Norway is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. Schools in Norway are known for their high-quality education for international students.
If you are passionate about achieving academic excellence in one educational field or the other, then you should consider enrolling in one of the best universities in Norway.
Universities in Norway are established and owned by either the Norwegian government or individuals making them public, state, or private universities.
Additionally, the education system in Norway is subsidized by the state to guarantee fair access to education for all. This means that most institutions do not have tuition fees. Under these favorable conditions, you are almost expected to get a certificate and free student life experience.
Table of contents
- Why Study in Norway?
- What are the admission requirements for Norwegians?
- What are the Tuition Fees like in Norway?
- Is the Cost of Living in Norway Expensive?
- List of Best Universities in Norway for International Students
- #1. University of Oslo
- #2. University of Bergen
- #3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- #4. Arctic University of Norway
- #5. Stavanger University of Norway
- #6. Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
- #7. University of Agder
- #8.Norwegian School of Economics
- #9. BI Norwegian Business School
- #10. Østfold University College
- #11. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
- #12. University of Nord
- #13. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- #14. MF Norwegian School of Theology
- #15. Oslo School of Architecture and Design
- Sources
Why Study in Norway?
Norway consistently ranks among the world’s top nations for quality of life, prosperity, security, and environmental quality. Norwegians enjoy a world-class education system and high employment rates to make up for the long winter nights.
At the weekend there is the great outdoors to enjoy. Hiking, skiing, boating, and fishing are popular pastimes Norwegians and tourists enjoy.
Norway has the highest number of fjords in the world, with over a thousand stunning natural inlets running from the sea into the mountainous coastline. Oslo, the capital city, is dotted with museums featuring famous artworks, such as Munch’s The Scream.
The Norwegian government believes education should be accessible to all and, as such, university students, including foreigners, are charged only a small administration fee to study. This progressive stance on education gives students access to some of the top-ranked universities in the world.
What are the admission requirements for Norwegians?
For undergraduate students, completing secondary education at an advanced level, equivalent to passing an exam at the end of a Norwegian high school, is the general prerequisite for enrollment in Norwegian universities and colleges established by the Agency Norway for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT).
In addition, students from some countries must have a full year of completed studies at the university level.
On the other hand, applicants for master’s programs must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for a minimum of 3 years. The degree must include courses equivalent to at least 1 1/2 years of full-time studies in a subject related to the subject of the requested program.
Also, fluency in Norwegian must be documented when applied to programs with Norwegian as the language of instruction.
What are the Tuition Fees like in Norway?
Completing a college degree is expensive, and tuition fees often represent the bulk of the cost. This is not the case in Norway, where public funding provides free education for Norwegian and international students.
However, most Norwegian public universities and colleges are generally funded, and the Norwegian government believes that access to higher education for all is an integral part of Norwegian society. Therefore, as a general rule, Norwegian public institutions do not charge tuition fees. This also applies to international students, regardless of where they come from.
On the other hand, Private institutions charge tuition fees for their degree programs, but the fees are usually much lower than those of similar studies in most other countries. In addition, international students are treated equally to Norwegian students and are not charged.
Note: Only a student union fee must be paid in full, which is between 30 – 60 EUR/semester.
Private universities charge tuition fees, and they vary between:
- 7,000 – 9,000 EUR/year for Bachelor’s programs
- 9,000 – 19,000 EUR/year for Master’s programs
Is the Cost of Living in Norway Expensive?
Not really. It depends on the state or part of Norway you are studying. Attending a university in Norway involves living costs comprised of accommodation, books and other study materials, food, and utilities.
Although the monthly living costs can be above average in European nations, they are still some of the best for a Nordic country. And, as a bonus, the Norwegian standard of living and quality of life is very high.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between 800 – 1,400 EUR/month to live in Norway. Expenses can be much higher in large cities. Here are some costs of living you can expect to pay in cities like:
- Oslo: 1,200 – 2,000 EUR
- Bergen: 1,100 – 1,800 EUR
- Tromso and Trondheim: 1,000 – 1,600 EUR
Other smaller cities in Norway usually have an average monthly living cost of 800 – 1,000 EUR.
