International Students: Free Education In Norwegian Universities?

Norway has long been known for its free education, but this has changed in recent years. As of autumn 2023, international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. This change has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that it will reduce diversity among the student population, while others believe it is fair given that Norwegian students have to pay fees in most other countries. Despite the introduction of these fees, Norway remains a relatively affordable place to study compared to other popular study destinations like the US and UK.

International students in Norway: Who has to pay tuition fees?

Norway has long been known for its free higher education, but in autumn 2023, the government introduced tuition fees for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. This means that students from these countries now have to pay to study at Norwegian public universities. However, it's important to note that even with the new fees, studying in Norway is still more affordable than in many other popular study destinations.

Who is exempt from paying tuition fees in Norway?

While international students from non-EEA/EU countries and Switzerland now have to pay tuition fees, there are several groups of foreign students who are exempt from paying these fees. This includes:

• Exchange students
• Students studying through specific programmes like NORPART, NORHED, or Fulbright
• Students participating in a joint degree collaboration through Erasmus Mundus
• Refugees and people displaced from Ukraine
• Doctoral candidates
• Indigenous people studying at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences
• Foreign citizens with rights to be treated as equal to Norwegians according to international treaties
• Foreign citizens with the right to loans and scholarships under the same terms as Norwegian citizens, as per the Student Financial Aid Act

The tuition fees for international students vary depending on the institution and the study programme. The fees are based on the real cost of the respective study. Additionally, students also have to pay a semester fee, which can range from NOK 300 to NOK 600 per semester.

• University of Oslo: US$17,638 to US$25,487 per year
• Nord University: US$12,559 to US$48,204 per year
• Oslo Metropolitan University: US$18,515 to US$37,353 per year
• University of Bergen: US$17,306 to US$23,821 per year
• Western Norway University of Applied Sciences: US$14,775 to US$24,010 per year
• UiT The Arctic University of Norway: US$17,121 to US$34,491 per year
• University of Stavanger: US$14,314 to US$16,622 per year

International students who require financial support can explore scholarships and grants to help fund their studies in Norway. Additionally, some universities offer reduced fees or waivers for exchange students or students from partner universities. It's worth noting that living expenses in Norway are relatively high, so students should also consider these costs when planning their budget.

How much does it cost to study in Norway?

As of autumn 2023, international students from outside the European Economic Area (which includes countries in the European Union, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees to study at universities in Norway. Previously, Norway was one of the few countries that offered free higher education to international students.

The tuition fees are set by each institution and are based on the real cost of the respective study, so they vary between institutions and study programs. Despite the introduction of tuition fees for international students, Norway remains a more affordable study destination compared to countries like the US or UK.

At public universities in Norway, the tuition fees for international students range from USD 12,559 to USD 48,204 per year or NOK 136,000 to NOK 522,000. Private universities in Norway are also relatively less expensive compared to other European countries, with tuition fees ranging from EUR 9,000 to 19,000 per year.

In addition to tuition fees, students need to consider their living expenses in Norway. The State Educational Loan Fund estimates the average monthly expenditure for students to be about NOK 9,000 (approximately EUR 1,000). This includes costs for board and lodging, clothing, transportation, medical and dental care, and other necessities.

To obtain a student residence permit, international students must document that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses. The required amount varies depending on the institution and can range from NOK 45,400 to NOK 92,500 per semester or NOK 90,800 to NOK 181,600 per academic year.

While the cost of studying in Norway has increased for international students, there are still opportunities to study for free or with reduced fees through scholarships, exchange programs, and partnerships. Additionally, some universities offer reduced semester fees for international students who are on track with their studies.

Scholarships and tuition fee exemptions

While Norway is no longer tuition-free for international students, there are still scholarships and tuition fee exemptions available. Here are some options for international students to consider:

• University Scholarships: Many Norwegian universities offer scholarships for international students. For example, the BI Norwegian Business School provides scholarships for students from partner universities, with a 50% tuition fee reduction for non-nominated students. The University of Oslo, the University of Bergen, and UiT The Arctic University of Norway also offer scholarships for master's and PhD programmes.
• Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund: This government-backed organisation helps students pay for their education in Norway, and international students can receive a free education through this fund.
• Tuition Fee Exemptions: Certain groups of foreign students are exempt from paying tuition fees at public higher education institutions in Norway. This includes exchange students, students participating in specific programmes (NORPART, NORHED, Fulbright, Erasmus Mundus), students under the Students At Risk (StAR) scheme, and indigenous people studying at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences. Additionally, foreign citizens with certain rights and entitlements may also be exempt.
• Private Scholarships: There are also private and non-profit organisations that offer scholarships for international students. Examples include the GSLS Travel Fellowships and the Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship for Indian students.
• Partner University Agreements: Some universities waive tuition fees for students from partner institutions. For instance, the Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences does not charge tuition fees for exchange students from partner universities.

