Norway is a great place to get your education. Although it’s cold – and they did go through a “butter crisis” in 2011 – Norway has some of the highest-ranked universities, the best student accommodations, and the most boring TV shows (train rides, knitting, and log fires, oh my).

But, going back to the highest-ranked and the best universities, you should know that Norwegian organizations, like the University of Bergen, can be great magnets for international students from all over the world.

Is Norway good for international students to study in?

Universities in Norway deliver a high standard of education and reputable research. Students are encouraged to develop creativity and think critically. There are several English-taught programs, and the country has a high level of English in general. Norway has consistently ranked on international student satisfaction awards because of its quality education, egalitarian culture, and beautiful

The government publicly funds most Norwegian universities and state colleges. Thus, public institutions do not charge tuition fees for local and international students. They only need to pay a semester fee of approximately 590 NOK for student welfare organizations. Private universities have comparatively low tuition fees than in other countries. They offer bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D. programs, shorter study programs, and continuous learning courses.

Living costs in Norway range higher than in other countries but guarantee a quality standard of living. Norway is one of the happiest countries across the globe, according to the World Happiness Report. The Global Peace Index also states that it is a peaceful and safe nation, very apt for a country that awards the Nobel Peace Prize.

Can international students work in Norway while studying?

International students can hold part-time jobs in Norway during their studies with a few conditions. EU/EEA nationals can freely live, study, and work in Norway. However, if staying for more than three months, you must register with the police. You can find more information at the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website.

Non-EU/EEA nationals must apply for a study permit, allowing you up to 20 hours of work per week. You can work full-time during the holidays. Norwegians are quite good at English. However, most employers prefer a particular proficiency in Norwegian. It is best to learn the language as soon as possible.

Also Read: Best Universities In Norway For International Students, university of oslo international students, best universities in norway for masters, university of norway.

Can international students stay in Norway after graduation?

After graduation, international students may stay in Norway for one year to look for work. Before your current permit expires, you should apply for a residence permit as a job seeker. You need to find a job related to your degree and reach a level of earning customary to the industry. For a permanent residence permit, it will depend on the type of work and your competence. You can check for the guidelines on the UDI website.

How satisfied are international students in studying in Norway?

International students have always been satisfied with their Norwegian education. In 2016, international students listed Norway as their top choice, with an overwhelming 9.26 out of 10. The score is based on online reviews and data gathered by Studyportals International Student Satisfaction Award. Aside from that, a report presented in 2019 by Diku, a Norwegian agency for international cooperation and quality enhancement in higher education, stated that 85% of international students are likely to suggest Norway to others.

What are the most popular programs in Norway for International Students?

The common worry among prospective international students is that they might end up with degrees that are not recognized in their home country. Fortunately, Norway has the Bologna process. It means that international students can enjoy the advantage of completing degrees or courses in Norway and then have their certifications recognized in other countries.

Like in most countries, Norway offers bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in three years, while master’s and Ph.D. degrees can be finished in two to three years or more. There are also programs where students can take a one-tier master’s degree, allowing them to continuously take their bachelor’s and master’s within five years. There is also a traditional program that is aligned towards becoming a Scandinavian professional. It is more fitting to international students who are considering staying in Norway for good.

Best Universities In Norway For International Students

Since 2017, international students in Norway went from 8,644 to 13,733. More people are considering Norway as a top destination for their education. The University of Oslo in the capital city of Norway is considered the most prestigious in the country. It landed on 91st place in the U.S. News & World Report Ranking and 131st in Times Higher Education Ranking both for the year 2020. It also ranked as the 3rd best university in Scandinavia and took 113th place in QS World University Ranking.

Below are the ten best universities in Norway for international students.

Also Read: university of oslo international students, best universities in norway for computer science, norway universities for international students bachelor.

Best Universities in Norway for International Students

1. University of Oslo (UiO)

The University of Oslo was founded in 1811, making it the oldest university in the country. It offers a wide selection of programs through its eight faculties. With its five Nobel Prize winners and nine Centres of Excellence, it has proven to be a pioneer in research and scientific discoveries. Aside from being the home to several historical museums of the country, UiO offers a full Norwegian experience for their international students with its location in the country’s capital. The University of Oslo is the best university in Norway for international students.

