships
Many engineering programmes offer company-sponsored scholarships and paid internships.
Student Life & Support
Norwegian universities provide excellent student services, including housing through student welfare organisations (Sammen, Sit, SiO), subsidised meals, and comprehensive support for international students.
Housing
Student housing organisations offer affordable accommodation (NOK 4,500-7,000/month). Apply early as demand is high.
Food & culture
Student cafeterias provide subsidised meals (NOK 50-80). Norwegian cuisine includes fish, meat, and traditional dishes.
Transport
Student discounts on public transport (50% off). Cycling is popular in cities like Oslo and Bergen.
Health & wellbeing
Students pay NOK 300-600/year for student health services. Comprehensive healthcare coverage available.
Working During Studies
International students with residence permits can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays.
Work hours: 20 hours/week during term; full-time during holidays
Minimum wage: NOK 200/hour (≈ EUR 17 ≈ 184 MAD) - typical student jobs
Popular roles: Retail, Hospitality, Research assistant, Tutoring
Internships: Many programmes include paid internships or thesis projects with companies.
Post-Graduation Options
Graduates can apply for a job-seeker residence permit for up to 12 months to find employment in Norway.
Job-seeker residence permit
Duration: Up to 12 months
Completed degree in Norway and proof of financial means (NOK 126,000).
Skilled worker permit
Duration: Up to 3 years (renewable)
Job offer with salary meeting threshold (NOK 500,000+/year).
Permanent residence
Available after 3 years of legal residence with employment and Norwegian language proficiency (A2-B1).
Visa & Residence Permit
Non-EEA students must apply for a residence permit for studies through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) before travelling to Norway.
Step 1
Receive admission letter from Norwegian institution.
Step 2
Prepare financial proof (NOK 126,000 per year), accommodation confirmation, and health insurance.
Step 3
Submit online application to UDI with supporting documents and pay application fee (NOK 3,200).
Step 4
Provide biometrics at Norwegian embassy/VFS and await decision (typically 6-12 weeks).
Read the Norway visa guide
Essential Documents Checklist
Academic
- Diplomas and transcripts with certified translations.
- Admission letter from Norwegian institution.
- English proficiency certificates (IELTS/TOEFL).
Financial
- Bank statements showing NOK 126,000 per year (minimum 3 months).
- Accommodation confirmation or housing guarantee.
- Health insurance covering entire stay.
Supporting
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months validity).
- Two passport photos.
- CV, motivation letter, and reference letters.
Application Timeline
12-9 months
- Research programmes, prepare English tests, and gather academic documents.
- Explore scholarship opportunities and application requirements.
9-6 months
- Submit applications by December 1 (non-EEA) or March 1 (EEA).
- Request recommendation letters and prepare motivation statements.
6-3 months
- Receive admission decisions, accept offers, and pay deposits.
- Begin residence permit application with UDI.
3-0 months
- Complete residence permit process, arrange travel, and prepare for arrival.
- Register with municipality and obtain Norwegian ID number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Norwegian?
No, many master's programmes are taught in English. However, learning Norwegian (A2-B1) improves job prospects and daily life.
How much money do I need for the residence permit?
You must show NOK 126,000 per year (≈ EUR 10,700 ≈ 115,000 MAD) in bank statements or scholarship proof.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays with a valid residence permit.
How long does the residence permit take?
Processing typically takes 6-12 weeks after biometrics. Apply early to avoid delays.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes, universities offer merit-based scholarships, and Erasmus+ provides funding for eligible programmes.