What is a Norway Study Visa?
Why Study in Norway?
Quality Education
Norway has a range of universities and specialized higher education institutions offering programs in science, technology, engineering, business, social sciences and other fields. Many institutions emphasize independent thinking, research, practical learning and collaboration.
English-Taught Programs
A selection of bachelor’s programs and many master’s and doctoral programs are taught in English. Students should check each program’s language requirements and verify whether English proficiency tests or other evidence are required.
Nature and Quality of Life
Norway is known for its fjords, mountains, coastal landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities. Students can experience a distinctive Nordic environment while living in university cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim. Living expenses can be high, so a realistic budget is essential.
Tuition Fees and Funding
Norway should not be advertised as universally tuition-free for international students. Degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition fees unless they meet an applicable exemption. Fees vary by university and program. Students must also budget for accommodation, food, transport and other living expenses.
Society and Student Experience
Norwegian institutions provide a modern learning environment and encourage student participation, independent study and critical thinking. Students should research campus services, accommodation availability, language requirements and local living costs when choosing a university.
Top Ranked Universities in Norway
The following Norwegian universities are listed with their global positions in the QS World University Ranking. Rankings are one factor to consider alongside program availability, tuition fees, language requirements, admission criteria and research strengths.
| University Name | QS World University Ranking | Location |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oslo | 131 | Oslo |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | 264 | Trondheim |
| University of Bergen | 283 | Bergen |
| UiT The Arctic University of Norway | 629 | Tromsø |
| University of Stavanger | Stavanger | |
| Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) | Akershus | |
| Nord University | Bodø and other campuses | |
| University of Agder | Kristiansand and Grimstad |
Ranking note: QS rankings are updated annually, and not every institution receives an individual global rank in every edition. Verify each university’s current QS profile before publishing a specific position.
Document Requirements for Norway Study Visa
International students applying to study in Norway should prepare the documents required by their university and the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). The exact checklist depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the current application instructions.
Commonly required documents may include:
- Valid passport: A passport that meets the applicable validity and identification requirements.
- Admission confirmation: Proof of admission to an eligible Norwegian educational institution and a full-time study program.
- Academic documents: Certificates, transcripts, diplomas and other records required by the university.
- Language proficiency evidence: IELTS, TOEFL or other accepted evidence, where required by the institution and program.
- Proof of financial support: Evidence that you meet the current living-cost funding requirement.
- Tuition-fee documentation: Proof of payment or other documentation showing how applicable tuition fees will be covered.
- Accommodation documentation: Evidence of a place to live in Norway, if required under the applicable permit conditions.
- Online application and fee receipt: Confirmation of the application and payment of the applicable immigration fee.
- Photograph and biometrics: Provided according to the instructions for your application and appointment.
- Additional supporting documents: Any further evidence specifically requested by UDI, the application centre or the relevant Norwegian authorities.
If a parent or another person is financing your studies, check the current rules on acceptable financial evidence before submitting the application. Bank statements, sponsorship documents or other financial records should only be provided in the form and scope requested by the relevant authorities.
Academic Requirements for an Norway Study Visa
Admission requirements vary by university, program and level of study. Applicants should confirm the academic and language criteria directly with the institution.
Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants generally need an eligible secondary-school qualification that meets Norway’s Higher Education Entrance Qualification requirements. The rules for applicants with education from different countries can vary, so students from Bangladesh should check the country-specific requirements and any additional subject prerequisites.
Master’s Degree
Applicants generally need a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification relevant to the intended master’s program. Some programs require specific subjects, a minimum academic result, relevant coursework, work experience or other supporting evidence.
PhD and Doctoral Programs
Doctoral admission requirements depend on the research area and institution. Applicants may need a relevant master’s degree, a research proposal, academic references and evidence of research experience. Funding and employment arrangements vary by position.
English or Norwegian Language Proficiency
English-taught programs may require IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted form of English-language evidence. The required score and accepted tests differ by institution and program.
Programs taught in Norwegian may require documented Norwegian-language proficiency. Applicants should verify the exact language requirements before applying.
Financial and Study-Permit Requirements
Admission alone does not guarantee a study permit. Applicants who need a permit must separately meet the applicable immigration requirements, including proof of sufficient funds and any required tuition-fee and accommodation documentation.
Average Course Fees in Norway
| Program Level | EU / EEA / Swiss Citizens | Non-EU / Non-EEA Citizens (EUR) | Non-EU / Non-EEA Citizens (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | Tuition-Free (Semester fee: €50–€90) |
€7,000 – €20,000 per year (Varies heavily by program) |
$7,500 – $22,000 per year |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | Tuition-Free (Semester fee: €50–€90) |
€11,000 – €35,000 per year (Specialized fields like medicine up to €47,000) |
$12,000 – $38,000 per year (Up to $50,000+ for medicine) |
| PhD | Tuition-Free (Considered employed researchers) |
Tuition-Free (Usually funded positions with a stipend) |
Tuition-Free (Usually funded positions with a stipend) |
Tuition fees in Norway depend on the institution, program, degree level and the student’s eligibility for a tuition-fee exemption. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland generally need to pay tuition fees unless they qualify for an exemption.
Scholarships for International Students in Norway
Scholarship opportunities in Norway depend on the university, degree program, funding scheme and applicant’s eligibility. International students should investigate funding options before accepting an offer of admission.
Potential Funding Options
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships: Some joint master’s programs involving European universities offer competitive scholarships to eligible international applicants. Availability and eligibility depend on the specific program.
University-Specific Funding: Some institutions and departments may offer grants, fellowships or other funding for selected students. Availability differs by institution and year, and funding should never be assumed.
PhD Positions and Research Funding: Some doctoral opportunities are advertised as paid positions or include specific funding arrangements. Applicants should read each vacancy’s terms carefully.
External Scholarships: Students may investigate funding from foundations, governments, employers or other organisations in their home country or internationally.
How to Find Scholarships
- Check the official funding page of your chosen university.
- Search for scholarships connected to your subject or degree level.
- Confirm nationality, academic, language and other eligibility criteria.
- Check the application deadline and whether a separate scholarship application is required.
- Read the award terms to confirm whether it covers tuition, living expenses or only part of the cost.
Important: The Norwegian government does not offer a general individual scholarship open to every international degree student. Do not treat a scholarship as confirmed until you receive an official award notification.
Cost of Living in Norway
Norway has a relatively high cost of living. Expenses vary depending on the city, accommodation type, transport needs and personal lifestyle.
| Expense | Indicative Monthly Budget (NOK) | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 5,000–8,000 | $500–$800 |
| Food and groceries | 3,000–4,500 | $300–$450 |
| Local transport | 500–1,000 | $50–$100 |
| Utilities and internet | 500–1,500 | $50–$150 |
| Personal and study expenses | 1,000–2,500 | $100–$250 |
| Illustrative total | 10,000–17,500 | $1,000–$1,750 |
These everyday expense ranges are indicative, not official rates or a guarantee that a student can live within them. Accommodation and other expenses can be higher in some cities.
Part-Time Work for Students
Students granted a qualifying Norwegian study permit can generally work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during holidays, subject to the conditions of their permit. However, applicants should not rely on future part-time earnings as a substitute for meeting the required financial evidence at the time of application.
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