Nestled among stunning fjords, pristine landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, Norway has become a popular destination for international students seeking a distinctive educational experience. Norwegian is the majority language, while English is widely used in higher education, particularly in programs designed for international students.
Many universities in Norway offer programs taught entirely in English. Regardless of the language of instruction, applicants generally need to document the required language proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption. This article provides an overview of the main language tests that may be required when applying to a university in Norway.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Norway
Norwegian Language Tests for International Students
Norwegian Language Test
The Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills administers the Norwegian Language Test. The test is primarily intended for adults who want to document their Norwegian proficiency and covers levels A1, A2, B1, and B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
At A1 and A2, test takers are expected to understand and use simple, familiar language. At B1, they should be able to understand the main points of clear communication about familiar topics and manage most everyday situations. At B2, they should be able to understand complex or academic texts, participate in conversations with relative fluency, and produce clear, detailed, and well-supported written work.
The A1–B2 test has four parts. The reading test lasts up to 75 minutes, and the listening test lasts approximately 30–60 minutes. The writing test lasts 90 minutes at the A1–A2 and A2–B1 levels and two hours at the B1–B2 level. The oral test normally lasts approximately 20–25 minutes.
Applicants using this test to meet the general Norwegian-language requirement for higher education must normally achieve B2 in reading, listening, writing, and oral communication.
Advanced users can take the separate C1-level Norwegian test. It consists of two integrated parts: listening comprehension and written production, which lasts two hours and 30 minutes, and reading comprehension and oral communication, which includes 30 minutes of preparation followed by a 15–20-minute examination.
In most municipalities, the A1–B2 test is offered four times per year, although not every test center participates in every testing period. The C1 test is offered twice per year. Municipalities set their own A1–B2 test fees; one part often costs NOK 400–1,200, while all four parts often cost NOK 1,500–2,500.
English Language Tests for International Students
Applicants to English-taught degrees generally need to document their English proficiency according to the requirements of the institution and program. Accepted tests and minimum scores can vary considerably, so applicants should check the official admissions page for their chosen program.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized English-language proficiency test used for study, work, and migration. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
The IELTS test evaluates candidates in four key language skills:
- Listening: This section assesses your ability to understand spoken English, including a range of accents.
- Reading: This section measures your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze written texts.
- Writing: This section assesses your ability to organize ideas and express them clearly in written English.
- Speaking: This section evaluates your ability to communicate orally, express opinions, and discuss different topics.
IELTS scores are reported on a scale from 1 to 9, with band 9 representing expert proficiency. Norwegian institutions set different score requirements. For example, the University of Oslo lists an overall IELTS score of 5.0 for the bachelor-level admissions route referenced here. The University of Bergen requires an overall score of 6.5 and at least 6.5 in every component for its English-taught master’s programs. NMBU currently requires an overall score of 6.0 for bachelor’s programs and 7.0 for master’s and PhD programs. Applicants can review additional IELTS requirements at Norwegian universities, but they should always confirm the current score on the university’s official website.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English-language proficiency test administered by ETS and used by universities and other institutions worldwide.
The TOEFL iBT assesses four language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It can be taken on a computer at an authorized test center or, where available and accepted by the applicant’s institution, through the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. ETS states that TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries.
TOEFL iBT scoring changed on January 21, 2026. Current score reports use a 1–6 scale for the four sections and the overall score. During a two-year transition period ending in January 2028, score reports also provide a comparable overall estimate on the former 0–120 scale.
Score requirements differ by institution, degree level, and test date. The Norwegian University of Life Sciences currently lists comparable TOEFL iBT requirements of 80 for bachelor’s programs and 92 for master’s and PhD programs. The University of Stavanger requires an overall score of 4.5 and a writing score of 4.5 for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026. For earlier tests, it requires a total score of 90 and a writing score of 22. Applicants can consult this overview of TOEFL requirements at Norwegian universities, but the university’s current admissions page should be treated as the authoritative source.
3. PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English Academic
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a computer-based academic English test that assesses the speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills of test takers. PTE Academic scores are reported on a scale from 10 to 90.
PTE Academic is accepted by several Norwegian universities, but the required score depends on the institution and level of study. The University of Oslo lists a minimum overall score of 51 for the bachelor-level admissions route referenced here. Its general English-proficiency requirements for English-taught master’s programs are higher, at 62 overall with at least 58 in each component. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology lists a minimum overall PTE score of 51 for general admission, while applicants to international master’s programs must follow the separate requirements for those programs.
From IELTS and TOEFL to PTE Academic and the Norwegian Language Test, these assessments can help applicants demonstrate that they meet the language requirements for higher education in Norway. Because accepted tests, score thresholds, exemptions, and test formats can change, applicants should confirm the current requirements directly with their chosen institution before registering for a test.
We hope that this article on language tests needed in Norway was informative. If you are interested, check out the Study in Norway and Available Programs in Europe!
