Douglas Olsen
Norway is known for its high-quality education and has become a sought-after destination for international students. While most public universities in Norway previously offered tuition-free education to all students, regardless of nationality, recent changes have been implemented. As of fall 2023, international students from outside the European Economic Area (including EU countries, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland are required to pay cost-covering fees. This change has sparked mixed emotions, with some arguing for equal opportunities and the importance of diversity. Despite the introduction of tuition fees for certain international students, Norway remains a relatively affordable option compared to other popular study destinations like the US or UK. Living costs in Norway are estimated to be around NOK 13,790 per month or NOK 151,690 per year, and students must also pay a mandatory student union or welfare organization fee, typically ranging from 30 to 60 EUR per semester.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Public universities charging tuition fees | From fall 2023, international students from outside the European Economic Area (which includes countries in the European Union, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland have to pay cost-covering fees to their universities. |
| Public universities not charging tuition fees | The University of Oslo, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences HVL, NTNU, University of Nordland, University of Bergen, Bergen University College, OsloMet, UiT |
| Private universities charging tuition fees | All private universities in Norway charge tuition fees ranging between 7,000–19,000 EUR/year. |
| Semester fee | NOK 480-1000 per semester to the student welfare organisation |
| Living costs | NOK 13,790-15,169 per month or NOK 151,690-166,859 per year |
| Student visa requirement | Students who are not citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries must be able to document that they have enough funding to live in Norway. |
| Scholarships | The Norwegian government does not offer scholarships to all international students, but there are a few schemes and foundations that do. |
| Work opportunities | International students can work part-time while studying. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work up to 20 hours a week and full-time during holidays. |
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What You'll Learn
Norway's free-tuition universities
Norways Free-Tuition Universities
Norway is known for its high-quality education and research capabilities, making it a popular destination for international students. While Norway used to offer free tuition to all international students, this has changed in recent years. From Fall 2023, international students from outside the European Economic Area (which includes countries in the European Union, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland have to pay tuition fees. However, Norway remains an affordable option for international students compared to other Western European countries, the US, and the UK.
Tuition-Free Universities
- University of Nordland: The Norwegian Government requires that students from outside the EU can provide funds to cover living expenses for one academic year (NOK 92,500).
- University of Bergen: A public institution that does not charge tuition fees. Students only pay a semester fee to the Student Welfare Organisation (SiB) (NOK 480).
- Bergen University College: Offers an accommodation guarantee at SiB Student Accommodation.
- NTNU: Offers tuition-free education with a distinct advantage over many other universities in Europe and North America.
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences HVL: A public university offering tuition-free education to all students, regardless of nationality. Students are responsible for covering living expenses and application fees.
- OsloMet: Offers numerous master's and PhD programmes, some entirely in English. There is a registration fee of around US$84 (910 krone).
- University of Oslo: Ranked #119 on the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is the oldest and most prestigious university in Norway. It offers over 90 English-taught master's and PhD programmes.
Fees
Although tuition is free at the universities listed above, there are still some fees that students must pay. These include:
- Administrative/semester fees: Cover student services, bus tickets, cafeterias, and more. They cost between 100 - 350 EUR/semester.
- Student union/welfare organisation fees: Around 30-60 EUR per semester, which covers essential services such as health and counselling, sports, and cultural activities.
- Living costs: Estimated at NOK 13,790 per month or 151,690 per year (2024-25).
- Application fees
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Living costs and scholarships
Norway is known for its robust economy, high standard of living, and high-quality education. It is one of the most expensive countries in the world, and the cost of living for students includes food, transportation, accommodation, and utilities. The average living expenses for students in Norway range from 700 to 2,000 EUR per month, depending on the city. For instance, in Oslo, the capital, the average monthly cost is around 2,000 EUR. The estimated living cost for a student in Norway for the 2024-25 academic year is NOK 13,790 per month or NOK 151,690 per year. This estimate includes basic necessities such as food, electricity, and transport. Additionally, students may incur costs related to insurance, travel, visa fees, and tuition fees, if applicable. All students are required to pay a semester fee of approximately 1,000 NOK, which covers services provided by the student welfare organisation, including housing, childcare, sports facilities, and health and food services. To reduce accommodation costs, many students opt for shared flats or student housing, which is generally more affordable than renting on the open market, especially in bigger cities.
International students from outside the EU/EEA can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during holidays, providing an opportunity to earn extra income to supplement their living expenses. Additionally, students may consider part-time employment to practice their Norwegian language skills and gain local work experience.
Regarding scholarships, the Norwegian government does not offer individual scholarships to international degree students. However, there are alternative scholarship schemes available, such as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programs, which are run across multiple countries and offer EU-guaranteed loans with favourable payback terms for master's students from specific countries. Students can also explore options like the Studyportals Scholarship to help finance their studies. Additionally, international students can consider student loans, such as those offered by MPOWER Financing, to support their educational expenses.
