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Study in Norway: Top Universities, Courses, Fees, Scholarships & Careers

Last Updated: 11 September 2026

Norway is a popular destination for international students because of its quality education system, safe environment, modern universities and opportunities in skilled sectors. Norwegian institutions offer hundreds of programmes in English, particularly at postgraduate level, allowing international students to study without first becoming fluent in Norwegian.

Norway has 8 universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with the University of Oslo among the country's leading institutions. Popular study areas include engineering, technology, business, science, medicine, energy and social sciences.

From August 2026, many students from outside the EU/EEA may be required to pay tuition fees, depending on their university and programme. For 2026–27, the supplied source lists NOK 170,368 per academic year as the UDI living-funds requirement. International students with a valid study permit can generally work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. Eligible graduates may also apply for a residence permit to look for skilled employment after completing their studies.

Why Study in Norway?

Norway combines internationally recognised education with practical learning, research opportunities and a high quality of life. Key reasons students consider Norway include:

• Quality education: Universities offer modern teaching, research facilities and strong academic programmes.
• English-taught programmes: The supplied source lists more than 350 English-taught programmes, particularly at master's level.
• Recognised universities: Norwegian institutions have an international reputation in engineering, technology, science, business and research.
• Practical learning: Courses often emphasise independent thinking, problem-solving, research and practical skills.
• Part-time work: Eligible international students can generally work up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
• Post-study opportunity: Eligible graduates can apply for a job-seeker residence permit to look for skilled employment.
• Safe environment: Norway is known for its organised and peaceful living environment.
• Quality of life: Students have access to public services, natural landscapes and a strong study-life balance.
• Career opportunities: Technology, engineering, energy, healthcare and research provide opportunities for qualified graduates.
• International exposure: Students interact with people from different countries while experiencing Norwegian culture.

For students also considering other destinations, explore options such as Study in Germany, Study in Ireland, Study UK, Study Australia, Study Canada, Study Japan and Study Luxembourg.

Best Universities in Norway

Norway has several universities offering programmes across engineering, technology, business, science, medicine, energy and environmental studies. The supplied source identifies eight universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Education System in Norway

Norwegian higher education follows the European Bologna system. The typical duration of major qualifications is:

The source describes doctoral education as research-oriented and notes that some programmes can include an additional year for teaching.

Popular Courses to Study in Norway

Norway offers English-taught programmes across technology, engineering, energy, business, science, health and sustainability. The supplied source lists approximately 360 English-taught programmes across Norwegian institutions.

Benefits of Studying in Norway

A major change from earlier years is Norway's tuition-fee structure for students from outside the EU/EEA. From 1 August 2026, Norwegian universities can set tuition fees for these students. Fees therefore differ considerably between institutions and programmes. Some programmes may still have relatively low fees, while others can be substantially more expensive.

Other benefits include:

• Strong academic and research opportunities
• English-taught programmes
• Safe and organised living environment
• Access to beautiful natural surroundings
• Opportunities in skilled industries
• International academic and cultural exposure

Cost of Studying in Norway for Indian Students

The total cost depends heavily on the university and course. The supplied source gives the following examples:

These are source-listed figures and should be checked against the university and UDI before application. Tuition can vary significantly. For example, the supplied source lists some NTNU programmes at around NOK 26,445 per year, while Medicine and Dentistry can reach approximately NOK 528,650 per year.

Scholarships to Study in Norway

Norway does not have one general government scholarship available to every international student. Funding is instead available through selected universities, partnerships and specific programmes.

Scholarship availability can change between academic years, particularly following the 2026 tuition-fee changes. Students should verify the current scholarship conditions directly with the institution.

Eligibility to Study in Norway

International students generally need to meet both university admission and immigration requirements. Common requirements include:

• Acceptance from a recognised Norwegian educational institution
• Admission to a full-time programme
• Required academic qualifications
• English-language proficiency for English-taught programmes
• Proof of sufficient living funds
• Evidence of tuition payment where applicable
• Required academic certificates and transcripts
• Health or medical insurance where required

Norway Student Visa / Study Permit

For students from outside the EU/EEA, studies lasting more than three months generally require a Norwegian study permit. The permit allows students to live in Norway for their approved studies and, subject to its conditions, work part-time during their studies.

