Did you know that Norway has 6 universities listed in the QS World University Rankings 2024, with 3 of them ranking within the 500 mark? This truly highlights Norway’s commitment to academic excellence and research.
You’d also be delighted to know that in 2023, there were nearly 312,000 students in higher education in Norway, almost 50,000 more than 10 years earlier.
And not to forget, Norway is the 7th happiest country in the world as per the World Happiness Report 2024.
Excited about the prospects of studying in Norway? If so, this guide will help you find the top universities in Norway for international students, top courses along with the tuition fees, different scholarships available, and so much more.
Key Highlights
Here is all the information you will read about the top universities in Norway in this guide.
| Feature | Details |
| Top Universities in Norway | University of Oslo University of Bergen Norwegian University of Science and Technology |
| Top Courses from Top-Ranked Universities in Norway | Information Security Fine Art Tourism Studies |
| Intakes in Norway in 2024 | December to March |
| Annual Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Degree Courses | INR 8L to INR 12L |
| Annual Tuition Fees for Masters Degree Courses | INR 15L to INR 30L |
| Top Scholarships | Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) NTNU Scholarships |
Please note: The annual tuition fees mentioned in this blog are only indicative. It can vary significantly based on the college you choose and the course you pick.
6 Top Universities in Norway for International Students
Are you aware that 53% of international students choose to study in Norway because of its excellent quality of education? Enrolling in the top universities in Norway for a master’s or bachelor’s degree opens doors to numerous career opportunities. But that’s not all!
There are many tuition-free universities in Norway for international students including the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). At NTNU, students falling under one of these categories are not required to pay tuition fees:
- Exchange students from NTNU’s partner universities
- Citizens of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- Students who were admitted to their study program before 2023
- Students admitted to an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program and Joint Nordic Master’s degree program
- Doctoral students/ PhD students
- Students studying in Norway through Students at Risk (StAR), NORPART, NORHED, The Fulbright program or any full-degree scholarship awarded by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education
And let’s not forget that Norway is ranked as the 24th most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index.
Here is a tabulated snapshot of the top-ranked universities in Norway for international students.
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 |
| University of Oslo | 117 |
| University of Bergen | 281 |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology | 292 |
| University of Tromso | 577 |
| Norwegian University of Life Sciences | 1201 |
| University of Stavanger | 1401 |
- University of Oslo (UiO)
Did you know that the University of Oslo, established in 1811, is the oldest institution of higher education in Norway?
What’s more? The university has produced 5 Nobel prize winners, which aptly demonstrates the institution’s quality of teaching and research. Furthermore, with a diverse range of 241 study programmes, the university has facilitated the graduation of approximately 4,921 students.
In fact, according to the Shanghai Ranking, the university is ranked as the World’s 73rd best research university. The campus proudly boasts 4 centres for excellence in education, 1 centre for research-based innovation, and 1 centre for environment-friendly energy research, reflecting its dedication to excel in various fields of study and research.
Courses Offered
At the University of Oslo, you can enrol on a variety of programs, including law, humanities, social sciences and medicine at the bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels.
Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.
| Program | Approximate Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor *(10 credit course) | INR 1.8L to INR 2.3L |
| Master *(10 credit course) | INR 2.5L to INR 3.7L |
*Please note: A course’s credit value indicates its scope and workload. Typically, courses in Norway are valued at 10 or 15 credits, with full-time students taking courses corresponding to 60 credits each year. A full semester’s workload consists of 30 credits per semester while a bachelor’s degree comprises 180 credits.
Entry Requirements
- You need a minimum IELTS score of 5 or a TOEFL internet-based test (IBT) with a minimum score of 60 Points for bachelor courses.
- For postgraduate courses, the minimum IELTS overall band score of 7.5 is required or a TOEFL minimum score of 108, with at least 25 in reading, 25 in listening, 23 in speaking and 27 in writing.
- University of Bergen (UiB)
The University of Bergen is an internationally recognised public research university. Established in 1946, this university has been included in the world’s top 300 universities by the Times Higher Education in 2024.
Research is thriving at the university, which houses four National Centres of Excellence. Additionally, the campus has over 100 student organisations and activities ranging from cultural to sports and recreation.
Courses Offered
When you choose UiB for your higher education, you choose an inclusive student environment, trained instructors, and an education program that prepares you for the competitive future job market. Whether you are drawn to language, literature, fine art or history, the university has a program tailored to your interests.
Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.
| Program | Approximate Tuition Fees (Yearly) |
| Master in History, Literature, Fine Art | INR 10L to INR 30L per year |
Entry Requirements
- You need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 for admission to master courses.
- You must have a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C, which is considered a good grade. This is roughly equivalent to an American B or a Second Class Upper in the British system.
Please note: The University of Bergen (UiB) does not offer any undergraduate study programmes specifically for international students.
