University in Norway: Education in Norway, as in any other European power, is of the highest level. That is why more than ten thousand foreigners study at the universities of this country today.

Life in this mysterious Scandinavian country is characterized by a high level of the economy, and the population is so hospitable and good-natured towards the “foreigners” that the latter often think about emigration. Today, a considerable number of students receive higher education in Norway, which allows them to stay and work successfully in the Kingdom in the future.

Student paradise

Despite the fact that Norway is a territorially small country, higher education institutions are notable for the high level of education offered. The Norwegian government is actively funding universities, thereby making education accessible not only to citizens of the country but also to foreigners. The main goal pursued by Norway is to make higher education accessible to all. That is why all state universities do not take a dime for tuition. However, private universities or programs in English may be charged.

In addition to its prestigious education and high standard of living, Norway attracts foreigners with its wonderful nature: the northern lights, mountains, lakes – the list goes on and on. Due to its natural resources, the quality of Norwegian products and water is very high.

The education system in Norway. University in Norway

Higher education in Norway is obtained after graduating from high school. The first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree (from three years). After that, a university graduate can continue his studies at the magistracy. And upon successful completion of both a bachelor and a master’s degree, you can continue to study and get a Ph.D.

The grading system in Norway is six-point (A, B, C, D, E, F). The best result that can be achieved is grade A, and the lowest is F, and the minimum score for passing is E.

University in Norway

The Norwegian government is actively funding education, trying to create the possibility of accessible education for all. Foreigners are especially interested in state universities, as it is in them that you can study for free. And this applies not only to citizens of the country but also to all international students in 2020.

Oslo and Akershus University College. At the moment, studying at this university is not completely free, students must pay a contribution of 660 NOK each semester, which is equivalent to about 70 euros.

Norwegian business school . Provides a large selection of undergraduate and graduate programs, including in English.

. Provides a large selection of undergraduate and graduate programs, including in English. Norwegian School of Theology . Quite an interesting educational institution that specializes in religious studies.

. Quite an interesting educational institution that specializes in religious studies. Norwegian school of architecture and design.

The University of Tromsø or the Arctic University of Norway . One of the best Norwegian universities, which offers 30 masters and undergraduate programs in English.

. One of the best Norwegian universities, which offers 30 masters and undergraduate programs in English. Volda University College. Studying at this university is free, but there are currently no programs in English.

How to enter the Norwegian University

Admission to a foreign university is one of the most crucial moments in the life of a young man, for which you need to prepare carefully, think through everything and devote enough time.

After a university or several universities have been selected, it is worthwhile to prepare all the necessary documents.

The easiest way to start is to write a resume and a motivation letter. It would seem such a simple formality, but these two documents can play a decisive role in the admission of the candidate. Writing a resume and cover letter is in the language in which you will study.

Admission takes place online, all documents must be scanned and sent to the university. Within 2-6 weeks, an official response comes, most often with a scheduled date for an interview. Interviews also take place on the Internet, a future student is asked various questions from basic knowledge to the reasons for choosing this particular university.

Undergraduate in University in Norway

Enrolling immediately after school at a Norwegian university will be a great step for a future career. However, not all universities can accept Russian students with only a certificate for 11 classes.

When choosing a university, you should always write directly to them and ask if admission is possible immediately after school. Some universities may refuse and advise them to study at least one year at a university in their home country.

Master of University in Norway

Admission to master’s programs is slightly easier than to undergraduate. Of course, it is worth choosing a program that is, to one degree or another, related to the first higher education. The bachelor’s diploma will need to be translated into English or Norwegian, and the translation must be certified by a notary.

Language Requirements

One of the required entry requirements is knowledge of the local language. Of course, if the program is conducted in English, then you will need to show the results of IELTS or TOEFL. For the Norwegian language, there are their own Kompetanse Norge exams (usually for admission they require each part to be no less than B2) or Bergenstesten (no less than 450 points).

It is worth noting that in different parts of Norway there are different dialects. Norwegians themselves are always very proud of their dialects and will speak exclusively in this dialect to show themselves as a person. Therefore, if the local speech is not clear, then you just need to ask him to speak more slowly, and not ask him to speak “normal” Norwegian.

Document submission time

All Norwegian universities have a specific time frame for accepting applications from potential students. Typically, acceptance of documents begins in December and ends on March 1. Some universities may extend the time for submitting documents until July 1, but this information should always be checked with a representative of the university.

Exchange programs of University in Norway

In addition to grants and free programs, Norwegian universities also offer student exchange programs. Foreigners who have completed the first course can come to Norway for 3 or 6 months to attend lectures.

