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.
Norway is known for its expensive everyday life, but regarding education, there is no tuition fee for local and international students at public universities. 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.
The Application Requirements for Applying for a Master’s in Norway
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 time, but that depends on the student visa application form. The students can continue their studies in Norway if their student visas are approved.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Master’s Degree Language Requirements in Norway
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 do it in the English language. The requirements are that the student should have a good understanding and control of the English language. The requirement is for international language tests and certificates such as the TOEFL test. The required score is above 500 for a paper-based test and above 170 for a computer-based test.
The universities in Norway also recognize Cambridge certificates as valid proof of language control. There are universities or courses where English is not acceptable, so the language of instruction is Norwegian, and the student is required to document their level of language control with official language test scores. If a student does not possess this certificate, he may attend a language course in Norway to acquire it.
How to Apply for Master’s Programs 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, in order to study for your Master’s at a Norwegian university, you 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.
1. Create an international 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 list of the documents that are requested and the criteria that are needed to enroll in master’s degree studies. After meeting the enrollment criteria, the students can choose their preferred field and the language they want for their studies.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has an easy account creation process, where students can find every requirement throughout the process. In the event of difficulties with the application process, they provide online or physical live communication with university staff.
2. Upload the documents to the university website.
The students will see information regarding the required documents after creating an international applicant account on the university website. The documents required can change between different universities. Identification documents with personal information regarding your nationality will be the same for all universities. Other documents required by universities are grade transcripts and an official copy of your bachelor’s degree. 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
Students should already be accepted in an area of study so that they can be allowed to apply for a student residence permit so they can study in 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 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. Exceptions to the student residence permit
There are some exceptions 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 that education in this country is free. Norway’s universities have over 25,000 international students. After years of Master’s studies in Norwegian universities, graduates climb the world stage with their skills, so take your chance and become a part of their prestigious education system.
5. Prepare your finances
Once admitted, you will be required to pay your tuition fees. The currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone and other than the tourist sites, no one accepts the Euro. It is advised that you get a local bank account before you move to Norway. As an international student, the best bank you can use is Wise. You can get a local bank account in Norway from the comfort of your home through Wise. Not only do they provide the best currency conversion rates, but they also offer a multi-currency account completely free of charge. Make your Wise account today and enjoy the convenience of managing your finances from anywhere in the world!
I hope this article on the requirements and application steps for Master’s studies in Norway is helpful! Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
