collageNorway, as a country, is a part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It has a population of about 5 million people and is one of the most developed countries in the world. Norway is also known for its rich resources and natural beauty. The country has been at the forefront of medical research and education for many years now, which is why it has become the preferred destination for many aspiring doctors.
The country offers high quality medical education at affordable rates to students from all over the world. It has several universities that offer medical courses in English or Norwegian languages. Most of these institutions are located on campuses that have been designed to provide students with an enriching learning environment while keeping them close to nature.
The requirements for applying to these universities differ depending on whether you are applying as an international student or as a national citizen. You will have to submit different documents depending on your status as well as meet certain standards set by each university individually before being considered eligible for admission into their programs.
Health they say is wealth. Any cost paid to improve healthcare is a worthy investment for patients and medics alike. Have you noticed as a prospective international medical students who wants to study in Norway one must know about Norway medical school Requirements, Norway medical school admission & Norway medical school cost? We believe that it is due to the practical nature and sensitivity of the field.
Looking for a study destination that will offer high-quality medical degree and enable you speak in English without breaking your budget? Interested in knowing more about what Norway medical school in English? Tired of looking for medical universities in Norway for international students?
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Studying Medicine in Norway for International Students
1. What are the requirements to enter Norwegian medical schools?
Apart from presenting a high school diploma (translated to English or Scandinavian), applicants need to have completed additional subjects to study medicine in Norway. These include Chemistry 1 & 2, Physics 1, and Mathematics R1/S1 + S2.
A high grade is needed as well, due to the high number of applicants and the limited number of slots for the program.
At the University of Bergen, prior learning and work experience are required of applicants.
Since subjects are taught in Norwegian, proficiency in the language is required of foreign students as well. As for the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, proficiency in both English and Norwegian is required.
International students must course their application through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS).
2. In what language do you study medicine in Norway?
Norwegian is the primary language of instruction used in medical schools. As such, proficiency in the Norwegian language for all medical school applicants. This requirement can be met by taking any of the following exams:
- “Vg3-level” Norwegian (exam) or Norwegian as a second language (exam) – runs for 393 hours at a third-year level.
- Norwegian for International Students, Level 3 – NOR-0030 Norsk for internasjonale studenter, Trinn III 3 (15 ECTS).
- 1-year (60 ECTS) program in Norwegian language and culture for foreign students, which can be obtained at a university.
- 450 points in the written test in Norwegian – advanced level (Test I Norsk – høyere nivå, skriftlig or ”Bergenstesten”)
Although Norwegian is primarily used for teaching, some courses may be taught in English. At the University of Oslo, for example, there is one module (MED 5600) is taught in English.
At the University of Tromsø, students undergo a seventh semester called an ‘International Semester.’ Developed for student exchanges, all teachings and examinations done in this period are delivered in English.
3. Can you study medicine in Norway as an international student?
International students may apply to a Norwegian medical school through the NUCAS website. Requirements vary according to the country where the student has obtained his/her high school degree.
Foreign students who file their applications through NUCAS must secure a permanent/renewable Norwegian residence permit to be able to study medicine in Norway.
4. What are the components of the medical curriculum in Norway?
Medical education in Norway takes 6 years to 6 ½ years (with elective semester) to complete. This leads to a Candidate of Medicine (Cand. Med.) degree, which is equivalent to the Doctor of Medicine degree in other countries.
The Cand. Med. degree provides the theoretical, practical, and behavioral skills to become a physician. It covers the biological, environmental, social, and mental factors of human health, as well as the topics of health service organization and health economics.
As part of their immersion, students need to undergo clinical service in primary health care facilities and specialist hospitals.
While all schools follow the same pattern, the curriculum design varies per university.
At the University of Tromsø, the first 4 years of medical school are devoted to lessons about the structure and function of the human body. The fifth year of study, on the other hand, includes an 18-week immersion in somatics and psychiatry. This includes an 8-week rotation as a general practitioner as well. For the last year, students are deployed to the University of Northern Norway and the Nordland Hospital.
As for the University of Oslo, it follows a unique curriculum named Oslo 2014. This includes 8 modules, the Examen Philosophicum, elective subjects, and a thesis.
About 10% of medical students are allowed to pursue a career in research. The University of Bergen, for example, offers a Medical Student Research Program that includes research training on top of the Cand. Med. Curriculum. As this requires a thesis, this will an additional year to complete for a total of 7 years of schooling.
Research affiliation for 4 to 5 years is also required.
