Ever consider spending a night under the vast, starry sky, taking in the breathtaking hues that dance over the Arctic sky? It sounds thrilling, right? If you want to see this kind of view almost every day, then why not pursue higher education in Norway?
Norway is one of the safest and most comfortable countries in which to live and pursue an education. No wonder the majority of international students choose to study in this Scandinavian country. If you are an international student hoping to obtain a degree in Norway while at the same time taking pleasure in its high standards of living, picturesque environment, and security, then this article will provide insights into the general application process for Norwegian institutions.
Can International Students Apply to a University in Norway?
Without a doubt, Norwegian universities warmly welcome students from all over the world. About 5,000 students apply each year to various universities and other educational institutions in the hopes of pursuing a great future there.
Overseas students can apply for bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. programs. Most of the courses taught are in Norwegian, however, due to the influx of international students, numerous universities in Norway offer English-taught programs to cater to a larger and diverse group of students. This multicultural country prioritizes students’ welfare and helps them gain the necessary skills so they can become competent professionals who will contribute towards global development.
What are the Entry Requirements to Study in Norway?
A student must fulfill certain prerequisites in order to enroll in any institution in Norway. For international students, expect that there will be additional criteria to be eligible. In general, before applying to a chosen university, all overseas applicants should know the eligibility requirements. An English language proficiency test, personal information, educational history, and document translations are typically included in the list of requirements for admission. In some cases, the institution may request for additional funding documentation. The minimal standards differ based on the home nation of each student and are established by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). For instructions relevant to each nation, you should look up the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU) list.
Again, each university may have distinct standards. For instance, the University of Oslo, one of the best universities in Norway, has a different set of entrance standards for each of its programs. Another example is the University of Bergen, prospective students are encouraged to get in touch with the admissions committee to get the complete requirements of their chosen study program.
Steps on How to Apply to Norwegian Universities
We will now talk about the checklist for applying to Norwegian universities. Follow these five easy steps.
Step 1. List down all the universities you want to apply
If you have decided to pursue your higher education in Norway, then you must make a list of the institutions you wish to apply to. There are a lot of factors to consider like the city you would like to study, cost of living, quality of education, and many more.
There is no restriction on how many universities you can apply to; however, you may need to pay an application fee for every university you apply to. Just remember that this fee is non-refundable for most universities so it is still wise to only apply to universities you are willing to pay for.
Step 2. Go through the program requirements
Your next step is to check and review the program-specific requirements. Ensure you meet the prerequisites listed on the admissions page. Check the eligibility criteria as early as possible. If there are any requirements you need to take, like English language proficiency exams or standardized exams, you’ll have more time to obtain those documents.
Step 3. Categorize the universities
After listing down all the universities, you need to divide them based on several categories. Everybody has different priorities and tastes, therefore, you should categorize your chosen universities according to your priorities.
An overseas student could, for instance, group the universities based on the range of their tuition costs, organizing them chronologically from the cheapest universities to the most expensive schools. You can also base it on scholarship opportunities, from the type of scholarships they provide, to whether the scholarships cover partial or full funding.
Step 4. Prepare all necessary documents
After reviewing all the admission requirements, you must start obtaining all the documents you need to submit. Be sure that the documents are all the information on each document is complete and updated.
Step 5. Apply ASAP
You must apply as soon as you have gathered all the necessary paperwork, some universities only have a limited number of seats available for international students so be sure to submit the documents and application before the deadline.
To improve your chances of being accepted, you should apply as soon as possible. Always review the application process and follow the guidelines provided by the university of your choice.
General Admission Documents
We will now discuss the documentation required to apply to Norwegian universities. Carefully review the requirements. Not all universities require the documents listed below as some might be optional for your degree.
1. Application form
Each university has an application procedure or policy of its own. To submit your application, you usually have to register and log in to the university application portal. Some may already include scholarship applications. If that’s the case, you must prepare additional information if you are planning to apply for financial aid.
