Savanna Hoffman
Norway is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and natural landscapes. While the cost of living in Norway is high, public universities do not charge tuition fees for either domestic or international students. This makes Norway an appealing option for students seeking affordable, high-quality education. However, international students must pay a registration fee of around US$84 (910kr) and a semester fee of between US$62-78 (670-850kr). Tuition fees for international students can range from US$14,775 to US$37,353 (160,000kr to 404,500kr). Living costs for international students in Norway are estimated to be around 13,790 NOK (1,200 EUR) per month, with accommodation being a significant expense. Many international students in Norway also take on part-time jobs to supplement their budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of living | High, averaging NOK 12,000–20,000 per month |
| Tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens | Free |
| Tuition fees for other international students | Vary, e.g., US$14,775–24,010 (HVL), US$17,121–34,491 (UiT), NOK 125,000 (BI Norwegian Business School) |
| Student union fees | Between €30–60 per semester |
| Semester fees | Vary, e.g., US$62 (UiT), US$64 (University of Bergen), US$78 (HVL) |
| Registration fees | US$84 |
| Accommodation | High, e.g., €1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Oslo |
| Food | €250–400 per month |
| Social activities | €50–120 per month |
| Books and course materials | €50 per month |
| Transport | €55–72 per month for a transport pass |
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for international students
Norway is an attractive European destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and stunning natural landscapes. The country offers a unique advantage in that most public universities do not charge tuition fees for either domestic or international students. This makes Norway a highly appealing option for students seeking affordable yet high-quality education.
However, since autumn 2023, only citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland can study for free, while all other students have to pay tuition fees. The cost of living in Norway is also high, averaging around NOK 12,000 to NOK 20,000 per month, which is a lot higher than in most other European countries.
There are some exceptions to the rule that public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees. For example, the BI Norwegian Business School charges EU/EEA students 95,000 NOK per year (approximately €9,000), while other international students must pay approximately 125,000 NOK (approximately €11,000). The Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, the University of Oslo, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) are all public universities that offer tuition-free education with only a nominal semester fee.
In addition to tuition fees, international students in Norway must budget for other expenses such as food, social activities, books and other course materials, and transportation. The cost of food can vary depending on one's eating habits and choices, but on average, one can expect to spend between 250-400 EUR per month. Social activities can cost anywhere from 50-120 EUR per month, while books and other course materials can cost around 50 EUR per month. Transportation costs vary depending on the mode of transport, with monthly public transportation passes ranging from 55-72 EUR, taxi starting prices at 10 EUR plus 1.5 EUR per kilometre, and so on.
Despite the high cost of living, Norway remains a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and the availability of affordable universities.
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Cost of living
Norway is not considered an affordable country for international students due to high living costs. The cost of living is estimated to be between NOK 12,000 and NOK 20,000 per month, which is significantly higher than in most other European countries.
One of the biggest expenses is accommodation. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Oslo can cost upwards of €1,000 per month. However, students can save money by securing university-sponsored accommodation or sharing a flat. University-sponsored accommodation in Oslo is estimated to cost around NOK 12,300 (€1,200) per month, including rent, food, and other expenses. In Bergen, it is estimated to be around NOK 13,000 (€1,270) per month, and in Stavanger, it is estimated to be slightly higher.
Food is another significant expense, with students typically spending between €250 and €400 per month. Students can save money by cooking at home and shopping at budget supermarkets such as Rema 1000, Rimi, Kiwi, Bunnpris, Meny, Ultra, and Ica. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €20 for a meal for two, while a mid-range restaurant costs around €70.
Transportation is also a factor in the cost of living. A monthly transport pass costs between €55 and €72, while taxis start at €10 with an additional €1.5 per kilometre.
Other expenses include books and materials, which cost around €50 per month, and social activities, which can range from €50 to €120 per month.
To obtain a student visa, international students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses. The required amount is at least NOK 151,690 per academic year, which is approximately €12,650.
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Scholarships and grants
The Norwegian government does not offer any individual scholarships open to all international students. However, there are a few schemes and foundations that offer scholarships to degree students and exchange students, including PhDs.
