Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in Northern Europe. It is a modern, high-income country known for its rich natural resources and striking scenery. While the cost of living is high, international students should not be discouraged. Public universities and university colleges in Norway are funded by the government, and students from Norway, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland are generally exempt from tuition fees at public higher education institutions. Degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition fees, unless they qualify for an exemption. Students can also explore scholarships in Norway, although scholarship availability varies by institution and program. Norway also offers many English-taught study options, especially at the master’s level.
We have compiled a list of some of Norway’s best English-taught universities and institutions offering programs at different levels and in different fields of study. This list will help you narrow down your options as you search for the best school and degree program for your current interests.
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in Norway
1. UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, is one of Norway’s notable English-taught universities. It is also the northernmost university in the world. Because of its Arctic location, the university has a strong focus on Arctic-related global issues, including climate change, environmental threats, Indigenous issues, and sustainable development in the High North. This makes UiT a strong option for students interested in Arctic studies and northern-region research.
UiT currently does not offer bachelor’s programs taught in English. Instead, international applicants can choose from two one-year English-taught programs: Arctic Nature Guide and Norwegian Language and Society for Foreign Students. UiT also offers around 27 English-taught master’s programs, including fields such as peace and conflict transformation, philosophy, photonics and nanotechnology, physics, psychology, public health, technology and safety, theoretical linguistics, and visual and multimodal anthropology. For researchers, three-year Ph.D. programs are listed in areas such as Engineering Science, Health Sciences, Law Studies, Natural Science, Science, Social Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Nautical Operations.
2. Nord University
Nord University is a young institution established on January 1, 2016, through the merger of the University of Nordland, Nesna University College, and Nord-Trøndelag University College. The university emphasizes relevant education and research, with focus areas including blue and green growth, innovation and entrepreneurship, welfare, health, and education.
Nord University offers several English-taught programs at the bachelor’s level. Current options include Biology, the Joint Bachelor Degree in Animal Science, Film and TV Production, Games and Entertainment Technology, and CG Art and Animation. Most full bachelor’s programs are 180 ECTS and are completed in three years of full-time study. Circumpolar and Nordic Studies is no longer open for admission. At the master’s level, English-taught options include Business, Biosciences, Sustainable Leadership and Arctic Perspectives, and Sustainable Production and Utilisation of Marine Bioresources. Doctoral study is available through programs such as Biosciences, Business, Sociology, and Science of Professions; admission normally requires a relevant master’s degree, a strong academic record, a research project, and documented funding for the three-year doctoral period.
3. Norwegian University of Life Sciences
For students who want to study life sciences and sustainability-related fields, an excellent choice is the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Its study programs are carefully selected, and several are conducted in English for international students who would like to earn a degree on campus.
NMBU is among the best English-taught universities in Norway. The university currently offers one English-taught bachelor’s program: International Environment and Development Studies. NMBU also offers many English-taught master’s programs. Current examples include Applied Economics and Sustainability, Economics and Environmental Governance, Global Development Studies, Global Economy and Politics, International Relations, International Environmental Studies, Animal Science, Aquaculture, Aquatic Food Production, Ecology, Plant Sciences, Sustainable Food Systems, Data Science, Nuclear and Environmental Sciences, and Landscape Architecture for Global Sustainability. Some previously listed programs, such as Agroecology and Genome Science, are not admitting new students. At the doctoral level, NMBU lists eight Ph.D. programs, including Biosciences, Economics and Business, Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, International Environment and Development Studies, Life and Food Sciences, Science and Technology, Society, Development and Planning, and Veterinary Science.
4. University of Bergen
The University of Bergen is a reputable public research university in Norway and a strong choice for English-taught graduate study. Students from Norway, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland are generally exempt from tuition fees at Norwegian public institutions, but students with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees at UiB unless they qualify for an exemption. UiB does not offer scholarships to cover tuition fees.
The university accepts international students mainly at the graduate level for English-taught degree programs. For the 2026/2027 academic year, UiB lists multiple English-taught master’s programs for applicants outside the EU/EEA in Humanities and Aesthetic Studies, Medicine, Natural Sciences and Technical Subjects, Social Sciences and Psychology, and Fine Art, Music and Design. Most of these master’s programs last two years, with the second year generally focused on the master’s thesis. Students who wish to study programs taught in Norwegian must meet the university’s relevant Norwegian-language requirements.
5. University of Agder
One benefit of getting higher education at the University of Agder is that students can form strong connections with their lecturers and instructors. UiA highlights an open-door culture that promotes access to friendly lecturers. This type of student-lecturer relationship can positively affect students during their formative years at the university.
UiA’s English-taught bachelor’s options include Academic Esports, Classical Music Performance, English, and Global Development Studies. These bachelor’s programs are generally three-year, 180 ECTS programs. The university also offers a broad selection of English-taught master’s programs, including areas such as Classical Music Performance, Coastal Ecology, Cybersecurity Engineering, Cybersecurity Management, English, Global Development, Crisis and Change, Management and Business Development, Multimedia and Game Technologies, and Popular Music. Doctoral study is available through UiA’s Ph.D. programs, and prospective students should check the current Ph.D. program pages and vacancies for available research areas and funding.
We hope that you found this article on the best English-taught universities in Norway informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students and Study in Norway sections!
