Study in Norway

Public universities and dramatic nature in the Nordic north

Norway offers respected public universities, a strong research culture, and English-taught master's programmes, set against some of Europe's most striking natural landscapes.

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Main intakes: 1–2Main intakes
Status (not EU): EEA / SchengenStatus (not EU)
Teaching options: English-taught master'sTeaching options
University system: Strong public sectorUniversity system

Country overview

Studying in Norway

Norway is a Nordic country and part of the EEA and Schengen area (though not an EU member). Its higher education is dominated by well-regarded public universities and university colleges, with English-taught programmes most common at master's level. Degrees follow the Bologna structure.

Norway is known for a strong research culture, flat and collaborative teaching styles, and exceptional natural surroundings. Tuition rules have changed in recent years, with non-EU/EEA students now generally charged tuition, so always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the institution.

Capital: Oslo
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Popular cities: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø
Main intakes: Autumn (Aug), some Spring (Jan)
Teaching languages: Norwegian and English (programme-dependent)
Status: EEA/Schengen — simplified entry for EU/EEA citizens

Why study here

Reasons students choose Norway

Respected public universities

Norway's public universities have strong reputations, especially in research-intensive fields.

English-taught master's

Many master's programmes are taught in English, particularly in sciences and technology.

Collaborative learning

Teaching is often flat and discussion-based, encouraging independent and critical thinking.

Exceptional nature

Fjords, mountains, and northern landscapes offer a unique setting for student life.

Education system

How the system is structured

Norwegian higher education is mainly public, delivered by universities and university colleges following the Bologna three-cycle structure with the ECTS credit system.

Public universities

Research-oriented institutions offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes.

University colleges

Offer more applied and profession-oriented programmes alongside academic study.

ECTS credits

Programmes use ECTS, supporting transfer and recognition across Europe.

Application routes

Pathways by study level

Requirements differ by level. Use the tabs to see typical entry expectations for each pathway.

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor's

Bachelor's programmes are mostly taught in Norwegian, so Norwegian-language proof is often required at this level.

Typical duration: 3 years

Typical entry requirements

Completed secondary education comparable to the Norwegian requirement
Norwegian language proof for Norwegian-taught programmes
Programme-specific prerequisites for some fields

Qualification requirements

What qualifications you typically need

Typical qualification requirements by study level in Norway
Study level	Typical requirement
Bachelor's	Secondary education assessed as comparable to the Norwegian standard; Norwegian proof is often required at bachelor's level.
Master's	A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades and English proof for English-taught programmes.

Language requirements

Proving your language ability

Bachelor's programmes are often in Norwegian, while many master's programmes are in English. Confirm accepted tests and scores with the institution.

English-taught programmes

IELTS Academic

Widely accepted for English-taught programmes; bands vary by programme.

TOEFL iBT

Commonly accepted as an alternative to IELTS.

Local-language programmes

Norwegian language proof

Often required for Norwegian-taught (mostly bachelor's) programmes.

Minimum scores and accepted tests differ by programme and level — always verify directly.

Application process

A typical application, step by step

Shortlist programmes
Identify programmes matching your background and check the teaching language, especially at bachelor's level.
Check requirements and deadlines
Confirm academic prerequisites, language proof, and application deadlines, which can be early for international applicants.
Prepare and submit documents
Gather transcripts, language results, and identification, then apply through the institution's process.
Receive an offer
Await the institution's decision and any conditions before accepting.
Arrange residence steps
Non-EU applicants should begin the residence permit process promptly once admitted.

Visa process

Student visa overview

Check your citizenship status
EU/EEA/Nordic citizens generally do not need a residence permit for study in the same way as non-EU applicants, though registration formalities may still apply.
Non-EU: apply for a study residence permit
Non-EU/international students typically apply for a residence permit for studies through the Norwegian immigration authority (UDI).
Prepare supporting documents
Commonly includes the admission letter, passport, proof of funds, and health insurance, though exact lists vary.
Register after arrival
Non-EU students generally complete local registration and residence formalities after arriving in Norway.
Verify current rules officially
Residence and tuition rules have changed recently — always confirm the current process with the official Norwegian immigration authority.

This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Norway can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.

Required documents

Documents you are likely to need

Academic transcripts
Certified copies of secondary or prior higher-education records.
Language test results
English (IELTS/TOEFL) or Norwegian proof depending on the programme.
Passport
Valid for the duration of study and travel.
Admission letter
Official confirmation of admission from the institution.
Proof of funds
Evidence you can support tuition and living costs.
Health insuranceIf applicable
Required for the residence permit process for non-EU applicants.

Study categories

Popular fields of study

Technology & engineering

Marine Technology
Electrical
Mechanical
Renewable Energy

Natural & environmental sciences

Environmental Science
Marine Biology
Geosciences
Climate

Business & economics

Business Administration
Economics
Management
Finance

Social sciences

Political Science
Peace Studies
Sociology
Development Studies

Costs and funding

Budgeting your studies

Tuition rules changed recently: non-EU/EEA students are now generally charged tuition, while EU/EEA students often are not. Norway also has a high cost of living. The figures below are qualitative — confirm current amounts with the institution.

Tuition

EU/EEA students: Often no tuition
Non-EU students: Tuition generally applies

Living costs

Overall living costs: High
Accommodation: Largest monthly cost
Health insurance: Required

Funding & scholarships

University scholarships

Some scholarships exist, particularly for non-EU students now facing tuition; availability varies and should be checked directly.

Exchange/mobility programmes

EEA and other mobility schemes may support eligible students; verify eligibility officially.

Part-time work

Eligible students may work limited hours; rules depend on citizenship and must be verified officially.

Application timeline

Planning your year

12–14 months before

Research

Shortlist programmes and check teaching language
Note early international deadlines
Plan a realistic budget

9–12 months before

Prepare

Sit language tests
Gather transcripts and documents
Research scholarships

5–9 months before

Apply

Submit applications
Track offers and conditions

2–5 months before

Residence & arrival

Accept an offer
Apply for the residence permit if non-EU
Arrange accommodation early

Avoid these

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming study in Norway is tuition-free — this has changed for non-EU/EEA students.
Underestimating the high cost of living.
Not checking that a bachelor's programme may require Norwegian.
Missing early application deadlines for international students.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is studying in Norway still free?

EU/EEA students are often still exempt from tuition, but non-EU/EEA students are now generally charged tuition following recent policy changes. Always verify current fees with the institution.

Are programmes taught in English?

Many master's programmes are taught in English, but bachelor's programmes are often in Norwegian, so check the teaching language of each specific programme.

Is Norway expensive for students?

Yes — Norway has a high cost of living, so budgeting carefully for accommodation and daily expenses is important.

How long does the non-EU residence process take?

Processing times vary and are not fixed — always confirm current timelines with the official Norwegian immigration authority well before your intended start date.

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