Savanna Hoffman
Norway has long been a popular destination for international students due to its high quality of education, low crime rates, and vibrant student life. Until 2022, international students could study for free at Norwegian public universities. However, the Norwegian government has recently introduced tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, with costs ranging from $12,559 to $48,204 for the 2023/2024 academic year. Despite this change, Norway still offers a range of tuition-free options for international students, including doctoral research fellowships at the University of Oslo and the University of Bergen. Additionally, some universities, such as NTNU and the University of Nordland, do not charge tuition fees to any students. International students can also seek scholarships, grants, and loans to help fund their studies in Norway.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for international students | International students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees at Norwegian institutions. |
| Exemptions | Refugees, people displaced from Ukraine, exchange students, doctoral candidates, and students with rights to be treated as equal to Norwegian citizens per international treaties are exempt from paying tuition fees. |
| Tuition fee range | Tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic year range from US$17,638 to US$25,487 (191,000 krone to 276,000 krone). |
| Semester fees | Students are typically required to pay a semester fee, which can range from US$62 (670 krone) to US$75 (815 krone). |
| Scholarships and grants | International students can apply for scholarships and grants to fund their studies in Norway. |
| Part-time work | International students are allowed to work part-time alongside their studies to supplement their finances. |
| Student life | Norway offers a vibrant and social student life, with opportunities to join student organizations and sports teams. |
| Fields of study | Popular fields of study in Norway include engineering, business, and social sciences. |
| Number of international students | In 2022, there were 3,943 university and college students in Norway with residence permits, including students from the US, China, Iran, and Bangladesh. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees
- Exemptions for refugees, exchange students, and doctoral candidates
- Scholarships and grants are available for international students
- English-taught programmes are available at Norwegian universities
- Private universities in Norway are less expensive compared to other European countries
International students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees
International students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees to study at Norwegian institutions. The fees are based on the actual cost of the course of study and therefore vary between institutions and programmes. For instance, tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic year range from US$17,638 to US$25,487 (191,000 krone to 276,000 krone). Meanwhile, tuition fees for the 2023/2024 academic year cost from US$12,559 to US$48,204 (136,000 krone to 522,000 krone).
However, there are some universities in Norway that do not charge tuition fees for international students. For example, NTNU does not charge tuition fees to any students, although students must cover their own living expenses. Similarly, the University of Bergen, a public institution, does not charge tuition fees to either Norwegian or international students. The University of Oslo also offers doctoral research fellowships to qualified international applicants, which include a salary ranging from NOK482,200 to NOK526,000 per year, as well as welfare benefits.
International students who are not citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries must be able to document that they have enough funding to live in Norway in order to be granted a student visa. Students can look for grants and scholarships to help them study in Norway for free. Scholarships are offered by private and non-profit organisations, and the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund is a government-backed organisation that helps students pay for their education in Norway.
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Exemptions for refugees, exchange students, and doctoral candidates
International students in Norway, who are not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, typically have to pay tuition fees at Norwegian universities. These fees vary between institutions and study programs. However, the Norwegian government has introduced several exemptions from the requirement to pay tuition fees.
Refugees
Refugees, including those from Ukraine, are exempt from paying tuition fees in Norway. This exemption is covered by the EU temporary directive. Additionally, refugees in Norway may have different study options depending on their level of education, language skills, and visa/residence status.
Exchange Students
Exchange students are usually exempted from paying tuition fees at public institutions in Norway. This includes students who are part of institutional collaborations, such as Erasmus Mundus, NORPART, NORHED, or StAR (Students At Risk). Exchange students can also benefit from scholarships offered by various schemes and foundations.
Doctoral Candidates
Doctoral candidates are also exempt from paying tuition fees in Norway. Additionally, there are doctoral research fellowships available at universities like the University of Oslo and the University of Bergen, which provide accepted candidates with a salary and welfare benefits. Furthermore, PhD students can also explore scholarship opportunities offered by private and non-profit organizations.
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Scholarships and grants are available for international students
International students seeking to study in Norway can explore various scholarships and grants to support their academic pursuits. While Norwegian public universities used to offer tuition-free education to all international students until 2022, the government has since introduced tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. However, Norway remains an attractive destination for its high-quality education, vibrant student life, and relatively low costs compared to other study abroad destinations.
One notable scholarship is the BI Presidential Scholarship, offered by the BI Norwegian Business School, the largest business school in Norway. This fully funded master's scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses for each semester, making it an excellent opportunity for graduate students.