List of Best Universities in Norway for International Students
- University of Oslo
- Bergen University
- The University of Stavanger
- University of Agder
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway
- BI Norwegian Business School
- NHH Norwegian School of Economics
- Nord University
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Ostfold University College
- Norwegian University of Sport Sciences
- Western Norway University of Applied Science
- MF Norwegian School of Theology
- Oslo School of Architecture and Design
#1. University of Oslo
Location: P.O. Box 1072 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
This Norway University acceptance rate is 10%
- Law
- EducationEducation
- Arts & humanitiesArchaeology
- Languages, Literature & Linguistics
- History, Philosophy & Theology
- Physics & Astronomy
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Chemistry
- Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
- Economics & Econometrics
- Medicine & Dentistry
- Other Health
- Geography
- Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
- Communication & Media Studies
- Sociology
- Biological Sciences
- Computer science
- Psychology
The Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge, officially accredited it.
The University of Oslo (UiO) was founded in 1813. It was the first university and among the best universities in Norway, established when the city that was later named as only a regional city called Christiania.
Since then, it has made academic advances in law and science (especially in marine sciences) and has played an essential role in the liberation of Norway from Denmark.
Hence, the original UiO University campus is in the city’s heart, next to the Royal Palace and the Parliament. The main campus of Blindern is a subway ride near the forest hills and overlooks the Strait of Oslo.
Furthermore, the university is the largest research institution in Norway, with eight colleges: theology, law, medicine, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, dentistry, social sciences, and education.
Also, It offers over 800 courses, all of which are taught in English, with 40 master’s programs also in English. It is ranked #1 in Norway and #59 worldwide according to http://www.shanghairanking.com/.
Here are the CHEAPEST UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY IN NORWAY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
#2. University of Bergen
Location: P.O.Box 7800, 5020 Bergen
This Norway University acceptance rate is 29%.
This top university in Norway in English offers Bachelors’s and master’s degree programs.
- Language, literature, and culture
- Art, music, and design
- History
- Philosophy and Religion
- Teachers and pedagogy
- Society and politics
- Law, finance, and administration
- IT and the media
- Technology and Engineering
- Sea, climate, and energy
- Nature and science
- Health and Psychology
The Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge, officially accredited it.
Founded in 1946, the University of Bergen is one of Norway’s top universities and the second-largest. The university focuses primarily on global social challenges, marine research, and climate and energy conversion.
Secondly, its research and education on global societal challenges maintain an excellent international standard. This feature made it world-leading research on climate change and renewable energy sources.
Similarly, they utilize and develop the University of Widen’s unique opportunities for professional mobilization, specialization, and collaboration across academic boundaries. There is also substantial historical evidence that Bergen was established as a leading educational center around 1150.
Note, If you plan to study at this university, remember that none of the undergraduate programs are offered in English. Therefore, applicants from abroad must submit their scores on the Norwegian Language Test – Advanced level (Bergenstesten).
Moreso, the University of Bergen is Norway’s most prominent marine university. High international quality of research and education that provides a world-class research environment. It is ranked #2 in Norway and #183 worldwide, according to https://www.webometrics.info/.
#3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Location: Høgskoleringen 1, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
This Norway University acceptance rate is 39%.
It offers programs like Master’s programs in English, and master’s and Ph.D. opportunities programs. Some of the Courses include
- Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
- Geography
- Communication & Media Studies
- Sociology
- Engineering & technology
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Arts & Humanities
- History, Philosophy & Theology
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Languages, Literature & Linguistics
- Art, Performing Arts & Design
- Clinical, pre-clinical & health
- Medicine & Dentistry
- Physical sciences
- Physics & Astronomy
- Chemistry
- Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Life sciences
- Veterinary Science
- Biological Sciences
The Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge, officially accredited it.
This is one of Norway’s largest specialized and best universities, with an important academic focus on science and developing new technologies.
However, the university has over 40,000 students trained in many graduate and undergraduate programs in natural sciences, economics, medicine, and architecture.
The school was founded in 1910 and is one of the oldest technical schools in Norway. Now branches and colleges are open in Gjovik, Trondheim, and Alsund.
It is ranked #3 in Norway and #188 globally, according to https://www.webometrics.info/.
#4. Arctic University of Norway
Location: Hansine Hansens Veg 18, Tromso, Norway
This Norway University acceptance rate is 8%.
It is mainly known for its undergraduate program in adventurous polar tourism and master’s programs in space control engineering and applied computer science.
- Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
- Geography
- Communication & Media Studies
- Sociology
- Engineering & technology
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Arts & Humanities
- History, Philosophy & Theology
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Languages, Literature & Linguistics
- Art, Performing Arts & Design
- Clinical, pre-clinical & health
- Medicine & Dentistry
- Physical sciences
- Physics & Astronomy
- Chemistry
- Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Life sciences
- Veterinary Science
- Biological Sciences
- Sport Science
- Business & Economics
- Accounting & Finance
- Business & Management
- Economics & Econometrics
- Education
- Law
- Computer Science
- Psychology
The Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge, officially accredited it.
