Norway has a high-quality education system offering study options at different levels, even for you as an English-speaking student. Norway offers you a unique student experience and Norwegian institutions of higher education welcome applications sent by qualified students from all over the world. Internationalization is a priority within all sectors of the Norwegian education system, and universities and university colleges are constantly working to facilitate international students. Nearly 12 000 foreign nationals are currently enrolled at Norwegian institutions of higher education. International students may apply for admission to a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. You may come to Norway as a student through established exchange programs, institutional agreements, or as a so-called "free mover", where you arrange the stay by yourself (a type of study, length, and financing).
Quality education
Quality education With a wide range of high-quality courses and great flexibility, Norwegian institutions prove to be an ideal study destination. From vocational subjects to postgraduate and doctorate levels, there are plenty of opportunities for students to fulfill their ambitions. You will also benefit from the informal atmosphere at Norwegian universities and university colleges, where teachers are easily approachable and tuition often takes place in small groups. Most institutions also have well-equipped computer facilities with free Internet access.
Admission & Application
In order to obtain the necessary application forms and information about the application deadlines, you will have to contact each university or university college. In general, the application deadline for foreign students is between, January 15 to March 15 for courses starting the following autumn (August). Please note that some institutions have separate"pre-qualification" deadlines that are earlier than this.
The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) supervises and helps to develop the quality of higher education in Norway through evaluation, accreditation, and recognition of quality systems, institutions, and course provisions. NOKUT is the official Norwegian ENIC-NARIC center.
For students with a Norwegian identity number, most applications to undergraduate studies at public institutions of higher education in Norway are processed by a centralized application processing center, called Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS - Samordna opptak).
Admission, courses, and programs for international students
The University of Oslo offers Master's degree programs and individual courses taught in English. All Bachelor's degrees at the University of Oslo are taught in Norwegian. Applicants interested in full degree studies at the University of Oslo, please see our page for Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programmes.
Exchange students may choose from more than 800 individual courses offered in English on the Bachelor's and Master's degree levels.
For admission and requirements for Ph.D. programs, please consult the Ph.D. pages.
Basic Entrance Requirements to Norwegian Universities for international applicants
International students who are not native speakers of English must also document their proficiency in English by taking an internationally recognized test, please see English Proficiency Requirements
Where can I study?
You can find institutions of higher education located all over Norway. The major cities can have both, a university and various university colleges. In addition to regular programs like humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, every institution has its own specialty areas. Combine your academic interests with an exciting geographical location!
List of institutions
No matter what your academic interests are, Norway can offer a wide variety of institutions - all with their own distinct profile. And the difference in geographic location, from the rugged islands of Svalbard in the Arctic to the capital city Oslo, makes each institution a perfect starting point for unique nature experiences. The Norwegian higher education sector consists of seven universities, nine specialized university institutions, 22 state university colleges, two national academies of the arts and 16 private colleges. For more information about each institution, please click here.
Tuition/Scholarships
Completing a university degree is often considered to be an expensive endeavor and tuition fees are usually making up the bulk part of the cost. Norwegian universities and state university colleges, as a rule, do not charge tuition fees for international students. However, you should take into consideration that living expenses in Norway are higher than in many other countries.
"Nothing is for free" is a saying that is true in many cases. But in Norway, it is possible to get a quality education without having to pay tuition fees. If certain prerequisites are met you could also be eligible for financial support that can pay for your living expenses. Through various fellowship programs, scholarship schemes or student loans, international students can receive funding for a full degree or a limited number of semesters.
We recommend that you first contact the International Office at your home university to see if institutional agreements with a Norwegian institution exist. Also, check our scholarship section to see if you are eligible for support through any programs or schemes.
The Foundation for Student Life in Oslo - SiO
The Foundation for Student Life in Oslo (SiO) is a student welfare organization that provides a wide range of services such as: Student Housing, Student Cafeterias, Student Sports, Student Health Services, Student Counselling, Student Kindergartens, Akademika - the academic bookstore, Student Life, The Career Centre at UiO, to make the student life easier.
Useful information for foreign students:
Norway.no is a Government initiative to provide information about public services, laws, regulations, duties, and rights you have in Norway. The website can also help you find the public agency you require. Locate Norwegian embassies and consulate generals around the world. Every site has various information about Norway.
Foreign students are an important contribution to Norwegian society and help enrich the social and professional environments at the schools. Contact the schools directly in order to find a course that suits your needs. When you have been admitted to an officially recognized educational institution, you can apply for a residence permit. Foreign nationals who wish to study in Norway for longer than three months must apply for a residence permit for students (this is also called a study permit).
NB: Separate rules apply for students at folk high schools or denominational colleges, and for students that are encompassed by EU/EEC and EFTA rules.
