Studying Nursing in Norway: As it’s already known, preparing for nursing school can be fun and at the same time, quite tasking. However, there is really nothing like finally seeing your dreams come true; your dreams of becoming a nurse in this case. Moving on, how much do you know though, about the universities that offer BSN? Read on to find out more. The article below brings you the latest information on the universities that offer BSN, best BSN programs, best nursing schools in the world, Requirements to Study Nursing in Norway, Cost of Studying Nursing, Why Study BSc Nursing in Norway & colleges that offer nursing degrees. You will also find related posts on the universities that offer BSN on Collegelearners.
Nursing is a very rewarding career. It has many benefits, including good pay, strong job security and a lot of job opportunities. You can work in hospitals and other medical facilities, or you can work for yourself as an independent nurse.
Norway has excellent nursing programs at both the undergraduate level and graduate level. The cost of studying nursing in Norway is very affordable, especially compared to other countries such as the United States where tuition fees are much higher.
You can study at one of Norway’s many universities or colleges which offer bachelor degrees in nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). There are also several colleges that offer associate degrees in nursing (Associate Degree In Nursing), which take less time than a bachelor degree program but still provide you with valuable hands-on experience working with patients under qualified supervision.
The application process for getting into a Norwegian university or college is similar to what you would expect if you were applying for any other degree program: You will need to submit several documents including transcripts from high school or any other post-secondary education program that you’ve already completed (if applicable), proof of English proficiency (if necessary), proof of residency status if not originally born within Norway (if applicable),
Why Study BSc Nursing in Norway
Studying Nursing in Norway
BSc Nursing in Norway offers competence in health sciences to become a licensed nurse. International students opt for Sweden universities to amplify the scope of this three-year program. Nursing is a lucrative career in Sweden owing to its autonomous professional status. The increased aging Swedish population will result in growing nurses’ demand by 40% until 2030.
BSc Nursing in Norway is a 180 ECTS credits program, a score awarded post completion of the degree.
Students with English proficiency and basic knowledge of high school Mathematics can apply for undergraduate programs in nursing in Norway.
After completing the program, a registered nurse in Norway can expect a monthly salary in the range of 2,110 USD to 3,165 USD.
Graded as the 12th safest country in the world, International students are vying for studying in Norway, irrespective of their gender and nationality. Factually, every Norway’s University has an average of 10% of International students and since 2018, the number has increased by 14%.
nursing school in norway for international students Requirements
Unlike in many other countries, education policies existing in Norway guarantee tuition-free education in public universities. As for private universities, their tuition fees are lower than those of European or American universities. This makes Norwegian higher education institutions especially popular among international students.
The position of a nurse is seen as one of the most prestigious jobs in Norway. Trained nurses having the necessary experience and skills are always in demand. They can find a job not only in Norwegian hospitals but also in school health services, aid agencies and care homes for elderly people.
Qualified nurse/care worker moving to Norway needs to undergo the process of job authorization, which is rather long and complicated. Therefore, foreigners planning to build a career in this country as nurses/care workers prefer to get a Bachelor nursing degree in one of the Norwegian universities. Today, we will talk about the nursing education programs offered by Norwegian universities and discuss certain aspects important for future international students studying nursing in Norway.
In Norway, attention is paid to the importance of professional education for everyone willing to build a career in the field of medicine. Only those who have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing have permission for legal nursing practice.
Norwegian universities offer a number of full-time educational courses in nursing. For example, VID Specialized University and University of Adger have Bachelor degree nursing programs. Trained nurses/care workers can hone their skills and expand their knowledge by completing a Master nursing program at the University of Bergen.
how much does it cost to study nursing in norway
As mentioned above, higher education in Norway public universities is provided on a tuition-free basis. However, all students are obliged to pay a semester fee. (Exception is made only for the students studying on exchange programs).
The fee covers costs for registration as a student, exams, welfare services and some other things. Sometimes, it includes a small donation to Students’ Assistance Fund, which is voluntary.
More information about semester fees can be found on the official Semester Fee page of the University of Bergen, the University of Adger and the VID Specialized University.
