Study in Norway

If you're looking for a study destination that combines high-quality education with an outstanding quality of life, Norway is well worth considering. With a student population of 308,000, the country is known for its excellent universities, innovative approach to learning and strong focus on sustainability.

What really sets Norway apart is the lifestyle. Away from your studies, you'll have the chance to explore mountains, fjords such as Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord, forests and national parks. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing or simply spending time outdoors, it's easy to find a healthy balance between university life and adventure. You may even experience the Northern Lights or the midnight sun, depending on where you study.

You'll also find that English is widely spoken, making it relatively easy to settle in as an international student. However, learning some Norwegian can help you make friends, integrate into local life and increase your chances of finding part-time work or graduate opportunities. If you'd like to stay in Norway after graduation, language skills can be a real advantage.

Norwegian universities

Norway has 49 accredited higher education institutions, including universities, university colleges and specialist institutions. Most are publicly funded, helping to maintain high academic standards and strong international reputations.

You'll find universities across the country, from the capital, Oslo, to towns and cities closer to the Arctic Circle. Some of the largest and best-known institutions include:

• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
• University of Oslo
• University of Bergen
• UiT The Arctic University of Norway
• Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
• University of Stavanger.

If you're looking for a more specialised course, you could consider institutions such as:

• BI Norwegian Business School
• NHH Norwegian School of Economics
• the Norwegian Academy of Music
• The Oslo School of Architecture and Design.

Norwegian universities have a strong international reputation and regularly feature in global league tables. In the QS World University Rankings 2027:

• University of Oslo is ranked 131st
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) sits at 264th
• University of Bergen ranks 283rd.

The academic year typically runs from August to June and is divided into two semesters:

• autumn (August to December)
• spring (January to June).

Teaching tends to be less focused on memorisation and more on independent learning, critical thinking and collaboration. You'll be encouraged to contribute to discussions, undertake your own research and work closely with other students on projects and assignments.

To compare institutions and explore available study options, use the DBH institution database.

Degree courses in Norway

Bachelors degrees in Norway typically take three years to complete.

One of the most important things to consider is the language of teaching. Norway currently offers more than 350 study programmes taught in English, although most are at Masters level. There are fewer English-taught Bachelors degrees, so if you're applying for undergraduate study, check the language of instruction carefully before choosing a course.

Teaching in Norway is designed to encourage independent learning. Depending on your subject, you can expect a mix of:

• group work
• independent study
• lectures
• project-based learning
• seminars.

Assessment methods vary between courses but often include:

• coursework
• dissertations or final projects
• oral assessments
• practical assignments
• written exams.

Most universities use the A-F grading scale, with A representing the highest grade and F a fail.

Entry requirements vary by institution and subject, but you'll usually need a recognised secondary school qualification that meets Norwegian admissions criteria. Check the requirements carefully with your chosen university before applying.

You can explore available courses through the Study in Norway course search.

Masters degrees

Norway is a popular destination for postgraduate study, with a growing number of English-taught Masters programmes and internationally recognised qualifications.

You'll find courses in a range of subjects, including:

• business
• engineering
• environmental sciences
• social sciences
• the arts.

Most Masters degrees take two years to complete and combine taught modules with independent research. You'll usually finish your course with a dissertation or major research project, allowing you to explore a topic in depth and develop specialist knowledge.

To apply, you'll normally need a relevant Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification. Depending on the course, you may also be asked to provide:

• a portfolio
• evidence of specific skills or subject knowledge
• relevant work experience.

Universities set their own entry requirements, so check the details for your chosen course before applying.

You can explore available programmes through the Study in Norway Masters course search.

PhDs

If you're looking to develop advanced research skills, a PhD in Norway could be a good option. You'll work closely with an academic supervisor who will support your research and guide you through the development of your thesis. Once completed, your work is assessed by a committee of senior academics.

One of the main differences between Norway and many other study destinations is that PhD candidates are often employed by their university rather than enrolled solely as students. This means you may receive a salary and have access to employee benefits while completing your Doctorate.

Most PhD programmes take three years to complete, although some Norwegian universities offer four-year programmes that include teaching responsibilities or professional development activities alongside your research.

To apply, you'll usually need a Masters degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.

Student exchanges

If you're already studying at a UK university, a student exchange is a great way to experience life in Norway without committing to a full degree overseas. Norway has a well-established exchange programme network, with around 11,600 students taking part in exchanges lasting three months or more in 2025.

Many UK universities have exchange agreements with Norwegian institutions, although opportunities are often limited to specific courses or departments. Current partnerships include universities such as:

• Cardiff University
• University of Brighton
• University of Dundee
• University of Southampton
• University of St Andrews
• University of Suffolk
• the University of Edinburgh.

If you're interested in studying in Norway as part of your degree, start by contacting your university's study abroad or international office. They can tell you which Norwegian universities are available to students on your course, whether you're eligible to apply and how credits earned abroad will count towards your degree.

You can find out more about exchange opportunities through Study in Norway's exchange guidance.

Course fees

Before applying, make sure you understand how much your course will cost. Most international students from outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), including UK students, will normally need to pay tuition fees at Norwegian public universities.

