한국어판
English
Español
日本語Norway offers something almost no other country in the world does: tuition-free public university education for students of all nationalities, including non-EU applicants. This remarkable policy — rooted in Norway's belief that education is a public good — applies to the University of Oslo, NTNU (the country's technical university), NHH Norwegian School of Economics, and all other public institutions. The trade-off is that Norway has one of Europe's highest costs of living. Students who can manage living costs — through savings, scholarships, or part-time work — get access to world-class education at no tuition cost.
Academic Qualifications
NOKUT and the Norwegian qualification framework
Norwegian universities require a secondary school diploma equivalent to the Norwegian vitnemål fra videregående opplæring (upper secondary school leaving certificate, awarded after 13 years of schooling). Foreign qualifications are assessed by NOKUT (the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education), which is Norway's ENIC-NARIC center. Many EU secondary diplomas are recognized without a formal NOKUT assessment. Non-EU applicants typically have their qualifications reviewed by the admitting university, which may consult NOKUT for complex cases. A key Norwegian-specific requirement is the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (HEEQ) — foreign applicants must demonstrate they meet Norway's general entry criteria, which includes sufficient coverage of core subjects (mathematics, languages, natural sciences). For Master's programs, a recognized Bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS in a relevant field is required.
Language Requirements
| English-taught programs | IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90 (typical minimum) |
|---|---|
| NTNU / UiO English Master's | IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 for most programs |
| Norwegian-taught programs | B2 Norwegian — Norskprøve or Bergen Test (Bergenstesten) |
| Native English speakers | Typically exempt — confirm with each institution |
How to Apply
International students apply directly to each Norwegian institution — not through Samordna opptak
- Identify your target institution and program. Norway's main universities include the University of Oslo (UiO), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU in Trondheim), University of Bergen, and NHH Norwegian School of Economics.
- Confirm that your qualifications meet Norway's Higher Education Entrance Qualification (HEEQ) requirements. Contact the university's international admissions office for country-specific guidance.
- Register on your target university's application portal. Note: Samordna opptak (the unified Norwegian admissions system) is for Norwegian citizens and residents — international applicants apply directly.
- Prepare your documents: diploma, transcripts, and certified English translations. Arrange your language proficiency certificate.
- Submit your application before the deadline — most Master's programs close in December or February for September intake.
- After receiving your admission offer, non-EU/EEA students must apply for a Norwegian student residence permit at the nearest Norwegian Embassy or consulate.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of secondary school diploma
- Official transcripts for all completed study
- Certified English or Norwegian translation of all documents
- NOKUT assessment (if requested by the university)
- Proof of English language proficiency — IELTS or TOEFL
- Proof of Norwegian language proficiency (for Norwegian-taught programs)
- Motivation letter / Statement of purpose
- CV / Résumé
- Passport copy (valid throughout planned stay)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial means (NOK 12,000–16,000/month)
- Health insurance certificate (for residence permit)
Financial Requirements
No tuition — but Norway is one of Europe's most expensive countries to live in
Norwegian public universities charge no tuition fees to any student, regardless of nationality. All students pay only a semester fee of approximately NOK 300–600 (around €25–€55), which covers student welfare services and public transport discounts. However, Norway's living costs are among the highest in Europe. The Norwegian Government Loan Fund (Lånekassen) provides funding to Norwegian citizens and some EU/EEA students, but most non-EU international students must demonstrate they can self-fund their living costs. For a student residence permit, Norwegian authorities require proof of NOK 123,519 per year (approximately €11,000) in available funds. Monthly living costs in Oslo average NOK 12,000–16,000 (€1,050–€1,400).
Key Application Deadlines
| University of Oslo (Master's programs) | 1 December – 1 February for August intake (program dependent) |
|---|---|
| NTNU (Master's programs) | 1 December – 15 April (varies significantly by program) |
| NHH Norwegian School of Economics | 1 February for September intake |
| Residence permit processing | Allow 4–8 weeks — apply after receiving admission letter |
| Academic year start | Mid-August (autumn); January (spring) |
Watch Out For
Deadlines vary enormously between programs — some NTNU programs close in December, others in April. Always check the specific program page rather than relying on general guidance.
The Higher Education Entrance Qualification (HEEQ) has specific subject requirements (mathematics, natural sciences) that some secondary school systems do not cover. Check with the university admissions office whether your diploma meets all subject requirements.
Norway's cost of living is high and often underestimated by international applicants. Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Budget at least NOK 12,000–16,000 per month and research student housing options through your university immediately after receiving your offer.
Non-EU students cannot use Samordna opptak (the domestic Norwegian admissions system). Applying through that portal as an international student will not result in a valid application.
자주 묻는 질문
노르웨이 유학 지원 학생들의 자주 묻는 질문
Yes — Norwegian public universities charge no tuition fees to any student, including non-EU nationals. This has been Norwegian policy for decades and reflects the country's commitment to higher education as a public good. Students pay only a semester fee of around NOK 300–600 (€25–€55) per semester. Note: some private universities in Norway do charge tuition, and non-EU students at some public universities may pay fees for specific professional programs. Always confirm the fee structure for your exact program.
NOKUT (Nasjonalt organ for kvalitet i utdanningen — Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education) is Norway's official body for quality assurance in higher education and the country's ENIC-NARIC center. It evaluates foreign academic qualifications, accredits Norwegian institutions, and provides information on studying in Norway. When a university requests a NOKUT assessment for your qualifications, you apply directly to NOKUT and receive an official recognition statement.
Yes — Norway has a substantial and growing number of English-medium programs, particularly at Master's and PhD level. NTNU, UiO, NHH, and the University of Bergen all offer significant English program portfolios in technology, natural sciences, social sciences, business, and the humanities. Most PhD positions are also conducted in English. IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90 is the standard requirement.
Norway is expensive, but there are ways to manage. University dormitories (offered through the regional student welfare organizations, called SiO in Oslo and Sit in Trondheim) are significantly cheaper than private rental — apply for student housing immediately after admission. Students with residence permits can work part-time without restrictions. The Norwegian Government Loan Fund (Lånekassen) provides loans and grants to EU/EEA students who have worked in Norway for at least one year before starting their studies.
Yes — Norway offers a job-seeking residence permit for graduates of Norwegian universities, allowing them to stay for up to 12 months after completing their studies to find work. Norway also has a skilled worker permit that can follow. Note that Norway is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area (EEA) — graduates working in Norway do not automatically gain EU work rights, but the Norwegian labor market itself is large and well-paying.
노르웨이의 프로그램을 탐색할 준비가 됐나요?
노르웨이의 모든 프로그램 보기