Participants in the Medical Student Research Program can use this degree as a launching point for further studies (Ph.D.)
5. How many medical schools are in Norway?
There are 4 medical schools in Norway – the University of Oslo, the University of Bergen, the University of Tromsø, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
6. How difficult is it to study medicine in Norway?
The difficult part of studying Medicine in Norway starts with getting in. Universities only have limited intakes or slots per year. At the University of Oslo, for example, only 220 applicants are accepted every year. The University of Bergen, on the other hand, has a smaller intake of 185 students annually. As for the University of Tromsø, it only accepts 116 applicants a year.
Despite this small number of intake, the Norwegian government is planning on expanding the number of students. According to the current proposal, the country aims to increase the number of slots from 636 to 1,076 in the year 2027.
Comparing the current intake number (636) with the rate of graduation (520), this puts the drop-out rate of medical students at about 18%. This is markedly high compared to other countries, such as the US (3.3-4.8%) and the UK (11%).
7. How long does it take to become a doctor in Norway?
All Cand. Med. graduates need to undergo a 1 ½ year internship (turnustjeneste) to be a legally authorized physician in Norway. Today, this has been incorporated as the first part of the specialization track. As such, a Cand. Med. graduate can earn authorization to practice as soon as he/she receives a diploma.
Norway Medical School Requirements
In order to become a doctor in Norway, you must complete a medical degree. This includes four years of pre-clinical training and then three or four years of clinical training. You must also pass a series of exams in order to receive your license to practice medicine in Norway.
Prerequisites for Norway Medical School Requirements
Norway Medical Schools require applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before being eligible for admission. The specific requirements for admission vary depending on whether you are applying as a Norwegian citizen or an international student.
Admissions Exams
Applicants must take an admissions exam before they can be admitted into the program. The test is administered by the Norwegian Medical Students’ Association (NMS). You will need to submit your application form, documents proving your proficiency in English, and official transcripts demonstrating that you have completed all the required coursework at another accredited institution before taking the test. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, psychology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology and pharmacology as well as other health sciences topics relevant to medical school curriculum such as genetics or immunology (healthcare).
The necessary documents for taking MBBS Admission in Norway are the following:
- A complete filled application form with all accurate details.
- Original and photocopies of Passport.
- Birth certificates and other mandatory certificates must be submitted to the concerned authority.
- Passport size (3cmX4cm) photographs.
- Original and a photocopy of mark sheets of both 10th & 12th standard
- A scorecard of NEFT (if required)
- Transfer certificate from the previous school
- Leaving certificate from the concerned school
- A certificate of code of conduct must be submitted
- The bank copy of guardians must be submitted which indicates that they have sufficient funds to pay the fees to Norway Medical College.
- A medical checkup certificate is also essential
Norway has a unique medical school application process.
Here’s what you need to know:
-The average GPA of students admitted is between 3.7 and 4.0 (out of 4).
-Applicants must be fluent in Norwegian, with at least one year of experience living in Norway.
-You must also have completed two years of Norwegian language study or its equivalent at the time of application.
study medicine in norway in english for free
Norway is a popular student destination because of its tuition-free public universities. Here, students can take up Medicine – one of the more expensive degree programs – for a very low cost. The duration is shorter too, as it only takes about 6 years compared to the usual 8 (4 years of undergraduate + 4 years of postgraduate study). Undoubtedly, this has given Norway an advantage in terms of healthcare. Compared to other OECD countries, Norway has a high proportion of medical doctors – 4.8 for every 1,000 people.
It’s not just about the low cost and short duration; there are other factors that make it an ideal place for medical studies too. For one, you don’t have to worry about finding accommodation or food because everything is provided by the university. Moreover, Norway has well-developed infrastructure and facilities (including hospitals) which makes it easier for students to learn and explore their field of interest.
The universities also offer opportunities for students to work in hospitals as interns while they study so they can gain valuable experience before they graduate and embark on their careers. Students also have access to mentors who can guide them throughout their studies so they feel confident when they start
If you are looking to be part of this respected industry, then here are some aspects to keep in mind about studying medicine in Norway
1. University of Oslo – Faculty of Medicine
The University of Oslo is the oldest university in Norway, located in the country’s capital city. It has a very large number of students, across undergraduate, graduate, and specialist degree programs. Founded in 1811, it took as its model the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. It also used to be the site where the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded from 1947 to 1989, in its Atrium.
