Study in Norway The Government of Norway has increasingly worked towards internationalizing the education system in the country. It is because of this that universities and colleges are working towards creating conducive atmosphere for international students who come to the country for higher studies. An estimated 11000 students from different countries are pursuing higher education in different Norwegian institutions of higher education. There are various undergraduate and graduate degree programmes available in the country.
Norway is an ideal destination for higher education. The courses offered have high quality and an improved flexibility. Courses available range from vocational to postgraduate and doctoral studies. The universities and colleges in the country have an informal approach when compared to educational institutions from around the world. Teachers at the higher educational institutions are more approachable and tuitions are also available. Most institutions present in the country have computer facilities and free Internet access.
Universities in the country carry out cutting edge research in various fields, besides providing academic opportunities. In fact, the emphasis is on research-based education. Also, Norwegian universities do not charge any tuition fees. However, special programs and private and specialized schools do have fees.
Also, Norway provides a breathtaking sight. Studies can be combined with thrilling outdoor adventures. Aurora Borealis, the midnight sun, fjords, and the mountains provide a beautiful sight. Students can also enjoy skiing, water rafting, and climbing or simply sit back and enjoy the fresh air. Thus, the students can not only pursue quality higher education but also enjoy unique natural experiences. Norway offers you a unique student experience and Norwegian institutions of higher education welcome applications sent by qualified students from all over the world. Internationalisation is a priority within all sectors of the Norwegian education system, and universities and university colleges are constantly working to facilitate for 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 programmes. You may come to Norway as student through established exchange programmes, institutional agreements, or as a so called "free mover", where you arrange the stay by yourself (type of study, length and financing). 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 level, there are plenty of opportunities for students to fulfil 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. Study off the beaten track
In our northern corner of the world you can combine your studies with exciting outdoor activities, both winter and summer. You can see the Aurora Borealis ("Northern lights"), experience the midnight sun, fjords and mountains. Challenge yourself with skiing, white water rafting or climbing. Or simply enjoy the fresh air, clean water and lots and lots of space. As a student in Norway you will never be short of possibilities for unique nature experiences. Admission & Application In order to obtain the neccessary 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. | For students with a Norwegian identity number most applications to undergraduate studies at public institutions of higher education in Norway are processed by a centralised application processing centre called Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS - Samordna opptak). | Below you will find the general requirements to previous education. These are minimum requirements determined by NOKUT. Please note that institutions may have higher and/or additional requirements for all or some programmes. Academic requirements
A compilation of country-specific information called the GSU-list (formerly SIS list) states what level of education applicants from different countries need to meet for entry into Norwegian higher education, including any requirements concerning proficiency in English. For courses where the language of instruction is Norwegian, proficiency in the Norwegian language is also required. An updated version of the GSU list can be found here. Undergraduate studies
Completion of secondary education at advanced level, equivalent to passing the exam at the end of Norwegian secondary school, is the general basic requirement for entry to Norwegian universities and university colleges. For students from some countries at least one year of completed studies at the university level is required in addition. Please check the GSU-list for detailed information regarding additional requirements for your country. Some study programmes have special admission requirements, usually relating to specialist subjects or fields of study from secondary school. Please check with the institution for information about these special qualifications. Masters programmes
Admission requirements are decided by each university and university college based on an academic evaluation of the applicants. Applicants for Masters programmes have normally obtained an undergraduate/Bachelor's degree or equivalent of at least 3 years' duration. The degree must include courses equal to at least 1 1/2 years of full-time studies in a subject relevant to that of the programme applied for. In special cases, the first (and sometimes the second) year of study at a foreign higher education institution will not be recognised as higher education in Norway. Student life As a student in Norway you will never be short of lifetime experiences. No matter what your preferences are you should be able to find something of interest beyond books and classes. The freedom of nature is never far away, even in the major cities. If you are more urban oriented many cities have a vibrant cultural life with coffee bars and music clubs. Student welfare organisations
Your local student welfare organisation can offer a variety of services, from on campus health services to sports activities. We highly recommend to make use of their services - after all, they are there for your own well being. Discover Norway
When in Norway you should not miss the opportunity to experience other areas of our diverse country than where you study. Despite the geography and long distances, most places are accessible by public transport. Of course, if you prefere solitude and to find your own personal sanctuary, the wilderness is never far away. Most cities and regions have their own Tourist Office that can provide you with information about local sights, accomodation and travel. See the Visit Norway website to locate these offices. Student residence permit All students who plan to stay in Norway for more than three months will need a student residence permit. Visas are only issued for stays up to 90 days (e.g. for certain Summer School programmes). We urge you to carefully read the regulations as to avoid problems during the application process. Applications that are incomplete will not be processed, and your entry to Norway can be delayed. Regulations concerning student residence permit for students from countries in the EU/EEA/EFTA are available here.
