Norway offers around 350 higher education programs taught in English, most of which are at the master’s level. International students can choose from universities and university colleges located throughout the country.
Norway also placed sixth in the 2026 World Happiness Report, making it one of the highest-ranked countries for self-reported well-being. However, tuition and living costs can be substantial. What does it cost to study and live in Norway as an international student? Let’s examine the main expenses.
Costs of Studying in Norway
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Tuition in Norway depends on the institution, degree level, and study program. Degree-seeking students from outside the EU, European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland normally pay tuition, although exemptions apply to certain groups. Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition at public institutions, as are doctoral candidates and eligible exchange students.
The following table summarizes published annual tuition rates for fee-paying students. Unless otherwise stated, the figures are for the 2026–27 academic year and are based on a full-time study load of 60 ECTS credits.
| NORWEGIAN INSTITUTION | ANNUAL UNDERGRADUATE TUITION | ANNUAL GRADUATE TUITION |
|---|
| University of Oslo | NOK 148,020–181,980 | NOK 204,000–295,020 |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology | NOK 176,300–528,650 | NOK 26,445–528,650, depending on the program and subject category |
| Østfold University of Applied Sciences | NOK 141,000–166,000 in the latest published fee list | NOK 204,000–280,000 in the latest published fee list |
| University of Agder | NOK 47,000–55,000 for listed English-taught programs | NOK 63,000–135,000 for listed English-taught programs |
| University of Bergen | No general undergraduate rate is listed for applicants applying from abroad | NOK 197,000–401,704 |
Østfold University of Applied Sciences’ official English-language fee page still labels its published figures as 2025 rates. Applicants should therefore confirm their exact 2026–27 tuition in their admission offer or directly with the institution. Tuition at all institutions may be adjusted annually.
In addition to tuition, students should budget for a semester fee of approximately NOK 1,000 per semester, books and academic supplies, housing, food, transportation, insurance, and personal expenses. Exact charges vary by institution and program.
Costs of Living in Norway
Norway’s official study portal estimates that a student needs at least NOK 15,488 per month, or NOK 170,368 for the academic year, to cover living costs. Students from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland generally need to document sufficient funds when applying for a study permit. Actual spending depends on the city, housing arrangement, and lifestyle.
1. Oslo
Oslo is the capital of Norway and one of the country’s main student destinations. Housing is usually one of the largest expenses. For leases beginning in August 2026, published SiO student-housing examples include furnished shared rooms costing approximately NOK 5,360 to NOK 6,192 per month.
Private rentals and self-contained apartments may cost more. Students should use the national estimate of NOK 15,488 per month as a starting point when budgeting for housing, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses.
2. Bergen
Living costs in Bergen are also relatively high. As of 2026, the University of Bergen lists monthly rent at Fantoft student housing at approximately NOK 3,800 to NOK 8,800. The rent includes internet, water, and heating, while electricity is paid separately.
Students must also budget for food, transportation, semester fees, books, stationery, and personal expenses. Costs can be reduced by applying for student housing early, borrowing books from the library, using student discounts, and cooking at home.
3. Trondheim
Trondheim offers several student-housing options. According to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the cheapest single rooms in Sit student housing start at approximately NOK 4,300 per month plus utilities. Students are advised to budget at least NOK 5,500 per month for rent and utilities.
Food, transportation, textbooks, and other expenses are additional. Because costs vary considerably by lifestyle and housing arrangement, students should plan around the national monthly estimate rather than using fixed figures for food or books.
4. Tromsø
Tromsø can also be expensive, particularly when student housing is limited. UiT The Arctic University of Norway advises students to apply for housing early and notes that some students may need to use the private rental market during the fall semester.
UiT estimates that students typically spend approximately NOK 3,500 to NOK 5,500 per month on groceries and food. Monthly public-transport passes generally cost about NOK 450 to NOK 700, depending on age, location, and ticket type. Housing and other personal expenses must be added to these amounts.
5. Kristiansand
Kristiansand offers cultural events, coastal recreation, and student services through the University of Agder and the local student welfare organization, SiA. The University of Agder’s living-cost guide lists SiA student housing from approximately NOK 3,760 per month.
SiA states that electricity and internet are included in its student-housing rent and that no deposit is required. Students must still budget separately for food, transportation, books, semester fees, and personal expenses, using the national living-cost estimate as a general guide.
Norway can be a strong academic choice for international students, but it is not uniformly inexpensive. Tuition eligibility, program fees, housing costs, and available funding should all be researched carefully before accepting an offer.
We hope this article has clarified the current cost of studying and living in Norway so that you can prepare an appropriate budget. In addition to estimating your expenses, you should research the admission process, scholarship opportunities, study-permit requirements, and other relevant information. To learn more, visit our Study in Norway and Available Courses for International students!