For students interested in pursuing doctoral research, the University of Oslo and the University of Bergen offer Doctoral Research Fellowships. These fellowships provide an annual salary ranging from NOK482,200 to NOK526,000, along with significant welfare benefits from the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Additionally, the University of Oslo, ranked #119 on the QS World University Rankings 2025, offers over 90 English-taught master's and PhD programmes, broadening the options for international students.
Norwegian institutions also participate in Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes, providing opportunities for international collaboration. The Erasmus+ Scholarship Programme supports students from partner countries in their studies abroad, while Erasmus+ master's degree loans offer favourable repayment terms for students from select European countries. Furthermore, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills offers scholarships specifically for students from Russian universities, promoting cultural exchange and academic diversity.
In addition to these opportunities, various private and non-profit organizations provide scholarships and grants. For instance, the Facebook Fellowship Program offers a fully funded scholarship for doctoral research studies, covering fees, an annual stipend, and conference travel aid. The IIE-SRF Fellowship is another fully funded scholarship that provides a grant of up to US$25,000, along with individual health insurance, for a visiting academic appointment of up to one year.
With these scholarships and grants, international students can pursue their academic goals in Norway, benefiting from the country's renowned education system and immersive student life. It is important for prospective students to carefully review the prerequisites and application processes for each scholarship to maximize their chances of securing funding for their studies in Norway.
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English-taught programmes are available at Norwegian universities
For example, the University of Oslo offers over 90 English-taught master's and PhD programmes, covering a wide range of disciplines. The University of Bergen also offers several PhD programmes in various areas and specialisations. UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, offers approximately 43 English-taught programmes at all levels, with campuses in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik, and Harstad. The University of Agder is another option, where students can form strong connections with their lecturers and instructors.
Nord University, a relatively new institution, offers six English-taught bachelor's programmes, including Circumpolar Nordic Studies, Biology, English, Film & TV Production, Games and Entertainment Technology, and 3D Art, Animation and VFX. The University of Stavanger offers two-year master's programmes in English in business, engineering, health science, music, natural science, and social science.
While public universities in Norway used to be free for all international students, the government has recently introduced tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. However, there are still many opportunities for international students to study in English at Norwegian universities, and the cost of living in Norway is generally high, so students may need to work part-time to supplement their finances.
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Private universities in Norway are less expensive compared to other European countries
Norway is a Scandinavian country with one of the lowest crime rates globally and is regarded as one of the best places to live. The country boasts a vibrant, active, and social student life, and international students can work part-time to supplement their finances. International students can also participate in student organisations, such as student sports teams and student councils, which are critical for integrating with Norwegian students.
Norway has 33 accredited higher education institutions, including universities, university colleges, and specialised university institutions. While Norwegian citizens do not have to pay tuition at public universities, international students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are generally required to pay tuition fees at Norwegian institutions. However, private universities in Norway are less expensive compared to other European countries, with tuition prices ranging from EUR 9,000 to 19,000 per year.
There are several ways for international students to study in Norway for free or at a reduced cost. Firstly, international applicants can apply for doctoral research fellowships at the University of Oslo, which is ranked #119 on the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is the top university in Norway. Successful candidates will receive a salary ranging from NOK482,200 to NOK526,000 per year, as well as significant welfare benefits. The University of Bergen also offers Ph.D. seats in various areas and specialisations. Additionally, there are national programs that offer scholarships and other funding opportunities for international students in Norway, such as the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund. Private and non-profit organisations also offer various scholarships.
Some universities in Norway, such as NTNU and the University of Nordland, do not charge tuition fees to any students, regardless of their nationality. Other universities, such as NLA University College, offer reduced semester fees for international students who are on track with their studies. Certain universities, such as the University of Bergen and Nord-Trøndelag University College, waive tuition fees for exchange students, while others, like BI Norwegian Business School, offer summer programme scholarships.
In conclusion, while Norway has introduced tuition fees for international students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, there are still many opportunities for international students to study in Norway at a low cost. Private universities in Norway, in particular, offer a more affordable option compared to other European countries, making Norway an attractive destination for those seeking a high-quality education at a reasonable price.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most Norwegian universities are free for both citizens and international students as they are publicly funded. However, some private institutions do charge tuition fees, but these are lower than in other countries.
Some universities have a semester fee, which covers things like membership in the Student Welfare Organisation, use of printers, and other welfare services. This fee is typically between NOK 480 and NOK 700 per semester.
The admissions criteria vary depending on your nationality and the specific university's requirements. Typically, international students need a recognised secondary school certificate, a relevant bachelor's degree (for postgraduate study), and proof of English or Norwegian language proficiency.
Yes, international students who are not citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland need a student visa or residence permit to study in Norway. This requires proof of enrolment, financial sufficiency, and valid health insurance.
The cost of living in Norway is considered high compared to other countries. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays to help cover these costs.