Exchange studies in Norway take place in English. In addition, students can take Norwegian courses and enhance their language skills.

You should check with your university about opportunities to go to a Norwegian exchange university. Many universities in Russia and the CIS are in partnership with European educational institutions, including Norwegian.

Norwegian exchange program

The Russian-Norwegian student exchange program offers a two-year grant. Funding is provided for 6 prestigious universities, where you can study in different directions:

The University of Oslo Metro. It offers humanitarian programs from management to pedagogy.

The Arctic University of Norway. The university consists of 10 campuses, which are located in different cities of the country. The university offers to study in various fields: from engineering to management.

The University of Bergen. Conducts training in all major areas: humanities, engineering, medicine.

Nord University. Offers training in both Norwegian and English.

The University of Oslo. It provides a large selection of programs in both local and English.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Offers to receive a free bachelor, master or candidate of science degree in Norwegian.

A grant guarantees a free study at a Norwegian university (with the exception of a once-term fee of € 62). Renting an apartment or dorm room is also paid from a grant. Plus, students receive approximately 100 euros each month for pocket expenses. It is worth noting that the Russian-Finnish exchange system does not imply the payment of a visa and plane tickets.

Erasmus + at the university in Norway

Another popular student exchange program is Erasmus + University in Norway. Going to study for one semester can be absolutely free if a foreigner is selected as a participant in the program. It is worth noting that Erasmus + University in Norway operates not only in Norwegian universities but also in all countries of the European Union.

Each student who has been approved to participate in the Erasmus + program is not only exempt from paying for tuition and placement in a student dormitory but also receives pocket money – from 250 to 850 euros.

Student Visa

In order to live and study in Norway at University in Norway, a foreigner will need to apply for a national visa D (suitable for exchange programs, up to 6 months) or a residence permit (in case of studying at a university). In both cases, the documents are more or less the same, of course, in the case of obtaining a residence permit, you will need to provide more money in a bank account and a longer contract for renting an apartment.

In case of obtaining a residence permit, documents are submitted to the embassy, ​​after which they are sent to the migration department of the city/district in which the foreigner will live while studying. Documents are considered by the Norwegians for a long time – from 1 to 3 months, after which approval or rejection comes.

If the answer is yes, the foreigner is assigned a second appointment at the embassy, ​​where he must come with his passport. This is necessary so that a special single-entry visa is issued in the passport to enter the country and further obtain the residence permit itself. The main document in applying for a student visa or residence permit will be an invitation from the university. This document must be provided in two forms – a copy and necessarily the original.

The main package of documents for applying for a student visa or residence permit in Norway in 2020 is as follows:

International passport.

National passport.

Birth certificate.

University invitation.

If a study is paid, then a receipt for payment.

First-time health insurance.

Apartment rental agreement / hostel contract.

Bank statement with a certain amount in the account + sponsorship letter from parents /other sources of income.

If studying at a Norwegian university is funded by any program, then the corresponding document is for confirmation. Certificate of good conduct.

Student expenses in Norway

Before moving to Norway and starting to study, a student must find an apartment and sign a lease. The contract needs to be drawn up in advance, as it is submitted with the rest of the documents for applying for a student residence permit.

The remote apartment search is not an easy task. Firstly, it is difficult to contact landlords. Calling and quickly resolving the issue by telephone does not work, and sometimes you can wait weeks for emails and messages on social networks.

Secondly, to draw up a contract it will be necessary to pay a deposit to the lessor and trusting a stranger from the Internet is quite difficult. The best option would be to contact the university with a request to advise sites for finding an apartment.

Some universities also have a student union that can help find a good place and sign a contract. You can see and compare housing options on these sites:

You can see and compare housing options on these sites:

Search for a student dormitory.

Apartments for rent.

Usually, students rent one apartment for two, so that everyone has their own separate room and a common living room, kitchen and bathroom. To rent a room is much cheaper than a small studio or a one-room apartment.

To rent an apartment with a student in Norway per month starts from 400 euros.

One of the main things that a student needs to spend his own money on is insurance. Health insurance is necessary not only for registration and extension of a student residence permit but also in order to protect yourself in accidents and sudden illnesses. Medicine in Norway is quite expensive and even coming to a simple doctor’s appointment without insurance, you can get an invoice starting at 100 euros.

For insurance, the student must pay about 60 euros per month.

Life in Norway is quite expensive. If we add spending expenses on food, transportation, clothing, stationery, entertainment to mandatory expenses, then we can say that a student will need about 800-1200 euros per month for living in Norway.

To summarize about the University in Norway

Norway is one of several countries in Europe that still offers higher education for free. This is a unique opportunity that you should definitely consider when choosing a country for your degree.