The cost of living in Norway is high. Therefore, it is a good idea to start saving money before a student is expected to arrive and start studying at a chosen university. As a rule, many students rent apartments offered by Student Housing Organization. On average, a furnished apartment costs from 3000 to 4000 Norwegian Krones per month.
Although there are many different costs, there are ways that you can study nursing in Norway for free, which many international students have accomplished. If you are interested, learn about How to Study in Norway for Free (9 Steps).
Requirements to Study Nursing in Norway for International Students
To study Nursing in Norway as an international student, you need to gather and send a set of documents to the university of their choice. Some universities may request more documents than others. However, there is a standard set of documents that never changes.
Apart from passport and secondary education certificate, all international students applying for a bachelor degree program need to have Higher Education Entrance Qualification Certificate. Applicants outside of EU, need to have a scan of original bank statement proving that they have enough money for living in Norway.
If a future student is applying for a master nursing program, s/he needs to have a certified copy of Bachelor Diploma. Depending on the language the Diploma is issued in, a need for translation and notarization may arise.
Preparing to study nursing in Norway can be difficult, so we’ve prepared a guide on How to Study in Norway for International Students. Read the guide if you feel lost!
In What Languages Do You Study Nursing?
Norway has strict standards when it comes to the language in which educational programs are taught. In case of nursing, all bachelor and master degree courses are taught in Norwegian. Examples are the programs offered by VID Specialized University and University of Adger. Even though University of Bergen allows to write thesis in English, the program itself is taught in Norwegian.
Since the language of teaching and instruction is Norwegian, all foreign applicants must have a certificate proving their proficiency in Norwegian. Fluency in English is also necessary because some modules and/or courses included in a program are taught in English.
Best Nursing Schools in Norway for International Students
- University of Adger
Nursing Program Link
Degrees offered: Bachelor
The adequate combination of theory and practice results in graduates having all the necessary knowledge and skills regarding illnesses and healthcare, research methods and nursing ethics.
Students are taught not only to rely on theoretical knowledge but also to analyze cases and look for better solutions complying with general principles at this nursing school in Norway.
One of the core beliefs of Adger University is that of nursing being a profession of global importance. Therefore, students are encouraged to participate in the exchange program during the 2nd and the 3rd years of study. All participants have a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and set of skills while studying in one of the partner universities based in Australia, the US, Europe and Africa.
- University of Bergen
Nursing Program Link
Degrees offered: Master
The University of Bergen is a well-known higher education institute and highly-ranked research center. With freedom and curiosity being the basic principles of every research, it is not surprising that each discovery and innovation is a valuable contribution to society’s future.
The Master degree program in nursing is meant for those who already have a Bachelor degree in this field.
The full-time course lasts for 2 years in this nursing school in Norway. It is structured so that to inspire independent research, knowledge gathering and its analysis. The final assessment is carried out in the format of the final exam. Besides, students are expected to write a thesis. This written paper is meant to show their abilities to think critically, present theory on a chosen theme logically and generate new knowledge.
- VID Specialized University
Nursing Program Link
Degrees offered: Bachelor
The final candidate in our list of best nursing schools in Norway for international students is VID Specialized University. With campuses based in Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger and Sandnes, VID Specialized University is one of the largest private universities in Norway. A wide range of educational programs on all levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD) creates choice for applicants interested in education, medicine, management, theology and social sciences.
The 3-year full-time bachelor course in nursing aims to train professionals ready to provide high-quality health services in local and international health care centers and hospitals.
Through role-play and simulation of real-life cases with patients, students learn to quickly react and use the skills they develop. A strong focus on clinical practice (50% of total course education time) allows to get practical experience, which is essential to any nurse.
We hope that our guide on studying nursing in Norway as well as its top nursing schools was helpful! If you are interested, visit the Europe Category.]
Cost of Studying Nursing
As mentioned above, higher education in Norway public universities is provided on a tuition-free basis. However, all students are obliged to pay a semester fee. (Exception is made only for the students studying on exchange programs).
The fee covers costs for registration as a student, exams, welfare services, and some other things. Sometimes, it includes a small donation to the Students’ Assistance Fund, which is voluntary.
More information about semester fees can be found on the official Semester Fee page of the University of Bergen, the University of Adger, and the VID Specialized University.