2. Transcript of Records
Every university will request your academic records. The purpose of these documents is to evaluate your potential for the course you are applying to. Your certifications, transcripts, and/or diploma must be submitted. If you are applying for undergraduate studies, you must submit your official high school records and/or high school diploma. A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree is needed if you are applying for a graduate program. Most of the time, if the original document is not written in English, the applicant will need to have it translated.
3. Language Proficiency Tests
Norwegian universities require all international students to have a good command of the English language. Some universities require students to be proficient in Norwegian as well. To gain admission, students must score well on the IELTS or TOEFL or in the Norwegian language exam. For instance, the UiT Arctic University of Norway, one of the most famous universities in Norway, imposes specific language requirements for applicants from outside the country.
4. Recommendation Letters
International applicants are also required to submit recommendation letters to universities. The university generally needs two recommendation letters from the students. For graduate admissions, an applicant may submit a manager’s recommendation letter if they have any prior or current work experience.
We advise you to discuss with your recommenders what relevant information should be included in the letter of recommendation. A strong recommendation letter may hold the key to your acceptance. You can check here to know more!
5. Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Statement
SOP is a document that describes your accomplishments and how you believe you can succeed in the program you are applying for. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your interest, the skills you have and will accomplish, and how your professional goals might benefit society. A personal statement is a crucial piece of writing that has the power to persuade the admissions committee. You can follow these tips to write your own personal statement.
The university will often request that you provide answers to a couple of questions. To avoid rushing through writing your SOP, make sure you know exactly what format the university requires and give yourself adequate time.
6. Copy of your passport
Your identity verification is also considered a general requirement. Copies of your passport or National Identity Card might need to be submitted. You might also need to present proof of residency if your country of birth and your place of residence are different. In compliance with institutional policies, universities sometimes request the parents’ identity as well.
Optional Materials / Documents to Consider
A couple of the materials are optional, but obtaining such documents will make your application stronger. Since these documents are not mandatory for international candidates, there’s no need to obtain these documents. However, if you have time, money, and want to impress the admissions committee, you can obtain these credentials to support your application.
1. Practical Training Certificate
You can enroll in a hands-on training course on the subject you want to apply for. Universities often look for students who would go the extra mile to achieve their educational goals. You will impress the admissions committee if you can provide certificates in relation to the study program you are applying for. This is a way to show how serious you are about your future career plans.
2. International Baccalaureate (Undergraduate Only)
Attending the International Baccalaureate gives schools an international reputation for excellence and quality. It is offered in over 5,000 schools all over the world. A high IB score will make your application stronger at any of the Norwegian universities.
Key Facts for Applying to Norwegian Universities
1. Norwegian universities ensure qualitative education
Norway prioritizes the education of its citizens, this extends to international students who want to obtain and experience the Norwegian education system. The Norwegian government wants to give schools more autonomy and enable them to implement systematic reforms at every level of education. One of the greatest public education systems in the world is found in this nation. In Norway, students must attend school full-time beginning at age six and continuing until they are sixteen. International students can, therefore, without a doubt choose to pursue their careers in Norway.
2. Tuition-free education to EU/EEA students
Students from the EU and EEA are able to attend tuition-free universities in Norway, usually at no cost. For EU/EEA students, the majority of public universities are free. Prior to 2023, university degrees in Norway were almost free; however, as of right now, tuition is charged to all students who do not reside in an EU or EEA member state.
There’s no reason to be disappointed if you’re an international applicant since Norway offers scholarships to all aspiring international students, with some of the most excellent ones even qualifying for extraordinary scholarships. Everyone in this nation believes that everyone should have access to education, regardless of their financial situation. This indicates that your chances of receiving a top-notch scholarship are very high.
We hope that this thorough information on applying to Norwegian universities will help you in completing your applications in advance. If you want to know more about study options for international students, check out our Open Courses and Study in Norway pages!
