🇳🇴 Norway · Study Abroad
How to study in Norway as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in Norway you apply to the university, then, once admitted, apply for a student residence permit through the Directorate of Immigration (UDI), proving funds and housing. Since 2023, students from outside the EEA/Switzerland generally pay tuition. Many master’s are in English. Explore the university sites and apply by the deadline.
International students apply to Norwegian institutions first, then non-EEA students usually apply to UDI for a study permit. Norway is part of the EEA and Schengen; admission, funds, housing and permit timing should be coordinated early.
- Admission is handled by the institution or national admissions channels, depending on programme level.
- Non-EEA students need a UDI study permit for studies over three months.
- Some programmes may charge tuition to non-EEA students; verify directly with the institution.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your program and apply to the university; many master’s are in English. Explore the university sites.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
Apply for a student residence permit through UDI, proving funds and housing; since 2023 non-EEA/Swiss students generally pay tuition.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Study in Norway
Official study-in-Norway portal.
- UDI — study permit
Official study-permit guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What is UDI?
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, which processes student residence permits and other immigration matters.
Do I pay tuition in Norway?
Since 2023, students from outside the EEA/Switzerland generally pay tuition at Norwegian public universities; EEA/Swiss students study free.
Can I work while studying?
Student permit holders can usually work a limited number of hours per week during term; check the current conditions with UDI.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.