IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in Norway

Norway is a country in Northern Europe that has consistently ranked among the top countries for the highest standards of living, prosperity, quality of the environment, and high job availability. With the fourth-highest per-capita income in the world, Norway is considered one of the wealthiest countries across the globe. 

Apart from the qualities mentioned above, Norway is also famous for its high-quality educational standards and for its belief in the idea of dispensing free education to all students, local or international. Many foreign students choose Norway because of its affordable tuition fees and excellent academic performance.

Now, if you’re planning to study here, one of the things you should meet is the English requirements, especially if you’re taking an English-taught program. To help you with this, we listed some  Norwegian universities and their IELTS band requirements. We hope that this will help you during your process of applying to Norway! 

Can You Study in Norway Without IELTS?

Yes! You can study in Norwegian universities without an IELTS score under certain conditions. First, if your previous education is taught in English, you need to present proof or a certificate that you have taken an English-taught program.

Some universities in Norway also accept other English proficiency test results like TOEFL. Before preparing for an English proficiency test, kindly know your test options. You can look for the language requirements under the admission section of a university’s website.

Check Also: Available Programs in Europe for International Students

How Many IELTS Bands are Needed in Norweigan Universities?

The IELTS scores depend on the university. Usually, it ranges from 5.0 to 7.0, and some universities have different required IELTS scores per degree. For example, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences requires undergraduate applicants a score of 6.0. On the other hand, the needed score for graduate studies is 7.0.

If you’re planning to apply in Norway, know your university options and check their language requirements. With this, you’ll be able to prepare thoroughly for your exams. In the article below, we listed down some Norweigan universities and their required IELTS scores. Make sure to read more!

Norway Universities’ IELTS Band Requirements

International English Language Testing System or IELTS is an internationally recognized English proficiency exam that non-native English speakers are required to take to prove their level of proficiency in English. An IELTS result is denominated in bands from 1 to 9 with an increment of 0.5. Moreover, an IELTS report card is valid only for two years.

Most universities in Norway offering degree programs in the English language require IELTS test scores, although the minimum IELTS band requirement varies with each university. Let’s take a look at some of these universities and their IELTS band requirements.

1. University of Oslo

• IELTS band requirement: minimum total score of 6.5.
• Admissions
• Tuition Fee Page
• Scholarships Page

Located in the capital city of Norway, The University of Oslo is the oldest university in Norway, founded in 1811. The University of Oslo has eight faculties: Theology, Law, Medicine, Humanities, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Dentistry, Social Sciences, and Education. The university offers more than 800 courses in English, with 40 Master’s degree programs. This esteemed university has produced four Nobel laureates. The university is also home to almost 28000 students as well as 3700 academic staff members. The university has consistently ranked among the top global universities. The Times Higher Education has ranked the University of Oslo at the 131^st spot on its list of global university rankings.

2. University of Bergen

• IELTS band requirement: minimum 5.0.
• Admissions
• Tuition Fee Page
• Scholarships Page

Norway’s second-oldest public university, the University of Bergen, was founded in 1946. Today, the university has more than 15000 students and almost 1200 academic staff.  11% of students at the University of Bergen are international. The following areas of study are taught at the University of Bergen: natural sciences, social sciences, psychology, humanities, arts, law and mathematics, medicine, and dentistry. The University of Bergen has been ranked as the 163^rd best university in the world by the 2020 QS World University Ranking. To enroll in this university in Norway, you need at least an IELTS Band of 7.

3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

• IELTS band requirement: minimum score of 6.5.
• Admissions
• Tuition Fee Page
• Scholarships Page

Founded in 1966, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology is a public research university in Norway. It is the largest university in Norway, with over 39000 students and over 8000 administrative and academic staff. The university is particularly famous for engineering, natural sciences, and technology studies. Almost 10% of students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology are international students. More than 30 master’s programs are taught in English at the university. The university was ranked at 359^th spot on the 2020 QS World University Ranking.

4. University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway

• IELTS band requirement: minimum score of 6.5.
• Admissions

UIT – The Arctic University of Norway is the world’s northernmost university. Due to its strategic location, the university has been at the forefront of research in climate change and the environment. The university specializes in the polar environment, climate research, telemedicine, medical biology, and fishery science. Despite the freezing winters, the university is home to almost 17000 students, with over 10% coming from outside Norway. The university was founded in 1968 and is the largest research university in northern Norway.

5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences

• IELTS band requirement: Minimum 6 for Bachelor; min. 7 for Master and Ph.D.
• Admissions
• Tuition Fee Page
• Scholarships Page

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences is a public research university in Norway. It was founded in 1859 and is the 2^nd oldest educational institution in Norway. Currently, it is home to around 5000 students collectively. Besides, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences is the only university in Norway that offers degree programs in veterinary education.

6. BI Norwegian Business School

• IELTS band requirement: Minimum 6.5.
• Admissions

BI Norwegian Business School is Norway’s biggest business school and the second biggest in all Europe. It was founded in 1943 and currently employs almost 900 staff. Besides, it is home to almost 19000 students. It is located in Oslo, the capital city of Norway. It is the primary supplier of managerial and economic skills in Norway with alumni comprising 200,000 students. To submit your application to BI Norwegian Business School, an IELTS Band of 6.5 is required.

7. Norwegian School of Economics

• IELTS band requirement: Minimum 6.5.
• Admissions

The Norwegian School of Economics is Norway’s oldest business school, founded in 1936. It is located in the city of Bergen, Norway. Since its inception, the university has been a pioneer in research and innovation in Norway in the field of business administration. Currently, it is home to more than 3200 students. Besides, the Norwegian School of Economics has an acceptance rate of just 10.8%, making it one of the most sought-after universities in the country. 

 

I hope that this article on Norway Universities’ IELTS Band Requirement was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!