Norway offers international students dramatic natural scenery, a high standard of living, and a research-oriented higher education system. However, tuition fees and living-cost requirements vary according to a student’s nationality, residence status, institution, and program, so applicants should confirm the latest requirements before applying.
Choosing where to study in Norway can be challenging. International students should consider housing availability, universities and programs, the cultural environment, language, transportation, and the cost of living. This article highlights top student-friendly cities in Norway and explains what each has to offer.
Top Cities to Study in Norway for International Students
1. Oslo
Oslo, the capital and largest city in Norway, is the first student-friendly city on our list. It is home to several major higher-education institutions, including the University of Oslo. Founded in 1811, the University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest university. Five Nobel laureates have been affiliated with the university: Fridtjof Nansen, Ragnar Frisch, Odd Hassel, Trygve Haavelmo, and Ivar Giæver. Oslo’s institutions offer study and research opportunities across fields such as education, medicine, the humanities, business, and technology.
Students from Norway, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland are generally exempt from tuition fees at Norwegian public higher-education institutions. Degree students from outside these areas generally pay tuition unless they qualify for a specific exemption. Norway’s official estimated living cost for students is NOK 15,488 per month or NOK 170,368 per year, with an additional semester fee of approximately NOK 1,000. Actual expenses in Oslo will depend on housing, location, and lifestyle. Norway does not offer a government scholarship that is open to all international students, although individual institutions and external organizations may offer limited funding opportunities.
2. Bergen
Bergen is another attractive city for international students. Located on Norway’s west coast and surrounded by seven mountains, the city is known for the colorful buildings at Bryggen and its access to Norway’s fjord landscapes. It is home to the University of Bergen, a research-intensive comprehensive university that offers a range of English-taught master’s programs and courses for exchange students. Bergen is also home to Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and the Norwegian School of Economics.
Students in Bergen can combine an urban study environment with easy access to hiking, mountains, and fjord excursions. There is no single official budget that accurately represents every student in Bergen. As a general reference, the national estimated living cost is NOK 15,488 per month. Actual expenses will vary according to accommodation, transportation, food, and personal spending.
3. Trondheim
Located in central Norway, Trondheim is one of the country’s largest student cities, with more than 37,000 students. It is the main campus city and headquarters of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway’s largest university. NTNU reports 43,507 registered students across its campuses in Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund, with approximately 85% studying in Trondheim. International students account for about 9% of NTNU’s institution-wide student population.
Student life in Trondheim includes opportunities to explore the city’s history, music, arts, food, and outdoor activities. The national estimated student living cost is NOK 15,488 per month, but actual expenses in Trondheim will vary according to housing, transportation, food, and lifestyle.
4. Tromsø
- UiT-Wide Student Population: Approximately 15,500, with about 10% international students
- Major Institution: UiT The Arctic University of Norway
- Example Study Areas: Geosciences, Public Health, Humanities, and Arctic Studies
Tromsø may be an ideal choice for students who hope to experience the northern lights or the midnight sun during their stay in Norway. Located approximately 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers an Arctic setting and a smaller urban environment than Oslo or Bergen. The city’s principal university is UiT The Arctic University of Norway, which was established as the University of Tromsø and now operates campuses and study locations across Northern Norway.
UiT reports approximately 15,500 students across the institution, with international students accounting for about 10% of its student body. The official national living-cost estimate is NOK 15,488 per month, although actual costs in Tromsø will depend on accommodation and personal spending.
5. Kristiansand
- Campus Student Population: Approximately 10,000 at Campus Kristiansand
- Major Institution: University of Agder
- Example Study Areas: Arts, Business and Law, Engineering and Technology, and Health and Sport
Kristiansand is a coastal city in Southern Norway and is home to the University of Agder’s largest campus. Campus Kristiansand has approximately 10,000 students and is located about three kilometers from the city center. The University of Agder offers programs across fields such as arts, business and law, engineering and technology, health, social work, and sport.
Students in Kristiansand can enjoy a compact coastal city with beaches, nearby islands, cultural venues, and access to outdoor activities. There is no reliable universal monthly budget specific to every student in Kristiansand. The national estimated living cost is NOK 15,488 per month, while individual expenses will depend on accommodation, transportation, food, and lifestyle.
Wherever you choose to study in Norway, each city offers different opportunities and advantages. Setting clear priorities for your academic program, budget, preferred environment, and personal goals can help you choose the most suitable city.
These cities are popular with both tourists and students. Hopefully, this article will help you choose a city in Norway in which to live and study. For more articles about Norway, visit the Study in Norway Page. If you are interested, make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