List of the best universities in Norway can not be complete if the Arctic University of Norway, also known as the University of Tromsø, is not mentioned. Founded in 1968 and opened in 1972, the university is one of eight universities in Norway.
The University of Tromsø, also known as the University of the Arctic in Norway, or UiT, is the largest research and educational institution with seven faculties in northern Norway and among the top universities in Norway.
In addition, it became the world’s leading university for research in environmental science and climate change because it is located at the top of the world. Thus, making it also a natural venue for the development of studies of the region’s natural environment, culture, and society.
Moreso, this Norway university focuses on scientific fields such as the polar environment, climate research, telemedicine, medical biology, and fishery science. However, it also provides more general topics like sports, economics, law, and fine arts.
It might interest you to note that, UiT is one of the few universities in the world offering courses in indigenous studies. The units analyze the culture, language, law, and history of the local Sami and other indigenous peoples worldwide. It is ranked #4 in Norway and #559 globally, according to https://www.webometrics.info/.
#5. Stavanger University of Norway
Location: 4036 Stavanger PO Box 8600 Forus
This Norway University acceptance rate is 8%.
- Drama, arts and crafts
- health
- Social Studies and Psychology
- History and religion
- Hotel and tourism
- sports
- Engineer and Civil Engineer
- Teacher training
- Media
- Music and dance
- Science
- Social Studies
- Language and literature
- Economics and law
It was officially accredited by NOKUT (the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education)
This university was established in 2005 and currently has more than 11,000 students. Academic focus on feeding experts and qualified professionals from the oil industry to expand to Norway.
Not surprisingly, some of the most popular programs in the university are Petroleum Engineering (BA, 3 years) and two master’s programs in the same field for 2 and 3 years, respectively.
However, the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University is very popular among young Norwegians who come here to obtain a degree in nursing, paramedics, and midwifery.
Note, this university is ranked #5 in Norway and #986 in the world according to https://www.webometrics.info/.
#6. Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
Location: Universitetstunet 3, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
Not reported.
- Computer Science
- Business & economics
- Business & Management
- Accounting & Finance
- Economics & Econometrics
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Biological Sciences
- Veterinary Science
- Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
- Engineering & technology
- General Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Arts & humanities
- History, Philosophy & Theology
- Architecture
- Law
- Law
- Education
- Chemistry
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
It was officially accredited by the Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge.
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences is one of the best universities in Norway for international students. It was Founded in 1859 as the Norwegian College of Agricultural Graduate Studies.
Also, it is known as the second oldest higher education institution in Norway, after the University of Oslo. It is also the only educational institution in Norway that offers veterinary education.
NMBC focuses on research programs like basic research and applied research. And also provides the basis for private-sector education, training, and research. The research focuses primarily on environmental sciences, veterinary medicine, food sciences, biotechnology, aquaculture, and business development.
It also has a robust multidisciplinary and international approach. Note, this university is ranked #6 in Norway and #1012 in the world according to https://www.webometrics.info/.
Get information about how to Study in Norwegian University of Life Sciences: Ranking, Admission, Tuition Fees, Courses, Scholarship, Ranking
#7. University of Agder
Location: 4630 Kristiansand S, Norway
This Norway University acceptance rate is 36%.
Interestingly, the University of Agder offers a broad range of single courses for exchange students. You may choose courses across faculties, but please note that you must fulfill the prerequisites for each course.
- Humanities and Education
- School of Business and Law
- Health and Sport
- Engineering and Science
- Fine Arts
- Social Sciences and IT and Information Systems
It was officially accredited and by the Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge.
This is one of the smallest higher education providers in Norway, founded with its current name in early 2007. Agder is a relatively small university with less than 12,000 students.
The university has six colleges spread across two campuses: Kristiansand and Grimstad. This university is among the top universities in Norway for international students.
Unlike most Norwegian universities, the University of Agder offers a good amount of masters and bachelor programs taught in English.
Some of the most common studies are development studies (bachelor’s degree), coastal ecology (master’s degree) and mechatronics (master’s degree). Note, this university is ranked #7 in Norway and #1119 in the world according to https://www.webometrics.info/.
#8.Norwegian School of Economics
Location: Helleveien 30, 5045 Bergen, Norway
This Norway University acceptance rate is 20%.