Founded in 1814, the Faculty of Medicine here is the best medical school in Norway. The professional study program in Medicine is only taught in Norwegian, although there are some Master’s and PhD programs within the Faculty of Medicine that are taught in English. This 6-year program covers theoretical and practical aspects of the medical profession. It prepares students for becoming doctors in general practices, specialists, or professionals within various administrative positions in the Norwegian Directorate of Health, the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision or the health service.
The University of Oslo offers many opportunities for delving deeper into your area or interest through research. Once you have obtained your medical degree, you’ll be qualified for starting a program of doctoral study if you so desire.
2. University of Bergen – Faculty of Medicine
Bergen is one of the traditional centers of academic study in Norway, with roots going as far back as 1153 when the Bergen Cathedral School was founded. The University of Bergen, however, wasn’t established until 1946. It is one of the top universities in the world today, and the second biggest university in Norway after Oslo. University of Bergen Faculty of Medicine is considered one of the top medical schools in Norway.
The Faculty of Medicine is divided into several departments, allowing for specialization of studies especially at Master’s and PhD level. It receives a lot of international students for exchange programs and various study programs, taught in English. However, for the medical degree, studies are conducted in Norwegian. The degree focuses on how to prevent disease and injury, what gives humans good health, and how diseases can be treated.
3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology – NTNU – is an internationally focused institution with campuses in Trondheim, Alesund and Gjovik. Its main focus is science and technology and therefore has a great number of research facilities. It is also a public university, having been established by merging the University of Trondheim with a multitude of institutions dating back to 1760.
NTNU offers a PhD program in Clinical Medicine through its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, which is linked to the St. Olav’s Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, providing excellent opportunities for practical training. The program runs for 3 years and requires that you have completed a Master’s beforehand.
4. University of Tromso – Faculty of Health Sciences
The University of Tromso is known as the Arctic University of Norway as it is the world’s northernmost university, in the Arctic circle. It is the largest research and educational institute in northern Scandinavia, and a research powerhouse at international level.
At this medical school in Norway, the focus is on learning about the human body, what makes it healthy, and what factors create disease and how to fight them. The six-year clinical medicine degree program is offered in Norwegian only. In the 5th year of study, all students are required to conduct practical placements to learn important skills first-hand. There are also two optional periods where you can choose to immerse yourself in one or two topics. Finally, you can take a research line during the medicine studies, to follow up later on with a doctoral degree.
5. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
The last school in our list of top medical schools in Norway is Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Located in Oslo, this public university has the national responsibility for education and research related to sport sciences.
They offer a Bachelor’s program in Training, Health and Performance. Taught over 3 years, this degree covers the intersection between physical activity, public health, and achievement in sports. It teaches nutrition, exercise, health and performance and how they all interact.
how to study medicine in norway
Norway Medical School Application & Admission
Applications and admissions to higher education in Norway is handled by each institution, and the different institutions may have different requirements and deadlines.
Make sure you obtain all necessary information about requirements, documentation and deadlines for the different study programmes and institutions. Below you will find the minimum requirements for admission to higher education in Norway.
Degree seeking students: Academic requirements
Bachelor´s/ undergraduate studies
Completion of secondary education at advanced level, equivalent to passing the exam at the end of Norwegian secondary school, is the general basic requirement for entry to Norwegian universities and university colleges set by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). For students from some countries at least one year of completed studies at the university level is required in addition.
Some study programmes have special admission requirements, usually related to specialist subjects or fields of study from secondary school. Please check with the institution for information about these special qualifications.
Applicants for Masters programmes have normally obtained an undergraduate/Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of at least 3 years’ duration. The degree must include courses equal to at least 1 1/2 years of full-time studies in a subject relevant to that of the programme applied for.
Please beware that for some countries the first (and sometimes the second) year of study at a foreign higher education institution will not be recognised as higher education in Norway (see above).
Degree seeking students: Language requirements
For courses where the language of instruction is English all applicants should expect to document their language skills according to the requirements set by the institutions. Beware that the requirements may vary from institution to institution, and sometimes from study programme to study programme, and that different English tests and scores may be required by different institutions.
For courses where the language of instruction is Norwegian, proficiency in the Norwegian language is required and should be documented.
Learn Norwegian outside Norway
Even though your study programme is taught in English a certain knowledge of the Norwegian language will help you both academically, but also socially.
