Are you considering pursuing a Master’s degree in Norway but concerned about the high tuition fees? Look no further, as Norway offers free online Master’s degree programs at public universities. This incredible opportunity is available to students from all countries, including those outside the EU/EEA, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quality education without the financial burden.
To be eligible for these free online Master’s degree programs in Norway, applicants must meet certain admission requirements. These typically include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, a strong academic record, and proficiency in English or Norwegian, depending on the language of instruction. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as relevant work experience or specific skills in the field of study.
The admission process for these free online Master’s degree programs varies by university, but generally involves submitting an application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of language proficiency. Some programs may also require applicants to undergo interviews or submit portfolios showcasing their previous work. It is important to carefully review the specific requirements of the program you are interested in and ensure that you submit a complete and competitive application to increase your chances of admission.
online masters in norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Distance Learning
Distance or online learning is a mode of study that allows students to study most or all of a course without attending at a campus-based institution. Distance can refer to both material and interaction. Distance learning provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.
During this type of education students communicate with the faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging and other forms of computer-based interaction.
The programmes often include a online training system and tools to produce a virtual classroom. The tuition fees for distance learning vary from institution to programme to country. It is certain that the student saves expenses related to accommodation and transportation, because you can maintain your current living expenses. Distance learning is also a great solution for people that already have a job, and still want or need further education.
free masters in norway for international students
Below are the best universities in Norway for international students looking to get a quality and internationally recognised academic degree.
Universities in Norway
- University of Oslo
- University of Bergen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Arctic University of Norway
- Stavanger University of Norway
- Norwegian Universities of Life Sciences
- University of Agder
- Norwegian School of Economics
- Bi Norwegian Business School
- Ostfold University College
- Norwegian School of Sports Sciences
- University of Nord Western Norway
- University of Applied Sciences
- MF Norwegian School of Theology
- Oslo School of Architecture and Design
Illustrative Table
University | Location |
---|---|
University of Oslo | Oslo |
University of Bergen | Bergen |
Norwegian University of Science and Technology | Trondheim |
Arctic University of Norway | Tromsø |
Stavanger University of Norway | Stavanger |
Norwegian Universities of Life Sciences | Ås |
University of Agder | Grimstad |
Norwegian School of Economics | Bergen |
Bi Norwegian Business School | Oslo |
Ostfold University College | Halden |
Norwegian School of Sports Sciences | Oslo |
University of Nord Western Norway | Bergen |
University of Applied Sciences | Bergen |
MF Norwegian School of Theology | Oslo |
Oslo School of Architecture and Design | Oslo |
Writing Style: Formal and Informative
Tone: Neutral and Objective
- University of Oslo
This top university is one of the largest in Norway and was founded in 1813 modelling it as the oldest university in the country.
It offers a wide selection of programs through its eight faculties: theology, law, medicine, humanities, mathematics, natural science, dentistry, social sciences and education. The institution has proven to be a pioneer in research and scientific discoveries which also makes it home to several historical museums of the country.
This is the best institution in Norway for international students because it has over 800 courses in English Language, while several master’s and PhD programs are held entirely in English Language.
- University of Bergen
The highly rated university offers Bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. It was founded in 1946 and is the second largest in Norway.
This college focuses on the topics of global social challenges, marine research, climates , energy conversion. None of the undergraduate programs were offered in English Language, so students from abroad must submit their scores on the Norwegian language test before getting admitted into the institution.
The University of Bergen is the biggest marine college in Norway.
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
It offers programs like Master’s program in English, masters and PHD opportunities programs.
The school was founded in 1910 and is one of the oldest technical schools in Norway.
This University focuses on science and the development of new technologies. It offers programs in the aspect of natural sciences, economics, medicine and architecture.
- Arctic University of Norway
It was founded in 1968 and opened in 1972 known for its undergraduate program in adventurous polar tourism, master’s program in space control engineering, and applied computer science. It is also known as the University of Tromso.
This is a good university in Norway for international students and it is the largest research and educational institution with seven faculties.
It offers courses in indigenous studies. The college focus on scientific fields such as the polar environment, climate research, telemedicine, medical biology, fishery science, sports, economics, law and fine arts is not left out.