2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

The merging of six research and higher education institutions in 1996 gave birth to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. It specializes in technology and natural science and has nine faculties. Students can choose among the vast selection of programs varying from humanities to entrepreneurship and architecture. At the University of Oslo, NTNU was able to bag Nobel Prize awards, with the most recent one in 2014. NTNU looks forward to gaining a more positive impact in the international academic scene with its dozens of exchange programs and over 300 exchange agreements with 60 universities globally.

3. University of Bergen (UiB)

Next on our list of top universities in Norway for international students is the University of Bergen, which was established in 1946. It has a strategic focus on three areas, namely marine research, climate, and energy transition, and global challenges. With its seven faculties, students have a large selection for their degree of choice. Bergen has been a city of academic activities even before the institution of the university, and the establishment of the Bergen Museum can surely add to a more profound educational experience for international students.

4. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, founded in 1859, is the second oldest institution for higher education in the country. International students can choose among the seven faculties for their programs, some of which are exclusively taught in English.

5. UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Established in 1968 and officially opened in 1972, it is considered the world’s northernmost university and the most comprehensive research institution in Northern Norway. Fitting for its location are the university’s research activities such as space science, auroral light research and fishery sciences. International students in UiT who are looking to delve deeper into Arctic research are close to the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research and Norwegian Polar Institute. Uit has eight faculties with a long list of programs international students can choose from if they prefer fields outside Arctic research.

6. University of Stavanger (UiS)

UiS was established in 2005 in the oil and energy capital of Norway. This top university in Norway has three faculties which are Arts and Education, Social Sciences, and Science and Technology. A diverse culture and the perfect balance of work and play in the city of Stavanger make the university a great place for international students.

7. University of Agder (UiA)

After the merging of Agder College and five other colleges, the University of Agden, one of the best universities in Norway for international students, was established in 2007. Its six faculties and comprehensive programs provide great options for international students. UiA also believed that a good start is essential to having a fun academic experience thus it offers a reliable buddy system, the opening of the year festival, specialized services, and start-up courses perfect for international students’ seamless blending into the Norwegian culture.

8. BI Norwegian Business School

Founded in 1943, the BI Norwegian Business School is the largest business university in Norway. As it has four campuses, with the main campus in Oslo, international students can choose a location depending on their academic aspirations, convenience, and other personal considerations.

9. Nord University

Another best university in Norway for international students is Nord University. This university was established in 2016 and had over 200 programs and courses. As it bravely faces global challenges and is ready to offer innovative insights and solutions, international students from partner universities across the globe are coming to Nord for their education.

10. Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)

The NHH was established in 1936 which, along with business courses, offers programs in energy and natural resources. It also has a globally known research facility, making it an excellent choice for international students.

Best Universities in Norway according to International Rankings

Universities	Times Higher Education Ranking (2021)	Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ranking (2020)	TopUniversities Ranking (2021)	U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2021)
University of Oslo	127	60	113	90
University of Bergen	201	301	194	166
UIT the Arctic University of Norway	351	501	416	440
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)	401	101	360	281
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)	601	601	–	631
University of South-Eastern Norway	–	–	–	1016
University of Stavanger	–	–	–	1056

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University Rankings Explained

World University Rankings created by Times Higher Education takes into account the reputation of research done by universities and how often papers produced by universities were quoted around the world.

Academic Ranking of World Universities created by Shanghai Jiao Tong University focuses on the number of award-winning scientists, most cited researchers from the listed universities, and their contribution to the scientific community.

QS World University Rankings created by Top Universities survey a large number of academic experts about the reputation of universities and also measure the quality of teaching.

