Enrollments In Norwegian Universities: An Overview

Norway has a range of higher education institutions, including ten universities, nine specialised universities, 24 university colleges, and several private university colleges. The country's higher education system is state-run, and the largest university is the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. In 2023, there were over 310,000 students enrolled in higher education institutions in Norway, with a consistent majority being female. The number of students enrolled in higher education in Norway has been increasing over the past decade, with approximately 240,000 students in 2010.

University enrolment in Norway has increased over the past decade

University enrolment in Norway has been on an upward trajectory over the past decade, with figures from 2023 showing over 310,000 students enrolled in higher education institutions. This marks a significant increase from 2010, when the number was approximately 240,000. The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in this rise, as during that time, more people opted for higher education due to rising unemployment.

Factors Attracting Students to Norway

Norway's higher education system offers a range of institutions, including universities, university colleges, and scientific colleges. Universities are the most popular choice for Norwegians seeking higher education. The country's largest university is the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim.

One of the key attractions of Norway's higher education system is its lack of tuition fees for citizens of EU countries, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. For other international students, tuition fees can range from 80,000 NOK to 400,000 NOK per academic year.

International Student Enrolment

Norway also attracts a large number of international students, with approximately 23,000 enrolled in 2022. The latest data shows a decrease from 2015, when the highest number of international students, 25,660, was recorded. Natural Sciences and Technology are the most popular fields of study among international students, with 36% enrolled in such programs. The majority of international students in Norway come from Germany, with a total of 2,230 students.

Degree Programs and Job Opportunities

The availability of multiple degree programs and the prospect of job opportunities after graduation are also factors that make Norway an attractive destination for international students. The quality of education is a significant consideration, with 53% of international students citing it as their primary motivation for choosing Norway. The peaceful and safe society, high standard of living, and beautiful nature of the country are also appealing factors.

The majority of students enrolled in Norwegian universities are female

In Norway, there are ten universities, nine specialised universities, 24 university colleges, and a range of private university colleges offering higher education. In 2023, there were over 310,000 students enrolled in higher education institutions, with the number consistently being higher for female students than male. This trend has been observed since the mid-1980s, and the gender gap has only widened in recent years. As of 2023, there were approximately 189,000 female students and 123,000 male students pursuing higher education in Norway. This disparity is also reflected in the number of graduates, with 60% of bachelor's degrees and 58.2% of master's degrees being awarded to female students.

The gender imbalance in Norwegian higher education is not limited to the student body. Within academic positions, women are consistently underrepresented in top tiers, such as full professorships. While the number of female associate professors is closer to reaching gender parity, with women occupying about 47% of these positions, the same cannot be said for higher academic ranks. As of 2019, only about 31% of full professors in Norwegian universities were women, indicating a slow rate of change toward gender equality in these positions.

The disparity in academic positions may be influenced by various factors, including individual choices, expectations to balance work and family obligations, and socialisation into specific gender roles. Additionally, there is a "pipeline problem," where the lack of women in higher academic positions is attributed to a shortage of academic labour supply. However, it's important to note that the development of gender equality in Norwegian academia is also influenced by international trends, as it is part of a global labour market for researchers and academics.

Despite the overall gender imbalance, there are fields of study in which female students are more prominently represented. For instance, in 2023, female students dominated subjects such as agriculture, sciences, and medical sciences. In medical sciences, 68% of PhD graduates were female. However, in fields like technology, the share of male students and graduates is significantly higher.

To address the gender imbalance in academia, targeted initiatives and actions must be implemented to increase the representation of the underrepresented gender in specific fields. This includes improving work conditions for female scientists and addressing the scientific process, such as providing access to mentors and opportunities to gain scientific merit. Additionally, measures to reduce gender disparities in scientific production, particularly in STEM disciplines, are crucial to fostering equality.

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology is the largest university in Norway

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is the largest university in Norway in terms of enrolment. It is headquartered in Trondheim, with regional campuses in Gjøvik and Ålesund. NTNU was formed in 1996 through the merger of the former University of Trondheim and other university-level institutions, with roots dating back to 1760. The university has since expanded further, merging with three university colleges in 2016 to become Norway's largest single university.

NTNU has two main campuses in Trondheim: Gløshaugen, which focuses on engineering and the sciences, and Dragvoll, which focuses on the humanities and social sciences. There are also other campuses in Trondheim for marine technology, medicine, archaeology, music, and art. Combined, the campuses span a total area of 734,000 square metres.

NTNU is a public research university that offers a wide range of programmes. While it specialises in engineering, technology, and the natural sciences, it also has students, teachers, and researchers across the social sciences, health sciences, medicine, arts, and humanities. The university has around 42,000 students, including approximately 2,500 PhD students, and 9,000 employees. NTNU has more than 300 cooperative or exchange agreements with 60 universities worldwide and several international student exchange programmes.

NTNU is ranked 264th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and 301st-350th in the World University Rankings 2025. It is also ranked first in the world for universities with the biggest corporate links due to its research collaboration with SINTEF, Scandinavia's largest independent research institute.

Norway has 10 universities and 9 specialised universities

Norway has a total of 10 universities and 9 specialised universities. The country's higher education system is divided into universities, specialised university institutions, and university colleges. The specialised universities focus on specific program areas and function as national competence centres for their respective fields.

The 10 universities in Norway are:

• Nord University
• Norwegian University of Life Sciences
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• Oslo Metropolitan University
• University of Agder
• University of Bergen
• University of Southeastern-Norway
• University of Stavanger
• University of Tromsø
• University of Oslo (formerly Royal Frederick's University)

The 9 specialised universities in Norway include:

• Oslo School of Architecture and Design
• Molde University College
• Norwegian School of Economics
• Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
• Norwegian Academy of Music
• MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
• VID Specialized University
• Oslo National Academy of the Arts
• Bergen School of Architecture

The number of students enrolled in higher education institutions in Norway has been increasing over the past decade. In 2010, there were approximately 240,000 students, while in 2023, the number exceeded 310,000. Norway's higher education system attracts a large number of international students due to its high-quality education and the absence of tuition fees for international students in public universities.

Norway does not charge tuition fees for international students in public universities

In 2023, there were over 310,000 students enrolled in higher educational institutions in Norway, with the number increasing over the past decade. The country's higher education system consists of ten universities, nine specialised universities, 24 university colleges, and a range of private university colleges. The largest university is the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, located in Trondheim.

Additionally, Norway is a signatory to the Bologna Process, which is a European initiative to create a unified higher education system with a 3+2+3 structure, consisting of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. As part of this process, Norway has committed to maintaining a high standard of education and facilitating student mobility within Europe.

Moreover, Norway recognises the value of international students and the contributions they bring to the country's educational institutions and society. By waiving tuition fees for international students, Norway attracts talented individuals from around the world, promoting cultural exchange and diversity on its campuses.

However, it is important to note that Norway's policy on tuition fees for international students only applies to public universities. International students attending private higher education institutions in Norway may be required to pay tuition fees, which can vary depending on the institution and programme. These fees can range from 80,000 NOK to 400,000 NOK per academic year.

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