Study in Norway

Renowned for its low crime rates and high-ranking universities, Norway is consistently regarded as one of the most desirable places to live. It provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for international students

With a population of over five million, Norway has an excellent reputation for providing quality higher education, and an increasing number of degree programmes are taught in English.

Norwegian can be a challenging language to learn but mastering it will assist you in adapting to your new environment. Being proficient in the language will also facilitate making friends with locals and improve your job prospects by creating networking opportunities with Norwegian-speaking professionals. These connections can be extremely valuable for finding job leads and advancing your career.

During your stay, you'll be able to experience the midnight sun in the summer and the famous Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in the winter. Embrace the Norwegian outdoor lifestyle by visiting one of the country's 47 national parks, hiking popular trails such as Preikestolen and Trolltunga, or exploring iconic fjords such as Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord.

Bookworms should visit Fjærland and Tvedestrand - two of the country's 'book towns', while music lovers should check out some of the many festivals held in Oslo, Tønsberg, Trondheim, and °Õ°ù´Ç³¾²õø.

Norwegian universities

Norway has three types of state-owned higher education institution. These include universities, university colleges and specialist colleges.

There are ten universities, and these include:

• Nord University
• Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• Oslo Metropolitan University
• University of Agder
• University of Bergen
• University of Oslo
• University of South Eastern Norway
• University of Stavange
• University of °Õ°ù´Ç³¾²õø.

The nine specialised universities are:

• BI - Norwegian Business School
• MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
• Molde University College - Specialised University in Logistics
• NHH Norwegian School of Economics
• Norwegian Academy of Music
• Oslo National Academy of the Arts
• The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
• The Oslo School of Architecture and Design
• VID Specialised University

There are 13 universities of applied sciences and 16 university colleges with accredited study programmes.

The country also has a number of private higher education institutions.

The University of Oslo, Norwegian University of Science, and the University of Bergen all feature in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and rank 119th, 264th and 291st respectively.

The Norwegian academic year runs from August to June, split into two terms - autumn (August to December) and spring (January to June). Broadly speaking, the structure of the higher education system in Norway is very similar to the UK.

Popular student destinations include:

• Bergen
• Kristiansand
• Oslo
• °Õ°ù´Ç³¾²õø
• Trondhem.

Degree courses in Norway

Higher education institutions in Norway follow the Bologna Process, so the type and structure of programmes are similar to those in the UK.

Bachelors courses usually take three years to complete and are available in a variety of subjects.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars and project work. Laboratory work, excursions and field trips are also mandatory in certain subjects. Students are typically assessed through end-of-course exams - either written, oral or both - using the A-F grading scale.

For entry onto an undergraduate programme you'll need a secondary school leaving certificate as a minimum requirement.

You can search for Bachelors degrees in Norway at Study in Norway - Study opportunities.

Masters degrees

Thanks to the country's welcoming attitude and the fact that an increasing number of postgraduate courses are now taught in English, Masters study in Norway is a popular option.

Programmes are available in a range of subjects and typically take two years to complete. Like Bachelors degrees, Masters courses are taught through a series of lectures, seminars and workshops. To complete your degree, you'll be required to submit an independently researched dissertation.

To be accepted onto a postgraduate course in Norway you'll need to have completed a Bachelors degree. Some institutions may require you to have studied a subject relevant to your chosen Masters programme at undergraduate level.

Search for Masters degrees in Norway at Study in Norway - Masters degrees.

PhDs

Doctoral degrees last for three years and include a mandatory thesis component. However, many PhD students follow a structured Doctoral programme for four years, with the additional year used for professional development activities.

Students are allocated a supervisor for their thesis, which is evaluated by three senior academics. One of these must be from another university, with another ideally from outside of Norway. The student delivers one public lecture, defending their thesis before the reviewing committee.

Applicants require a Masters degree or a professional degree, and PhD candidates are legally considered to be employees of the university rather than students.

Student exchanges

Following the UK's departure from the European Union (EU), the government has announced the Turing Scheme for students looking to secure overseas placements and study abroad at an overseas university.

The scheme is backed by over £100million worth of funding, enabling thousands of students from schools, colleges and universities to gain study and work experience overseas.

Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in Norway. Check that your institution is involved in the programme and offers the scheme.

Several institutions, such as the University of Oslo and the Norwegian University of Science of Technology, also offer their own exchange programmes.

Course fees

Starting from the 2023/24 academic year, international students from outside the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) will be required to pay tuition fees to study in Norway. These fees are determined by each institution and may vary depending on the course. They range from approximately 125,000 to 370,000 Norwegian Krone (NOK) per year, which is around £8,837 to £26,159.

Tuition costs for citizens from the European Union are covered by the Ministry of Education and Research, allowing both local and international undergraduate and postgraduate students to study for free.

Apart from tuition fees, students are also obligated to pay a small semester students' union fee, which provides access to exams, discounted travel, and health, sports, and counselling facilities. This fee typically amounts to around 350 to700 NOK (£29 to £58) per semester.

It's important to note that exchange students from universities in other countries are exempt from paying tuition fees in Norway.

Funding to study in Norway

Living costs are high in Norway - especially in popular cities such as Oslo and Bergen.

However, to help with maintenance costs, The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund allocates grants and loans according to an official cost of living estimate, with support potentially exceeding NOK 151,690 (approximately £10,724) in 2024/25.

This initial loan covers accommodation, food and course costs, and all students are eligible, providing they meet certain criteria - for example, that they pass their exams and earn less than NOK 214,213 (approximately £15,144) per year.

Find available scholarships and grants at Study in Norway - Scholarships.

Student visas

Norway is not a member of the EU but is part of the EEA, meaning UK citizens can travel to countries in the Schengen area, including Norway, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

However, if you plan to study in Norway for more than three months, you must apply for a study/residence permit at a cost of NOK 10,500 (£741) per year (adjusted yearly).

To be granted a permit, you will need to:

• have been accepted into a university or university college
• study full time
• pay an application fee
• have enough money to cover living expenses and tuition fees, if needed
• have a place to live
• be able to return to your home country when you've completed your studies.

Applications are processed by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

For more information, see the Norwegian Embassy in the UK.

Nationals of EU or EEA countries do not need a residence permit to stay in Norway. However, all those who plan to stay for longer than three months must register with the police.

To find out more, see Study in Norway - Study permit, visit the UDI or contact the Norwegian Embassy in your home country.

How to apply

Applications for Bachelors courses are centralised through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS).

To apply for a Masters degree, you need to submit your application directly to the institution of your choice. They will review your documents, verify your eligibility, notify you if an entrance examination is required, and issue your letter of acceptance.

Each institution and programme may have specific additional admission requirements and application processes, so it's important to confirm these details with your university before applying.

Regardless of the level of study, you will need to submit a completed application form and academic certificates. Some programmes may also require you to take an aptitude test and/or submit a personal statement.

International students typically have application deadlines between December and March for courses starting in the next academic year, but it's best to confirm these dates with your institution.

Language requirements

Norway is home to two languages - Norwegian and Sami, with Norwegian being the most widely used. It is also the primary teaching language, but English is widely spoken as a second language, so you don't necessarily have to learn Norwegian to get by.

However, having a grasp of the language will help you to settle into your new surroundings and will allow you to communicate with other foreign students from Denmark and Sweden, so don't turn down the opportunity to learn. You can begin to learn the language at home or once you're in the country with an intensive course.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Thanks to the Bologna Process, UK employers will recognise any Norwegian Bachelors, Masters or PhD that you gain.

³§±ð±ðÌýENIC-NARIC for more information on how your qualifications are recognised.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to work in Norway.