Study abroad
Study in Norway
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Norway
Higher education in Norway, in Northern Europe, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in energy, maritime trade and conservation, which is reflected in many study options. The main language is Norwegian; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Norway?
There is no single reason to study in Norway. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in Northern Europe, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Energy, Oil & Gas, Maritime & Shipping and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Energy, maritime trade and conservation matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Norway means everyday contact with Norwegian and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Economic Area, Norway takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Norwegian higher education includes universities, specialised university institutions and university colleges.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Norway
Students heading to Norway often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Maritime & Shipping
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Science
- Business & Management
Because energy, maritime trade and conservation matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Norway on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Norway
- University of OsloOslo, Norway
- THE 2026 Joint #113
- University of BergenBergen Municipality, Norway
- THE 2026 251–300
- Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
- THE 2026 301–350
- UiT The Arctic University of NorwayTromso, Norway
- THE 2026 601–800
Scholarships to Study in Norway
Finding funding for Norway takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Norway
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Norway
The academic year in Norway commonly begins around August. Some institutions also admit students around January, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Norway
The cost of studying in Norway depends on the institution, the programme, the level of study and, sometimes, your nationality. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Norway
Whether you need a visa to study in Norway depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) (official government website).
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Norway
How much you spend while studying in Norway varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Oslo can differ noticeably from those in Bergen or Trondheim and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Norway
What are the advantages of studying in Norway?
It depends on your goals. Norway offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Northern Europe and study in Norwegian (with some English-taught options). Students interested in energy, maritime trade and conservation may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Norway?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Energy, Oil & Gas, Maritime & Shipping, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Engineering. The subjects page for Norway lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Norway?
Many programmes start around August. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Norway?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Norway?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
Are scholarships available for international students in Norway?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Norway?
Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Norway?
Many courses are taught in Norwegian. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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