It is important to note that while these options can provide financial support, students are still typically responsible for covering their living expenses, which can be high in Norway. Additionally, specific requirements and application processes may apply for each scholarship or exemption, so it is essential to review the relevant information for each opportunity.

How to apply for a student visa in Norway

If you are from a country outside the EU/EEA and wish to study in Norway, you must apply for a residence permit for studies, also known as a student visa or study permit. The first step is to check if you need a student visa. Students from Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, or Finland do not need a student visa for Norway and do not need to register with the police. However, if you plan to study in Norway for more than six months, you must report to a tax office in Norway for an ID check and to report your move.

Students from nations within the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) can study in Norway for up to 90 days without applying for a student residence permit. For stays over 90 days, you will need to apply for a student residence permit. This process is quite straightforward:

• Register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration online, providing details of your correspondence address in Norway.
• Go in person to the nearest police station once you arrive and present the relevant documents showing your basis for residence.

You will need to show:

• Confirmation of admission to an approved educational institution
• Private health insurance or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while you study in Norway

If you are not from the EEA or EFTA, you will need to apply for a student residence permit if you intend to study in Norway for more than three months. If you are studying in Norway for less than three months and you come from a country with a visa requirement for entering Norway, you will still need to obtain a visa.

To be granted a student visa for Norway, you must have been admitted to a field of study at an accredited college or university. After you’ve received your letter of admission, you should contact your nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate for information on the study permit application procedure and apply from your country of origin.

While some candidates can apply online from within Norway or through a Norwegian embassy, most students will need to hand in a paper application form to their closest Norwegian embassy or consulate. When you hand in your student residence permit application form, you must also provide your passport, along with other necessary documentation. The documentation required includes:

• A completed application form
• Receipt of payment of the application fee (NOK 5,300, which is roughly US$650)
• A valid travel document (i.e. passport)
• Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background
• Evidence of admittance to an approved full-time education program
• Evidence of sufficient financial funds for the entire period of study, including funds to support any accompanying family. You need to prove you have access to NOK 116,369 for each academic year (10 months), which is approximately US$14,350. These funds should be in a Norwegian bank account.
• Evidence that you have somewhere to live (such as a house, apartment, bedsit, or room in a hall of residence)
• Evidence that you will leave Norway when your residence permit expires (usually in the form of a return ticket)
• A completed and signed UDI document checklist, which you should print off and hand in along with your other documents

Processing times for student residence permits may take two months or more, so it is advisable to apply as soon as possible. If your application is granted, you must then obtain a residence card. This is proof that you have the right to live in Norway and is issued by your local police station in Norway. You’re required to visit the police station within seven days of your arrival in Norway, where you’ll have your fingerprints and photo taken. You will receive your residence card by post within 10 working days.

Cost of living in Norway

The cost of living in Norway is quite high. It is the fourth most expensive country in Western Europe, and more expensive than 87% of countries in the world. The average cost of living in Norway depends on the lifestyle and location of an individual or family. A single person's estimated monthly costs are 1,155.7$ (13,200.3kr) without rent, and 29,633kr (2,176-4,352 USD) with rent. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are 4,118.6$ (47,042.2kr) without rent, and 56,644kr with rent.

Rent in Norway

The average rent in Norway is 9,880 NOK (920 USD) per month. When renting, you will typically be required to put down a large security deposit, which can be between three to six months' rent.

Utilities in Norway

Basic utility costs, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and waste services, for an 85-square-meter apartment in Norway, cost an average of 1,571 NOK (171 USD) per month. Internet with 60 Mbps or more of unlimited data will cost an average of 473 NOK (51 USD) per month.

Food in Norway

Norway's food and alcohol prices are high because a lot of produce is imported. Below are the average restaurant costs in Norway:

• Inexpensive restaurant meal for two: 373 NOK (40 USD)
• Three-course meal for two (mid-range): 1,016 NOK (110 USD)
• Fast-food meal for one: 155 NOK (17 USD)

Transport in Norway

Public transport in Norway is easy and reliable, consisting of a comprehensive network of long-distance buses, trains, and ferry lines. The average cost of some common ways of travelling across the country are as follows:

• One-way ticket (local transport): 38 NOK (4 USD)
• Monthly pass (local transport): 743 NOK (80 USD)

Healthcare in Norway

Public healthcare in Norway is free for people aged 16 and younger, and for pregnant and/or nursing women. Everybody else pays an annual deductible of 2,040 NOK (222 USD), after which they receive an exemption card that entitles them to free healthcare for the rest of the year.

Education in Norway

Public school is free in Norway, even for international students, although there may be a small fee of around 300 to 600 NOK (33–65 USD) to cover things like student cards and union membership. Private and international schools, on the other hand, do have tuition fees.

Salaries in Norway

The high cost of living in Norway is offset by high wages.

Frequently asked questions