With its significant oil and gas sector and highly developed economy, Norway is one of the wealthiest countries in Europe. Despite its large land area, this northern country is sparsely populated. Norway’s population was about 5.63 million at the end of the first quarter of 2026, and its largest urban settlements include Oslo and Bergen.
The purpose of this article is to highlight Norwegian universities that students often consider when looking for comparatively accessible study options. Since Norwegian universities usually publish admission rules by program rather than one institution-wide acceptance rate, applicants should always verify the requirements for each program.
Norway’s higher education system is organized into four main categories: universities, specialized universities, university colleges/universities of applied sciences, and university colleges with accredited study programs. The official Study in Norway portal currently lists 11 universities, nine specialized universities, and 14 university colleges/universities of applied sciences.
Universities in Norway with High Rates of Acceptance
1. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Norwegian University of Science and Technology is Norway’s largest university and has a main profile in science and technology. It also offers programs in a wide range of academic fields, including the humanities, social sciences, economics, medicine, health sciences, educational science, architecture, entrepreneurship, art disciplines, and artistic activities.
The current NTNU was founded in 1996 after a merger of several institutions, while its academic roots go back much further. A 2016 merger made NTNU Norway’s largest single university, and today it has its headquarters in Trondheim and campuses in Gjøvik and Ålesund.
NTNU does not publish a single institution-wide acceptance rate on its official admissions pages. Admission is program-specific, and the university describes admission to international master’s programs as highly competitive.
2. University of Agder
This is one of the youngest higher education providers in Norway under its current university name. The University of Agder received full university accreditation in 2007 and has campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad. The university has six faculties.
The University of Agder offers several English-taught study options. Examples include Global Development Studies at the bachelor’s level, as well as master’s programs such as Coastal Ecology and Mechatronics. Admissions are program-specific, and no official institution-wide acceptance rate was found.
3. University of Bergen
Founded in 1946, the University of Bergen is an internationally oriented, research-intensive comprehensive university in Western Norway. It has more than 20,000 students and eight faculties, including the University Museum.
The university’s academic roots date to Bergen Museum, which was established in 1825. The Norwegian Parliament established the University of Bergen in 1946, and the university formally opened its academic year in 1948.
If you are planning to study at this university, keep in mind that undergraduate admission generally requires Norwegian-language proficiency, while UiB offers several English-taught master’s programs for international applicants. UiB also notes that admission to its master’s programs is highly competitive.
4. University of Stavanger
The University of Stavanger became a university in 2005. Today, its study portfolio spans areas such as technology and natural sciences, health sciences, social sciences, business and law, humanities, and performing arts.
The university has strong programs connected to energy and petroleum engineering. Current English-taught master’s options include Petroleum Engineering and Energy, Reservoir and Earth Sciences, both structured as two-year master’s programs. Its Faculty of Health Sciences also includes study and practice options in nursing, paramedicine, midwifery, and health science.
No official institution-wide acceptance rate was found for the University of Stavanger. Applicants should check the admission rules for the specific program they plan to apply to; for international master’s programs, UiS generally requires a relevant bachelor’s degree and a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C.
5. Nord University
Next on our list of universities in Norway with high acceptance rates is Nord University. Established in 2016 through a merger, Nord University is a young university with strong regional ties and a global perspective. It has 11,300 students and 1,400 employees at study locations in Bodø, Levanger, Steinkjer, Stjørdal, Mo i Rana, Namsos, Nesna, and Vesterålen.
English-taught offerings have changed over time. Current options include shorter or one-year programs such as Biology, Arctic and Nordic Studies, and English, as well as master’s programs such as Aquaculture within the Master in Biosciences and the Master in Sustainable Production and Utilisation of Marine Bioresources.
The Master in Sustainable Production and Utilisation of Marine Bioresources reflects Nord University’s focus on blue and green growth. The program combines expertise from Norway, Iceland, and Sweden and includes mobility among partner universities.
FAQs: Studying in Norway
Are Universities in Norway Hard to Get Into?
Yes, admissions can be competitive, but selectivity depends strongly on the program, study level, applicant category, and language requirements. Rather than relying on a single national acceptance-rate range, applicants should review each program’s official admission page, including grade requirements, language requirements, documentation rules, and available seats.
Applicants should prepare a strong application and consider more than one program or university. For the top-ranking universities in Norway, some programs may be highly selective. If you choose to apply to universities or programs with strict requirements, make sure to prepare a backup plan.
Which University in Norway Has the Highest Acceptance Rate?
No official source confirms a single Norwegian university with the highest institution-wide acceptance rate. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Agder, University of Bergen, University of Stavanger, and Nord University all evaluate applicants by program and applicant category. Students should compare specific program requirements rather than relying on unofficial acceptance-rate estimates.
Norwegian institutions are known for high academic standards, and many programs can be competitive. Nevertheless, Norway offers a wide range of study opportunities, including English-taught master’s programs and selected English-taught bachelor’s or one-year options. If you are aiming to pursue higher education in the country, review the official program pages carefully and apply to programs that match your academic background and language qualifications.
We hope that this article on universities in Norway with high acceptance rates was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out these Available Courses in Europe for International Students and the various educational opportunities on the Norway Page.
