Dreaming of pursuing your education in the Land of the Midnight Sun? (24 hours of daylight! Can you imagine?) With its spectacular natural beauty and world-class education system, Norway has become a popular destination for international students!
What makes Norway even more attractive is its robust economy! Did you know? As per GDP per capita ranking 2024, Norway is ranked #10 on the list of the top 10 richest countries in the world. Well, this indicates a strong prospect for economic growth, which presents a pool of opportunities for international students.
In order to ensure a seamless experience during your study time in Norway, it is crucial to understand the cost of living in Norway. Hence, we have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand the average living expenses in Norway in 2024. It covers everything from accommodation and food to transportation expenses.
Key Highlights:
| Highlight | Details |
| Cost of Living | ₹11,00,000 per year as per estimation by the Norwegian Immigration Directorate (UDI) |
| City-wise Average Rent | Oslo and Bærum: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 Bergen: ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 Stavanger: ₹75,000 – ₹90,000 Trondheim: ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Average Food Expenses | Student Cafeteria: ₹400 – ₹1,200 Affordable Restaurant: ₹900 – ₹2,000 |
| Transportation Expenses | 30-day ticket pass: ₹6,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Scholarships | Erasmus+Bachelor International Scholarship |
| Part-time Work | 20 hours per week for student visa holders |
| Top Universities | University of Oslo University of Bergen Norwegian University of Science and Technology |
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Why Choose Norway?
No, don’t go to Norway just for the beautiful midnight sun! Go to experience the excellent education system and cutting-edge research opportunities. Norway’s robust economy and emphasis on innovation create a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students. It is a popular choice for international study, offering a great selection of universities.
Did you know: There are 6 Norwegian universities in the QS World University Rankings, with 3 of them ranking under 500.
Keep reading to learn some of the reasons why Norway is an excellent choice for your international studies.
- High Enrollment of International Students: 15,000 (approx) foreigners are currently enrolled at Norwegian institutions of higher education
- English-Taught Programs: Universities in Norway offer more than 200 master’s programs taught in English and many English-taught undergraduate programs
- Part-Time Work Opportunities for Students: If you are granted a study permit, you have permission to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during your studies and full-time during holidays
- Healthy Work-Life Balance: In accordance with the Norwegian Holiday Act, workers in Norway are entitled to 21 days (or 4 weeks and 1 day) paid vacation each year
Cost of Living in Norway for Students
According to Mercer’s survey on the cost of living in Norway, Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is the 60th most expensive city in the world.
An estimation of living expenses in Norway by the Norwegian Immigration Directorate (UDI) is that you need approximately ₹11,00,000 per year. (Please note that this amount does not include tuition fees)
However, as stated earlier, the cost of living in Norway can vary significantly depending on the choice of location, lifestyle choices and spending habits. Here is an overview of the various living costs in Norway per month you might encounter.
| Particulars | Total Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Norway |
| Student Housing | ₹25,000 – ₹55,000 |
| Food | ₹20,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Student Related Costs (Books and Supplies) | ₹3,500 – ₹25,00 |
| Transport (local bus) | ₹3,500 – ₹4,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹7,000 – ₹11,000 |
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Average Rent in Norway
Location is the key to determining the average monthly living cost in Norway. That being said, you may expect a higher cost of living in Oslo compared to smaller cities. Moreover, rents are also dependent on other factors, such as the amenities offered and proximity to the university. In this section, we offer insight into the average monthly rent prices in some of the major cities in Norway.
| City | Average Monthly Rent |
| Oslo and Bærum | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Bergen | ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Stavanger | ₹75,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Trondheim | ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
Cost of Food in Norway
Students can manage their food bills and the overall cost of living in Norway by looking for budget-friendly restaurants (if they opt to eat out) or affordable ingredients at supermarkets or other stores. Some of the affordable dining options in Norway are Freddy Fuego Burrito Bar, Palmyra Cafe, and Rice Bowl Thai Cafe.
Here is an overview of the food cost and groceries you can keep in mind while managing your budget.
| Particulars | Estimated Cost |
| Main Course in a Budget Restaurant | ₹900 – ₹1,600 |
| 1 l of milk | ₹100 – ₹150 |
| A Loaf of Bread | ₹250 – ₹350 |
| A Bag of Coffee | ₹300 – ₹350 |
| Mineral Water | ₹100 – ₹300 |
| Bakery Sandwich | ₹400 – ₹500 |
| Chicken (1kg) | ₹800 – ₹1,000 |
| Shampoo | ₹300 – ₹500 |
| Domestic Beer (0,5 l) in a Grocery Store | ₹200 – ₹250 |
Transportation Cost in Norway
Did you know Oslo aims to become the world’s first emissions-free city by 2030? This indicates that walking and public transport options like trams, buses, and metros will be the preferred modes of transportation. Let’s explore the estimated transportation costs for students in Norway.