Norway Student Visa Requirements

Typical documents include:

• Completed study-permit application
• Valid passport
• University acceptance letter
• Previous academic certificates
• Proof of financial support
• Tuition-fee payment evidence, where applicable
• Health or medical insurance where required
• Accommodation evidence where required

Financial Requirements for Norway Study Permit

For the 2026–27 academic year, the supplied source states that students must demonstrate at least:

NOK 15,488 per month

or

NOK 170,368 for the full academic year.

The funds may come from personal savings, an education loan, scholarship, grant or a combination of eligible sources. The source also states that the funds are generally held in a Norwegian bank account or the institution's deposit account.

English Language Requirements

Requirements differ between universities and programmes. The supplied source provides the following examples:

The master's requirements shown are based on published requirements referenced in the source for the University of Oslo and NTNU. Individual programmes can require different scores.

How to Apply for a Norway Student Visa

Step 1: Receive admission from a recognised Norwegian university or institution.

Step 2: Check the study-permit requirements and prepare financial, academic and other supporting documents.

Step 3: Complete the study-permit application through UDI and pay the applicable fee.

Step 4: Submit the required documents and complete any identity-verification or appointment requirements.

Step 5: Wait for the immigration authorities to process the application.

Step 6: After approval, make travel arrangements and travel to Norway.

Norway Student Visa Fee

The source lists the following UDI fees:

Norway Student Visa Processing Time

The supplied source states that study-permit applications can generally take around 4–8 weeks, although processing time can vary depending on the application, documentation and individual circumstances. Submitting complete and accurate documents can help prevent avoidable delays.

Norway Student-Dependent Visa

A spouse or cohabiting partner and children may be able to apply for family immigration to live in Norway with an international student.

The supplied source states that UDI currently does not have capacity to process family applications simultaneously with the student's application, so family members may receive decisions at different times.

The source lists first-time family-immigration fees of:

• NOK 11,900 per adult
• NOK 5,950 per child under 18

Part-Time Jobs in Norway for Students

Eligible students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland can generally work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays, subject to the conditions of their permit.

The rates above are the source's approximate figures and should not be treated as guaranteed wages.

Norway Job-Seeker Permit After Graduation

Norway does not formally use the term "post-study work visa" for this pathway. Eligible graduates may instead apply for a residence permit as a job seeker under the applicable immigration rules.

The source provides the following details:

If a graduate obtains a qualifying skilled job, they can then explore the skilled-worker residence route. The qualifying residence period for permanent residence is separate from time spent on a study permit or job-seeker permit.

Can You Get PR in Norway After Studying?

Studying in Norway does not automatically result in permanent residence. The source states that time spent on a study permit and graduate job-seeker permit does not count towards the qualifying PR period.

A typical pathway described in the source is:

1. Complete studies in Norway.
2. Apply for an eligible job-seeker permit.
3. Find qualifying skilled employment.
4. Obtain a skilled-worker residence permit.
5. Complete the required qualifying residence period.
6. Apply for permanent residence after meeting the applicable conditions.

For a two-year master's graduate, the source gives an illustrative timeline of around six years from arrival to PR eligibility if the graduate finds skilled work within the job-seeker period. Language, social studies, income and other immigration requirements also apply.

Study in Norway with WorldVisaHelp

WorldVisaHelp can assist students through different stages of the international education process, including:

• Study counselling: Understand university, course and destination options.
• University and course selection: Shortlist programmes according to academic background and career plans.
• Application assistance: Support with preparing and submitting university applications.
• Document guidance: Organise academic, financial and supporting documents.
• Scholarship guidance: Identify relevant university and programme-based funding opportunities.
• Visa assistance: Help prepare the Norway study-permit application and supporting documentation.
• Test preparation: Guidance for English-language requirements where applicable.

Students can also compare Norway with other destinations through WorldVisaHelp's Migrate and study-abroad resources.