Studying in Norway
The Norwegian higher education sector is known for its high academic standards, innovative teaching methods and close, informal relations between students and lecturers.
It is possible to study interesting combinations of subjects at Norwegian universities and university colleges, and a wide range of courses and programmes is available in English for international students.
In addition, student life at most higher education institutions is very dynamic, and there are a range of social activities on offer.
International students give many reasons as to why they like studying in Norway: the safe, peaceful, and technologically advanced society; the magnificent scenery; the opportunity to take part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities – summer and winter; and the fact that studying in Norway will enhance their career opportunities, both in Norway and in other countries.
How do I apply?
You can do part of your degree in Norway through one of the established exchange programmes or agreements between institutions, or you can come to Norway to follow an entire Bachelors or Masters degree course.
Read more about the advantages of studying in Norway, find universities and university colleges that offer courses in English, and find out how to apply at studyinnorway.no.
Study in Norway
Norway currently has 9 universities, 8 university colleges and 5 scientific colleges owned by the state. Norway also has a large number of private higher education institutions receiving public funding. It is a priority to Norwegian authorities to maintain and develop an education system of high quality, which is open to all, regardless of the student’s social and economic background. This also counts for international students. Studying in Norway will improve your career possibilities, both at home and abroad.
A number of degree programs and courses are taught in English. Non-native-English students will see that their English skills improve during their studies in Norway. A high level of English in the society in general makes it easy to both study and live in Norway. Receiving international students, either as a part of an exchange agreement or students seeking a full degree, is considered both an asset for the educational institution itself, and a tool for increasing the quality of the Norwegian institutions and education.
Higher education system
With the exception of some private university colleges, all higher education institutions are state-run. Since 2003, Norway has been following the objectives of the Bologna process in the European higher education. Central has been implementation of a 3 + 2 + 3 degree system with a Bachelor's, Masters and PhD structure following the European standards. With this degree system it has become easier for international students who complete all, or part of their education in Norway, to obtain recognition for their qualifications in other countries.
The application period (deadlines) varies, but are usually from 1 November to 15 January. Make sure to check the application deadline for your specific study program.
Tuition fees
The majority of Norwegian universities and state university colleges are public funded. The Norwegian government considers access to higher education for all to be an important part of the Norwegian society. Thus, as a rule, Norwegian public institutions do not charge tuition fees. This also applies to international students, no matter which country you come from.
Private institutions charge tuition fees for their degree programs, but the fees are usually significantly lower than those of comparable studies in most other countries. International students are treated equally to the Norwegian students, and are not charged with higher fees.
See also the Saudi sponsorship system for education in Norway here (in Arabic).
Foreign students will be allowed to enter Norway from 1 August
July 2021