More than 140 institutions around the world are offering Norwegian courses to their students. There are currently between 5,000 and 6,000 young academics worldwide who are studying the Norwegian language or Norwegian courses at institutions of higher education in their home country. Maybe your current institution is on the list? This could be your first stepping stone towards further studies in Norway.
norway medical school requirements for international students
Exchange students
International cooperation is important to Norwegian institutions and they have a large number of exchange agreements with universities all over the world. This allows international students at all study levels (bachelor, master and PhD) to come to Norway on an 3 months, 6 months or a year´s exchange, and likewise Norwegians to go abroad.
Applications for exchange studies in Norway will always be handled by your home institution, and you will have to ask the office in charge of exchange/international relations at your university for more information about requirements, deadlines and what options might be available for an exchange to Norway. Please note that the Norwegian institution is not involved in the admission process at all.
All exchange courses for international students in Norway will be taught in English. Some institutions also offer Norwegian language courses for their international exchange students.
The most common education programmes granting exchange to Norway is the following:
- The Erasmus+ grant
- Nordplus student grant
- Fulbright – Grants for US students and Scholars
- Mobility grants for Norwegian Language and Literature
- EEA/Norway grants
- Norwegian-Russian Scholarship
Exchange studies is an excellent way to get the best of Norwegian education and experience Norway – it’s really a once in a lifetime experience!
Norway Medical School Fees
Completing a university degree is considered to be an expensive endeavour and tuition fees are usually making up the bulk part of the cost. This is not the case in Norway where public funding secures free education for both Norwegian and international students.
The majority of Norwegian universities and state university colleges are publicly funded and the Norwegian government considers access to higher education for all to be an important part of the Norwegian society. Thus, as a rule, Norwegian public institutions do not charge tuition fees. This also applies to international students, no matter which country you come from.
Private institutions charge tuition fees for their degree programs, but the fees are usually significantly lower than those of comparable studies in most other countries. Also, international students are treated equally to the Norwegian students, and are not charged with higher fees.
High cost country
However, you should take into consideration that Norway is a high-cost country and living expenses are high. International applicants from outside of Europe must expect to document a high level of subsistence to be granted a student residence permit.
If certain prerequisites are met you could also be eligible for financial support that can pay for some of your living expenses. Through various fellowship programmes, scholarship schemes or student loans, international students can receive funding for a full degree or a limited number of semesters. You should be aware that these funding opportunities are few and will in most cases not cover the total costs of you stay in Norway. In most cases funding from your home country or the use of private funds will be necessary.
Norway Medicine Scholarships for International Students
Here are the Best Medical Scholarships Norway for students from developing countries:
- Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme
- International Summer School Scholarships at University of Oslo
- NORPART
- Structural Biology and Drug Development Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Oslo in Norway
- WMF Empowerment Through Education Scholarships for Developing Country Students
- International Summer School Scholarships at University of Oslo
- University of Bergen
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for International Students
- PhD Research Fellow in Digital Information of Healthcare Service at University of Agder, Norway
- NORAM Scholarship
1. Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme
The Norwegian government provides scholarships for students from developing countries in the South and countries of Central- and East-Europe and Central-Asia under the Quota Scheme.
It is one of the Scholarships to study medicine in Norway.
Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme is inviting applications from students in Norway and other developing countries. If eligible do well to send in your applications.
Host/Eligible country
The Norwegian Quota Scholarship is hosted in Norway and application is open to Norway students and Students from developing countries.
Level/Field of Study
The scholarship is open to students of Bachelors/Masters/PhD Degree.
Scholarship Benefit/Number of awards
Each student receives the same amount of money as a Norwegian student would do in an equivalent educational programme. About 40 per cent of the amount is given as a grant and 60 per cent as a loan.
However, the loan portion is waived when the student returns to his/her home country after completing the course of study. Students who stay in Norway after finishing their studies or take up residence in another country than their home country must repay their loan.
Normally, the financial support given will not exceed a time span of four years for one definite study plan or a combination of two programmes.
Deadline
December 1 annually
Application Link
For more Information Vist Scholarship webpage.
2. International Summer School Scholarships at University of Oslo
The University of Oslo offers scholarships to applicants from certain countries to study Masters and Bachelor’s courses offered during the International Summer School. This is one of the Scholarships to study medicine in Norway.
Host/Eligible country
The Norwegian Quota Scholarship is hosted in Norway and application is open to Norway students and Students from developing countries.
Level/Field of Study
International Summer School Scholarships covers all course levels.
Scholarship Benefit/Number of awards
The scholarship includes the basic fee, reading materials, and Oslo transportation card. The scholarship may include a travel grant that covers the plane tickets to/from Oslo.
Application Link
For more Information Visit the scholarship webpage.