Regulations concerning student residence permit for students from the Nordic countries are available here. For applicants from countries outside the EU/EEA/EFTA:
You should submit your application to a Norwegian Foreign Mission. The application must be submitted in person. Applications sent by mail or email will not be processed. In some cases the applicant may expect to be called in for an interview. There is a processing fee of NOK 1 100 (approx. USD 180) for each application made from abroad payable to the Norwegian Foreign Mission. Due to exchange rates and local administrative conditions this fee may vary. Please check with the Norwegian Foreign Mission for exact fee prior to submission of application. Please visit the Norway Portal to locate the Norwegian embassy or consulate general nearest you. When you apply for a student residence permit you must submit the following documents: - An application form for student residence with a passport photograph.
[download form here] - A copy of your passport.
- Documentation of admission to an approved educational institution.
The letter of acceptance from the instution must contain the following information:
1. The applicant's name
2. The name of the institution
3. What course/programme the applicant has been admitted to
4. The duration of the course/programme
The course/programme must be full-time and approved for financial support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund. This also applies for students who have financing from other sources and do not intend to seek support from the Loan Fund. - A plan of study.
A filled out form stating the progress of your studies.
[download form here] - Documentation of housing.
Approved documentation includes a lease copy for a house, an apartment or a room issued by a private person or company. Apartments/rooms provided by the institution's own Student Housing organisation must also be documented with a lease copy. - Documentation of subsistence
(loan from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund or deposits in a Norwegian bank).
Subsistence is ensured at NOK 81.400,- for the school year 2007/2008. If you plan to attend an institution/programme/course that has tuition fees, you must also document that you are able to finance this extra cost.
As a general rule, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration requires the money to be deposited in a Norwegian bank account, and this account must be in the applicant’s name. If the educational institution has set up an account for the students, the student may transfer his/her funds to this account. Documentation in this case should include a statement from the institution confirming that the correct amount is deposited to the account in question, or a bank statement showing a balance for the correct amount.The applicant may apply for part-time work in Norway and submit this as part of the grounds for subsistence. However, the total amount for subsistence will then be higher.As a general rule, financial guarantees from a third person is not accepted, whether this person is a resident in Norway or another country. In special cases financial guarantees from an applicant's parents may be accepted if they are Norwegian residents.
Please note that the documentation requirements will vary from country to country and are subject to change. For more information, contact the Norwegian Foreign Service mission closest to you. If you are in Norway, contact the local police or the Directorate of Immigration. A student residence permit to Norway is granted under the precondition that the student will return to his/her country of legal permanent residence upon completion of the studies. For regulations concerning familiy reunification for a student's immediate family, please see the website of the UDI. Exchange students
The regulations above are also valid for exchange students from countries outside the EU/EEA/EFTA. If the stay is financed through scholarships, student loans or other public funding from the home country, valid documentation must accompany the application. The documentation must include the total amount converted into a generally accepted currency, together with information about how the funds will be paid out (e.g. in monthly installments or the full amount at once). Tuition fees The majority of Norwegian institutions of higher education are publicly funded. And the Norwegian government considers access to higher education for all to be an important part of the Norwegian society. Thus, there are normally no tuition fees at state universities and university colleges in Norway. This also applies to foreign students, no matter which country you come from. No tuition fees
Generally, students at state universities and university colleges do not pay tuition fees. This is true for all levels, including undergraduate studies, Masters programmes and Ph.D. programmes. However, students will have to pay a semester fee of NOK 300-600 each semester. In order to take an exam this fee will have to be paid in full. But the fee also grants you membership in the local student welfare organisation, which in turn entitles you to several benefits. These benefits may include on campus health services, counselling, access to sports facilities and cultural activities. Payment of the semester fee is also neccessary to get an official student card that, among other things, gives you reduced fares on most forms of public transport and lower ticket prices to various cultural events. Programmes and courses with tutition fees
Most private institutions have tuition fees for all their programmes and courses. But the fees are usually significantly lower than those of comparable studies in most other countries. Also, foreign students don't pay higher tuition fees than Norwegian students. State universities and university colleges may have tuition fees for a few specialised programmes. Typically these programmes are at the Masters level. Scholarships Most Norwegian institutions have various bilateral agreements with foreign institutions of higher education. These agreements are usually designed for the mutual exchange of students, researchers and teachers. However, there are national programmes that offer scholarships and other types of funding for international students wishing to study in Norway. Certain restrictions and prerequisites apply for all these programmes. In addition, there are various stipends available offered by private and non-profit organisations. Quota Scheme
