Everything You Need to Know About Studying in Norway

Norway is one of the world’s most expensive countries, but how much does it cost to study there? From tuition fees to living expenses and financial aid, here’s everything you need to know about studying in Norway. This guide covers tuition costs, government scholarships, student visas, and more.

How difficult is it to study in Norway?

To answer this question, we need to cover a few different areas. First, what is Norway like? Norway is a country in Northern Europe known for being very well educated and innovative. It has four official languages: Norwegian, Sami, Kven, and Danish. Education starts with compulsory pre-school at age 4 and finishes with university degrees which are offered free of charge by all public universities. Universities have a long history of being totally free since 1917. In Norway there are no private colleges or universities - if you want to go here then you must do so as an international student which can be done through the Bologna process.

Where do I start when choosing a course and institution?

Choosing an institution is one of the most important decisions you will make when starting your studies. Free university education (at public institutions) and low living costs are a huge incentive for studying abroad. However, with so many choices on offer, it can be hard to figure out where to start. With that in mind, below we've compiled some key questions you should be asking yourself before choosing a university: 

- What degree will I study?- Will the course I want still be offered when I arrive?- How does my course compare against others?- Is there good access between lectures and other learning resources for students?

What are the requirements for studying in Norway?

Studying abroad is a great way for students to gain a new perspective and experience. Plus, Norway's universities are free. To study in Norway, international students need to meet the following requirements: 

• 18 years old or older on September 1 of the year you enroll 
• Have completed your last two years of secondary school at the time of enrollment 
• Hold an international passport with at least three months until expiration

How much does studying at university cost, exactly?

Studying at university is free in Norway. This can come as a surprise, so it’s important to be fully informed on how it works before making any decisions. 

The Norwegian public university system is made up of 16 universities, ten regional colleges and 105 professional education centers across the country. The oldest institution is the University of Oslo which was founded by King Olav II on November 10th, 1939. 

There are no tuition fees for students taking courses at undergraduate level but you must pay for your books and for exams if you have a part-time job or are in receipt of state benefits.

What about student loans - do Norwegian students have them, or...?

For those who decide that studying abroad is for them, Norway may not seem like the obvious choice because of the high cost. But Norway doesn't charge tuition fees, and it ranks as one of the cheapest countries in the world. Still want more info? Keep reading! Norway's universities are funded by the government. Students only have to pay a small fee (about US$300) when they register at university. Norway has a very different system than many other countries: students don't need loans or grants to study there; they only need money for living expenses (including rent). 

Studying in Norway isn’t easy - you can’t just stroll into a class without understanding Norwegian or English – but with some hard work, anyone can make an excellent academic career in Norway. 

Why would someone go to school here instead of their home country?

Can I work part-time while studying in Norway?

As part of the government-funded higher education, all students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during the summer holidays. Working while studying is an excellent way of gaining valuable experience and earning extra money. To be eligible for this allowance, students will need a letter from their university’s student administration office, stating that they have been approved to undertake full-time employment. Approval may vary depending on where you study. Students at state universities do not require approval as long as the workload does not exceed 24 ECTS credits per semester. Students at private universities need approval before working full-time because most of them offer fewer than 24 ECTS credits per semester.

Is there any way of staying longer than four years on an undergraduate degree?

An undergraduate degree can be studied for four years, or for longer. It's worth noting that not all degrees are studied for the same length of time though. There are various specialist degrees which have a much shorter study time, from one year up to three years long. However, those courses may not be available at every institution – some only offer them on an annual basis. These programs generally involve work placements, internships and other vocational activities as part of their coursework, and they're typically open to more mature students. They include: 

Universities of Applied Sciences (Høgskolen), with majors including social welfare; information technology; and nursing.

How should I choose where to live as a student in Norway?

Of course, there are many factors to consider when deciding where to live as a student in Norway. Start by thinking about which city you want to be based out of and whether or not it's best for you and your family if you're home often. If not, then Norway's second largest city Bergen might be better for you. Bergen has a lot of offerings, such as beautiful parks with lakes and forests and one of the world's most powerful fjords right next door. Oslo is another possibility, but might be more expensive than other cities due its central location.

Tips on completing your application successfully.

Students should complete the following steps before applying for Norway universities: 

• Complete a high school education and choose the right major. 
• Write a personal essay. -Have your language skills tested. 
• Take either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or an ACT test. 
• Plan ahead with application deadlines and make sure you have all of your required documents like transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume, and proof of citizenship before applying for colleges in Norway. 
• Be prepared for a lengthy application process that can take up to six months to be processed by Norway universities.
• Inquire about tuition fees and living costs before making any decisions about where you want to study abroad. Norway has some very affordable university options for students who wish to study there!