Norvegia is one of the
Scandinavian countries in Europe, with a population of over 5.4 million people. The capital,
Oslo, is one of the largest cities in the world and an important European hub for business and culture. The official language is Norwegian, and English is widely spoken among students and professionals. Unlike
Finlanda and
Suedia,
Norvegia has fewer undergraduate programs available in English, which is an important fact for international applicants.
ECONOMIE
Norvegia is one of the most sustainable and competitive economies in Europe, combining natural wealth with innovation and ecological development. This attracts many young people interested in programs related to:
- Oil and gas — as a leading sector for the development of the economy
- Renewable energy — mainly hydro energy, with a focus on green technologies and eco-innovations
- Marine industry — shipbuilding, marine technologies, and trade
- Technologies and digital development — digitization, innovation, and green solutions
UNITĂȚI DE ÎNVĂȚĂMÂNT
Norvegia has 16 accredited university institutions, 22 colleges, 2 national academies of arts, and several private higher education establishments.
BI Școala Norvegiană de Afaceri is perhaps the most prestigious and popular among them, but it is a private institution. In public universities and academies, there are no tuition fees, which means education is essentially free for European students. Here are some of the most prestigious institutions in
Norvegia:
PROGRAMS & SPECIALITIES
Despite the widespread use of English in public life, teaching of bachelor’s degrees in English at universities is still quite limited. However, unlike in other Central European countries where only business and economics are taught in English, in
Norvegia you can find a somewhat more diverse range of programs taught in English, such as:
- Acting,
- Game design,
- Digital management,
- Veterinary sciences,
- TV production,
- E-sports,
- Music, and
- Global development.
DURATION OF DEGREES
Bachelor’s programs: 3-4 years.
Master’s programs: 1.5 years.
All higher education institutions in
Norvegia have their own autonomy but are required to include research or practical experience relevant to the specific field of study. The goal is to avoid purely theoretical teaching. Additionally, 12% of institutions require students to complete a mandatory internship as part of their studies.
APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS
The application deadline in
Norvegia varies not only between different universities but also from one program to another. We advise you to consult early with the specific university, as some programs have early deadlines, such as January or February of the year you complete Year 12.
When applying to
Norwegian universities, you need to submit:
- high school grades from year 9 up to date;
- language certificates for English;
TOEFL — above 90 or 100 points, depending on the program;
IELTS — at least 6.5, and for engineering and biomedical sciences — at least 7.0;
Cambridge certificates (CAE, CPE) — recognized but not preferred over IELTS and TOEFL;
Duolingo Test — currently not accepted by most Norwegian universities;
- a motivation letter and a CV;
- references.
TUITION FEES
European students do not have to pay tuition fees or application fees at public universities, including semester and administrative fees.
ACCOMMODATION & HOUSING
he prices for apartments for international students in
Norvegia vary depending on the city and type of accommodation:
- Oslo — between €1,300 and €1,700 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center,
between €600 and €900 for a room in a shared apartment depending on the district,
and from €400 to €700 for a student dormitory.
- Bergen — €900 to €1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center,
€400 to €700 for a room in a shared apartment,
and from €350 to €500 for a student dormitory.
- Kristiansand — €800 to €1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment,
around €450 to €600 for a room in a shared apartment,
and from €350 to €520 for a student dormitory.
LIFE OF AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN NORWAY – TIPS AND INFORMATION FOR PERSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Administrative requirements — remember to register your address with the local police if you stay for more than 3 months to obtain a Norwegian Personal Number. Additionally, you must register for taxes when receiving income or student grants. For EU citizens, online registration is sufficient, but for citizens of third countries, a personal registration may be required.
Financial considerations — ensure you have a suitable student bank account in
Norvegia. To open one, you need to have your registered address and proof of student status. Usually, you must visit a bank branch in person, although some banks offer online application options if you have a Norwegian ID.
Health services — it is important for international students to have health insurance and to familiarize themselves with the local healthcare system. Many universities offer health services and consultations for students. European Health Card is valid in
Norvegia. It provides access to state-provided healthcare services at reduced costs or sometimes free of charge, under the same conditions as Norwegian residents. However, it’s important to note that this card is only valid during your temporary stay; for long-term residence such as studying, you may need to register for the Norwegian health system and obtain a Norwegian health insurance card.
WORK DURING STUDIES IN NORWAY
In
Norvegia, students have the opportunity to work part-time, with common jobs including restaurant staff, sales assistants, event helpers at universities, or other service roles. The average hourly wage for student jobs is about 130-180 NOK (approximately 12-17 euros/hour). Monthly, this can translate to earnings from 8,000 to 12,000 NOK (~760-1,140 euros), depending on the number of hours worked and the type of job.
SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND STUDENT LOANS
In
Norvegia, international students have the opportunity to apply for various scholarships and financial aid programs. Many universities offer scholarships for high-achieving students and those with low income, which can cover tuition fees or living expenses. There are government programs specifically aimed at providing financial support for accommodation, food, and transportation for European students. In addition to scholarships, there are also options for student loans.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Here is information about the collaboration and exchange programs of the best
Norwegian universities.
BI Școala Norvegiană de Afaceri — Has partnerships with many world-renowned business schools and universities across the globe, including in
Europa,
America,
Asia, and
Australia. Some of these include:
Nord University (Nord) — Has an extensive network of international partners, including in the
Țările de Jos,
Poland,
Germania,
Italia,
Franța, the
MAREA BRITANIE, and
Spania. The most well-known are:
Agder University College (Hig) — Is included in international networks such as Erasmus+ and has partnerships with many universities across Europe, for example:
