Study and Research Opportunities in Norway

Long and short term academic programs are available in Norway across many universities and educational centers. International students and researchers may apply to BA, MA, PhD and postdoctoral research programs in Norway. Moreover summer schools and conferences make Norway an attractive destination for scholars and scientists. Many programs also come with fully funded scholarships and fellowships and travel grants, and financial aid; thus, every student, researcher and professor can always find a suitable program in Norway and apply.

Academic Programs in Norway

Study and Research Funding in Norway

Summer programs in Norway

Norway's attractiveness as an academic destination

Compared to other ARMACAD countries' listings, Norway has fewer scholarship and fellowship opportunities. However, the quantity of academic and research opportunities is quite high. 

The reason for such distribution of academic opportunities lies in the fact you're going to love much: Norway's public universities basically do not charge students for the education, no matter from which country they came. 

In Norwegian public universities, you may be required to pay for services like membership of student associations. In most cases, this cost will be around 30-60 euros and will provide you with benefits like on-campus health services, access to sports facilities, discounts for public transport and cultural places, etc. 

If you choose to study in private universities, the tuition fees will usually be equal to the European average. The good news is the fees are the same for both domestic and international students. 

You should expect 7,000-9,000 EUR/year fees for Bachelors and 9,000-19,000 EUR/year for Master's programs in the Norwegian private universities. 

In contrast to studying costs, the next important component of student expenses, living costs, are not the cheapest. Norway comprises the most expensive European countries, yet it's relatively cheaper compared to other Nordic countries. 

Anyway, student life hacks allow organizing life expenses cheaper through accommodation sharing, university dormitories, and on-campus service. Also, Norweigian quality of life corresponds to high standards, so your expenses worth the experience you get. 

The general range for living costs in Norway is between 1,000-2,000 EUR/month in main cities and 800-1,000 EUR/month in smaller ones. Around 40% of the living expenses are dedicated to accommodation, which varies between 300-700 EUR/month mainly depending on location and whether you rent the house alone or share it with others. 

The most expensive and central cities in Norway are Oslo, Bergen, Tromso, and Trondheim. 

Application procedures

You might guess from Norwegian universities' tuition-fee approach that the country is academically hospitable and willing to welcome international students. In the same logic, Norway hasn't unnecessarily complicated the country and university entering procedures. 

When applying to Norway universities, the main two things you should consider are visas and health insurance, just like in the vast majority of other countries. 

In the form of a student permit, all international students should arrange their visas for studying in Norway. For EEA citizens, the visa application procedure occurs after arriving in the country. For other country-citizens, the application for the visa should be submitted before traveling to Norway through Norwegian embassies or consulates. 

The health insurance for Norway is organized by the membership in Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. Similar to visa procedures, this membership differs for students depending on their countries of origin. There is also a difference whether a student is a citizen of Nordic countries or not. Check the requirements and procedures for your individual case before applying. 

You may also feel confident about your communication with locals, as most of them speak good English. The majority of universities offer English courses. If you choose a specific non-English course, you will need to prove the Norwegian language proficiency or take a university language course for non-speakers. 

For your consideration: there are 2 official and 3 minority official languages in Norway. 

Universities of Norway

The majority of the subject course searches will lead you to the most popular Norwegian universities, among which there are:

The first four of the above-mentioned universities are included in the most reliable university rankings list. 

The ancestor of the present variety of Norwegian universities is the Royal Frederick University, Universitas Regia Fredericia, established in 1811.

Regardless of which university you will choose, note that the research funding approach in Norway follows the sectoral principle, which means that sector ministries are responsible for their field research funding.

The best way to get academic funding in Norway is by applying to research institutions and we hope the above links to the academic and research opportunities in Norway will support you in this.