The 6 Best Study Abroad Programs In Norway

Studying abroad in Norway offers a unique blend of world-class education, stunning natural landscapes, and a high quality of life. Whether you are drawn by the Northern Lights, the innovative tech scene, or the tuition-free universities, choosing the right program is crucial. This guide covers the six best study abroad programs in Norway, focusing on practical details like language requirements, costs, and career outcomes to help you decide which path fits your goals.

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1. University of Oslo: International Summer School (ISS)

The University of Oslo’s International Summer School is one of the most structured and affordable short-term options. It runs for six weeks and focuses on Norwegian language, culture, and specific academic disciplines like peace studies or environmental science.

Duration: 6 weeks (summer).
Language: English-taught courses available, but basic Norwegian is helpful for daily life.
Cost: Program fee around 3,000–5,000 NOK (approximately 280–470 USD) plus housing (approx. 8,000 NOK).
Ideal for: Undergraduates wanting a short, immersive cultural experience without a full semester commitment.
Example: A student from the US took the “Norwegian Life and Society” course, which included field trips to the Viking Ship Museum and a weekend cabin trip to the fjords.

This program is excellent for building a foundational understanding of Norwegian society while earning transferable credits. You will live in student dormitories with other international students, making it easy to build a network.

2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU): Semester Exchange in Trondheim

NTNU is Norway’s largest university and a top choice for engineering and technology students. Their semester exchange program is highly structured, offering courses in English within the Faculty of Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Architecture.

Duration: One semester (August–December or January–June).
Language: All engineering courses are in English; no Norwegian required.
Cost: No tuition fees for exchange students from partner universities. Living costs are around 12,000–15,000 NOK per month (approx. 1,100–1,400 USD).
Ideal for: STEM majors (mechanical, civil, electrical engineering) and architecture students.
Example: A German exchange student joined a team project designing a small-scale wave energy converter, using NTNU’s marine lab facilities.

Trondheim is a student city with a strong biking culture and low crime rate. The university also offers a compulsory Norwegian language course for internationals, which helps with daily interactions.

3. University of Bergen: Digital Culture and Society Program

The University of Bergen (UiB) offers a unique bachelor’s-level program in Digital Culture and Society, taught entirely in English. It examines how technology shapes society, combining media studies, sociology, and informatics.

Duration: Full bachelor’s degree (3 years) or one-semester exchange.
Language: English proficiency required (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
Cost: No tuition for EU/EEA students. Non-EU students pay approximately 10,000–15,000 NOK per semester (approx. 950–1,400 USD).
Ideal for: Students interested in digital humanities, social media analysis, or tech policy.
Example: A student from the UK completed a project analyzing how Norwegian teens use TikTok for political activism, using qualitative interviews and digital ethnography.

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and fjords, offering outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking right from the city center. The program includes a mandatory internship component in the third year, often with local tech startups or media companies.

4. BI Norwegian Business School: Master in Business (Oslo)

BI Norwegian Business School is a private institution ranked among the top business schools in Europe. Their Master in Business program offers specializations in finance, marketing, and strategy, all taught in English.

Duration: 2 years (full-time master’s).
Language: English; no Norwegian needed for courses, but internships often require basic Norwegian.
Cost: Tuition is around 100,000–120,000 NOK per year (approx. 9,500–11,500 USD). Scholarships available for outstanding candidates.
Ideal for: International students seeking a career in Nordic business or consulting.
Example: A student from India worked on a live case study for a Norwegian seafood exporter, analyzing supply chain logistics for salmon shipments to Asia.

BI has strong links with companies like Equinor, DNB, and Telenor, providing networking events and guest lectures. The program also includes a mandatory semester abroad at one of BI’s 50 partner universities worldwide.

5. Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet): International Social Work and Welfare

OsloMet offers a bachelor’s program in International Social Work and Welfare, taught in English. It focuses on comparative welfare policies, migration, and community development, with a strong practical component.

Duration: 3 years (full bachelor’s) or single-semester exchange.
Language: English; a basic Norwegian course is included in the first semester.
Cost: No tuition for EU/EEA students. Non-EU students pay around 8,000–12,000 NOK per semester (approx. 750–1,150 USD).
Ideal for: Students passionate about social justice, refugee work, or public policy.
Example: A student from Brazil completed a field placement at a multicultural center in Oslo’s Grønland district, helping newly arrived refugees navigate the Norwegian welfare system.

OsloMet is located in central Oslo, close to government buildings and NGOs. The program includes a mandatory 8-week internship in the third year, often with organizations like the Red Cross or local municipalities.

6. University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway: Northern Studies

The University of Tromsø (UiT) offers a unique master’s program in Northern Studies, focusing on Arctic governance, indigenous rights, and climate change impacts. It is taught in English and draws students from around the world.

Duration: 2 years (master’s).
Language: English; no Norwegian required, though a short course is offered.
Cost: No tuition fees for all students (both EU and non-EU). Living costs are around 10,000–13,000 NOK per month (approx. 950–1,250 USD).
Ideal for: Students interested in polar research, environmental policy, or Sami culture.
Example: A student from Canada spent two weeks in Svalbard as part of a field course, studying permafrost thaw and its effect on local infrastructure.

