Norway’s higher education system follows the objectives of the Bologna Process, and its institutions maintain high standards. Norwegian higher education institutions offer English-taught programs, most of which are at the master’s level. Learn more about the country’s education system.
Studying for a master’s degree in Norway can open up different opportunities. A standard master’s degree is normally a two-year program worth 120 ECTS credits after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Program formats and requirements can vary, so students should review the rules for their chosen field among the most popular programs.
If you want to study for a master’s degree in this Scandinavian country, read on to learn about the process and admission requirements.
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by program and institution. In general, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS credits from an officially recognized and accredited institution. The undergraduate degree must normally include courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study in a subject relevant to the master’s program. Some programs also require a minimum grade average.
Applicants interested in business majors may consider specialized institutions such as the NHH Norwegian School of Economics, which offers a Master in Economics and Business Administration. Applicants should check the requirements for their chosen program and prepare the required academic, language, and identification documents.
Applicants from outside the EU/EEA who plan to study in Norway must generally apply for a student residence permit, also called a study permit. After submitting the application, they must normally wait for a decision before traveling to Norway.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master’s Studies
Programs in Norway may be taught in Norwegian or English. Students applying to a Norwegian-taught program must document the required language proficiency.
Students can apply to English-taught postgraduate programs in Norway. For degrees taught in English, applicants must document their English skills according to the institution’s requirements. Accepted tests and scores vary by institution and sometimes by program. Depending on the institution, proof may include the TOEFL, IELTS, or recognized Cambridge certificates.
Applicants should always check the language of instruction and the program-specific language requirements before applying.
Master’s Degree Application Process
Application procedures vary by institution and program. To apply for a master’s program, students should follow the university application process published by their chosen institution. Universities may use online application portals, and the required documents and deadlines depend on the program and applicant category.
Step 1. Create an Applicant Account on the University’s Website
Applicants should follow the instructions published by their chosen institution. Where the university uses an online application portal, applicants should register an account, select the correct program, and confirm the documents and deadlines that apply to their applicant category.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology uses the Søknadsweb application portal for international master’s applications. Applicants register their applications and upload the required documents in the portal. Students should follow NTNU’s current instructions for their applicant category and program.
Step 2. Upload Requirements
After registering in the university’s online portal, applicants should upload the documents required for their program and applicant category. These may include a passport or other identification document, academic transcripts, and a bachelor’s diploma. Additional documentation may be required.
The University of Oslo states that individual program pages contain information about admission requirements and how to apply. Applicants should follow the instructions for their chosen program.
Step 3. Request for a Student Residence Permit
Applicants from outside the EU/EEA who have received an offer of admission generally need to apply for a student residence permit. The application is completed electronically through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration. During the online process, applicants select the country from which they are applying and receive instructions about where to submit their documents, usually through the responsible embassy or a VFS application center. Information about Norwegian diplomatic missions is available on the official Norway website.
Step 4. Exemptions to the Student Residence Permit
Residence rules depend on citizenship. EU/EEA students who will study and live in Norway for more than three months must register. Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden follow the Nordic rules: if they plan to live in Norway for more than six months, they must report their move to the National Registry and visit a tax office in Norway for ID verification and a change-of-address notification no later than eight days after arrival.
Norwegian institutions continue to offer master’s programs for international applicants. Statistics Norway reported 12,329 international students in Norway in 2024 under its international student mobility definition, which excludes exchange students. Obtaining a master’s degree in Norway can open opportunities in Norway and internationally.
We hope this guide will help with your master’s degree application! For more articles about Norway, head over to the Study in Norway Page. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for international students.
