Norway is a highly advanced country with a rapidly developing education system. It is not usually known as an international attraction for students, but this is changing due to the unique experiences offered in different professional fields. Norway has many universities on the world university list, which provides the universities in this country with prestigious names.
Studying for a master’s degree in Norway opens different opportunities. The most popular programs are those that need one year or two years to complete. The duration of studies depends entirely on the previous bachelor’s degree and the credits that are a part of that degree. The programs that are a part of the universities in this country are the cornerstone of formal education in Europe.
If you want to study master’s in this Scandinavian country, read on to learn about the process and admission requirements.
Admission Requirements When Applying for a Master’s Degree
The application process and requirements to study at the postgraduate level in Norway are very straightforward. It all starts with the verification of the previous education degree. A bachelor’s degree should be accepted by universities as a valid degree that is compatible with or similar to master’s degree studies.
Most universities in Norway are focused on a particular field of study. If students want to apply for business majors, the best option would be the NHH-Norwegian School of Economics. If the bachelor’s degree is suitable for further studies, the student can follow up the application process with the necessary language and identification documents.
The application process does not take a lot of time, but that depends on the student visa application. Students whose student visas are approved can enter the country and start their educational journey.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master’s Programs
Norwegian is the official language in this country, and this language is used in formal education. English is a foreign language with a high value in everyday life.
If you plan to study postgraduate programs at universities in Norway, it’s possible to enroll in English track programs. The requirements are that the student should have a good understanding and control of the English language. International language tests and certificates such as the TOEFL or IELTS are mostly accepted. Universities in Norway also recognize Cambridge certificates as valid proof of language competency.
Remember that there are universities or courses where the medium of instruction is Norwegian. If you are fluent and can communicate in the local language, then you can apply for a Norwegian-taught program.
Steps to Apply for a Master’s Degree in Norway
Norway has a straightforward application process. This country does not have a central or united application process set up by the country or the Ministry of Education. So, to apply for a master’s program, aspiring students need to follow the university application process. Students apply to the desired university directly without any third-party administrators. The application process usually has three to four steps that may require different documents or information regarding your field of study.
Step 1. Create an applicant account on the university’s website
Most universities in Norway require students to create an online account specifically for international students. In this account, they will find the eligibility criteria and the list of required documents. If they are eligible, the students can then choose their preferred field of study and language of instruction.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has an easy account creation process, where students can find every requirement throughout the process. The admissions committee provides online or physical live communication with university staff to further guide and assist prospective students.
Step 2. Upload requirements
Applicants will be provided information regarding the required documents after registering to the online portal. The. list of requirements may differ among universities, however, you need to prepare general documents such as identification documents with personal information regarding your nationality, academic transcripts, and bachelor’s diploma.
The University of Oslo accepts documents online, physically, and in English or Norwegian. This university offers clear instructions related to the requirements regarding documents, and it is very lenient towards countries with similar education systems.
3. Request for a student residence permit
Once a student has received an acceptance letter, then the next step is to apply for a student residence permit so they can be allowed to enter Norway. After obtaining your acceptance letter from the university, contact your nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate for details on the study permit application process and apply from your home country. Norwegian embassies are mostly located in the capital cities, or you can find consulates in other major cities. Information regarding the locations of embassies can be accessed on the official Norway website.
4. Exemptions to the student residence permit
Some countries do not need visas to study in Norway. Students from Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark do not need one, but they need to register as inhabitants of Norway after six months. This process takes place in the tax office in Norway, where they are required to provide all their identification documents.
The interest in studying in Norway is increasing every day, and one of the main reasons for this increase in international students is top-quality education. The international student population is more than 25,000+ as of the current. Moreover, obtaining a master’s degree in Norway will open many opportunities – in your home country, Norway, or even in other countries!
We hope this guide will help with your master’s degree application! For more articles about Norway, head on over to the Study in Norway page! Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for international students!
