Located in Northern Europe, Norway is one of the best countries attracting international students from all over the world thanks to its prestigious educational institutions. While the country is mostly known for its beautiful landscape and the northern lights, it also stands tall among the world’s best study destinations.
It is specifically very inviting to international students because of its tuition-free options for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. However, international students from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland still have various options that make education in this country very affordable. From scholarships to tuition discounts, your dream of studying in any of Norway’s top institutions can come to life.
For international students looking for affordable schools to pursue higher education in Norway, below, we discuss some of the cheapest Norwegian universities to consider.
Affordable Universities in Norway for International Students
1. University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s largest and oldest university, offering a variety of programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Located in the country’s capital, the university is known for popular programs like philosophy, medicine, political science, and dentistry.
International students from EU/EEA and Switzerland typically do not pay tuition fees, but they may need to cover semester fees and living expenses. However, international students outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland have to pay tuition fees, a rule that came into effect in 2023. There are a few instances where you may be exempted from paying tuition fees, like if you are married to a Norwegian citizen or have studied in Norway full-time for at least three years.
2. University of Bergen
Located in the scenic city of Bergen, the University of Bergen is known for its strong academic programs in various fields. Like other public universities in Norway, there are no tuition fees for international students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. But for international students paying tuition fees, the costs are cheaper when compared to other Norwegian universities of the same caliber. For example, the Joint European Master’s Programme in System Dynamics (EMSD) costs 128,975 NOK per year, which is one of the lowest costs for master’s programs in Norway.
3. UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Another great and cheap university in Norway is UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Located in Tromsø, Norway, this is a multi-campus university focusing on quality programs in Arctic studies, natural sciences, and other marine-related subjects.
This university is a great choice for international students as it offers some tuition-free programs for international students, like the Master of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies and the Master’s in Nordic Urban Planning. For international students interested in observing the Northern Lights, you will be glad to know that the university operates an observatory for observing this natural phenomenon because of its unique location above the Arctic Circle.
4. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Established in 1996 through the merger of several institutions, NTNU is one of the largest universities in Norway, located in Trondheim. It has a strong focus on science and technology but offers a wide range of programs at an affordable cost, with undergraduate tuition costs going for as low as 136 300 NOK per year for international students.
For international students interested in learning Norwegian, you will be glad to know that the university offers Norwegian language courses, helping you integrate into the local community and enhancing your overall experience in Norway.
5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences
The last on our list of cheap universities in Norway is the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Located in Ås near Oslo, the university specializes in programs related to life sciences, including agriculture, veterinary sciences, and environmental sciences. For international students, this university has the cheapest tuition fees in Norway with undergraduate fees going for as low as 80,000 NOK per year and graduate 125,000 NOK per year.
Additionally, unlike many Norwegian universities that don’t offer undergraduate programs in English, NMBU offers an English-taught bachelor’s degree in International Environment and Development Studies.
FAQs about Studying in Norway
What Are the General Requirements to Study in Norway?
To study in Norway as an international student, you need to fulfill certain general requirements. Keep in mind that specific requirements may vary depending on the level of study (bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D.) and the university or program you are applying to. The first and obvious requirement is gaining admission to a recognized Norwegian university or institution.
Additionally, since educational programs in Norway are offered in Norwegian and English, you must provide proof of proficiency in any or both of the languages depending on the university and program of study. Standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL may be required for English proficiency or the accepted Norwegian language proficiency test.
Other study requirements may include certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates, proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Norway, valid health insurance coverage, a study visa, and arranging accommodation before your arrival.
Do Universities in Norway Offer English-taught Programs?
While Norwegian is the most used language in Norway, there are several English-taught programs, especially at the master’s and Ph.D. levels. Several public and private universities in Norway offer English-taught programs, making it easy for international students not conversant with Norwegian to take classes. Universities like the University of Adger and the Arctic University of Norway offer several English-taught programs and singular-taught courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Norway is one of the best study destinations in Europe offering various educational opportunities for international students. This list of cheap universities in Norway provides an avenue for international students looking for quality and affordable education. Apart from tuition, you also need to be aware that the cost of living in Norway can be relatively high, so it’s crucial to consider accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses when planning your studies in Norway.
We hope this article has trimmed down your search for the most affordable school you can enroll in Norway. Check out the Study in Norway Page to read more articles about studying in this Scandinavian country. Then go over our Available Programs in Europe to search for courses you can enroll in.
