Have you ever dreamed of studying in a country with world-class education, yet minimal tuition and moderate cost of living? Do you want to learn in an environment surrounded by nature’s beauty and innovation? If your answer is yes, then Norway Universities for International Students may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Typically, studying in Norway offers a rare balance of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and life-changing experiences that few countries can match. Today, Norway is one of the few nations where public universities offer tuition-free education to both local and international students. Beyond that, students enjoy safe cities, high living standards, and exposure to a global community of thinkers and innovators. From modern classrooms to research-driven learning, Norway gives students the tools to succeed anywhere in the world.
If you’ve been searching for a destination that combines affordability, quality education, and global exposure, this article is your answer. Here, we’ll explore the 10 best Norway universities for international students. We’ll also go into some benefits of studying in Norway, the requirements for gaining admission into any of the Norway University and how you can apply.
Why Study in Norway?
Norway Universities for International Students offer a unique combination of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Hence, studying in Norway means gaining access to world-class education in an environment that promotes creativity and critical thinking. Norwegian universities emphasize practical learning, research, and real-world problem-solving, allowing you to build skills that are globally relevant.
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Most importantly, many public universities in Norway offer tuition-free education, even for international students, making it one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe. Beyond academics, Norway provides a high quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, and a strong culture of equality. As a students, you’ll enjoy a safe, progressive society where education, sustainability, and technology thrive side by side.
Requirements to Apply for Norway University
Applying to Norway Universities for International Students requires meeting specific academic and document-related criteria. These requirements help universities assess whether you’re prepared for the academic rigor of studying in Norway. So, below are the major requirements you need to fulfill:
10 Best Norway Universities for International Students
Norway have become one of the most attractive destinations for international students due to its commitment to equality, innovation, and academic excellence. Applications are always open for undergraduate and postgraduate international students. So, if you’re ready to apply, here is a list of 10 Best Norway Universities for International Students.
#1. University of Oslo (UiO)
The University of Oslo is located in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. It is one of the largest Norway university for international students. The University of Oslo was formerly known as Royal Frederick University. It was ranked 58th best university in the world by the Academic Ranking of world Universities and the third best in the Nordic land.
Furthermore, the Times Higher Education World University Ranked it the 135th best university and the seventh best in the Nordics in 2015. Also, it’s one of the Top 200 Ranking of European universities. The University is one of the most ranked Norway Universities for International Students. The school is known for it cutting edge research and academic excellence.
Meanwhile, the University of Oslo was established in 1811, with a total number of around 28,500 students and 6,000 dutiful staffs. It has a total number of 8 faculties namely; Lutheran Theology, Law, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Dentistry, Humanities, Medicines, Educational science and Social Science.
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Admission Opportunities:
Application Deadline:
The application portal opens annually 15 September to 15 October. Application results are received within 13 December.
#2. University of Bergen (UiB)
The University of Bergen is a another renowned name among best Norway Universities for International Students. It is located in Bergen, and was ranked 135th worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2010, and 181 by QS World University in 2015/2016.
In 2010, UiB was positioned 148th in the world by Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. Based on academic performance, the university was ranked 219th worldwide. Similarly, the University of Bergen is popular for its record in academic excellence among Norway Universities for International Students.
The University of Bergen was established in 1946, with about 17,000 students and 3,500 administrative staffs. It has 7 faculties including; Fine Art, Music and Design, Humanities, Law, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Social Science, Psychology and Medicines.
Admission Opportunities:
Application Deadline:
The application process and deadline vary for different degree programs.
#3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology is the largest of all Norway Universities for International Students. It is a research university with the main campus in Trondheim and sub campuses in Alesund and Gjovik. Norwegian University of Science and Technology was established in 1760 with a total of about 45,000 students and has produced 5 Nobel Laureates. Typically, the University’s primary focus is research and quality education in technology and engineering.
Similarly, NTNU is affiliated with the industrial world providing various opportunities for jobs and internship amongst students. This make it a popular choice among the best Norway Universities for International Students. In 2017, the Times Higher Education World University Ranking leveled NTNU 1st in the world with the biggest corporate links, based on its research partnership with SINTEF. Also, it was ranked 208th in the World and 64th in Europe for its dominancy on the web by Webometrics Ranking of World Universities.
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Admission Opportunities:
Application Deadline:
The application portal will be open mid-October 2026 and closes
Non -EU/non -EEA students: 1 December 2025.
EU/EEA students: 1 march 2026.
#4. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
NMBU was established in 1859 with the motto “Knowledge for life”. It’s a public university located at Norway. Similarly, Norwegian University of Life Sciences has around 5,000 students and 1,800 administrative staff across 7 faculties namely. Its faculty includes Veterinary Medicine, School of Economics and Business, Science and Technology, Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Landscape and society, Biosciences and Food Science.
Additionally, the Norwegian university of life Science was ranked 501st in the World by Times Higher Education World University Ranking. In 2016, NTNU was leveled a world rank of 795th and a National rank of 5th by Center for World Universality Ranking (CWUR) amongst other Norway Universities for International Students.
Admission Opportunities:
Application Deadline:
The application portal will close on 1st December 2026.
#5. University of Tromsø- the Artic University of Norway (UiT)
The University of Tromsø was established in 1968 in the city of Tromsø, Norway. It is the biggest educational and research institution in northern Norway. The University of Tromsø is one of the world northernmost university. This makes it a natural location for high quality education, serving as a hub for environment, society and cultural development among Norway Universities for International Students.
Similarly, the university of Tromsø has trained around 17,000 students with about 4,000 administrative staffs across various academic faculties. Also, UiT was ranked 489th in the world by Center for World Universality Ranking (CWUR) and 4th in Norway for 2018/2019.
