Top universities in Norway: Admission, Eligibility, and Fee structure
Norway has become an increasingly popular place for studying abroad in recent years because of the high quality of education, including an unique learning environment, and lifestyle. Its higher education is composed mainly of excellent public universities. This blog details on the few of top universities in Norway, their admissions, eligibility for international students, and the applicable fees.
Top Universities in Norway
Below is a list of top and best universities in Norway:
The University of Oslo, Norway's largest and oldest, had a prominent position in Norwegian and international education. With 3 campuses in the city UiO has the third largest campus in Norway and has 27,000 students and 7,000 staff members; UiO is listed as one of top universities in Norway.
NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
NTNU is Norway's best university for technology, and a leading European university in technology. NTNU has campuses in Trondheim, Gjøvik and Ålesund, with 43,000 students, of which 3,870 are international.
University of Bergen (UiB)
UiB is an international pioneer in research fields such as the humanities, marine research and the social sciences. Located in a city known for its natural beauty, the university merges academic excellence with an engaging student life. UiB internationally, the university is renowned for its marine biology and climate research and is also ranked by the arts and social sciences.
University of the Arctic (Uarctic), Norway (UiT), Tromsø
UiT is a leading actor in the community of northern peoples and minority issues and Sámi culture is one of the university's main focuses. It is the most northerly university in the world and is ideally situated to offer courses on arctic issues, such as climate change, indigenous studies and polar technology. UiT also offers a wide range of studies in the field of humanities as well as in natural sciences.
BI Norwegian Business School, Oslo
BI is among Europe’s largest and most prestigious business schools and a top choice for students who want to study business, management, and marketing in Norway. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs with curricula completely in line with international standards and many in English.
NHH Norwegian School of Economics – School of Business and Law
NHH is Norway’s largest business and economics education institution. Renowned across the world for Top Universities in Norway, the school boasts high research output and demanding tuition in the fields of economics, finance, and management. NHH offers academic programmes in English that attract talented students from across the world. The admission process is very selective and based on academic performance and occasionally GMAT or GRE for some programs. International applicants are required to have English language proficiency.
Oslo Metropolitan University and University of Stavanger
Both are recognized for their wide range of programming, which includes arts, technology, social sciences and health sciences. These institutions place their focus on applied research and close tie-ups with industries local to them. They have a range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and they are open to international students. Admission requirements are according to the general regulations for top universities in Norway, requiring recognized prior education and language skills.
Oslo National Academy of the Arts
The Academy is the only school that focuses entirely on fine, young artists programs in such fields as visual arts, design, dance, and theater. It draws creative minds from everywhere in the world which adds to the atmosphere of artistic invention and cross-cultural interaction. Admissions here involve portfolio reviews or auditions as well as other academic requirements.
Sámi University of Applied Sciences, Kautokeino.
Specializing in Sámi indigenous culture, language and society, the institution offers tertiary level study and research in subjects relating to eductaion, culture and social science. It makes this a place with a special academic and cultural perspective for students who are interested in indigenous studies or Sámi issues. Admission requirements are similar to other top universities in Norway but emphasise cultural sensitivity and language skills relevant to Sámi studies.
All offer a unique academic setting and exceptional strengths in different fields of study.
Admission and Eligibility Criteria
General Admission Requirements
For admission to Norwegian universities, applicants usually require the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (also known as a generell studiekompetanse or vitnemål) obtained in upper secondary school. This is commonly referred to as General Study Competence (GSC) or GSU in Norway.
For Bachelor’s Courses: Candidates should be in possess of the upper secondary level to that of the Norwegian level. Some programmes also ask for subject related qualifications such as maths or science.
For Master’s Programmes: A bachelor´s degree or an equivalent qualification compared to a Norwegian bachelor´s degree is required. Degrees should be from well – recognized Universities / Institutions.
Some programs may have some other prerequisites, like required grade averages or knowledge of certain subjects.
Need college application-related assistance or information regarding the scholarship programs? Feel free to contact Gateway International for any study abroad queries.
Applicants must demonstrate either of the following levels of proficiency, depending on the medium of their instruction:
For programs taught in English they accept tests such as TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge.
For programmes taught in Norwegian language proficiency in Norwegian is required.
Special Routes and Ranking
The "V-route" for vocational & trade certificate holders is not that of the general, but specific study, particularly the study of engineering etc.
When programs are oversubscribed, eligible applicants are ranked primarily on high school achievement and other factors such as military service or other completed postsecondary-level education.
Typically required documents include:
Completed application form
Transcripts and diplomas from Master’s level education (translated into English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish)
CV (especially for postgraduate applications)
Proof of language proficiency
Letters of recommendation
International applicants to undergraduate courses in Norwegian language apply through Samordna Opptak (Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service), but for most English-taught courses you apply directly to the university.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
The costs differ widely depending on the program (engineering and medicine are, for the most part, more expensive).
It’s expensive You know Norway is expensive man! Norway is famous because of livability, but that also means it’s one of the most expensive places to live. They have to arrange for a stay, meals, transport, insurance and study material as well. Monthly cost of living might be around 10,000-14,000 NOK (~€850-1,200).
While Norwegian government and most universities do not provide much scholarships to international students, certain options may be available through external organisations or particular university programs. Students are advised to investigate local and international scholarships and to think about financing in terms of loans.
Application Process Summary
Check eligibility: See if your eligible for the Higher Education Entrance Qualification.
Get Your Documents Ready: Academic documents, the identity, the language status, a reference, and expression of interest.
Select Programs: Select schools and programs that match academic and career interests.
Applications: For Norwegian-taught bachelor’s programs, apply through NUCAS. Apply directly to top universities in Norway for English-taught programs and masters.
Wait for Admission Decision: Upon acceptance, you will receive guidance on registration, visa (if needed) and accommodation.
The education system in Norway is characterized by the high academic standard, the emphasis on doing good research, and the good international relations there. Admission is competitive but very clear, and there are opportunities for both EU/EEA and international students! The cost structure - above all with regard to the tuition fees for the non-European students - is a challenge, but the advantages of the Norwegian academic system make it a manageable plan.
Prospective students interested to commence studies in Norway or getting in top universities in Norway must first consider the programmes available, their eligibility and make sure to work on their applications well in advance of deadlines, which typically fall around early February for autumn commencements. To get any of the information update- visit Gateway International.