The cost of living in Norway is high. Therefore, it is a good idea to start saving money before a student is expected to arrive and start studying at a chosen university. As a rule, many students rent apartments offered by Student Housing Organization. On average, a furnished apartment costs from 3000 to 4000 Norwegian Krones per month.
Although there are many different costs, there are ways that you can study nursing in Norway for free, which many international students have accomplished. If you are interested, learn about How to Study in Norway for Free (9 Steps).
How to Become a Nurse in Norway
1. Study Nursing
To become a nurse in Norway, you’ll need a minimum of a three-year bachelor’s degree in nursing. If you’ve studied somewhere else, your qualification needs to be recognized by the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel as equivalent to a Norwegian degree. Note that in some countries, the equivalent to a 3-year program in Norway will be a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
The process of converting your qualifications to the Norwegian system is much more straightforward if they were obtained in another EU country. Norway is part of the EU, and its Directorate of Health is more familiar with education systems in other countries from the region. This doesn’t mean you can’t apply from outside the EU, though. It just might take up to six months to receive an answer, as opposed to three to four for EU-educated applicants.
Of course, if you received your nursing education in Norway, you won’t need to go through the conversion process. The Nordic country is one of the most popular for university students due to its free tuition. While you’ll still need to pay for your living expenses, registration fee, and student fee, these are minimal compared to what you’ll spend elsewhere.
Some Norwegian universities to consider for aspiring nurses are the University of Agder, Molde University, the Oslo Metropolitan University, and the University of Oslo. Note that all programs are taught in Norwegian.
2. Learn Norwegian
Speaking and understanding Norwegian is essential to working in the health sector in Norway. Your job will involve constant communication under plenty of stress, which is why the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel wants to make sure you’re well-versed in the local language.Search Programs for International Students
There are two main ways to demonstrate proficiency in Norwegian: one is to take the Test in Norwegian, or Bergenstesten, and the other is to study the language in a local university and pass its exam. You’ll need to take the advanced level for the Bergenstesten or receive at least a C from a university. These correspond to roughly a B1 level.
While it’s possible to apply for licensure without knowing Norwegian and taking language courses in Norway, being able to demonstrate your proficiency prior to application boosts your chances tremendously.
3. Apply for Licensure
As mentioned, the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel is the agency that regulates the nursing industry in the country. And so, applying for a license is the next step to become a nurse in Norway. You’ll need to submit several administrative documents, so it’s best to check their website for the full list.
Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Your education, previous work experience, and command of the Norwegian language are all taken into account. Having studied or worked in an EU country greatly helps your chances. Note that it’s possible to take a Norwegian proficiency test after being approved.
Applying for licensure doesn’t mean you’ll be accepted. If you’re unsuccessful, it’s possible to re-apply after a period of time. The details will be included in the letter you receive.
4. Take Additional Nursing Courses
For many applicants, especially outside the EU, receiving a positive response from the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel doesn’t mean you can start working immediately. You might need to take additional courses in Norway before you can be cleared to work. This is because the Norwegian health system has many peculiarities you’ll need to get used to.
There isn’t a standardized licensure exam, but foreigners from outside the EU need to take a course called the ‘Nasjonale fag for sykepleiere’. In the end, you’ll need to take two exams to pass. This course is available in several cities. It’s best to sign up at least six months in advance as demand is high.Find Open Programs for International Students
5. Find a Job
Once you’ve received your authorization to practice nursing, we move to the final step to becoming a nurse in Norway: looking for employment. While the most obvious jobs include working at hospitals, Norway has an aging population, so the demand for care home workers is growing. As a country that takes mental well-being very seriously, Norway provides plenty of opportunities for nurses who specialize in mental health.
While it’s possible to apply for jobs through the usual sites like Indeed.com and LinkedIn, and even through your university if you studied in Norway, your best bet would be the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration’s website.
Requirements to Study Nursing in Norway
To study Nursing in Norway as an international student, you need to gather and send a set of documents to the university of their choice. Some universities may request more documents than others. However, there is a standard set of documents that never changes.