While Norway previously offered tuition-free education for all international students, recent discussions indicate that this policy may have changed, and non-EU/EEA students may now be subject to tuition fees for certain programmes. It is important for prospective students to stay updated with the latest information regarding tuition fees and scholarship opportunities to make informed decisions about their studies in Norway.
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English-taught programmes
Norway is a sought-after destination for international students due to its high-quality education, affordable prices, and numerous benefits for international students. The University of Oslo, for example, offers over 90 English-taught master's and PhD programmes, covering various disciplines. The University of Bergen offers more than 20 master's programmes taught in English, including humanities and aesthetic studies, medicine, natural sciences, technical subjects, social sciences, and psychology.
OsloMet offers numerous master's and PhD programmes, some entirely taught in English, while the rest are a mix of Norwegian and English. The University of Nordland does not charge tuition fees, but the Norwegian Government requires that students from outside the EU can provide a minimum amount of money to cover living expenses for one academic year in Norway. The University of Bergen, a public institution, does not charge tuition fees for Norwegian or international students.
While Norway previously offered tuition-free education to all international students, this has changed in recent years. From fall 2023, international students from outside the European Economic Area (which includes countries in the European Union, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland will need to pay cost-covering fees to their universities. However, Norway remains a relatively affordable study destination compared to other Western European countries, such as the US or the UK.
Living costs in Norway are relatively high, estimated at NOK 13,790 per month or NOK 151,690 per year (2024-25). Students must also pay a semester fee of approximately NOK 1,000 per semester to the student welfare organisation, which offers various services and facilities. Additionally, international students must be able to support themselves financially and may need to apply for a residence permit for studies, requiring a minimum amount of funds in a Norwegian bank account.
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Student visas and permits
If you are a citizen of a country within the EU/EEA/EFTA (including Switzerland), you can enter Norway without a visa or study permit. However, if your programme and stay in Norway will last more than three months, you'll need to register with the local police within the first three months. If you are from Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, or Finland, you do not need to register with the police. 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.
Citizens from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA (including the UK) will need to apply for a residence permit for studies, also known as a study permit or student visa. The requirements are the same for exchange and degree-seeking students staying in Norway for three months or longer, but vary depending on nationality. You will need to provide evidence that you will leave Norway when your residence permit expires, usually in the form of a return ticket. You will also need to complete and sign a UDI document checklist, which you should print off and hand in along with your other documents. Processing times for student residence permits can vary and may take two months, so it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.
If your application is granted, you must obtain a residence card, which is issued by your local police station in Norway. You are required to visit the police station within seven days of your arrival in Norway, where you will have your fingerprints and photo taken. You will then be sent your residence card by post within 10 working days. You will also need to present your documents at your local Norwegian embassy or consulate. If your documents are not in Norwegian or English, you will need to present them with a notarized translation.
Students with a study permit may work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Norway and full-time during university holidays. You can renew your study permit through the online Application Portal Norway at least three months before it expires, providing evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself, as well as satisfactory progress in your studies.
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Top-ranked universities
Norway is known for its high-quality education standards and institutions, and the importance universities place on research and practical training. The University of Oslo (UiO) is a public research institution in Oslo, Norway. It is the oldest and most prestigious of all universities in Norway and one of the topmost institutions in Northern Europe. It ranked #119 on the QS World University Rankings 2025 and holds the title of the top university in Norway. The University of Oslo offers over 90 English-taught master's and PhD programmes, covering a wide array of disciplines.
NTNU is another top-ranked university in Norway, known for its master's studies in marine engineering. They rank from #1 to #5 depending on the ranking system. They also receive decent rankings for civil engineering, and their expertise in concrete, owing to their experience with oil platforms and bridges. Renewable energy engineering is another programme that receives good rankings at NTNU.
The University of Bergen is another public tuition-free institution for both Norwegian and international students. It offers two-year master's programmes, with the second year devoted to writing a thesis. There are more than 20 master's programmes taught in English, including humanities and aesthetic studies, medicine, natural sciences and technical subjects, social sciences and psychology, as well as fine art, music, and design.
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences HVL is a public university offering tuition-free education to all students, regardless of their nationality. HVL has a solid academic record and offers many joint Master's programmes with other universities worldwide.
While Norway has ended free or almost free university education for non-EU/EEA students, it is still a sought-after destination for international students due to its high-quality education at relatively affordable prices compared to other Western European countries, like the US or the UK.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of 2023, most public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees for international students, regardless of their country of origin. However, starting in September 2023, some universities will introduce tuition fees for international students not from the EEA (EU and EFTA countries) and Switzerland.
Some universities in Norway that offer free tuition for international students include the University of Nordland, the University of Bergen, NTNU, and HVL.
In addition to tuition fees, international students at Norwegian universities may need to pay a semester or registration fee, which typically ranges from 30 to 60 EUR per semester. This fee covers essential services such as health and counselling, sports, and cultural activities.
The living costs in Norway are relatively high compared to other European countries. It is estimated that students need at least NOK 13,790 per month or NOK 151,690 per year to cover their living expenses.
