Janice Lozano
International students in Norway are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, including remote work, in addition to their studies and full-time during holidays. Students from the EU/EEA area can work for up to three months without applying for a work permit, but they will need a residence permit if they plan to stay longer than 90 days. Students from outside the EU/EEA area must apply for a residence permit for studies, which is also called a study permit, and they must also have a job offer before they can apply for a residence permit. The job market in Norway for international students can be competitive, and working in Norway can be tough if you do not speak Norwegian.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours for international students | Up to 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays |
| Work permit requirement for international students from the EU | No |
| Work permit requirement for international students not from the EU | Yes |
| Work permit processing time | Around 2 months |
| Work permit application fee | Yes |
| Work permit application documents | Passport, photos, evidence of admission to a full-time education program |
| Work permit validity | Not automatically renewed with the study permit |
| Work permit renewal requirement | Document satisfactory progress in studies |
| Work permit renewal application | Consult your institution |
| Residence permit requirement for international students from the EU | No |
| Residence permit requirement for international students not from the EU | Yes |
| Residence permit application process | Apply from your country of origin, obtain a residence card from the local police station in Norway within 7 days of arrival |
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What You'll Learn
International students need a residence permit to work in Norway
International students wishing to work in Norway must apply for a residence permit, also known as a student visa. The application process can take up to two months, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible. Students should apply from their country of origin, either online or through a Norwegian embassy or consulate.
Students from Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland are exempt from obtaining a student visa for Norway and do not need to register with the police. However, if the duration of their studies in Norway exceeds six months, they must report to a tax office for an ID check and to report their move. Students from countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) can study in Norway for up to 90 days without a student residence permit.
Students from outside the EU/EEA who wish to study in Norway must apply for a residence permit. This requirement also applies to exchange and degree-seeking students staying in Norway for three months or longer, although the specific requirements vary depending on nationality. In addition to the application fee, applicants must provide a valid passport, two recent passport-sized photos, and evidence of admittance to a full-time education program.
Obtaining a study permit grants international students permission to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, including remote work, alongside their studies. They can also work full-time during holidays. It is important to note that the part-time work permit is not automatically renewed when renewing the study permit. To renew the work permit, students must demonstrate satisfactory progress in their studies.
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Students can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week
International students in Norway are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. This includes remote work. Students can also work full-time during holidays. However, it is important to note that this permission is only granted to those who have been granted a study permit.
To obtain a study permit, students must apply for a residence permit for studies, also known as a student residence permit. This requires evidence of admittance to an approved full-time education program at a college or university. There is an application fee, and students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves financially during their stay in Norway. The estimated living costs for a student in Norway are NOK 13,790 per month or NOK 151,690 per year.
It is important to note that the part-time work permit is not automatically renewed when renewing the study permit. To renew the work permit, students must provide documentation of satisfactory progress in their studies.
The job market in Norway can be competitive, and it may be challenging to find work without speaking Norwegian. However, for highly skilled workers, there are job opportunities in fields such as IT and healthcare. Networking is an important aspect of the Norwegian job market, and attending trade meetings, conferences, and industry events can be a good way to meet potential employers.
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Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a work permit
International students who are not from the EU/EEA area and wish to work in Norway will need to apply for a residence permit for work. This is also known as a work permit.
Firstly, you must have been admitted to an approved full-time education programme at a college or university. You will need to submit a valid travel document (i.e. passport), two recent passport-sized photos with a white background, and evidence of admittance to your programme. You must also pay an application fee.
Once you have been granted a study permit, you will automatically be granted permission to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, including remote work, in addition to your studies and full-time during holidays. You will need to renew your work permit each year, documenting satisfactory progress in your studies.
If you are a highly skilled worker, you may find it easier to find work in Norway in fields such as IT and healthcare. However, it can be tough to find work in Norway if you do not speak Norwegian.
Please note that the application process for a work permit may take up to two months, so it is advisable to apply as soon as possible. If your application is granted, you must then obtain a residence card from your local police station in Norway.
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Students need to prove they can support themselves financially
To study in Norway, international students must prove that they can support themselves financially. This is a requirement for obtaining a study permit, which is necessary for students from outside the EU/EEA who wish to study in Norway for more than three months.