3. NORPART
The Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU) is pleased to issue this call for applications for funding of long-term projects between higher education institutions in Norway and selected developing countries under the Norwegian Partnership Programme for Global Academic Cooperation.
Host/Eligible country:
The NORPART Scholarship is hosted in Norway and application is open to Norway students and Students from developing countries.
Level/Field of Study
The program will support academic partnerships and student mobility with an emphasis on the Master and PhD levels. It is one of the Scholarships to study medicine in Norway.
Scholarship Benefit/Number of awards:
The total funds made available in this call are approximately NOK 90 million. Each application may be awarded up to 5 000 000 Norwegian kroner (NOK).
Application Link
The deadline is March 1. This shows the application will commence by 2021.
4. WMF Empowerment Through Education Scholarships for Developing Country Students
The Wells Mountain Foundation, through the Empowerment Through Education (ETE) program, provides undergraduate scholarships to developing country nationals.
Host/Eligible country
The scholarship is hosted in Norway and can be taken in any developing countries.
Level/Field of Study
Bachelor’s Degree in any field of study but application is encouraged from those interested in pursuing degrees that will best help their local communities. They include medicine & health sciences, community development, law, education, social work, business, information technology, agriculture, and engineering.
Scholarship Benefit/Number of awards
ETE scholarships range from $300 USD to $3000 USD annually and are provided throughout the undergraduate education of the recipient. The average scholarship amount is $1400. Scholarships may be used for tuition and fees, books and materials, and room rent.
Application Link
For more Information Visit the Scholarship webpage.
5. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for International Students
This scholarship is one of the best medicine scholarships in Norway.
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, funded by the European Union, are exclusively awarded to students coming from both EU and non-EU countries that have been selected to attend one of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Programmes at Masters or Doctorate level.
Host/Eligible country
The Scholarship is hosted in Norway and application is open to Norway students and Students from developing countries.
Level/Field of Study
The field(s) of study covered are Agriculture and Veterinary, Engineering, Manufacture and Construction, Medicine, Health and Welfare, Humanities and Arts, Science, Mathematics and Computing, and Social Sciences, Business, and Law.
Scholarship Benefit/Number of awards
The programme offers full-time scholarships and/or fellowships that cover monthly allowance, participation costs, travelling and insurance costs of the students. Scholarship amounts can vary according to the level of studies, the duration of studies, and the scholar’s nationality.
Application Link
For more Information Visit the scholarship
6. PhD Research Fellow in Digital Information of Healthcare Service at University of Agder, Norway
This scholarship is one of the Best Medicine Scholarships Norway for Students from Developing Countries.
The University of Agder is calling for application for its fellows, find all the information you need to be a fellow of the University of Agder and send in your applications.
Host/Eligible country
The Scholarship is hosted in Norway and application is open to Norway students and Students from developing countries.
Level/Field of Study
The scholarship is available to pursue PhD Research Fellow degree program.
Scholarship Benefit/Number of awards:
The position is remunerated within the State salary scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017, NOK 449.400 gross per year. A 2% compulsory pension contribution will be deducted and paid to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund according to current statutory provisions.
Application Link
For more Information Visit the scholarship webpage.
7. NORAM Scholarship
The Norway-America Association (NORAM) is a non-profit organization that since 1919 has helped Norwegian students to study in North-America, and American students to study in Norway through scholarships.
Host/Eligible Nationality
The Scholarship is hosted in Norway and application is open to Norway students and Students from developing countries.
Level/Field of Study
NORAM awards approximately five scholarships for American students who will attend graduate school or do PhD research in Norway.
Scholarship Benefit/Number of awards:
The NORAM awards are worth $2,000 to $10,000.
Application Link
For more Information Visit the scholarship webpage.
Are there Medical schools/Universities in Norway that does not offer scholarship?
Most schools offer one form of scholarship or another. When it comes to medicine, many universities offer some form of scholarship. Others may be in the form of tuition reduction or need-based aid.
However, these medical universities in Norway do not offer any form of tuition relief or scholarship to students. Many of these universities are tuition-free institutions, as a result, do not offer any other form of scholarship. We have listed just a few of them.
- University of Bergen (UiB)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Read How to Study Free in Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Norway Medical School Requirements are pretty simple. The only thing you need to do is apply, and if you’re accepted, you’ll be able to start your education as soon as possible. If you want more information about the school itself or its curriculum, or if you want to know what kind of expectations they have for their students, we recommend that you check out [link], which has all the information you could ever want on Norway Medical School Requirements.
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