- Stavanger University of Norway
This best university was established in 2005. One of the most popular programs in the university is petroleum engineering.
Students come to study midwifery, paramedics, and nursing from their faculty of health sciences.
- Norwegian Universities of Life Sciences
This top university was founded in 1859 as the Norwegian College of Agricultural Graduate Studies. It is the only institution that offers veterinary education in Norway.
NULS focuses on research that deals with environmental sciences, tertiary medicine, food sciences, biotechnology, aqua-culture and business development.
- University of Agder
This is one of the smallest institutions in Norway, founded with it’s current name in 2007.
Agder University allows students to choose courses from different faculties but you must fulfill the prerequisites for each course.
It is a small university which offers masters and Bachelor’s program taught in English Language unlike other schools in Norway.
The common studies here are:
Development studies (bachelor’s degree).
Coastal ecology (master’s degree)
Mechatronics (master’s degree).
- Norwegian School of Economics
This best university was established in 1936, and together with its affiliated institutions is the largest research and study center in the field of economics and business administration in Norway.
The Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration holds Equis accreditation which supports a strong belief that excellence in research is a requirement for excellence in teaching.
This institution seems to be among the first in Europe that have the longest executive MBA program in Norway.
- Bi Norwegian Business School
It was officially accredited by the Ministry of Education and Research Norway. This institution has the largest business schools among the best universities in Norway.
No wonder it is the second-largest in Europe and has total of four campuses with the main university located in Oslo. Norwegian business school is a private institution accredited by NOKUT as a specialized university institution.
BI is the largest provider of economic and management skills and capabilities in Norway with more than 200,000 graduates since 1983.
- Ostfold University College
Ostfold University College was established in 1994, a non-profit public educational institution located in the rural areas surrounding the central city of Halden, Ostfold. - Norwegian School of Sports Sciences
This best university provides education at Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate Levels.
The school offers seven bachelor courses;
-Sport Biology
Physical activity and health
Coaching
Outdoor recreation/nature
Sport management
Physical education
Teacher education.
Norwegian school of sport sciences is a public university. It has the national responsibility for education and research relating to sport sciences.
Furthermore, it won’t be wrong to say that education is of high quality here. It stimulates personal development. Also, admission requirements for the first year are college entrance certificate or accredited work experience combined with approval for the exam. The school aims to showcase it’s services to international students.
- University of Nord
The prominent university was founded in 2016; it is a small university opened to applicants from abroad. One of the popular degree programs taught in English are Biology, degree in gyrus studies, degree in studies and culture in the English Language. The University has a high acceptance rate. - Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Westerdals College of Art is among the best universities in Norway for International Students. It was established in 2014 July.
This college is a creative university for students who want to work in the field of arts, communications, and technology.
Westerdals Oslo ACT is one of the most exciting colleges in the European educational field; their educational philosophy is a mixture of practical assignments, conferences, seminars, targeted projects. Students also work individually in groups, and in teams through educational programs.
- MF Norwegian School of Theology
The university focuses on theology, religion, education, and social studies. It is known as an independent theological institution at the university level and is the largest provider of education and theological research in Norway.
Since 1967, it has been offering academic studies in Christianity and religion for use in school and society. This institution developed professional certificates for church and school.
The institution offers interdisciplinary research on religion and society, along with bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees.
- Oslo School of Architecture and Design
AHO offers three full time Master’s programs: Master of Architecture, Master of Design, and Master of Landscape Architecture.
Oslo School of Architecture and Design also known as AHO awards three master’s degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Design.
It is an independent institution that offers a strong international standing in the fields of architecture, urban planning, design, and natural engineering.
The school offers post-masters courses in urban planning and architectural conservation. AHO offers a unique type of Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy.
norway universities fees for international students
We all know that completing a college degree is always expensive and tuition fees represent most of the cost. This is not the case for anyone planning to study in a university where public funding provides free education for students in Norway.
It is already a fact that Norway public institutions do not charge tuition fees because the government believes that access to higher education is essential, it also applies to international students regardless of any country they are coming from.
On the other hand, private institutions charge tuition fees for their degree programs, but the costs are much lower than that of similar studies in most other countries.
Although, there is only a student union fee that has to be paid completely and it is between 30-60 EUR/ per semester.
