Universities in Norway

Higher education in Norway is offered by four kinds of institution: universities, specialised universities, university colleges or universities of applied sciences, and university colleges with accredited study programmes. They differ mainly in how far they may accredit their own programmes. The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) accredits institutions and programmes and monitors their quality. The sector includes both public and private institutions.

According to Study in Norway, the official portal of the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, international students can choose from more than 350 English-taught programmes, mostly at master's level, plus a selection of bachelor's programmes.

How Norwegian universities work

Norway has followed the Bologna Process since 2003, so its degrees use ECTS credits, with 60 credits for a year of full-time study:

• Bachelor's degree: 3 years, 180 ECTS credits
• Master's degree: 2 years, 120 ECTS credits, after a bachelor's
• Professional degrees such as medicine, law and psychology: usually 6 years
• PhD: 3 or 4 years after a master's or professional degree

Grades run from A (highest) to F, with E as the lowest pass grade. Universities include the University of Oslo, the University of Bergen and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU); the three schools on this page show other profiles. OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University has about 24,000 students and traces its work for the Norwegian welfare society back more than 200 years. UiT The Arctic University of Norway, based in Tromsø, describes itself as the northernmost university in the world and has about 15,500 students. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) has around 16,500 students on five campuses, in Bergen, Førde, Haugesund, Sogndal and Stord, and trains nurses, teachers and engineers among others.

Admission for international students

The general requirement for university admission is the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU). For foreign school-leaving certificates, the GSU list sets out what is required from each country. Programmes taught in Norwegian require documented proficiency in a Nordic language; English-taught programmes require proof of English, and some programmes add their own academic requirements.

Deadlines for applicants from outside Europe are early. At OsloMet, for example, applicants from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland must apply by 1 November for its international master's programmes and need an average grade of at least C on their bachelor's degree.

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland need a study permit. It requires proof of admission as a full-time student, housing and funding. With a permit, students may work up to 20 hours a week during studies and full-time in holidays. EU/EEA and Swiss students register with the local police within three months of arrival instead. After graduating, students can stay up to one year to look for work.

Costs and funding

Students from Norway, the EU/EEA and Switzerland pay no tuition fees at public institutions. Degree students from other countries normally do, and fees vary by institution and programme. At OsloMet, for example, master's programmes cost between NOK 67,000 and NOK 95,000 a year in 2026-27, payable in full before the year starts. Doctoral candidates and students on schemes such as NORPART or NORHED are exempt.

All students pay a semester fee of about NOK 1,000 to the student welfare organisation (samskipnad), which also offers student housing that is usually cheaper than the open market. Study in Norway estimates that a student needs at least NOK 15,488 a month, or NOK 170,368 a year, in 2026-27 for living costs. The Norwegian government offers no individual scholarships open to all international students.

How to choose a Norwegian university

• Language: check that the programme is taught in English; English-taught options are wider at master's level than at bachelor's level
• Type of institution: a broad research university or a university of applied sciences with a professional focus
• Location: from Oslo to Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle, where the sun does not set in summer or rise in winter
• Budget: tuition for non-EU/EEA students plus living costs of over NOK 15,000 a month
• Deadlines: applications from outside Europe often close in the autumn or early winter before the start

Frequently asked questions

Are universities in Norway free?

Public institutions are free for students from Norway, the EU/EEA and Switzerland, apart from a semester fee of about NOK 1,000. Degree students from other countries normally pay tuition fees.

Can I study in English in Norway?

Yes, mainly at master's level. Study in Norway lists more than 350 English-taught programmes; programmes taught in Norwegian require a Nordic language.

How much money do I need to study in Norway?

Study in Norway estimates at least NOK 15,488 a month for living costs in 2026-27, plus tuition fees if they apply. Non-EU/EEA students must show proof of funds for the study permit.

Can international students work in Norway?

Students with a study permit can work up to 20 hours a week during studies and full-time in holidays. EU/EEA and Swiss students can work alongside their studies.