If you are a PhD student, you can apply for the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship. This scholarship is worth up to USD 50,000 per year and may be renewed until the completion of your studies. The IIE-SRF Fellowship is another scholarship for doctoral research studies. This scholarship covers a grant of up to US$25,000, along with individual health insurance, to support a visiting academic appointment of up to one year.
For master's students, the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and a monthly stipend. The BI Norwegian Business School, the largest business school in Norway, offers the BI Presidential Scholarship, a fully funded master's scholarship that covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses. The Mobility Grant for Norwegian Language and Literature is open to international students pursuing a master's degree in Norwegian language or literature. This grant is also available to PhD students.
If you are a student from Russia, you can apply for the Norwegian-Russian Scholarships, which offer 30 scholarships annually to students pursuing Norwegian language and literature or other fields of study. Exchange students from universities in other countries can also apply for the Erasmus+ Scholarship Programme for support in their studies abroad.
In addition to scholarships, there are other ways to finance your studies, such as through loans or part-time work. Many international students in Norway hold part-time jobs to increase their budget and practice their Norwegian language skills.
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Part-time work
Norway is known for its high-quality education, which is accessible to everyone, irrespective of their social and financial background. However, international students need to find ways to finance their studies, as the Norwegian government does not offer scholarships to all international students. One way to do this is by taking up part-time work.
International students in Norway are allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, while studying. During holiday periods, they can work full-time, which is up to 40 hours per week. It is important to remember that international students are primarily students, and working should not distract from their studies.
To work in Norway, international students need a work permit, which is automatically granted when they receive their study permit. This part-time work permit only allows them to be employees, not business owners. They must also apply for a tax deduction card with the Tax Administration.
International students can find part-time work opportunities through their universities, which often have career centres, organise career fairs, and maintain job portals with suitable part-time jobs. Additionally, they can search for companies that hire interns and part-time students directly from universities. Most vacancies in Norway are listed online, on websites like the NAV job database, where they can find job postings in English by using the search term "English".
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Accommodation
Norway has a high cost of living, and rent in Norway can be expensive. The capital city of Norway, Oslo, is the 27th most expensive city in the world. The cost of utilities and bills in Norway depends on the size of your accommodation, location, and personal consumption habits. On average, students in Norway spend around 36% of their total living costs on accommodation.
Students in Norway have a few accommodation options. The most popular options are student housing, renting, or sharing an apartment. Student housing can be like dorms or shared apartments with other students or young people. The cost of rent is usually between 300 and 700 EUR/month, depending on the city, proximity to the city centre, and whether you live alone or with others. The average monthly cost of living in Oslo is around 10,700 NOK ($1280), excluding rent.
To save money on accommodation, many students choose to live in shared housing. This can be a more affordable option, and it also allows students to split the cost of utilities and other expenses. Students can also save money by buying second-hand furniture and electronics, cooking at home instead of eating out, and taking advantage of Norway's free outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and biking.
It is important for international students to carefully consider their accommodation options and budget accordingly, as the cost of living in Norway can be significantly higher than in other countries.
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Frequently asked questions
Norway is considered more expensive than other European countries, with high living expenses. However, it is still cheaper to study in Norway compared to other popular study abroad destinations like the US or the UK.
Since autumn 2023, only citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland can study for free at public universities in Norway. International students from outside these regions have to pay tuition fees, which can range from NOK 80,000 to NOK 150,000 per year or higher, depending on the course and university.
The Norwegian government does not offer any scholarships to degree-seeking international students. However, there are other scholarships available, such as the Nordplus Student Exchange, and some universities may offer scholarships for specific programmes.
The estimated living costs for a student in Norway are about NOK 13,790 per month or NOK 151,690 per year. This includes expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities. To obtain a student visa, you must demonstrate that you have at least NOK 151,690 per year to cover your living costs.
International students from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland can work up to 20 hours per week while studying and full-time during holidays. Students from Nordic/EU/EEA/Swiss countries do not have restrictions on working while studying.
