Studying in Norway is an unusual opportunity for international students who want high-quality teaching alongside life in one of Europe’s most developed countries. For those students we would point to the Norway student visa, formally a study permit. Norway sits in Scandinavia, and its solid education system, respected universities, the right to work part-time while studying and the possibility of permanent residence after several years have made it a popular destination.
To study, work and live in Norway you need at least a basic understanding of the country, the permit stages and documents, the admission process and the leading universities. The sections below cover all of it.
Norway at a glance
Before the detail of studying there and the conditions for a Norway student visa, a short introduction. Norway lies in northern Europe and is a constitutional monarchy. It is one of the safest and most developed countries in the world, with a population of about 5.5 million. The capital is Oslo, and residents benefit from a high standard of living, a broad welfare system, social security, good public services, job security and high incomes.
Norway is a leader in environmental protection, non-fossil energy and the green economy. Because of its geography it also holds large oil and gas reserves. Most international students apply in subjects such as:
- Engineering and technology, including software, electrical and mechanical engineering
- Medicine, dentistry, surgery, clinical specialisms and nursing
- Humanities and social sciences, including psychology, sociology and political science
- Economics, business administration, marketing, financial management and accounting
- Life and environmental sciences, including ecology, agricultural science and natural resources
These are the same fields Norwegian employers expect to be short of over the next few years, which is worth bearing in mind when you choose a programme.
Requirements for studying in Norway
So what does a Norway study permit actually require, and who has the strongest case?
To study in Norway you need English or Norwegian, and you must submit a recognised language certificate to the institution you apply to.
You also need proof of funds to cover your studies, or a scholarship or grant from the university. Living costs in Norway cover everything from day to day:
- Tuition, where it applies
- Rent
- Daily expenses such as food and clothing
- Extras such as leisure activities and gym membership
You must be able to show that you can meet those costs.
The next step is the offer itself, which depends on your academic record and the subject you are applying for. Aval Visa can handle the admission process for you, but if you prefer to do it yourself, find the deadline on the university’s own website and work through the following:
- Read the admission requirements on the university website
- Prepare your documents against the university’s checklist
- Write the letters you need, such as references and a motivation letter
- Submit everything before the deadline
- Pay the application fee
- Wait for the decision, and for any interview or entrance test
How the Norway study permit application works
Once the university is satisfied with your application, it issues a formal letter of admission. With that letter you can book an appointment at the Norwegian embassy or the VFS Global application centre responsible for your country and complete the checklist they give you.
To book the appointment, register on the Norwegian application portal and fill in the application form in full. Once the form is complete and the fee is paid, book your appointment, prepare and translate your documents, and attend for biometrics and document submission. The Norwegian study permit fee is NOK 5,400, and the VFS service charge is around EUR 30. A decision usually reaches the applicant in four to six working weeks, so apply at least three months before the semester starts.
Documents for a Norway student visa
Once your appointment is booked you receive the document checklist for a Norwegian study permit. Translate and prepare everything on it:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa issue date |
| Letter of admission | From the university or educational institution |
| English or Norwegian language certificate | Level B2 |
| Proof of sufficient funds | At least one year's living costs |
| Previous academic records | Originals and translations |
| Payment of the application fee | Paid online by card (Visa or Mastercard) as the final step of the application on udi.no |
| Biometric photograph | Recent, with a white background |
| Health insurance | For the duration of the studies |
| Completed application form | Accurate information is essential |
The best universities in Norway
With the requirements and documents covered, here are some of the country’s strongest universities. All of them offer a range of teaching and research options for international students and hold solid positions in the world rankings.
The first is the University of Oslo (UiO), ranked around 119 in the world. Oslo is Norway’s most respected institution and admits students across the humanities, medicine, engineering, law and the natural sciences. International students can study in English or in Norwegian and benefit from strong teaching, advanced research facilities, a wide programme range and an active academic environment.
University of Oslo website: https://www.uio.no/english/
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), ranked around 267, is our next suggestion. It is one of Europe’s leading engineering and technology universities and covers every branch of engineering and information technology. Students there get advanced research courses, links with international companies, applied research projects and a range of scholarships.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology website: https://www.ntnu.edu/
The third is the University of Bergen (UiB), ranked around 295 in the world and known for the humanities and social sciences, management and economics. Bergen sits on Norway’s west coast. The climate is mild by Norwegian standards but famously wet, with more rain than almost anywhere else in Europe, which is worth factoring into your decision.
If you choose Bergen you get English-taught courses, a safe city with a multicultural community, life on the Norwegian coast, and access to strong marine, climate and polar research programmes.
University of Bergen website: https://www.uib.no/en
From a study permit to permanent residence in Norway
Once a course ends, extending the permit and finding work become the main concerns. Norway has a defined route from a study permit to permanent residence, and with planning it is within reach.
After graduating you send out your CV and look for work related to your qualification. With a suitable full-time job you can present the employment contract and convert the study permit into a work permit. On a work permit you build up continuous years of employment and pay tax. After at least three years of residence on a permit that counts towards settlement, and provided you have paid your taxes, complied with the law and kept a clean record, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. Norway also requires completion of Norwegian language training and a social studies test as part of that application.
Studying in Norway with Aval Visa
A Norwegian study permit is a strong option for international students who want quality teaching and serious research facilities alongside life in one of Europe’s safest and most developed countries. Norway is known for its universities and its range of programmes, but also for a job market with real openings and living costs that stay manageable, which gives students room to grow.
If you are considering an offer from a Norwegian university and want to test your options, Aval Visa can support the Norway student visa process from end to end: the paperwork, the document pack, the appointment booking, your arrival in Norway and later renewals. For more detail, complete the assessment form for a Norwegian study permit or contact our advisers to talk through the route.
Frequently asked questions
- Can students work while studying in Norway? Yes. International students may work part-time, up to 20 hours a week during term, and full-time in the holidays.
- Which subjects have the strongest job prospects in Norway? Engineering, information technology and healthcare offer the widest range of openings.
- What scholarships are available at Norwegian universities? Support usually takes the form of living-cost grants or tuition awards. Some universities and private foundations also fund strong candidates directly.