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Did you know that approximately 43,882 students are enrolled at NTNU and about half of them are studying science and technology? Among these students, 4062 are international students from 122 countries.
What’s more? The Faculty of Engineering provides 11 master’s-level programs, referred to as International Master’s Programs, which are conducted entirely in English. Additionally, international students enjoy a vibrant campus life by actively participating in clubs and organisations covering various interests, from sports to academic societies.
Courses Offered
NTNU is recognised for its high-quality education and research across various programs including medical studies, science and technology, nursing, social sciences, and humanities.
Here is a breakdown of the fees for both bachelor’s and master’s level programs (as per category).
| Program | Approximate Tuition Fees (Yearly) |
| Medical studies, NTNU Art Academy (postgraduate level) | INR 40L to INR 42L |
| Music performance, architecture and design studies, Clinical psychology (postgraduate level) | INR 30L to INR 32L |
| Science and technology studies (graduate level) | INR 20L to INR 22L |
| Humanities, social sciences, economics, technology (graduate level) | INR 15L to INR 17L |
| Science, technology and teacher’s studies, nursing, social education, child protection and welfare (undergraduate level) | INR 12L to INR 14L |
| Humanities, social sciences and economy (undergraduate level) | INR 10L to INR 12L |
Entry Requirements
- You need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 on each part of the test or a minimum score of 90 points on the internet-based TOEFL test for admission to master courses.
- For paper-based tests, the minimum score is 600 points.
Please note: TOEFL Home Edition TOEFL Essentials or IELTS online score is not accepted.
- University of Tromso (UiT)
The University of Tromso is a medium-sized research university in Tromso. The university is home to 16,721 students, spread across its various campuses, including the primary ones in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik and Harstad.
Furthermore, international students benefit from support services provided by the Student Welfare Organisation, including student counselling, housing assistance, catering, and access to sports facilities.
Courses Offered
The university offers a diverse range of programs taught in English including tourism studies, physics, biomedicine, and public health at both the Master’s and Bachelor’s levels. It is one of the leading universities in the world for research into environmental science. For this reason, the major courses taught here are in scientific fields such as biosciences, telemedicine, climate research, and medical biology.
Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.
| Program | Approximate Tuition Fees (Yearly) |
| One-year Program | INR 3.8L to INR 4.5L |
| Master in Biology, Biomedicine, Computer Science | INR 14L to INR 20L |
Entry Requirements
- You need a minimum IELTS score of 5 or a TOEFL internet-based test (IBT) with a minimum score of 60 Points for bachelor courses or short-term programs.
- For postgraduate courses, the minimum IELTS overall band score of 6.5 is required or a TOEFL minimum score of 85 (internet-based)/ 580 (paper-based).
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
Approximately 20% of NMBU students are international, with 43% of its programs offered in English. Yes, you read that right!
Not only this but NMBU has over 150 exchange agreements with partner institutions from all over the world. Established in 1859, it is the only educational institution in Norway to provide veterinary education.
Courses Offered
At NMBU, you can choose from a range of courses like Animal Science, International Relations, Urban Agriculture, and Data Science.
Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.
| Program | Approximate Tuition Fees (Yearly) |
| Masters in Data Science, International Relations, Mathematics | INR 6L to INR 18L |
Entry Requirements
- You need a minimum IELTS score of 6 or a clear TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 80 Points for bachelor courses.
- For postgraduate courses, the IELTS overall band score of 7 is required or a TOEFL minimum score of 92.
Please note: NMBU offers one English-taught bachelor program in International Environment and Development Studies.
6. University of Stavanger (UiS)
The University of Stavanger is a public research university founded in the year 2005. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, UiS offers a diverse range of study programs across 15 different fields of study.
The academic activities are organised in 6 faculties namely health sciences, science and technology, social sciences, arts and education, UiS business school and performing arts.
Courses Offered
Thinking about studying dance, health science, business and management or humanities? The University of Stavanger has got you covered.
Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.
| Program | Approximate Tuition Fees (Per 60 ECTS Credits) |
| Bachelor (Performing Arts) | INR 14L to INR 15L |
| Masters in Computer Science, Environmental Engineering, Health Science | INR 12L to INR 15L |
Entry Requirements
- A minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (according to ECTS standards) for admission to the bachelor program. The minimum grade requirement for a bachelor’s degree from India is 3,0 of 4,0 or higher/ 65% or higher.
- For a master’s, relevant Bachelor’s degree and academic requirements as per the study program are mandatory.
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Intakes in Norway in 2024
Most of the top universities in Norway offer only 1 intake period for the majority of the study programs. Each university has its own admissions timeline. However, applications for most universities are from December to March and the course begins in August. That being said, it is important to conduct thorough research based on the university you want to apply to.
5 Popular Courses at Top Universities in Norway for International Students
Did you know: There are over 200 master’s programs completely taught in English, and many English-taught undergraduate programs in Norway?