The Norwegian government does not offer individual scholarships open to all international students. Therefore, students must find other ways to finance their studies, such as through private scholarships or personal funds. The estimated living costs for a student in Norway are NOK 13,790 per month or NOK 151,690 per year (2024-25). In addition, there may be costs related to insurance, travel, visa fees, and tuition fees. All students must also pay a semester fee of approximately NOK 1,000 per semester to the student welfare organisation.
To obtain a study permit, international students must demonstrate that they have enough money to cover their living costs for the entire academic year. The minimum amount required is NOK 15,169 per month or NOK 166,859 per year. If a student is only staying for one semester, they must document NOK 75,845 for the autumn semester or NOK 91,014 for the spring semester. This money can come from various sources, such as student loans, grants, personal savings, or a combination of these.
It is important to note that the processing time for student residence permits can take up to two months, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible. Once granted, the student residence permit also allows international students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during their studies and full-time during holidays. However, the part-time work permit is not automatically renewed when renewing the study permit, and students must document satisfactory progress in their studies to renew the work permit.
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Networking is important for finding work in Norway
International students can work in Norway, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, students from Switzerland, Norway, and countries in the EU/EEA area are exempted from paying tuition fees at public higher educational institutions. However, if you're an international student from outside the EU/EEA, you must apply for a residence permit for studies, also known as a study permit. This process can take up to two months, so it's important to apply as early as possible. Additionally, regardless of nationality, international students must be able to financially support themselves while studying in Norway, with estimated living costs of NOK 15,169 per month or NOK 166,859 per year (2025-26).
Now, regarding networking and finding work in Norway:
Networking is extremely important when it comes to finding work in Norway. While the country boasts a thriving economy and a low unemployment rate, international workers can sometimes face challenges in securing job opportunities. Networking can be a valuable tool to navigate these challenges and increase your chances of employment. Here's why networking is crucial and how you can leverage it effectively:
- Word-of-Mouth Job Opportunities: In Norway, many job opportunities are not widely advertised online or in newspapers. Instead, they are often shared through word of mouth and personal connections. By networking and building relationships with professionals in your industry, you increase your chances of learning about these hidden job openings.
- Cultural Integration: Norwegians highly value personal connections and relationships. By networking and participating in community activities, you can integrate yourself into the local culture. This can help you build meaningful relationships with potential employers, colleagues, and industry influencers, which can, in turn, lead to job referrals and recommendations.
- Language Proficiency: Learning the Norwegian language is essential for increasing your employment prospects. Networking provides you with the opportunity to practice and improve your Norwegian skills. By interacting with native speakers in a professional context, you can become more fluent and confident in the language, making you a more attractive candidate for employers.
- Industry-Specific Insights: Networking allows you to gain valuable insights into your industry of choice. By connecting with professionals in your field, you can learn about the specific qualifications, licenses, or authorizations required to practice your profession in Norway. They can guide you through the job market, helping you understand the skills and competencies that are in high demand.
- Temporary Work and Networking Events: Taking on summer, temporary, or part-time work can be an excellent way to build your network. These positions often allow you to meet people from various industries and backgrounds, expanding your professional circle. Additionally, attending industry conferences, workshops, and networking events can help you connect with potential employers and stay informed about job openings.
In conclusion, networking is a powerful tool for international students seeking employment in Norway. By building relationships and integrating into the local culture, you increase your chances of learning about job opportunities and gaining the attention of potential employers. So, don't underestimate the power of networking during your job search journey in Norway.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you will need a residence permit to work in Norway. You must usually find a job before applying for this permit. The type of residence permit you need depends on your qualifications and the type of work you will be doing.
International students with a work permit are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during their first year of study. Working more than 20 hours a week can get you and your employer in trouble.
To get a work permit, you must have been admitted to a vocational school, study full-time, and have enough money to live on. This means having at least NOK 15,169 per month or NOK 166,859 per year.
After receiving your letter of admission to a Norwegian educational institution, contact your nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate for information on the work permit application procedure. You will need to submit a valid travel document (i.e., passport), two recent passport-sized photos with a white background, and evidence of admittance to a full-time education program.
