Norway is a mountainous country on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Most of its population lives in the south, while the north is home to the Sámi people. Natural resources such as the sea, hydropower, and petroleum have helped shape modern Norway. Furthermore, it is known for its high standard of living, safety, and natural beauty.
Norway has a rich literary tradition and has preserved many folklore and storytelling customs. Norwegians celebrate many festivals in lively and colorful ways. The country is best known for its long, rugged coastlines, fjords, polar lights, and the midnight sun. In this article, we will look at the best universities in Norway for international students.
Top Universities in Norway for International Students
1. University of Oslo
Located in the capital city, the University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest university and one of the country’s highest-ranked institutions. The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony was held at the university’s Aula from 1947 to 1989; today, the ceremony is held at Oslo City Hall.
When it comes to academic departments, UiO consists of eight faculties: dentistry, educational sciences, humanities, law, mathematics and natural sciences, medicine, social sciences, and theology. UiO offers many courses in English, and several master’s and PhD programs are taught entirely in English.
Due to its high research output, UiO is also affiliated with institutions dealing with environmental research and studies on traumatic stress, while its research units focus on life sciences, energy, Nordic issues, and more. With its long history and broad academic profile, this institution is also home to scientific and historical museums.
2. University of Bergen
The University of Bergen is a public research university known for strong academic work in marine research, climate and energy transition, and global societal challenges. Doctoral research opportunities are often advertised as paid research fellow positions, which can make the university attractive for talented international students.
Aside from this large investment in research, UiB provides high-quality teaching across fields such as mathematics and natural sciences, medicine, dentistry, fine arts, humanities, law, psychology, and social sciences. Due to its international outreach, many students at this top-notch institution participate in exchange programs, and the university continues to welcome students and researchers from around the world.
3. UiT The Arctic University of Norway
The University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway is one of the world’s northernmost universities, and due to its location in the Arctic, the institution plays an important role in Arctic and northern research. Climate research, auroral light research, fishery science, and Sámi culture research are some of the activities associated with UiT. Furthermore, there are also common subject areas like health sciences, education, law, tourism, and fine arts.
Many partner universities support UiT’s expertise in northern and environmental studies. When it comes to student diversity, the university has a substantial international community among both students and staff, which also supports the growth of programs and courses taught in English.
4. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Norwegian University of Science and Technology is one of the best universities in Norway for international students, and NTNU is especially well known for engineering, technology, and the natural sciences. Even though this institution also offers degree programs in teacher education, social sciences, medicine, psychology, architecture, and fine arts, it is most well known for its STEM-related programs.
NTNU has strong links with industry and research partners, which support the institution’s teaching and research profile. Aside from its industry connections, NTNU participates in global academic initiatives to expand its international reach and collaborate with universities and research organizations around the world.
5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Norwegian University of Life Sciences is a Norwegian public university specializing in human and animal health, resource management, environmental sciences, and related programs. Its history dates back to 1859, and it has expanded into faculties covering biosciences, environmental sciences, landscape and society, chemistry, biotechnology and food science, economics, veterinary medicine, and science and technology.
When it comes to veterinary education, NMBU is the only institution in Norway that provides veterinary training. Other focus areas include food science, biotechnology, sustainability, and business development. Despite having a moderate number of students compared with Norway’s largest universities, this specialized university has more than 150 exchange agreements that strengthen its international partnerships.
6. University of South-Eastern Norway
The University of South-Eastern Norway is one of the top universities in Norway for international students. It was formed through the merger of several university colleges and received university status in 2018. Today, it has eight campuses and provides diverse academic programs across several regions. When it comes to its academic programs, USN offers studies in health and social care, computer science, history, business, mathematics, natural sciences, maritime studies, and art.
The university has a focus on applied research and coordinates many of its research teams with regional industries. When it comes to future goals, USN focuses on being an entrepreneurial university that contributes to innovation and sustainable development.
7. University of Stavanger
The University of Stavanger is an innovative and international research university in Norway. The university is known for research and education connected to areas such as energy, health, education, social science, technology, business, and the humanities.
When it comes to its academic departments, UiS is organized into six faculties. There is also the Museum of Archaeology and several national research centers located on campus.