Admission Opportunities:
Application Deadline:
The application process begins annually 1st October and ends 1st December.
#6. University of Stavanger (UiS)
UiS is a public research University located in Stavanger, and was established in the year 2005. The university is renowned for world-class research and education style, making it to rank among Norway Universities for International Students.
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The University of Stavanger is ranked 1440th in the world and 7th National Rank among Norway Universities for International Students in 2019/2020 by CWUR. It was also ranked 7th in Norway for its presence on the web by Webometrics Ranking of World Universities in 2019.
Admission Opportunities:
Application Deadline:
Autumn Semester 1st March and ends 1st May (1st April for Nursing and Social works).
Spring Semester 1st September and ends 1st November (1 October for Nursing and Social works).
#7. Nord University.
The Nord University is one of the best Norway Universities for International Students. It was formed from a merger between Nensa University College, University of Nordland and Nord-Trondelag University College in 2016. Furthermore, the university is located in Bodø and named Nord (North) with the aim of championing it devotion to the northern regions among other Norway Universities.
Nord University currently enrolled around 12,000 students with 1,200 administrative staffs across 5 faculties namely. It is also highly ranked by The Times Higher Education and Center for World Universality Ranking (CWUR) for its quality education and proper research.
Admission Opportunities:
Application Deadline:
The application for;
#8. University of Agder (UiA)
The University of Agder is a dual campus learning institution with one in Kristiansand and another in Grimstad, Norway. UiA is committed to educational advancement and research. The university was established in 2001 resulting from a merge, with a total number of around 11,900 students and 1,200 dutiful staffs. It has a total number of 5 faculties namely; Economics and Social Science, Fine Arts, Health and Sport Sciences, Humanities and Education, Engineering and Science.
Admission Opportunities:
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Application Deadline:
Autumn Semester 10th June 2026 and ends 1st September 2026.
Spring Semester 10th December 2026 and ends 1st February 2026.
#9. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL)
The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences was established in 2017 following a merger between independent colleges. HVL place a premium on professional studies, making it to be among the Norway Universities for International Students.
HVL was ranked 1771th in the world and 11th in Norway by Center for world University Ranking (CWUR) in 2019, with a research performance of 1712. Also, the institution ranked 13th in Norway for its dominance on the web by webometrics for 2019.
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences schools around 16,000 students with about 1,800 administrative staffs across various academic faculties. It various facilities includes Education, Arts and Sports, Engineering and Science, Health and Social Sciences, Business Administration and Social Sciences.
Admission Opportunities:
Application Deadline:
The application portal for 2026 master program opens October 1st 2026 and closes
Non -EU/non -EEA students: 1 December 2026.
EU/EEA students: 1st March 2026. April 15th 2026 for Maritime Operations.
#10. University of South Eastern Norway (USN)
The University of South Eastern Norway currently list around 18,000 students and 1,600 staff across various academic faculties. It was founded in 2018. This institution is a merger of three formal universities. Similarly, USN is a multi-campus university with campuses in 8 different locations making it popular among the Norway Universities for International Students.
Admission Opportunities:
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Application Deadline:
Application opens annually
Autumn Semester 1st March and ends 15th April.
Spring Semester 1st September and ends 1st October.
How to Apply For Admission in a Norway University?
Applying to Norway Universities for International Students involves several important steps. Each stage requires careful attention to ensure a smooth and successful admission process. Below is a breakdown of the steps you need to follow:
#1. Choose Your Desired University and Program
The first step is to identify which of the Norway Universities for International Students best fits your academic interests and career goals. Norway has a range of reputable universities, each with its own strengths, from technology and science to arts, business, and social studies. Hence, you can visit their official websites to explore available programs, and entry requirements. Review each requirement carefully to ensure your qualifications meet the standard before applying.
#2. Prepare and Organize Your Documents
Once you know what’s required, the next step is to prepare all necessary documents. This usually includes academic transcripts, a statement of purpose or motivation letter, reference letters, and a valid passport. Meanwhile, ensure your documents are translated into English or Norwegian by an authorized translator. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted documents can lead to rejection, so take time to verify that everything is accurate and complete before submission.
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#3. Submit Your Application Online
Most Norway Universities for International Students accept applications through their official university portals or the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS). Follow the specific instructions on the university’s website and upload your documents before the deadline. Always double-check your information before final submission, as changes may not be allowed afterward.
#4. Wait for the Admission
After submission, the university will review your application and notify you of the outcome. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the volume of applications. During this period, regularly check your email and application portal for updates. If you’re accepted, you’ll receive an official offer letter that you’ll need for the next step in applying for your student residence permit.
Check Out these International Scholarship Programmes
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below;
FAQs of the Best Norway Universities for International Students
Is Norway good for international students?
Yes. Norway is one of the best destinations for international students due to its world-class education system, tuition-free public universities, safe environment, and high quality of life.
Do Norway universities offer free education for international students?
Yes. Most public Norway universities for international students offer tuition-free education, regardless of nationality. However, students must cover their living expenses, including housing, food, and transportation.
What are the requirements to study in Norway for international students?
To study in Norway, international students typically need academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), a valid passport, financial proof for living expenses, and a motivation letter. Meanwhile, requirements vary depending on the program and university.
Can I work while studying in Norway as an international student?
Yes. International students in Norway can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays.
Is IELTS required for Norway?
Yes, IELTS is commonly required to study in Norway, especially for international students applying to English-taught programs. Most Norway universities for international students accept IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE as proof of English proficiency. However, if your previous education was conducted entirely in English, some universities may exempt you from this requirement.
Is Norway student visa easy?
Yes, obtaining a Norway student visa is generally straightforward if you meet all the requirements.
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