Private universities charge estimated tuition fees of about:
● 7,000-9,000 EUR/year for Bachelors programs.
● 9,000- 19,000 EUR/year for master’s programs.
How Expensive is the Cost of Living in Norway?
The cost of living varies depending on the state or part of Norway you are studying in.
Living costs for international students when attending a university in Norway involves:
- Food,
- Accommodation,
- Books,
- Study Materials,
- Utility.
Sincerely speaking, the living costs per month can be above average European nations. You should expect to pay 800-1,400 EUR/month to live in Norway.
Expenses can be much higher in larger cities, lesser cities usually have an average monthly cost of 800-1000EUR.
Here are some living costs you are supposed to pay in some cities:
- Oslo: 1,200 – 2,000 EUR
- Bergen: 1,100- 1,800 EUR.
- Tromso and Trondheim: 1,000 – 1,600EUR.
We’re done with some of the frequently asked questions buy students. If there are questions we haven’t answered on this topic, feel free to use the comments section as we will love to help you to clear any doubts you have as an international student.
free online universities in norway
Did you know that Norway provides free education to international students? That’s right — the country believes that everyone should have access to a quality education regardless of their background.
In Norway, public universities are fully funded, so students don’t have to pay tuition fees. You do, however, have to pay semester fees and your living expenses.
Aside from its high-quality education, the Scandinavian country has been listed numerous times as one of the best places to visit. Unsurprising, considering it boasts of a high standard of living, majestic fjords and a low crime rate. Little wonder why international students studying in Norway are among the happiest in Europe.
Nord University
Founded and accredited in 2016, Nord University may be one of the youngest universities in the country, but it still boasts quality education.
It offers a variety of English-taught programmes across all levels, in addition to a one-year Norwegian Language and Society and an online course.
Students applying will only need to pay a semester fee of 725 Norwegian krone. You must also prove that you have enough money to cover your living costs in Norway — approximately NOK126,357 per year.
Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
OsloMet offers numerous master’s and PhD programmes, some entirely taught in English, while the rest are a mix of Norwegian and English.
All students must pay a registration fee of NOK820 to study at the university.
Additionally, student housing at OsloMet is subsidised — the housing fee starts from NOK3,200.
University of Bergen
The University of Bergen only offers two-year master’s programmes; the second year is devoted to writing a thesis.
There are approximately 25 Master’s programmes at the University of Bergen that are taught in English. These include subjects such as the humanities and aesthetic studies, medicine, natural sciences and technical subjects, social sciences and psychology, as well as fine art, music and design.
Students will only pay a semester fee of NOK590 to the Student Welfare Organisation.
The university notes that the approximate living cost in Bergen is NOK126,357 per year. The best part? Sammen Housing — the student welfare organisation — offers all students guaranteed and affordable housing (about NOK 4,000 a month).
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL)
HVL boasts five campuses in the west of Norway: Førde, Bergen, Sogndal, Haugesund and Stord. Most campuses (except the Førde campus) offer English-taught master’s programmes. Only the Bergen and Stord campuses provide a Bachelor’s in Community Arts that is taught in English.
HVL notes that students only have to pay a minor study fee per semester.
UiT The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
UiT is reportedly the “northernmost university in the world” — located on the edge of the Arctic. It’s a medium-sized research university contributing to knowledge-based development at the regional, national and international levels.
They offer approximately 43 English-taught programmes across all levels — bachelor’s, master’s and PhD. Based on your chosen programme, you can study at one of UiT’s beautiful campuses in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik and Harstad.
Students will have to pay approximately NOK 128,887 per year to cover basic expenses and accommodation in the Arctic.
University of Stavanger (UiS)
Located in Stavanger — the South-West coast of Norway — UiS offers two-year master’s programmes taught in English, covering disciplines such as business, engineering, health science, hotel and tourism, language, music, natural science and social science.
University of Oslo
The University of Oslo was recently ranked 101st in the QS World University Rankings 2023, making it the top university in Norway. Over 28,000 students choose to study here.
They offer over 82 English-taught master’s and PhD programmes, covering a wide array of disciplines.
As Oslo is the capital city of Norway, the living cost may be higher. The university notes that students will require about NOK11,500 per month to cover basic expenses.