Fees vary significantly between universities and subjects. For example, annual tuition fees range from 67,000 kr (£5,329) for some undergraduate courses at OsloMet to 500,000 kr (£39,772) for medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine at NTNU. Professional degrees, including business-related courses, are often among the most expensive.

As universities set their own tuition fees, it's important to check the latest costs directly with your chosen institution before you apply.

Alongside tuition fees, you'll usually pay a semester fee to the local student welfare organisation. This helps fund student services, facilities and support programmes, and typically costs around 1,000kr (£80) per semester, although the amount varies between universities.

Funding to study in Norway

Before you apply, make sure you've budgeted for the full cost of studying in Norway. While the country offers a high standard of living, it's also one of the most expensive places in Europe, particularly in cities such as Oslo and Bergen.

The estimated cost of living for a student in Norway is 15,488 kr (£1,232) per month, or 170,368 kr (£13,552) per year. This covers basic living costs, but you'll need to budget separately for expenses such as:

• insurance
• tuition fees
• transport
• visa fees.

As a UK student, you'll need to plan carefully for both tuition fees and living expenses. Financial support for international students is available, but funding can be limited and there's no universal government scholarship scheme for overseas degree students.

You may be able to access funding through:

• exchange programmes
• subject-specific organisations
• your university
• your home institution.

You can also search for scholarships and grants through the Study in Norway scholarships database.

You'll also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself when applying for a study permit.

Student visas

If you're planning to study in Norway for more than three months, you'll usually need a study permit before you travel.

Applications are made through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). To qualify for a student permit, you'll typically need to show that you have:

• arranged accommodation in Norway
• been accepted onto a full-time course at an accredited Norwegian university or university college
• enough money to support yourself during your studies
• paid any tuition fees you're required to cover.

You may also need to attend an appointment to submit documents and provide your fingerprints and photograph.

Apply as early as possible and check the latest processing times before booking travel. For up-to-date guidance, visit the UDI study permit service or the Norwegian Embassy in the UK.

Once you arrive in Norway, you may need to complete additional registration steps with UDI or the local police, depending on your circumstances.

A Norwegian study permit usually allows you to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during official university holidays. Before starting a job, check the conditions of your permit and make sure you understand any tax or registration requirements.

If you'd like to remain in Norway after completing your degree, you may be eligible to apply for a job-seeker residence permit. However, securing a graduate job does not automatically give you the right to stay in the country, so check the latest immigration rules before making long-term plans.

If you're studying in Norway for less than three months, such as on a short exchange programme, different immigration requirements may apply.

How to apply

The application process varies depending on the qualification you want to study. If you're applying for a Bachelors degree, applications are usually submitted through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS). For most Masters programmes, you'll apply directly to your chosen university.

Entry requirements vary between courses and institutions, but you'll typically need:

• academic transcripts and certificates
• a completed application form
• any course-specific supporting documents
• a personal statement
• proof of English or Norwegian language proficiency.

Some programmes may also ask for:

• an entrance examination
• an interview
• a portfolio.

Application deadlines are often earlier than in the UK, with many international applications opening or closing between December and March for entry the following academic year. Always check the dates for your chosen course, as deadlines vary by institution.

To avoid delays, start preparing well in advance. You'll need time to gather documents, arrange funding and accommodation, and apply for a study permit if required. If any documents need to be translated or certified, factor this into your application timeline.

Before submitting your application, double-check that you've met all entry requirements and included the correct supporting evidence. Missing documents or late applications can affect your chances of receiving an offer.

Language requirements

Norwegian and Sami are Norway's two official languages, although Norwegian is the language you'll come across most often in everyday life and at university.

The good news is that English is widely spoken, and a growing number of degree programmes are taught in English. However, if you're planning to study an undergraduate degree, you'll need to research your options carefully. English-taught courses are much more common at Masters level, so the range of Bachelors programmes available in English is relatively limited.

Before applying, check the language of instruction for your chosen course and make sure you meet any English or Norwegian language requirements. Don't assume that a university offering some courses in English will teach your subject in English.

While you can easily get by in Norway using English, learning some Norwegian can help you make the most of your experience. It can make it easier to settle into student life, build friendships and engage with the local community.

Language skills can also improve your chances of finding:

• graduate jobs
• internships
• part-time work.

In a 2025 survey by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, three out of four international degree students said they were considering staying in Norway after graduation. If you're planning to stay in Norway after graduation, speaking Norwegian can be a significant advantage in the job market.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Norwegian degrees follow the familiar Bachelors, Masters and PhD structure used across the European Higher Education Area, making them widely recognised by universities and employers throughout Europe.

If you're planning to return to the UK after your studies, it's worth checking how your qualification will be recognised in your chosen field. This is particularly important if you're hoping to work in a regulated profession such as:

• engineering
• healthcare
• law
• teaching.

Before accepting a place, check that your course meets the requirements of any relevant professional body, employer or university. If you need a formal comparison between a Norwegian qualification and its UK equivalent, you can contact UK ENIC.

It's also a good idea to keep copies of your academic transcripts, diploma supplement and course documentation, as you may need them when applying for jobs, professional accreditation or further study in the future.

Find out more

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