| Particulars | Estimated Cost | Description |
| Single ticket for public transport | ₹300 – ₹1200 | Valid for 60 minutes |
| 24-hour ticket | ₹900 – ₹2,300 | Valid for 24 hours |
| 7-day ticket | ₹1,300 – ₹6,700 | Valid for 7 days |
| 30-day ticket | ₹6,000 – ₹18,000 | Valid for 30 days |
Please note: The 30-day ticket is a good value for students and can be used on all public transport in Oslo, including buses, trams, metro lines and ferries. If you plan to travel out of Oslo, additional tickets can be purchased for additional zones.
Now that you have an idea of the estimated cost of living in Norway for Indian students let’s look at the top-tier institutions in the country along with their average annual tuition fees. This may help you figure out the average cost of living in Norway in a more customised manner.
University Tuition Fee in Norway
Ranked as the 24th most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index, Norway is safe for Indian students who want to study abroad.
The Land of the Midnight Sun is home to some prestigious universities, consistently ranking high in global metrics. All of these universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses. Here is a list of the top 6 universities in Norway for international students, along with their estimated annual tuition fees (excluding living expenses):
| University | QS Ranking 2024 | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| University of Oslo | 117 | ₹14,00,000 – ₹22,00,000 |
| University of Bergen | 281 | ₹10,00,000 – ₹30,00,000 |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology | 292 | ₹11,00,000 – ₹40,00,000 |
| University of Tromso | 577 | ₹3,50,000 – ₹40,00,000 |
| Norwegian University of Life Sciences | 1201 | ₹6,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 |
| University of Stavanger | 1401 | ₹6,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 |
Remember, the course fee depends on the courses you opt for. If you plan to study in Norway, you will have a wide range of course options to choose from. Here are the popular courses to consider:
| Top Courses | Details |
| Arts and Humanities | Explore literature, history, philosophy, and cultural studies, enhancing your critical thinking and creative expression |
| Animation | Engage in animation techniques, visual effects, and film production, tapping into Norway’s vibrant creative fields |
| Natural Sciences | Gain insights into how to make the world more sustainable via education and research |
| Life Sciences | Pursue degrees in Aquaculture, Plant Sciences, Aquatic Food Production in Agricultural Innovation and Environmental Management |
| Medicine | Gain knowledge of human biology, disease management, ethics, and research, preparing to contribute for more advanced medical fields |
| Industrial Engineering | Focuses on optimising complex systems, processes organisations and more to gain a competitive advantage in these ever-growing fields |
Scholarships to Reduce Cost of Living in Norway
Want to make the cost of living in Norway more affordable? You will be glad to know that there are plenty of scholarships to help you make it happen. While the Norwegian government offers no individual scholarships to degree students, here are a few scholarship programs offered in Norway that can help you prepare accordingly.
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Level of Study | Benefit |
| Erasmus+ | European Commission | Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctorate | Tuition Fee, Living Allowance, Travel, Health Insurance |
| Bachelor International Scholarship | BI Norwegian Business School | Undergraduate | 50% of tuition fees for up to three years for the selected program |
Here are a few tips for securing scholarships:
- Start your research well before the application period so that you have enough time to meet all the requirements
- Focus on maintaining high grades to demonstrate academic achievement
- Seek guidance from dedicated staff from your university with scholarship applications
How to Reduce the Average Cost of Living in Norway
Living and studying in Norway can be a wonderful experience, provided you manage your finances well. Here are some tips and tricks to help you reduce your monthly expenses in Norway.
- Part Time Work
It is normal for international students to work part-time in Norway to increase their budget. You can work up to 20 hours per week as part of your study permit, provided you are a student with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA. This can be instrumental in reducing your cost of living in Norway.
- Accommodation Hacks
Avoid opting for a solo apartment and instead consider shared housing options to significantly lower your cost of living in Norway, especially in major cities like Oslo.
- Save on Transportation
Norway offers several student discount monthly travel passes. Students under 30 get a 40% discount on the 30-day ticket. Invest in these efficient public transportation options for daily commute and explore your surroundings without burning a hole in your pocket.
- Consider Free Activities
Here are a few free or low-cost activities which you can indulge in to reduce your monthly expenses in Norway:
- Walk through the streets and explore street art
- 22nd of July centre museum is always free to visit
- Buy the Oslo Pass (valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours), which gives you free entry to 30+ museums, free public transport, as well as great discounts.
Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
The best part: Students under 30 years of age can get a 20 % discount
Let’s take the example of Sohini, who agrees that the trick to managing the cost of living in Norway is to save money wherever possible.
Sohini makes her own coffee at home, as buying coffee daily can quickly add up to a lot of money. She actively uses the library and looks for an online version of books to avoid buying new ones. In this way, Sohini can significantly reduce her monthly expenses in Norway.
Conclusion
With its breathtaking landscape and top-tier education system, Norway offers a world of opportunities to Indian students. It provides an enriching environment for both academic and personal growth.
While the monthly cost of living in Norway may seem daunting, with careful planning and budgeting, you can manage it easily. As discussed, the high cost of living in Norway can be partially offset by working part-time, eating home-cooked meals, and looking for affordable shared accommodation options.
Schedule a free consultation with our dedicated partner and gain valuable insights into planning your international education today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the cost of living in Norway for a student?
A. The average cost of living in Norway for Indian students is approximately ₹1,00,000 per month, excluding tuition fees. This includes food, transportation, accommodation and utilities. However, this cost may vary depending on the city you live in.
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Q. How much is the rent in Oslo per month?
A. If you opt to live in a decent apartment in Oslo, the average monthly rent is between ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000. However, this cost of living in Oslo may vary depending on the particular location within the city. You may look for shared apartments or student housing options to reduce your accommodation cost.
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Q. Can international students work in Norway while studying?
A. International students with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA can work up to 20 hours per week as part of their study permit. They are eligible to work full-time during the holiday. Working part-time can also help manage the cost of living in Norway. Kindly note: if you are granted a study permit, you are automatically granted permission to work part-time in Norway.
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Q. Which transportation options are available for students in Norway?
A. There are various public transport options like trams, buses, bicycles and metro available for students. Students can opt for a 30 days pass at an estimated cost of ₹6,000 – ₹18,000 for great value.
Please note that your transportation expenses may increase or decrease depending on how far you stay from the university. -
Q. Is it safe to travel alone in Norway?
A. Yes, Norway is generally a safe country to travel and explore alone. According to the Global Peace Index 2023, Norway ranks 24th among the most peaceful nations.
Despite this, you must prepare for the wilderness while exploring outdoors. It is always a great idea to inform someone about your whereabouts, especially if you opt to go hiking in the mountains. -
Q. Is English widely spoken in Norway?
A. English is a widely spoken language in Norway, and most Norwegians have good English proficiency. According to the EF English Proficiency Index 2024, Norway ranks 4th among the top countries in the world for English language proficiency. The other top five scoring countries were the Netherlands, Australia, Singapore, and Denmark.
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Q. What are the visa requirements for studying in Norway?
A. All Indian students looking to study in Norway for more than 3 months need to apply for a student permit. Some of the requirements to be eligible for student visa are:
-Must have been admitted to a field of study at a college or university
-Submit a completed application form and visa application fee of ₹41,500
-Evidence of sufficient funds for the entire period of study
Please note: If you are studying in Norway for less than three months, you will still need to obtain a visa. -
Q. Which city in Norway is best for studies?
A. Norway boasts several cities famous for their high-quality education. Oslo and Bergen stand out as popular choices among international students.
Oslo: Oslo is home to some of the country’s top universities, including the University of Oslo, which ranks 117th in the world according to QS World University Rankings.
Bergen: The University of Bergen is Norway’s leading university. It provides an international environment where students interact with people from all over the world. -
Q. Which is the cheapest place to live in Norway?
A. Generally, smaller towns in Norway have a lower cost of living in Norway as compared to large cities like Oslo or Bergen.
According to Numbeo, rent prices in Oslo are approximately 8.5% higher than in Tromso. Similarly, grocery rates in Oslo are also 3.7% higher than in Tromso. This clearly indicates that despite being a popular city in Norway, Tromso offers lower living expenses than Oslo. -
Q. Is Norway expensive for Indians?
A. Yes, Norway is considered one of the most expensive countries for international students, including Indians. The cost of living in Norway can be high, with the average student spending being approximately ₹1,00,000 per month, excluding tuition fees. The cost of groceries, transportation, dining out, and other expenses is significantly higher in Norway than in India.
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Q. When is the best time to visit Norway?
A. Norway is known for its beautiful landscapes and you’d be happy to know there’s no bad time to visit this gorgeous country. Summer is the most popular time for the best weather, while winter is a magical time for skiing and the Northern Lights.
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Q. Is it mandatory to have health insurance for international students intending to stay in Norway?
A. Yes, it is mandatory for students to have health insurance to stay in Norway. All international students must have health insurance for the study duration and travel insurance. Moreover, students planning internships in Norway must have liability insurance.
