Norway may not be the first country that comes to mind when deciding where to pursue a degree, but it has much to offer, including striking landscapes and a range of higher education options. You can learn more about the Norwegian education system. Tuition policies vary: students from Norway, Switzerland, and countries in the EU/EEA are exempt from tuition fees at public higher education institutions, while degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must normally pay tuition fees. Fees vary by institution and study program.
Norway offers study options in both Norwegian and English, and some universities have available classes in English. However, professional medical degree programs are generally taught primarily in Norwegian. Studying in Norway can still be a rewarding experience for applicants who meet the academic and language requirements. You can learn more about studying in Norway. In this article, we will look at four universities that offer medical education in Norway. The order below is not an official ranking.
Top Medical Schools in Norway
1. University of Oslo
The University of Oslo was founded in 1811 and is Norway’s oldest university. It is located in Oslo, the country’s capital.
In 2025, the University of Oslo reported 27,400 students and 6,900 full-time-equivalent employees. Its Faculty of Medicine has links with Akershus University Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, and the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority. The professional medicine program is a full-time, six-year program worth 360 credits. Most teaching is in Norwegian, although the international semester, Module 6, is taught in English.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, commonly known as NTNU, was founded in 1996 through a merger of six institutions. Some of its academic roots extend further back, including an academic mining community that traces its history to 1757.
NTNU’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is part of the Integrated University Hospital in Trondheim together with St. Olavs Hospital. NTNU’s professional medicine program is a full-time, six-year program worth 360 credits and is taught in Norwegian. Foreign applicants who wish to enroll in the medical program must meet the Norwegian-language requirement. NTNU also offers some medicine-related master’s and Ph.D. programs in English, but these do not qualify graduates as medical doctors.
3. University of Bergen
The University of Bergen was formally established in 1946 and traces its academic roots to Bergen Museum, which was established in 1825. The university reports around 21,000 students and 4,400 employees.
The Faculty of Medicine is one of seven faculties at the University of Bergen. Its professional medicine program is a full-time program worth 360 ECTS credits. The nominal length is six years for the A-cohort and six and a half years for the B-cohort, which has a free term after the third year. Teaching is primarily in Norwegian, although parts of the teaching and curriculum are in English. The faculty also offers a Medical Student Research Program for a select group of students. This organized research training may become the starting point for a doctoral thesis.
4. UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
The University of Tromsø, now known as UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, was established in 1968. UiT describes itself as the world’s northernmost university, and its location shapes its focus on education and research related to the Arctic and the High North.
UiT’s Faculty of Health Sciences offers bachelor’s, master’s, professional, and Ph.D. studies. The professional medicine program is a six-year program worth 360 credits. It includes theoretical study, laboratory work, practical teaching, and patient-related training. Students begin practical training early in the program and complete parts of their studies in hospitals, medical offices, and other health care settings across Northern Norway.
FAQs: Studying Medicine in Norway
Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in Norway?
International applicants may be eligible to apply, but they must meet the academic and language requirements for the relevant program. Medical degree programs are primarily taught in Norwegian, and applicants generally need to document Norwegian-language proficiency before admission. Applicants should check the current requirements for each university carefully. You can also learn more about the University of Oslo.
Applicants should budget carefully before studying in Norway. The official Study in Norway portal estimates student living costs at NOK 15,488 per month or NOK 170,368 per year for the 2026–2027 academic year. Additional expenses may include transportation, insurance, visa fees, tuition fees where applicable, and a semester fee. Student housing is available through student welfare organizations, but competition can be significant, especially in larger cities.
What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in Norway?
Medical degree structures vary by university. At the University of Oslo, NTNU, and UiT, the professional medicine programs are six-year programs worth 360 credits. At the University of Bergen, the program is worth 360 ECTS credits and has a nominal length of six years for the A-cohort and six and a half years for the B-cohort. These programs combine theoretical study with practical and clinical training.
Professional medicine programs are primarily taught in Norwegian, although some parts of the curriculum or selected international semesters may be offered in English. Applicants should check the relevant university’s admission rules and any required language proficiency tests before applying.
Overall, Norway offers research-based higher education in distinctive urban and Arctic settings. Prospective medical students should compare program structure, language requirements, tuition fees, and living costs carefully before applying.
We hope that this article will encourage you to study medicine in Norway. If you are interested in learning more, check out the Available Programs in Europe! Get the best tips, scholarship opportunities, and interesting articles on our Study in Norway Page!