Looking to secure a high-paying job in Norway? Consider enrolling in these top 5 courses.
| University | Course | Level of Study |
| University of Oslo | Information and Communication Technology Law | Masters |
| University of Bergen | Fine Art | Masters |
| University of Oslo | Mathematics | Masters |
| University of Tromso | Master of Tourism Studies | Masters |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology | Information Security | Masters |
- Information and Communication Technology Law from the University of Oslo
The minimum educational requirement for this course is a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree. On top of that, at least one and a half years *(90 ECTS credits) of your bachelor’s studies must be in law. The course will cost you approximately INR 15L per year.
Former university students work for companies such as Opera Software and Vodafone after completing the course.
These are the jobs you can get after the completion of the course:
- Policy Advisor: 1.5Cr to 2Cr
- Academic Researcher: INR 50L to INR 80L
- Legal Counsel: INR 1Cr to INR 1.5Cr
*Please note: The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a standard means for comparing academic credits. In Norway, it’s called “studiepoeng,” where 1 ECTS credit equals 1 studiepoeng. This system helps students measure the volume of learning based on the defined learning outcomes.
2. Master in Fine Art from the University of Bergen
In order to be eligible for this course, applicants must have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art, generally of a minimum 4 years duration. Additionally, Indian students applying for the course must showcase their Standard 12 certificate and 4 years of university education. The tuition fee for a Master in Fine Art is approximately INR 30L.
These are the jobs you can get after the completion of the course:
- Art Director: INR 45L to INR 70L
- Art Therapist: INR 40L to INR 50L
- Art Consultant: INR 55L to INR 70L
3. Master in Mathematics from the University of Oslo
This master’s program in mathematics has two options – mathematics and mathematics for applications. The tuition fees will cost you approximately INR 22L.
These are the jobs you can get after the completion of the course:
- Data Scientist: INR 60L to INR 70L
- Software Developer: INR 60L to INR 75L
- Research Scientist: INR 55L to INR 70L
4. Master of Tourism Studies from the University of Tromso
The 2-year master’s course in tourism studies would be perfect for anyone passionate about contributing to the tourism industry. The course requires a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of 80 ECTS in outdoor recreation or marketing and communication social sciences or education. The approximate cost of the course is INR 15L.
These are the jobs you can get after the completion of the course:
- Tourism Consultant: INR 40L to INR 65L
- Hospitality Manager: INR 65L to INR 80L
5. Master Program in Information Security from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology
This program can be opted for as a two-year full-time program or as a four-year part-time program with a job. The admission requirements for the course include a relevant bachelor’s degree in informatics, information systems, software development or equivalent. The approximate cost of the course is INR 22L.
These are the jobs you can get after the completion of the course:
- Cybersecurity Engineer: INR 50L to INR 65L
- Security Architect: INR 70L to INR 85L
- Forensic Analyst: INR 60L to INR 70L
Student Visa Application Requirements to Study in Top Universities in Norway
If you’re a non-EU/EEA student and wish to study at the top universities in Norway, you must apply for a Norway student visa. This is also referred to as a study permit. Also, if you are granted a study permit, you can work up to 20 hours a week while studying and full-time during holidays.
When preparing to apply for a student visa to study at the top universities in Norway for international students, it is important to follow the below steps:
- Once you receive your letter of acceptance from a recognised Norwegian university, proceed to register your visa application online.
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest Norwegian embassy to submit your documents.
- Before the appointment, ensure that you have all the documents in place. This includes confirmation of your ability to meet living expenses, confirmation of housing, health insurance (before arrival), proof of English proficiency, and other relevant documents as required by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
- Next, remember to submit your visa application well in advance of your semester start date, as the visa processing time can vary.
Visa Processing Time
Once your visa application is processed, you will usually receive a response within 45 days of submitting it. However, as the processing time can vary, it is advisable to apply well in advance, usually around 2-3 months before your planned travel date.
Scholarships by the Government and Top-Ranked Universities in Norway
Picture this: You wish to pursue a master’s degree in social sciences from NTNU which costs you approximately INR 16L annually. Now imagine the prospect of obtaining scholarships such as the Quota scheme managed by the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.
Through this scheme, your tuition fees could be drastically reduced. Around 30 per cent of the amount is given as a grant, while 70 per cent is a loan.
