Many international students desire to study in Norway mainly because of the free tuition fee in its public universities. The Norwegian Tertiary Education is awesome; it is structured into universities, university colleges, and specialist colleges. Norway is a nice country to pursue a degree but before you make that decision, you should know that it is one of the most expensive countries in Europe but if that isn’t a problem, then follow this article on how to study, work and live in Norway.
Norway is home to some of the world’s greatest universities, especially its specialized institutions. Studying in Norway is an excellent choice; it is regarded as one of the best nations for international students with universities such as the University of Oslo, the University of Bergen, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences being popular for international students.
Higher education in Norway
The Norwegian higher education in 2003 adopted the Bologna Process used across Europe. Bachelor’s degrees in Norway are three years long, master’s degrees are two years long, and Ph.D. degrees are three years long. Because the Ministry of Education and Research funds the majority of higher education institutions in Norway, international students do not have to pay tuition. Does this appeal to you? Other advantages of studying in Norway are listed below.
Why study in Norway?
• Tuition-free universities
In Norway, there are no tuition fees at public schools. Both EU and Non- EU students don’t pay tuition fees to study in public universities in Norway.
• World-class education
In Norway, you will receive a world-class education. Norwegian universities and colleges offer excellent education in a variety of fields.
• Globally recognized degrees
With the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), students who complete degrees or courses at Norwegian universities will receive certifications that are recognized by other countries across the world.
• Study in English
There are many master’s degrees and undergraduate programs available in English in Norway.
• Good economy
The economy of Norway is good. Being an expensive country, the wage system is good. There are opportunities in the country that while studying, international students can search for jobs; the pay can be between 167 NOK – 200 NOK per hour.
How to study in Norway
1. Select a program and university
For bachelor’s programs, you are to use the general admission portal. Log in to create an account. All the steps are listed there.
2. Assemble the entrance requirements
After choosing a study program and university, check the program requirements, put together all the required documents and get ready to apply for admission.
Checklists of the admission requirements in Norway.
A completed application form from the school’s portal
A copy of your passport
Copy of your grade transcripts
Your CV
English proficiency test
Letter of motivation
Two letters of recommendation
Application fee
3. Apply for admission
Applications for Bachelor’s courses are centralized through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS).
For Masters degrees, applications are submitted directly to the institution, which the university will review your documents, determine your eligibility, notify you if an entrance examination is required, and may ask for further requirements.
Please check with your university before applying because each institution and degree has its set of admissions standards and application processes.
4. Pay the application fee
A study in Norway is free but an application fee is mandatory. The application fee is NOK 5,300. Check your chosen university to see if it is the same fee.
5. Receive your admission letter
Your admission letter will be forwarded to you after the admission office of your chosen school has offered you admission.
6. Apply for a study visa
You’ll need a Norwegian bank account of 126 357 NOK when applying for the Norway student visa.
Important note
Norwegian banks do not open bank account, it is the school
Universities open a sub-account for each successful student
You will receive these sub-account details along with your admission letter
Follow instructions on admission letter and transfer funds
You will receive a transfer confirmation letter
Provide this letter to the Norwegian consulate along with your visa application
After you have received your acceptance letter from the university, you are to start the visa application processes immediately.
Lists of documents for study visa for Norway
Application form
You must complete the online application at the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website
Norway Student Visa fee
Academic certificates.
Official copy of the acceptance letter from the school
A valid passport ID
Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background
Receipt of payment of application fee (NOK 5,300) r
Proof of accommodation in Norway
Applications are processed by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
The academic calendar in Norway
The academic year in Norway is divided into two terms: autumn (August to December) and spring (January to June).
Norwegian Universities
Nord University
Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
University of Agder
University of Bergen
University of Oslo
University of South-Eastern Norway
University of Stavange
The University of Tromsø.
university colleges in Norway
Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
NLA University College
Oslo School of Architecture and Design
OsloMet Oslo Metropolitan University
Volda University College
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Østfold University College.
Specialist university colleges are:
Molde University College
Norwegian Academy of Music
Norwegian School of Economics.
Language requirements
Norwegian and Sami are the two official languages of Norway, with Norwegian being the more generally spoken. It is also the primary teaching language, however, English is widely used as a second language, thus learning Norwegian is not required.
All applicants should anticipate documenting their language skills according to the requirements provided by the institutions for courses where the language of teaching is English. Keep in mind that various colleges may demand different English examinations and scores. The following official English exams are accepted by universities:
PTE Academic
IELTS
TOEFL
C1 Advanced
Norwegian Universities with Programs in English
Norwegian University of Life Sciences
University of Oslo
University of Bergen
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
University of Tromsø
Tuition fee in Norway
It is tuition-free for all students studying in Norway but studies in a private university or college require a tuition fee. It can cost between 8,000 – 18,000 EUR/year depending on the selected course and study level.
Cheap universities in Norway for international students
You might have seen or heard future students asking for cheap universities in Norway, even though that tuition fee at its public Universities is tuition-free for all students. However, there are other expenses that every student must pay which cost is cheaper in some universities.
There are fees like student association, also, students pay for exams fees at the end of the semester. It cost around 600 NOK -700 NOK. So, these are low-cost universities in Norway.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
University of Oslo
University of Nordland
Oslo Metropolitan University
University of Bergen
Bergen University College
The Arctic University of Tromsø, Norway
University of Stavanger
Are there part-time jobs for international students in Norway?
Norway is one of the top countries that allow international students to combine study and work. Typically, Non- EU students can engage in part-time jobs during their first year of study but the working hours must not exceed 20 hours per week.
You can still look for work after your first year of studies in Norway, but you should be aware that the part-time work permit is not automatically renewed when your study permit is renewed. Students must prove sufficient progress in their education to renew their work permits. Please contact your institution or go to their website. For further information, visit the website of The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration.
Stay back in Norway after graduation
International students are permitted to work in Norway for up to one year after graduating from a Norwegian university or university college. Keep in mind that you must apply for a work permit before your present student permit expires and after you finish your degree.
Conclusion
Studying in a public university in Norway is tuition-free for all students regardless of their country, however, before applying for a visa to study in Norway, international students have to create a blocked account which is similar to that of Germany. Please bear in mind that this money does not equate to tuition fees, neither is it proof of financial funds to study in Norway. The money would be transferred to a Norwegian student account your chosen university created for you; where you will transfer 126 357 NOK before your admission letter would be sent to you.
Norway is a great country offering standard education. There are several courses to study across its universities and colleges. These institutions allow international students to work and study and after completing your studies in Norway, you are allowed to stay back for one year to search for a job.
Please note that a student residence permit does not provide you with the right to work in Norway. If you are granted a study permit, you will immediately be permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week in addition to your studies and full-time during holidays. After holding a study permit, you cannot apply for a permanent residence permit in Norway.
Students from the EU and EEA do not require a work permit and can work in Norway after registering with the police.