Best Global Universities Rankings created by U.S. News & World Report analyses university graduation rates and how many students remain enrolled in their second year of studies. It also surveys university representatives on the performance of universities.

public universities in norway for international students

“Living in Norway has a reputation for being expensive, but studying in Norway may not be as expensive as you think! Universities in Norway and state university colleges, as a rule, do not charge tuition fees for international students.” studyinnorway.no

Living expenses in Norway are higher than in many other countries, and you need to pay for your own books/teaching material. Students will need to pay a semester fee of around NOK 300-600 ($50-100) each semester (varies). On living in Norway, the State Educational Loan Fund estimates the average expenditure for students to be about NOK 9000 a month (approx. EURO 1 000). Although expenses vary from person to person, this estimate is expected to cover board and lodgings, clothing, transport, medical and dental care, and other necessities.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

NTNU offers all students a distinct advantage over many other universities in Europe and North America: there are no tuition fees here. However, students do need to cover their own living expenses. Furthermore, all international students who are not citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries must be able to document that they have enough funding to live in Norway in order to be granted a student visa.

Oslo and Akershus University Colloege of Applied Sciences

As a state-owned institution, HiOA does not charge tuition fees. This applies to both Norwegian and international students. There is a mandatory fee, the semester fee, covering membership in the Student Welfare Organization, use of printers, etc.  The semester fee is currently NOK660 per semester. If you plan to attend HiOA as an exchange student, you are automatically exempt from any fees.

The University of Nordland – formerly Bodø University College

The University of Nordland does not charge tuition fees. However, the Norwegian Government requires that students from outside the European Union (EU) can provide a minimum amount of money to cover living expenses for one academic year in Norway. The current amount of money to be transferred to the University of Nordland is NOK 92 500 for the academic year.

University of Bergen

The only fee to be paid at the University of Bergen is the semester fee to the Student Welfare Organisation (SiB), currently NOK 480. The University of Bergen is a public institution and therefore does not charge tuition fees. This applies both to Norwegian and international students.

Bergen University College

Bergen University College offers an accommodation guarantee at SiB Student accommodation. This guarantee is only valid if you apply within 1st of May and 1st of November and if your courses start at the beginning of the semester, in August and January.

BI Norwegian Business School

The tuition fee is waived for students from BI’s partner universities who are nominated as exchange summer program students by their home universities. Students from BI partner universities who are not nominated get a 50% tuition fee reduction. The BI Norwegian Business School offers a number of summer program scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on both academic and personal qualifications, as well as financial needs. They consist of a full or partial waiver of the tuition fee.

The Artic University of Norway

There are no tuition fees for international students at UiT, but living costs in Norway are quite high, compared to other European countries. The semester fee is currently NOK 500, approx. 65 US Dollar

Hedmark University of Applied Science

Generally, all ordinary study programs at Higher Education Institutions in Norway are tuition-free for Norwegian as well as international students.

Lillehammer University College

Application deadlines: May 1 for the fall semester and October 15 for the following spring

MF Norwegian School of Theology

All international students must arrive in Oslo with adequate funding to pay for student fees, registration fees, accommodation, and various living expenses. Apart from a relatively small student fee/ registration fee, there is no tuition fee to study at MF.

Molde University College – Specialized University in Logistics

International students from countries where a visa is required for entering Norway and the Schengen countries, only need to document a minimum of NOK 90800 per academic year or NOK 45400 per semester to cover their own living expenses while studying in Norway.

Bergen Academy of Art & Design, Norway

KHiB is part of the public education system in Norway, which means that students do not pay tuition fees. International students should be prepared to provide funding to cover living expenses and material from their home countries. Application closing dates: MA in Fine Art: 1 February, MA in Design: 2 April.

Narvik University College

To obtain an entry permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration for studying in Norway, NOK 92 500.- (2012) should be deposited in a Norwegian bank account, preferably not later than the 1st of June. This money is supposed to cover living expenses in Norway for one year. Applicants must fulfill all requirements before 1 July. The application deadline is the 1st of March.

Nesna University College

The admissions criteria for international students depend on your nationality, as it must correspond to the Norwegian admissions criteria for higher education.

NLA University College

NLA University College claims it wants to have more international students at NLA. And to accommodate this, the university has decided to have a reduced semester fee for international student who is on track with their studies. The registration fee for international students is 1475NOK, which is considerably cheaper than for national students. This also grants membership in the student welfare organization. Meals, house rent, textbooks, and travel, etc. are your own responsibility and are not included.