Let’s explore the various scholarship programs offered by the top universities in Norway for international students to help finance their studies.
| Top Scholarships | Offered By | Benefit |
| Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) | Lånekassen | Up to INR 12L per year |
| Quota Scheme | Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund | Full coverage (30% grant and 70% loan) |
| NTNU Scholarships | Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | Varies up to INR 7L |
- Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)
Most students in Norway opt for student loans provided by Lånekassen. To be eligible for loans and grants from Lånekassen, here are some general conditions you must fulfil:
- You can receive support of up to 8 years for full-time studies
- You must be admitted to an approved Norwegian university
- Three years of full-time learning in Norway without a break
- While there is no lower limit age, you cannot be above 65 years of age to receive loans
- Quota Scheme
Quota schemes include most of the programs offered at the Master’s or PhD level; however, they also offer selected bachelor’ s-level programs. The general guidelines to be eligible for the scheme are as follows:
- All applicants must have secondary school certificates and a minimum of two years of higher education from their home country
- Many of the study programs available through the Quota Scheme are taught in English; hence, if you’re not a native English speaker, you must submit your English proficiency test score.
Please note that the requirements for this will differ between institutions and various study programs
- NTNU Scholarships
Here is a list of loans and scholarships from third parties that are applicable to certain students at NTNU.
For master degree students:
- Erasmus Mundus
- EU Loans
- GSEP – Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership
For exchange students:
- Erasmus+ Grant
Conclusion
Pursuing higher education in Norway is no longer a distant dream. With its commitment to academic excellence and rich cultural experiences, Norway is a prime destination for international students looking to expand their horizons.
The best part? The investment in tuition fees will be recovered quickly within the first year of employment after the completion of your course. We hope you have all the information you need to explore your prospects of studying at the top universities in Norway. For more details, you can explore our ultimate blog on studying in Norway for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What are the 3 top universities in Norway?
A. The top 3 universities in Norway are:
University of Oslo: Ranked 117 worldwide, as per the QS Ranking 2024
University of Bergen: Ranked 281 worldwide, as per the QS Ranking 2024
Norwegian University of Science and Technology: Ranked 292 worldwide, as per the QS Ranking 2024 -
Q. Is Norway good for Indian students?
A. Norway is an outstanding study destination for Indian students for several reasons. The universities in Norway provide quality education and the opportunity to choose courses from various disciplines. Additionally, graduates from top universities in Norway can expect lucrative job opportunities after completing their course.
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Q. What are the best courses to study in Norway?
A. Some of the best courses to study at universities in Norway are:
Information and Communication Technology Law from the University of Oslo
Master in Fine Art from the University of Bergen
Master in Mathematics from the University of Oslo
Master of Tourism Studies from the University of Tromso -
Q. Is studying in Norway expensive for international students?
A. The estimated cost of living in Norway (without rent) is INR 1L. However, obtaining a degree from the top universities in Norway is worth it, considering that Norwegian universities are valued worldwide.
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Q. Why should you choose Norway as your study abroad destination?
A. Did you know that public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees for students from the EU (European Union) and EEA (European Economic Area) countries? Here are the key reasons why students choose to study in Norway.
High-quality education
Diverse job prospects
Scenic landscape -
Q. Which job is in demand in Norway?
A. Some of the most popular jobs in Norway, along with their average annual salary are:
Software Engineer: INR 70L
Hospitality Manager: INR 70L
Project Manager: INR 65LPlease note: The actual salaries can significantly vary from the range listed above based on your experience and skills.
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Q. How many intakes are there in Norway?
A. Most universities in Norway only offer 1 intake period for the majority of the study programs. Each university has its own admissions timeline. However, most universities open applications from December to March. That being said, it is crucial to do thorough research based on the university you want to apply to.
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Q. Do you need IELTS to study in Norway?
A. Yes, IELTS is almost required in most top universities in Norway. However, the score requirement varies from university to university.
For most undergraduate courses, the overall IELTS score needed is 5.5 or higher
For most postgraduate courses, the IELTS band score ranges from 6.5 or higher -
Q. Which language is commonly spoken in Norway?
A. Norwegian is the most widely spoken language in Norway. While English is commonly used, especially in most of the universities in Norway, familiarity with Norwegian can enrich your overall experience of studying in Norway.
Did you know: According to the EF English Proficiency Index 2024, Norway ranks 4th among the top countries in the world for English language proficiency.
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Q. Is it possible to study in Norway without speaking Norwegian?
A. Absolutely! You can study at the best universities in Norway without speaking Norwegian. Many universities offer English teaching programs, especially for international students. Some of the renowned programs offered in English are as follows:
Computer Science
Engineering
Law
Business Administration
Public Health -
Q. Is working allowed in Norway along with study?
A. Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week as part of the study permit. The only condition is you are a student with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA. Working part-time along with studying in Norway is a great way to increase your budget. Working part-time also provides students with valuable insights into the local job market.
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Q. Is finding a job easy in Norway?
A. Did you know that the employment rate in Norway increased to 69.80 per cent in April from 69.60 per cent in March of 2024?
Norway boasts a growing economy and a low unemployment rate, so finding a job is not that difficult. Additionally, Norway’s focus on work-life balance further enhances its appeal as a desirable workplace destination among international students.
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