Graduate Studies in Norway: A Practical Guide

Published on November 12, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Studying in Norway offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a country rich in Viking history and pioneering technological innovations.

With its spectacular landscapes, commitment to equality and social welfare, and one of the world’s top-performing education systems, Norway attracts many international students seeking new academic and cultural perspectives.

Additionally, Norwegian universities stand out for their advanced teaching, often conducted in English, and strong emphasis on research.

Let’s not forget that the country ranks at the top globally for quality of life, promising a rewarding and memorable academic and personal experience.

University Systems in Norway

The Norwegian education model is based on the Bachelor-Master-PhD system, aligned with the European Higher Education Area. Most institutions are public and accessible to all, promoting equal opportunities.

Academic Level	Duration	ECTS Credits	Note
Bachelor	3 years	180	Undergraduate
Master	2 years	120	Graduate
PhD	3 years	180	Postgraduate, often after master’s
Integrated Programs	5-6 years	300-360	Medicine, psychology, engineering, etc.

• Degrees awarded are recognized at the European level: Bachelor, Master, and PhD.
• Some fields (medicine, theology, psychology, veterinary science) offer unique 6-year programs without the 3+2 split.

Main University and Research Institutions:

• University of Oslo
• University of Bergen
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Trondheim)
• University of Tromsø (The Arctic University)
• University of Stavanger
• Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Ås)
• University of Agder
• Nord University

University colleges and national graduate schools also offer programs equivalent to universities.

Tuition Fees and Funding:

• Tuition Fees: Higher education is free at public institutions, including for international students.
• Additional Fees: A small semester fee (approximately €50-100) is required for student services.
• Scholarships: The Norwegian government does not grant individual scholarships to foreign students, except through cooperation or exchange programs.

Language of Instruction:

• Nearly 400 programs are offered in English at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
• Proven English proficiency is required for admission.
• Norwegian language courses are available, especially during summer at universities in Oslo and Bergen.

Support Services for International Students:

• Student Welfare Organizations (Studentsamskipnaden) in each region: housing, health, social activities, administrative advice.
• Erasmus Student Network (ESN) for social and cultural integration.
• Preparatory courses in Norwegian language and culture.

Application Process for Norwegian Universities:

1. Choose a program via the national portal (e.g., Study in Norway).
2. Check language requirements (English or Norwegian).
3. Prepare an application (translated diplomas, language certificates, CV, motivation letter).
4. Apply directly to the desired institution, at least six months in advance.
5. Receive an admission number after acceptance, essential for administrative procedures (visa, housing, etc.).

Key Points:

• The Norwegian university system is known for its transparency and accessibility.
• Integration of international students is facilitated by dedicated services and widespread use of English in teaching.
• Degrees obtained are fully compatible with those from other European countries, thanks to the Bologna Process.

Useful Information to Remember:

• Primarily public and tuition-free higher education
• Wide range of programs in English
• Well-developed support services and student life
• Centralized and transparent application procedures

Admission Procedures for International Students

Steps for International Student Admission to Norwegian Higher Education Institutions:

Program Selection and Application

Select the desired program and institution (institutional website or national portal).

Check specific admission criteria based on level (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD).

Application Preparation and Submission

Gather and submit required documents:

• Valid passport
• Diplomas and transcripts (translated and certified if necessary)
• Letters of recommendation (often required for master’s and PhD programs)
• Motivation letter
• Proof of language proficiency:
  • English programs: TOEFL, IELTS (e.g., min. 60 TOEFL iBT or 5.0 IELTS)
  • Norwegian programs: “Norskprøve” test (minimum B2 level)
• CV
• Portfolio (for certain artistic or technical fields)

Meet application deadlines (often between December and March for August/September start).

Receiving the Acceptance Letter

Wait for the institution’s decision.

If accepted, obtain the official letter essential for visa application.

Procedure for Obtaining a Norwegian Student Visa (for non-EU/EEA students):

Step	Description
Complete application	Online form on the UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) website
Documents to provide	Acceptance letter, passport, proof of funds (approx. 126,000 NOK/year), rental contract, health insurance
Fees to pay	Approximately 5,400 NOK (approx. 500–650 USD depending on exchange rate)
Submit application	At the Norwegian embassy/consulate in your country, sometimes with appointment for interview
Processing time	Procedure can take 1 to 3 months depending on period and country of origin

• A visa interview may be required when submitting the application at the embassy/consulate.
• Documents not in English or Norwegian must be accompanied by a certified translation.
• After arrival in Norway, you must register with local police within 7 days and apply for a Norwegian identification number (“personnummer”) essential for opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, etc.

Specific Requirements:

• Proof of financial resources: minimum required amount (e.g., 126,357 NOK/year), sometimes to be deposited in a Norwegian account.
• Mandatory health insurance.
• Student work permit: allowed up to 20 hours/week during classes, full-time during holidays.
• EU/EEA citizens simply need to register with local police for stays > 3 months but do not need a visa.

Specific Tests or Interviews:

• Some programs may require an academic interview or aptitude test (especially for selective fields).
• The visa interview generally covers study plans, motivation, and ability to finance the stay.

Tips for Cultural Transition:

• Familiarize yourself with Norwegian culture (punctuality, environmental respect, equality).
• Participate in student association activities for integration.
• Contact the university’s international welcome service.
• Learn about cost of living and local administrative procedures.

