Located in Northern Europe, Norway offers international students a range of study opportunities through its universities. While the country is widely known for its beautiful landscapes and the northern lights, it is also an attractive study destination.
Norway is especially attractive to students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland because they are generally exempt from paying tuition fees at public higher education institutions. However, degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally have to pay tuition unless they qualify for an exemption. These students can still compare tuition-free options and exemptions, program-specific fees, and available scholarships when planning their studies.
For international students looking for comparatively affordable options for higher education in Norway, below are several Norwegian universities to consider. The tuition figures shown are based on published rates for the 2026–2027 academic year and apply to students who are required to pay tuition.
Affordable Schools in Norway for International Students
1. University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is a comprehensive public university located in Norway’s capital. It offers programs and courses across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, dentistry, philosophy, political science, and other fields.
Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland generally do not pay tuition fees, although semester fees and living expenses may still apply. Since the autumn semester of 2023, most degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland have been required to pay tuition. Some students may be exempt from paying tuition fees because of their residence status or close ties to Norway, but they must meet the applicable conditions and submit the required documentation.
2. University of Bergen
Located in the scenic city of Bergen, the University of Bergen offers programs in fields such as the humanities, medicine, science and technology, psychology, social sciences, fine art, music, and design. As at other Norwegian public universities, students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are generally exempt from paying tuition fees.
For students who are required to pay tuition, the university’s published fees for programs open to international applicants range from NOK 197,000 to NOK 401,704 per year for the 2026–2027 academic year.. Tuition rates are adjusted annually, so applicants should confirm the fee for their specific program before applying.
3. UiT The Arctic University of Norway
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: NOK 100,500–351,000/year for most bachelor’s and master’s programs; selected programs are tuition-free or separately priced
Another comparatively affordable university in Norway is UiT The Arctic University of Norway. UiT has campuses across Northern Norway and offers programs in fields such as Arctic studies, marine sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health, the humanities, and the social sciences.
UiT offers several notable tuition exemptions. The Master of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies is exempt from tuition fees, and students admitted to certain joint degrees, including the Master’s in Nordic Urban Planning, are exempt from paying tuition to UiT. Applicants to joint programs should still check whether another partner institution charges fees. UiT’s northern location also supports research on Arctic and upper-atmosphere phenomena, including the aurora.
4. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Established in 1996 through the merger of several institutions, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology has campuses in Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund. It has a particularly strong academic profile in science and technology while also offering programs in the humanities, social sciences, business, health, education, and the arts.
NTNU’s standard annual tuition categories range from NOK 176,300 to NOK 528,650 for 60 ECTS. However, several master’s programs have separate, lower fees, including Childhood Studies and Global Relations and Sustainable Development at NOK 26,445 per year. NTNU does not offer tuition-covering scholarships, discounts, or installment plans.
For international students interested in learning Norwegian, the university offers Norwegian language courses. Eligibility and tuition depend on the applicant category and course level, so students should review the current course information before applying.
5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences
The last university on this list is the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Located in Ås, NMBU focuses on life sciences and sustainability, with programs related to agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, economics, technology, and other fields. For the 2026–2027 academic year, annual tuition is divided into categories of NOK 80,000, NOK 150,000, and NOK 275,000, depending on the program.
Unlike many Norwegian universities whose bachelor’s programs are primarily taught in Norwegian, NMBU offers an English-taught bachelor’s degree in International Environment and Development Studies. It is a three-year, full-time program comprising 180 ECTS.
FAQS About Studying in Norway
What Are the General Requirements to Study in Norway?
To study in Norway as an international student, you must meet the admission requirements for your chosen university and program. The general basis for admission to Norwegian universities and university colleges is the Higher Education Entrance Qualification. Requirements for applicants with foreign education are determined by the country-specific GSU list. Programs may also impose additional academic and language requirements.
Programs in Norway are taught in Norwegian or English. Applicants to English-taught programs normally need to document their English proficiency according to the institution’s requirements, which may include an accepted IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent result. Applicants to Norwegian-taught programs must document the required proficiency in Norwegian or another accepted Nordic language.
Universities may also require certified academic transcripts, certificates, identification documents, and program-specific supporting materials. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who will study in Norway for more than three months generally need a study permit. The permit normally requires full-time admission, confirmed housing, and proof of at least NOK 170,368 for living expenses for the 2026–2027 academic year, in addition to enough money to cover tuition when applicable.
Do Universities in Norway Offer English-taught Programs?
Norwegian is the primary language of instruction for many programs, but Norwegian institutions offer hundreds of programs taught in English. Most English-taught degree programs are at the master’s level, although some bachelor’s programs and shorter study options are also available. Students should review current offerings and language requirements through individual university catalogs.
Norway offers a variety of educational opportunities for international students, but tuition costs vary significantly by institution and program. This list highlights universities with comparatively affordable options for some fee-paying students. In addition to tuition, students should consider the cost of living in Norway. The official estimated living cost is NOK 170,368, excluding tuition and possible costs for transportation, insurance, and permit fees.
We hope this article has narrowed your search for an affordable university in Norway. Check out the Study in Norway Page to read more articles about studying in this Scandinavian country. If you are interested, browse our Available Programs in Europe to search for courses you can enroll in.