Tromsø is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, offering the Midnight Sun in summer and Northern Lights in winter. The university has strong research ties with the Norwegian Polar Institute, providing access to exclusive data sets and fieldwork opportunities.

Comparing Costs and Duration

To help you compare these programs at a glance, here is a table summarizing key facts. Note that living costs vary by city and lifestyle.

Program	Duration	Tuition (per year, non-EU)	Living Costs (per month)	Main Language
Univ. of Oslo ISS	6 weeks	3,000–5,000 NOK	8,000–10,000 NOK	English
NTNU (exchange)	1 semester	Free for exchange	12,000–15,000 NOK	English
Univ. of Bergen (bachelor)	3 years	10,000–15,000 NOK	11,000–14,000 NOK	English
BI Norwegian (master)	2 years	100,000–120,000 NOK	14,000–18,000 NOK	English
OsloMet (bachelor)	3 years	8,000–12,000 NOK	12,000–15,000 NOK	English
Univ. of Tromsø (master)	2 years	Free (all students)	10,000–13,000 NOK	English

“Studying in Norway taught me that education is not just about lectures—it’s about learning how to think critically in a society that values equality and sustainability. The group projects were intense, but the professors were always approachable.” – Former NTNU exchange student from Australia

How to Apply for a Student Visa

All non-EU/EEA students need a residence permit (student visa) before arriving in Norway. The process requires an acceptance letter from a recognized institution, proof of sufficient funds (around 137,000 NOK per year for living costs), and valid health insurance.

Steps: Apply online via the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website.
Timeline: Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks; apply as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.
Requirements: Valid passport, two passport photos, proof of accommodation, and a completed application form.
Work rights: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays.

For short-term programs like the University of Oslo ISS (less than 90 days), you may only need a tourist visa (Schengen visa) if you are from a visa-required country. Always check the UDI website for the latest requirements.

Living in Norway: Practical Tips

Adjusting to Norwegian life requires some practical preparation. The cost of living is high, but careful budgeting can keep expenses manageable.

Housing: Apply for student housing through SiS (Studentsamskipnaden) as early as possible. Rent ranges from 4,000–8,000 NOK per month for a shared apartment.
Food: A monthly grocery budget of 3,000–4,000 NOK is typical. Shop at discount stores like Kiwi, Rema 1000, or Coop Extra.
Transport: Public transport is excellent. Monthly student passes cost around 500–700 NOK, depending on the city.
Weather: Invest in a good waterproof jacket and warm layers. In Tromsø, thermal base layers and a windproof shell are essential year-round.

“I thought I would struggle with the darkness in Tromsø, but the community events—like communal dinners and Northern Lights watching parties—made winter feel cozy, not depressing.” – Former UiT student from Japan

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Completing a study abroad program in Norway can open doors to local and international careers. Many programs include internship components that often lead to job offers.

Job market: Norway has strong demand for engineers (especially oil, gas, and renewable energy), IT professionals, and healthcare workers.
Networking: Attend career fairs hosted by universities, such as NTNU’s “Karrieredagen” where companies like Equinor and Kongsberg Gruppen recruit directly.
Stay-back options: After completing a degree, you can apply for a one-year job-seeker visa to find work in Norway.
Example: A graduate of the BI Norwegian Business School master’s program secured a position as a business analyst at a fintech startup in Oslo six months after graduation, thanks to an internship she completed during her second year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I study in Norway for free? Yes, public universities like UiB, UiT, and NTNU do not charge tuition for EU/EEA students. Non-EU/EEA students pay tuition at some universities but not at others (e.g., UiT is free for all).
Do I need to speak Norwegian to study in Norway? No, most programs listed above are taught entirely in English. However, learning basic Norwegian helps with daily life and internships.
What is the cost of living in Norway for a student? Expect around 12,000–15,000 NOK per month for rent, food, transport, and entertainment. Oslo and Bergen are more expensive than Tromsø or Trondheim.
How long does a student visa take? Typically 4–8 weeks after you submit a complete application to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Apply early.
Can I work while studying in Norway? Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays.
Are there scholarships for international students? Yes, the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) offers some scholarships for specific nationalities. BI Norwegian Business School also offers merit-based scholarships.
What is the best program for engineering students? NTNU in Trondheim is the top choice for engineering, offering a wide range of English-taught courses and excellent lab facilities.
Is Norway safe for international students? Yes, Norway is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and reliable emergency services.
Can I bring my family to Norway while studying? If you have a residence permit for full-time studies, you may be able to bring your spouse/partner and children, but you must prove sufficient income to support them.
What happens after I graduate? Can I stay in Norway? You can apply for a one-year job-seeker visa to find work. If you secure a job, you can then apply for a work permit.

Conclusion

Choosing the right study abroad program in Norway depends on your academic interests, budget, and career goals. The University of Oslo’s International Summer School is perfect for a short, immersive taste of Norway, while NTNU and the University of Bergen offer deep academic rigor for semester or degree programs. BI Norwegian Business School provides a direct pipeline into the corporate world, and OsloMet and the University of Tromsø offer unique specializations in social work and Arctic studies. No matter which program you choose, you will gain a world-class education, valuable international experience, and memories that last a lifetime. Start your application process early, research housing options, and embrace the Norwegian concept of “friluftsliv” (open-air living) to make the most of your time in this stunning country.

The 6 Best Study Abroad Programs in Norway