Business and Management Science
- Master’s in Business Analysis and Performance Management
- Business Analytics
- Economic Analysis
- Energy, Natural Resources and the Environment
- PhD
Economics
- Master’s in Economics
Finance
- Master’s in Financial Economics
Strategy and Management
- Master’s in Marketing and Brand Management and
- New Business Development
- Strategy and Management (Masters)
It was officially accredited and by EQUIS.
The Norwegian School of Economics and Business (NHH) was founded in 1936 and, together with its affiliated institutions SNF and AFF, is the largest research and study center in the fields of economics and business administration in Norway.
However, NHH is home to more than 2,700 students, 262 of whom are international students, and the vast majority of teachers with doctoral degrees, including the Nobel Prize winner, Professor Finn E. Kidland.
Moreso, the Norwegian College of Economics and Business Administration seeks to be among the first in Europe in its fields and has the longest executive MBA program in Norway. Note, this university is ranked #8 in Norway and #1757 in the world.
In addition, The Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration holds EQUIS accreditation which reinforces a strongly held belief that excellence in research is a prerequisite for excellence in teaching.
#9. BI Norwegian Business School
Location: Nydalsveien 37 Oslo, Oslo, 0484 Norway
- Accounting & Auditing
- Finance
- Economics & Management
- Business Administration (Taught in English)
- Business Analytics (Taught in English)
- Retail Management
- Creative Industries Management
- Real Estate
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- International Marketing
- Marketing
- PR & Market Communication
- Economics and Business Law
It was officially accredited and by Ministry of Education and Research (Norway)
BI Norwegian Business School (Bokmål: Handelshøyskolen BI) is the largest business school and among the best universities in Norway for international students. Also, it is the second-largest in Europe and has a total of four campuses with the main university located in Oslo.
However, the university has 845 employees consisting of 404 employees and 441 administrative employees. In 2015, the BI Norwegian Business School had 18,728 students.
Moreso, BI is the largest provider of economic and management skills and capabilities in Norway with more than 200,000 graduates since 1983. Also, BI Norwegian Business School is a private institution and is accredited by NOKUT as a specialized university institution.
Furthermore, BI organized its academic activities in nine separate research departments covering all disciplines to be expected in a modern European School of Business.
Note, this university is ranked #15 in Norway and #2813 in the world.
#10. Østfold University College
Location: B R A Veien 4, 1757 Halden, Norway
This Norway University acceptance rate is 13%.
- Design | Arts
- Humanities
- Business
- Politics
- Social Sciences
- Languages
- Culture
- Linguistics
- Nursing
- Health
- Pharmacy
- Medicine
- Engineering
- IT
- Maths
- Natural Sciences
It was officially accredited and by the Ministry of Education and Research (Norway)
Founded in 1994, Østfold University College is a non-profit public educational institution located in the rural areas surrounding the central city of Halden, Ostfold. It is known as one of the best Universities in Norway.
Basically, Høgskolen i Østfold (HiØ) offers courses and programs that lead to officially recognized degrees, such as undergraduate degrees and masters degrees in various fields of study.
Moreso, the 26-year-old higher education institution follows a selective admission policy based on academic history, eligible to apply for registration.
In addition, the school offers more than 60 fields of study, ranging from associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and some PhDs.
The school has seven faculties including the Norwegian Theater Academy which offers challenging theater education and welcomes aspiring artists and designers who wish to explore the interaction between visual art and theater, between theater and society, and between theory and practice.
Note, this university is ranked #10 in Norway and #1916 in the world.
#11. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
Location: PB 4014, Ullevål Stadion, Oslo, Oslo, 0806 Norway
Norwegian School of Sport Sciences acceptance rate is 15%.
It provides education at the Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate levels. Also,
The School subsequently offers seven Bachelor courses with the following specializations:
- Physical activity and health
- Coaching
- Sport management
- Sport, individual and society
- Physical education – teacher education
- Outdoor recreation/nature
- Sport biology
The courses can be continued at the Masters level where the students have a range of different study modules from which to choose
It was officially accredited and by the Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge.
The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences is a public university located at Sognsvann in Oslo, Norway. It has the national responsibility for education and research related to sport sciences.
However, education is of high international quality, it gives students relevant competencies in society and stimulates personal development. Admission requirements for the first year are a college entrance certificate or accredited work experience combined with approval for a physical exam.
Basically, this school aims to increase its offer to international students. Many students at school choose to perform part of their education in institutions outside Norway.
In addition, there are international students in NSSS. These students are mainly organized into international exchange programs such as Nordplus or Erasmus. It is ranked #13 in Norway and #2164 in the world according to webometrics.
