Norway remains a popular study destination because of its high-quality education system and strong health care sector. However, tuition rules have changed. At public higher education institutions, students from Norway, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland are generally exempt from tuition fees, while degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally have to pay tuition fees. Private institutions may also charge tuition and other fees, and the amount varies by program.
Nursing is an important profession in Norway, and demand for qualified nurses is expected to remain strong. Trained nurses can work in many parts of the health services, including hospitals, health centers, nursing homes, home nursing services, preventive health work, occupational health services, ambulance services, and international aid organizations.
A qualified nurse or care worker who wants to work in Norway usually needs authorization or a license from the Norwegian Directorate of Health. The process can be lengthy, especially for applicants educated outside the EU/EEA. Because of this, some international students choose to complete a nursing degree in Norway before applying to work as nurses. Below, we discuss nursing education programs offered by Norwegian institutions and the key requirements international students should know before studying nursing in Norway.
What Degrees are there for Nursing in Norway?
In Norway, nursing is a regulated profession. Health personnel who want to practice must be registered and hold the required authorization or license. The Norwegian education for a general nurse is a bachelor’s degree, and a nursing bachelor’s degree is the normal route to authorization as a general nurse.
Norwegian institutions offer full-time nursing programs, mainly in Norwegian. For example, VID Specialized University and the University of Agder offer bachelor’s programs in nursing. Nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree can also consider specialized master’s-level study, such as the Master in Clinical Nursing at VID Specialized University. Applicants should always check the current program page before applying because availability, admission requirements, and fees can change.
Cost of Studying Nursing
Studying in Norway is no longer tuition-free for all international students. Degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition fees at public universities, while students from Norway, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland are generally exempt from tuition fees at public higher education institutions. Exchange students, doctoral candidates, and students in certain schemes may also be exempt from tuition fees at public institutions.
All students should also budget for semester fees and living costs. Semester fees vary by institution and usually help fund student welfare services. More information about semester fees can be found on the official pages of the University of Bergen, the University of Agder, and VID Specialized University.
The cost of living in Norway is high. Study in Norway estimates that students need NOK 166,859 per year for living costs for the 2025–2026 academic year. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must also show proof of funds when applying for a study permit. Student housing through a student welfare organization is often more reasonably priced than housing on the open market, but it is competitive, especially in larger cities.
Although some students may be exempt from tuition, studying nursing in Norway is not free for everyone. Students should check whether they qualify for a tuition exemption and look for current funding options through the Norway scholarships page.
Requirements to Study Nursing in Norway for International Students
To study nursing in Norway as an international student, you need to gather and submit the documents required by your chosen institution. Requirements can vary by program, campus, citizenship, and level of study, so applicants should always check the official program page and admissions instructions before applying.
For bachelor’s-level admission, applicants with foreign education must meet the Higher Education Entrance Qualification requirements, commonly known as the GSU requirements. The GSU list includes both education requirements and language requirements. Some countries require only completed upper secondary education, while others require one or two years of higher education after upper secondary school. Nursing programs may also have specific admission requirements in addition to the general requirements.
Applicants to Norwegian-taught nursing programs must document Norwegian proficiency. English proficiency may also be required, depending on the program and admission route. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who need a study permit must also document sufficient funds for living costs and any applicable tuition fees.
For master’s-level nursing programs, applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS. Nursing master’s programs may also require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Norwegian authorization as a nurse, relevant clinical work experience, a minimum grade average, or other program-specific requirements.
In What Languages Do You Study Nursing?
The nursing programs described in this article are taught in Norwegian. For example, the bachelor’s programs in nursing at VID Specialized University and the University of Agder are Norwegian-taught, and VID’s Master in Clinical Nursing is also Norwegian-taught. Because of this, strong Norwegian proficiency is essential for admission to these programs and for later clinical practice in Norway.
Some programs may use English-language readings or include course elements in English, but students should not assume that a nursing degree in Norway can be completed in English unless the official program page clearly states that the language of instruction is English.
Best Nursing Schools in Norway for International Students
1. University of Agder
The University of Agder offers a bachelor’s program in nursing. The current nursing study plan is a three-year, full-time program worth 180 ECTS credits and taught in Norwegian. UiA offers nursing at its Kristiansand and Grimstad campuses.
The program combines theory, research-based knowledge, and clinical practice so that students develop the knowledge and skills needed for professional nursing. Students learn about health, illness, ethics, research methods, and the responsibilities of nurses in different parts of the health service.
One of UiA’s strengths is its international exchange opportunities. The nursing program has exchange agreements in several regions, including Africa, Australia, the United States, Europe, and the Nordic countries. Students interested in exchange should check the current program plan and exchange rules because destinations and timing can change.
2. VID Specialized University
VID Specialized University is one of Norway’s largest private specialized universities, with nearly 6,000 students and study locations in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Sandvika, Tromsø, and Sandnessjøen. VID offers study programs at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels in fields such as health, social sciences, community studies, management, diaconia, and theology.
VID’s full-time bachelor’s program in nursing is offered in Bergen and Oslo. The program is taught in Norwegian, lasts three years, and is worth 180 ECTS credits. VID also lists 2,300 hours of practical training in the nursing bachelor’s program, which gives students extensive experience in clinical and practice-based learning.
VID also offers a Master in Clinical Nursing in Bergen and Oslo. This master’s program is taught in Norwegian and is worth 120 ECTS credits. Applicants must have completed a three-year bachelor’s degree in nursing, and additional requirements depend on the specialization chosen.
I hope this article was helpful. If you are interested in funding options, visit the Norway scholarships page.