Apart from passport and secondary education certificates, all international students applying for a bachelor’s degree program need to have Higher Education Entrance Qualification Certificate. Applicants outside of the EU, need to have a scan of the original bank statement proving that they have enough money for living in Norway.
If a future student is applying for a master’s nursing program, s/he needs to have a certified copy of Bachelor Diploma. Depending on the language the Diploma is issued in, a need for translation and notarization may arise.
Preparing to study nursing in Norway can be difficult, so we’ve prepared a guide on How to Study in Norway for International Students. Read the guide if you feel lost!
Why Study BSc Nursing in Norway
Assistant nurse is the most popular profession in Sweden with 91% women and 9% men in the age range of 16 to 64 years.
Reports suggest that the salary of a nurse in Sweden doubles the entry level package within 10 years of work experience.
After the Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, the average salary of a nurse is around 6,724 USD.
Some health care providers require International students to be proficient in C1 level of Swedish along with English to be recognised as a Nurse.
In 2020, European Union invested about 45,27,600 USD in countries like Sweden to redesign and strengthen the nursing workforce, job opportunities, avoiding stresses of burnouts.
Swedish government allows International students to extend their residence permit by 6 months after completion of studies if they wish to look for jobs.
With an employment rate of 94.1%, there cannot be a better option for international students.
Educational system is much practice-based as Swedish universities invest about $4,100.6 in R&D. So, nurses can have better hands-on experience.
Huge investments in R&D manifest a GDP of 3.1% that creates opportunities for International students to seek nursing jobs.
Bachelors in Nursing: Program Highlights
Course Bachelors in Nursing or BSc in Nursing
Duration 3 years
Eligibility Completed upper secondary education
Tuition fees 11,110 USD – 13,600 USD per year
Examination cycle Semester-wise
Job profile Neonatal nurse, flight nurse, Geriatric nurse
Entry-level Salary 48,000 USD- 72,000 USD
Universities for BSc Nursing in Sweden
Following are the three universities offering BSc Nursing in Sweden, along with their ranking and program fees:
University The World Ranking QS World Ranking Annual Program Fees (in USD)
University of Gothenburg 101-125 256 13,600
Linkoping University 301-400 324 13,139
Karlstad University 801-1000 451-500 11,110
All About BSc Nursing in Sweden
BSc in Nursing is primarily a three-year course provided by different Swedish Universities as follows:
Sahlgrenska Academy of University of Gothenburg: BSc in Nursing, a 180 credits program.
Linkoping University: Full-time degree course in Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Karlstad University: Bachelor of Science in Nursing with 180 ECTS credits and nursing license. Specializations offered in Intensive care, social work or health care.
Course Curriculum of BSc Nursing in Sweden
BSc Nursing in Sweden includes 180 ECTS credits. This professional degree comes with a nursing license and allows students to invoke theoretical as well as clinical knowledge for process-oriented approaches.
The 180 ECTS credits are divided as 105 ECTS for nursing studies, 10 ECTS credits for behavioral and medical sciences, project of 15 ECTS credits and medical sciences of 57.5 ECTS credits.
Year 1: Foundation on Nursing practices and basic clinical studies.
Year 2: Nursing in terms of signs and symptoms of illness, nursing research studies and emergency nursing practices.
Year 3: Nursing for prolonged illnesses and multiple morbidity, clinical studies, competence and leadership, and degree projects.
Admission Process for BSc Nursing in Sweden
The admission process for BSc Nursing in Sweden varies with the university to which a student is applying. However, there are certain aspects that International students need to know before applying for their courses. These are covered in this section.
How to Apply for BSc Nursing in Sweden
Swedish universities have two rounds of application process for Spring (begins in January) and Autumn (begins around August/September) semesters.
Entire application process is online.
Students need to access universityadmissins.se website to submit documents and complete applications.
When to Apply: For international students, application dates for Spring session starts from October till January and Autumn session starts from March till April.
Admission Requirements for BSc Nursing in Sweden Admission
Admission requirements to study bachelors degree in nursing in Sweden are:
Students from non-EU/EEA countries should have completed high school or upper secondary levels.
Students need to fulfill specific eligibility criteria for the universities where they are applying.
They should have completed 10 years of Mathematics studies equivalent to Swedish courses Mathematics A or Mathematics 1a, 1b and 1c.
