Tuition Free Universities in Norway for International Students

Norway is an extremely popular study destination for international students because Norwegian education is very high quality. Generally, universities and state university colleges do not charge tuition fees for both native and foreign students because government finances education with taxpayers' money. However, certain programmes/courses may have fees. Private institutions normally do charge tuition fees.

According to the official Norwegian web site, www.studyinnorway.no: “Living expenses in Norway are considered to be higher than in many other countries. You should expect to have NOK 8900 - per month for subsistence.” True, living in Norway has a reputation for being expensive, but studying in Norway may not be as expensive as you think! The estimate of NOK 8900 (approx. EURO 1200) per month for subsistence refers to board and lodgings, clothing, transport, medical and dental care and other necessities. Living expenses vary from person to person depending on personal habits.

Study & Scholarships has compiled as comprehensive a list as it could come across of tuition-free Norwegian state/public schools. Private schools have also been added to the list. The Norwegian higher education sector consists of eight universities, nine specialised university institutions, 20 state university colleges, two national academies of the arts and 16 private colleges. Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs cut across numerous disciplines. For institution-specific information, visit the relevant schools from the list below:

List of Tuition Free Schools in Norway

A. Universities:

1. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB)
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
3. University of Agder (UiA)
4. University of Bergen (UiB)
5. University of Nordland (UiN) (formerly Bodø University College)
6. University of Oslo (UiO)
7. University of Stavanger (UiS)
8. University of Tromsø (UiT)

B. Specialised university institutions:

1. BI - Norwegian Business School (formerly Norwegian School of Management)
2. Molde University College, Specialized University in Logistics (HiMolde)
3. NHH - Norwegian School of Economics
4. Norwegian Academy of Music (NMH)
5. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH)
6. Norwegian School of Veterinary Science
7. MF - Norwegian School of Theology
8. Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO)
9. School of Mission and Theology
   
   In addition to the specialised university institutions Norway has two university centres:
10. University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
11. University Graduate Center at Kjeller (UNIK)

C. National institutes of the arts

1. Bergen Academy of Art and design (KHiB)
2. Oslo National Academy of the Arts (KHiO)

D. State university colleges

1. Bergen University College
2. Buskerud University College
3. Finnmark University College
4. Gjøvik University College
5. Harstad University College
6. Hedmark University College
7. Lillehammer University College
8. Narvik University College
9. Nesna University College
10. Nord-Trøndelag University College
11. Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences
12. Saami University College
13. Sogn og Fjordane University College
14. Stord/Haugesund University College
15. Sør-Trøndelag University College
16. Telemark University College
17. Vestfold University College
18. Volda University College
19. Østfold University College
20. Aalesund University College

E. Private colleges with institutional accreditation

1. Ansgar School of Theology and Mission
2. Diakonhjemmet University College (campus Oslo & Sandnes)
3. Haraldsplass Deaconess University College (HDUC)
4. Lovisenberg Diaconal University College
5. Norwegian School of Information Technology (NITH)
6. Norwegian Teacher Academy (NLA)
7. Oslo School of Management, Campus Christiania
8. Queen Maud University College

F. Private colleges with accredited programmes and courses

1. Barratt Due Institute of Music
2. Bergen School of Architecture
3. Betanien Deaconal University College
4. Bjørknes College
5. Norwegian University College for (HLB)
6. Norwegian College of Dance (DNBH)
7. Norwegian Eurythmy College
8. Rudolf Steiner College of Education

In addition, there are a number of institutions with education and/or websites only in Norwegian.

NKI Nettstudier is Scandinavia's largest provider of online education. It offers flexible online education within a wide range of disciplines in partnership with recognized colleges and universities. To visit the official web site, click here.

METHOD OF APPLICATION
If you are seeking Masters programmes where the language of instruction is English, you should visit the official Online Masters programmes catalogue and browse by subject area. For undergraduate courses and Ph.D. programmes in English you will have to check with each institution individually (see official websites above). In order to find undergraduate courses where the language of instruction is Norwegian, you should visit the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS - search only available in Norwegian).

Application forms should be requested from the individual institution (via the links above). All applications should also be sent directly to the institutions. For institutions with an online application portal (via the links above), carefully fill in the requested details and submit.

DEADLINES:
In order to obtain the necessary application forms and information about the application deadlines you will have to contact each university or university college. In general the application deadline for foreign students is between December 1 to March 15 for courses starting the following autumn (August). Please note that some institutions have separate "pre-qualification" deadlines that are earlier than this.

Please note:
All students who plan to stay in Norway for more than three months will need a Student Residence Permit. Requirements and procedures depend on your current country of residency. Visas are only issued for stays up to 90 days (e.g. for certain Summer School programmes). For complete information, click here.

Students may be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Certain restrictions do apply.
Several scholarships and financial schemes are available for foreign students. Eligibility depends on your current country of residency and level of completed education. For current detailed information, click here.

The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service, NUCAS (Samordna opptak in Norwegian) coordinates the admission to regular undergraduate studies at all the universities, university colleges, state colleges, and some private colleges in Norway. Applicants with a foreign secondary education, holding a permanent or renewable residence permit for Norway, must apply for admission through NUCAS. All applicants must use the online application form called "Søknad" which is available from 1 February on samordnaopptak.no. The deadline is 1 March for applicants with foreign education. For complete details, click here.