UiS continues to improve its internationalization strategies and welcomes students from many countries. The university is located in Norway’s oil and energy capital, which encourages a dynamic interplay between students, industries, and corporations.
8. University of Agder
University of Agder is a young university in Norway with roots in earlier regional colleges. The institution was established as Agder College in 1994 through the merger of six colleges in the Agder region and later became a university.
Since then, UiA has offered degrees in the social sciences, business, health and sports sciences, fine arts, humanities, engineering, and science. In addition to its academic programs, the university also offers teacher education and interdisciplinary study opportunities.
A young and modern institution, UiA has research priority areas that include e-health and health care technology, integrated emergency management, mechatronics, multimodality, cultural change, and coastal research. To further increase international partnerships with foreign institutions, UiA has a strong international orientation with several international programs and courses taught in English.
9. BI Norwegian Business School
The BI Norwegian Business School, one of the best universities in Norway for international students, is one of Norway’s leading business schools. It was the first Norwegian business school to receive the three major international business school accreditations, and it continues to receive recognition in international business school rankings.
This specialized institution is an important contributor to business, management, and economics education in Norway. By undergoing its academic curriculum, students can learn about Norway’s leadership, business, and equality strategies in a country known for high productivity and empowered workers.
The school teaches several bachelor’s and graduate programs in English in addition to Norwegian-language programs. To further strengthen its international connections, BI collaborates closely with universities and business schools around the world.
10. NHH Norwegian School of Economics
The Norwegian School of Economics is one of Norway’s leading institutions for economics and business administration. Founded in 1936, it has a long history of teaching and research in economics, business administration, and related fields.
It is triple accredited and is Norway’s only member of the CEMS Global Alliance in Management Education. When it comes to business connections and international outreach, NHH works closely with the local business community and has exchange and study abroad agreements with more than 200 universities and business schools in more than 50 countries.
To further spread its renown across many nations, NHH continues to develop global partnerships with respected institutions around the world. These partnerships support international exchange, research cooperation, and global learning opportunities for students.
FAQs: Studying in Norwegian Universities
Is Norway a Good Place to Study for International Students?
Universities in Norway deliver a high standard of education and reputable research. Students are encouraged to develop creativity and to think critically. There are several English-taught programs for international applicants, and the country has a high level of English in general. Norway also offers a high standard of living, strong public services, and a beautiful natural environment.
Because the government publicly funds many institutions, most Norwegian public universities and state colleges do not charge tuition fees to students from Norway, the EU/EEA, or Switzerland. However, most students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees at public institutions. Students also usually pay a small semester fee. Private universities set their own tuition fees, but they still offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs, as well as short courses and continuing education courses.
Living costs in Norway are higher than in many other countries, but they come with a high standard of living. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the official estimate for student living costs is NOK 15,488 per month, or NOK 170,368 for the year. According to the 2026 World Happiness Report, Norway remains one of the world’s happiest countries. Norway is also associated with the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, which is held in Oslo.
Can International Students Work in Norway While Studying?
International students can hold part-time jobs in Norway during their studies with a few conditions. EU/EEA nationals can generally live, study, and work in Norway, but those staying for more than three months must register with the police.
Non-EU/EEA nationals must apply for a Norwegian study permit. This permit allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full time during holidays. Even though many Norwegians speak English well, many employers prefer applicants who can communicate in Norwegian. If you want to live and study here, it is often best to learn the language as soon as possible.
Can International Students Stay in Norway after Graduation?
After graduation, eligible international students may apply for a residence permit as a job seeker for up to one year. You should apply before your current permit expires, and you must meet the relevant requirements, including completing a degree in Norway and documenting enough funds. During this period, you may work while looking for skilled work related to your education.
To stay longer for employment, graduates generally need to qualify for a skilled worker residence permit with a concrete job offer and pay and working conditions that meet Norwegian requirements. Time spent on a job seeker permit does not count toward permanent residence. For specific details, you can check the guidelines on the UDI website.
Hopefully, this article will serve as a guide as you search for the best university in Norway. If you are interested in knowing more, check out the Study in Norway and Programs in Europe for International Students!