Applicants should have passed with at least a grade E or 66% and 34% in Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test.
Proof of English Proficiency for International Students
Demonstrate English language proficiency at par with English 6/English B which is the upper secondary level of English in Sweden.
International students have to appear in English language tests with minimum scores as follows:
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL (iBT): 90
TOEFL (PBT): 575
Required Documents to Apply for BSc Nursing in Sweden
Mark sheets: Certificates of previously passed exams as of upper secondary school.
Letter of motivation: A letter explaining reason for application and scholarship program.
Copy of passport: Copy of passport with personal photograph affixed onto it and other citizenship evidence.
Record transcript: An account of completed courses including course titles and each term.
Documents demonstrating proficiency in English: Proofs of English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
Application for Student Visa and Residence Permit
Regulations for Sweden’s student visa and residence permit vary with the student’s country of citizenship. Students who wish to stay more than 3 months for a full-time course and paid the first installment of tuition fee have to apply for residence permit in Sweden.
Here’s a list of documents required for student visa in Sweden:
One copy of passport
Admission letter
Proof of online application
Additionally, students willing to stay back for more than a year after course-completion have to register for Swedish Population register. Students need to notify the Tax Agency of Sweden.
Evaluation process for Admission in BSc Nursing in Sweden
Selection is based on their high school qualifications (grade tariff).
Evaluation also includes the Scholastic Aptitude test of Sweden (Högskoleprovet) in the ratio of 66%/34%.
Cost of Studying BSc Nursing in Sweden
Cost of studying abroad can be broadly divided into three categories: Pre-arrival expenses, Tuition Fees and Cost of Living.
Pre-arrival Expenses
Even though studying in Sweden is a right decision that any student can make, expenses are something that may be haunting at times. To simplify this issue, pre-arrival expenses are explained in the table below:
Type of expenses Amount (in USD)
Application fees 94
Visa application fees 102
Flight charges (One time) 217
Registration fee (before first term) 33
About University of Oslo Nursing
Most popular Nursing programmes for international students in Oslo
These are the most popular programmes among international students who are looking for a Nursing degree in Oslo.
1
Clinical practice
Østfold University College
The Clinical Practice programme is offered by the Ostfold University College.
Read more
Study abroad in English
To apply at one of these universities, you may need a proof of English proficiency. There are several standardised English tests that you can take to proof your English level, such as the PTE (Pearson Test of English), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), CAE (Cambridge Advanced English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System), offered by British Council and IDP. IELTS is the most popular of these tests, with British Council offering more than 500 test locations and being accepted by more than 9,000 organisations world-wide.
Test your English language proficiency
About Nursing
Nursing degrees prepare dedicated students to be responsible for all aspects of patient care before, after, and during treatment, helping them on the road to recovery. International nursing schools prepare nurse graduates to become professionals who can specialise in Child Nursing, Adult Nursing, Disability Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, or for taking more senior positions, like head nursing jobs.
Related disciplines
Biomedicine
Public Health
Human Medicine
Dentistry
Physiotherapy
Pharmacy
Veterinary Medicine
Nursing
Nutrition & Dietetics
Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Health Management
Health Sciences
Midwifery
Clinical Psychology
Many countries opened up again for IELTS exams after corona restrictions
Posted by Chris van Baal on August 26, 2020
This is really good news for people that are waiting for their IELTS test for a long time, but also for people who were considering taking a test and now have the assurance again that the exams will be started up again.
Studying Nursing in Norway
Norwegian universities offer many exciting and diverse opportunities for international students. Norway’s high-quality healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and has been ranked as number one for three years running. The country offers a wide range of courses, from nursing to psychology, from biology to business.
The Norwegian education system is well-known for having a strong focus on practical skills, with students learning through a combination of lectures and hands-on experience. Learning takes place at a variety of different locations, including hospitals and labs where students can apply their knowledge in real life situations.
Norwegian universities are welcoming to international students: they offer many scholarship opportunities and support services such as language courses and cultural activities. Some also provide accommodation on campus in shared student apartments or dormitories with other international students who may be studying at the same institution or nearby universities within the same city or town area (such as Oslo).
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