#12. University of Nord
Location: Universitetsalléen 11, 8026 Bodø, Norway
The university is among the list of universities in Norway that has a high acceptance rate with is 25%.
This top university in Norway in English offers Bachelors’s, masters and Ph.D. degree programs in the following courses;
- Aquaculture
- Ecology, Genomics
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Circumpolar Studies
- English Language and Literature
- Games and Entertainment Technology
- Business
- Biosciences
- Nordic Master in Sustainable Production and Utilization of Marine Bioresources
- Ph.D. Degrees in English
- Ph.D. in Aquatic Biosciences
- Production and Welfare.
It was officially accredited and by the Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge.
Second, in our list of the best universities in Norway for international students to study is Nord University. Nord University was founded in 2016, and it is one of the newest higher education schools and among the top universities in Norway.
Basically, Nord university is a small university with only 12,000 students, but it is very open to applicants from abroad. Some of the most popular degree programs taught in English are biology, a degree in gyrus studies and a degree in studies and culture in English.
During the last admission course, the university accepted about 4,000 students or nearly a quarter of all applications. Many young people also come to this university to obtain a master’s degree in biological sciences or business or in their own program: the North Master in the sustainable production and use of marine biological resources.
It is ranked #14 in Norway and #2520 in the world according to https://www.webometrics.info/.
#13. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Location: Postboks 7030 Bergen, Hordaland, 5020 Norway
- Design | Arts
- Humanities
- Business
- Politics
- Social Sciences
- Languages
- Culture
- Linguistics
- Nursing
- Health
- Pharmacy
- Medicine
- Engineering
- IT
- Maths
- Natural Sciences
It was officially accredited and by the Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge ( Ministry of Education and Research (Norway).
Among the best universities in Norway for international students is Westerdals College of Art, Communications and Technology which was established in 2014 july.
This College in Norway is a unique and innovative university for students who want to work in the fields of arts, communications, and technology. So, if you want to be exceptional in any arts or communication field, Westerdals College of Art, Communications, and Technology is a good choice.
Westerdals Oslo ACT is one of the most exciting university colleges in the European educational field at this time, Due to its unique interdisciplinary opportunities and close relationship to working with related companies.
Also, at Westerdals Oslo ACT, their educational philosophy is a mixture of practical assignments, conferences, seminars, and targeted projects. Students work individually, in groups, and in teams through educational programs.
#14. MF Norwegian School of Theology
Location: Gydasvei 4, POB 5144 Majorstua Oslo, Oslo, 0302 Norway
This Norway University acceptance rate is 75%.
MF offers interdisciplinary research on religion and society, along with relevant bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees. Certificates in theology, religion and society.
It was officially accredited and by the Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge ( Ministry of Education and Research (Norway).
The Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society a Norwegian accredited specialized university is among the best universities in Norway. This university focuses on theology, religion, education and social studies
Basically, MF is known as an independent theological institution at the university level and is the largest provider of education and theological research in Norway. MF has about 110 employees, 1,300 university and master students, and about 60 PhDs. the students
Since 1967, MF has been offering academic studies in Christianity and religion for use in school and society. As needs arose, the MF developed a wide range of professional certificates for the church and school. The religious demography of Norway has changed dramatically.
#15. Oslo School of Architecture and Design
Location: Postboks 6768 St. Olavs plass Oslo, Oslo, 0130 Norway
This Norway University acceptance rate is 5%.
AHO offers three full-time Master’s programs: Master of Architecture, Master of Design and Master of Landscape Architecture.
The Kunnskapsdepartementet, Norge ( Ministry of Education and Research (Norway) officially accredited it.
Next on our list of the best universities in Norway is the Oslo School of Architecture and Design. This university offers a unique education based on internationally renowned research.
The Oslo School of Architecture and Design, or AHO, awards three master’s degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Design and a Ph.D. program.
Moreso, it is an independent institution within the Norwegian University system that offers a unique research-based education with a strong international standing in architecture, urban planning, design, and natural engineering.
In addition, the most recent program is offered in Oslo and the Arctic University in Tromsø. The school also provides post-master courses in urban planning and architectural conservation. AHO provides a unique type of Doctorate, a Doctor of Philosophy.
Sources
- https://uscollegeinternational.com/2019/09/11/universities-in-norway-with-the-highest-acceptance-rates/
- https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/where-to-study/study-in-norway
- https://www.study.eu/country/norway
- https://www.study.eu/best-universities/norway
- https://www.webometrics.info/en/Europe/Norway%20
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