The Norwegian government provides scholarships for students from developing countries and countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia through the Quota Scheme. The objective of the scheme is to promote the internationalisation of higher education. Currently, the scheme provides full scholarships for a total of 1 100 students, of which 800 are from developing countries and 300 from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Each year universities and university colleges in Norway are allocated a certain number of quota students. The scheme normally includes courses taught in English at Masters and Ph.D. level, in addition to certain professional degrees. In order to find out which courses are available under the scheme, please contact the institutions directly. The application deadline varies depending on course and institution. To learn more about the Quota Scheme and find out if you are eligible to apply, please visit the website of The Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education (SIU). Norad's Programme for Master Studies (NOMA)
(former Norad Fellowship Programme and The Norwegian Capacity-Building Programme)
Norad's Programme for Master Studies provides scholarships for students from developing countries to study Masters and Diploma programmes at institutions in the South. The aim of all educational activities within the NOMA is to educate staff in public and private sector as well as NGOs in the South. Masters programmes will to a greater extent than earlier be established and developed in the South in close collaboration with Norwegian institutions. Around 110 students are accepted into the programme every year. Please note that 2006 will be a transitional year from the former Norad Fellowship Programme (NFP) to the new NOMA orogramme. This means that there will be no application round for students in the fall of 2006. The application round for students will open after February 2007. To learn more about the programme and find out if you are eligible to apply, please visit the website of the NOMA programme. Norwegian Government Scholarships
The Norwegian Government, through the International Scholarship Section (IS) of the Research Council of Norway, offers each academic year a pool of scholarships for advanced students and young researchers. The government scholarships are designed to promote contact and mobility between Norwegian and foreign students and researchers and institutions of higher learning and research. The scholarships are open to all areas of academic studies and research, including applied and performing arts. The scholarships are intended to finance a temporary stay of up to one academic year, and are not intended for completing an education/degree in Norway. To learn more about the scholarships and find out if you are eligible, please see the website of the International Scholarship Section (IS) of the Research Council of Norway. Fellowship Programme for Studies in the High North
The Fellowship Programme for Studies in the High North is a programme for studies at institutions of higher education in Northern Norway and forms part of the Norwegian Government’s High North Strategy. Candidates will be selected through institutional agreements, meaning that individual fellowship applications from prospective students is not accepted in this programme. Fellowships may be awarded to students from Russia, the USA and Canada. At least half of the fellowships will be awarded to students from Russia. To learn more about the The Fellowship Programme for Studies in the High North and find out if you are eligible to apply, please visit the website of The Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education (SIU). Erasmus
The Erasmus programme offers students from EU/EEA-countries enrolled at European higher education insitutions the possibility to study abroad as a part of their degree to supplement their studies. Exchanges last between 3 and 12 months. For more information contact your home university or the national agency of your country. To learn more about the Erasmus-programme and find out if you are eligible to apply, please visit the website of the European Commission. The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund Support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund consists of a loan and a grant that will cover the costs of studying in Norway. You will only have to repay the loan. If you have children with a residence permit who live together with you in Norway, you may be eligible for further support. If you work while you are a student, the support may be reduced. You need admission to a Norwegian educational institution in order to apply for financial support and you need a residence permit before any support is paid out. To learn more about the Loan Fund and find out if you are eligible, please see the website of the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund. Living in Norway Norway is one of the three Scandinavian countries in the Northern part of Europe. With a population of 4,6 million Norway is not among the most crowded places on the planet. But we very much enjoy the space and our diverse nature, and visitors are often astonished by Norwegians' active way of life. So don't get surprised if your Norwegian friends insist on going hiking, even if the weather maybe is more suitable for staying in the sofa. Explore the unknown and challenge your own limits - the people of Norway has never been afraid of going their own ways. A thousand years ago the Vikings sailed their ships south to the Mediterranian, east to the Black Sea and all the way west to Greenland, and many historians claim they even made it to New Foundland in North America. Today, Norway is a modern country where our explorative mindset is geared towards technology, innovation and developing a knowledge based society. We also continue to further develop our oil & gas industry, fisheries and traditional industrial areas. Thriving on the top of Europe
Norway is a European country even though we are not part of the European Union (EU). But through the EEA-agreement we are fully integrated with the large European community in regards to everything from trade and economy to education and research. And as a participant in the Schengen agreement, travel to and from Norway is easy for people with legal residency in another Schengen country. For the last four years the United Nations (UN) has ranked Norway as having the highest standard of living in the world. This annual ranking is based largely on average levels of education and income, combined with expected length of lifetime, but also factors like human rights and cultural freedom. Norway is weighed high for its high literacy rate in addition to educational levels and material wealth. Cold country? Warm people!
Ok, the cat is out of the box - there are no palm trees in Norway! But in the summer we enjoy periods with warm weather, and due to the Gulf Stream the coastal areas are rather mild in the winter time. Nevertheless, you should bring warm clothing when visiting Norway in the winter. Norwegians have a reputation of being somewhat introvert and difficult to get to know. But this should just be perceived as a first impression misunderstanding. Norwegians are generally both welcoming and open minded towards foreigners. If we don't take the first step, don't be afraid to approach us for a conversation. We have a direct way of communicating and often speak out our opinions. | 
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