Study in Norway: Application Process

Considering studying abroad in Norway? We can help you figure out the process. Application requirements will vary depending on the field, program level, and institution, so make sure to consult the institution of your choice if you have specific questions. In the meantime, start here!

1. Choose a program

Norway is home to numerous universities and university colleges, including the 33 accredited institutions in the Universities Norway cooperative. While some universities and university colleges in Norway offer a wide range of programs, many are specialty institutions focusing on a few disciplines. For example, the Queen Maud University College in Trondheim specializes in early childhood education.

The first step to studying abroad in Norway is finding the right school and program. Be aware that for most undergraduate-level programs, you'll need some proficiency in Norwegian. Norwegian graduate and doctoral programs are often taught in English, making them more accessible to international students.

2. Check the admissions requirements

Every university and program in Norway has different entry requirements. You must investigate what your program requires and make sure you have all the correct qualifications.

Most Norwegian higher educational institutions require applicants to have completed secondary school. In some cases, international secondary qualifications are not recognized in Norway, and applicants may need to have completed some higher education before applying. You can find out more about this here.

If you're applying for undergraduate study in Norway or specific graduate or postgraduate programs, you may need to demonstrate Norwegian language proficiency. You can find out more here.

3. Prepare the necessary documents

This is generally what you'll need to apply to schools in Norway. To find out more contact the admissions office at your chosen university.

• A completed application form from the school's portal
• A copy of your passport
• Copy of your grade transcripts
• Your CV. You might also need to submit a professional CV for postgraduate study
• Proof of your English abilities (f.ex. TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge exam scores)
• Letter of motivation
• Two letters of recommendation

👉 Note: All documents need to be submitted in English, Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish. If your documents are not in one of these languages, you'll need to have them officially translated.

In addition to English-language proficiency, you may need to submit documentation demonstrating your Norwegian-language proficiency and/or have your education qualifications recognized by the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education.

4. Submit your application

Norway doesn't have a centralized application portal for all universities. Instead, applications are submitted directly to your chosen university or university college. Application deadlines vary from school to school, but you'll normally need to apply no later than February if you're planning to start your studies in the fall. For programs that begin at different times in the year, consult with the program's coordinators for application deadlines and admissions timelines.

5. Apply for a student visa

If your study program lasts for less than three months, it's unlikely that you'll need a study permit or visa, but you should check the requirements for your country of origin here.

Students from outside the EU/EEA will need a study permit for programs lasting more than three months. EU/EEA students generally don't need a study permit but will still need to register with the police upon entry into Norway.

If you need a study permit, you should apply for one before you enter Norway.

6. Arrive in Norway

Once you've secured admission to a university in Norway and received your study permit or visa, you can start planning for life in Norway. Here are a few things you should plan to do before departure:

• Book your flights
• Research housing options
• Connect with your chosen university on social media
• Learn some basic Norwegian (even if you don't need it for your program)