Useful Resources and Contacts:

Resource/Contact	Purpose
UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration)	Visa procedures, residence permits
University international service	Welcome, housing, integration
SIU (Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education)	Program information
Study in Norway portal	Official study information
Norwegian Embassy/Consulate	Visa procedure, interview
Student associations and Facebook groups	Support, social integration

Sample Preparation Checklist:

Before Departure:

• Obtain acceptance letter
• Prepare all translated and certified documents
• Submit visa/residence permit application
• Book accommodation (contract required for visa)
• Arrange health insurance

Upon Arrival:

• Register with local police
• Open a Norwegian bank account
• Apply for identification number
• Participate in student orientation week

Mastering these steps and anticipating administrative procedures is essential for a successful study experience in Norway.

Degree Recognition and Study Funding

Degree Recognition

The process for recognizing foreign degrees in Norway is primarily managed by NOKUT (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education). Since January 2023, some responsibilities have been transferred to the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HKDIR), but NOKUT remains the central body for academic assessment.

Key Points of the Process:

• Submit an official application to NOKUT or HKDIR.
• Assessment of level, field, and duration of studies compared to Norwegian standards.
• For certain European or Nordic degrees, an automatic recognition service exists and provides immediate standardized certification.
• Technical, medical, or regulated fields may require specific procedures or additional evaluations.

Generally Required Documents:

• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts.
• Official translations into English or Norwegian (avoid Norwegian to reduce translation costs; English is generally accepted).
• Detailed description of courses taken and their content.
• Identification document.

Typical Processing Time:

Type of Assessment	Average Duration
Automatic Nordic recognition	Immediate
Standard NOKUT evaluation	2 to 3 months
Complex or incomplete cases	Up to 6 months

Differences by Field:

• Degrees in humanities or social sciences are more easily recognized.
• Professional degrees (engineering, health, law) may require additional equivalencies or professional authorizations.
• Degrees from outside Europe or Nordic countries may result in longer processing times and increased requirements.

Study Funding

Funding Options for International Students:

• Norwegian government scholarships (e.g., Quota Scheme program, scholarships from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
• University scholarships: some universities offer financial aid for international students, often based on academic merit.
• External scholarships: Erasmus+ scholarships, scholarships from international or national foundations.

Practical List:

• Check scholarship offers on official Norwegian university websites.
• Consult the Study in Norway portal for an overview of available scholarships.
• Explore European programs (Erasmus+, Nordplus) for additional funding.

Part-time Work Opportunities:

• International students have a work permit linked to their student residence permit.
• It is possible to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays.
• The work permit is automatically issued with the student permit, provided full-time enrollment.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living:

Type of Institution	Tuition Fees
Norwegian public universities	No fees for most
Specialized/master’s programs	Some fees for non-Europeans
Private schools	Variable fees

Note: The cost of living in Norway is high (accommodation, food, transportation). It is advisable to plan for a substantial monthly budget.

Practical Tips:

• Prepare all documents translated into English to limit costs.
• Start recognition procedures several months before departure.
• Check specific conditions of each university or program.
• Use official resources for the latest information: NOKUT, HKDIR, Study in Norway.

Useful Links:

• NOKUT: https://www.nokut.no/en/
• HKDIR: https://hkdir.no/en/foreign-education
• Study in Norway: https://www.studyinnorway.no
• Scholarship portal: https://www.studyinnorway.no/study-options/scholarships

Impact of Norwegian Education on Career

Education in Norway provides significant academic and professional enrichment for international students, thanks to an education system focused on autonomy, practical learning, and acquisition of internationally sought-after transversal skills.

Specific Skills Acquired Through the Norwegian Education System:

• Autonomy and project management: Students enjoy great autonomy, are encouraged to work in groups, and conduct practical projects (learning by doing).
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: The pedagogical approach emphasizes active participation, interactive classes, and development of critical thinking.
• Versatility and adaptation: Curricula are flexible, allowing for reorientations and acquisition of multiple professional certifications, thus promoting adaptability.
• Intercultural skills: Student diversity and international openness of campuses enhance the ability to thrive in multicultural environments.

Examples of Professional Sectors Where Norwegian Experience is Valued:

Sector	Assets Linked to Norwegian Education
Renewable Energy	Sustainable approach, project management expertise
Information Technology	Experience with digitalization and innovation
Economic Sciences	International teaching methods, accreditations
Engineering	Practical training, industry-university cooperation
International Relations	Global vision, critical analysis of globalization
Health and Education	Egalitarian practices, adaptation of teaching methods

Importance of Norwegian Language for Employability:

• Proficiency in Norwegian significantly increases job opportunities, especially in public sectors, education, healthcare, or local companies.
• Language skills facilitate integration into Norwegian professional networks and meet employer expectations, who often prefer candidates able to interact in Norwegian.

Impact of Norwegian and International Professional Networks:

• Norwegian campuses promote exchanges among students of all backgrounds, creating strong international networks.
• Partnerships with local companies and integrated internships in curricula facilitate professional integration in Norway and abroad.
• Experience in Norway is often perceived as a mark of seriousness and openness by international recruiters, particularly in multinational corporations or international organizations.

Cultural Differences and Professional Adaptability:

• Exposure to Norwegian culture focused on equality, transparency, and social dialogue develops open-mindedness and ability to adapt to varied environments.
• Students learn to navigate contexts with flat hierarchies, where trust and individual responsibility are valued, constituting a major asset in a globalized professional context.

An academic stay in Norway represents a powerful lever for international employability: it allows acquisition of sought-after skills, mastery of a rare language, integration into dynamic professional networks, and strengthens adaptability through a rich cultural experience.