Norway’s higher education system offers applicants a wide range of programs and courses in Norwegian and English. Norwegian higher education institutions offer around 350 study programs taught in English. Most are at the master’s level, although some bachelor’s-level and shorter programs are also available.
Those who plan to go to Norway with the goal of earning a degree can explore full-degree and exchange opportunities. Students may also have opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation and take part in student activities, depending on the institution and location. Prospective students should compare the official requirements for each program before applying to universities in Norway.
Universities in Norway with Low Rates of Acceptance
1. University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest university. It was founded in 1811 and offers study opportunities at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Most bachelor’s programs are taught in Norwegian, while students can also find master’s programs and individual courses taught in English.
The University of Oslo has eight faculties: Theology, Law, Medicine, Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Dentistry, Social Sciences, and Education. Applicants should review the requirements for the specific program they are considering because admission criteria vary by program. Prospective students comparing subject options in Norway can also explore resources on law, medicine, and business.
2. UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
UiT The Arctic University of Norway, formerly known as the University of Tromsø, was established in 1968 and opened to students in 1972. It is a multidisciplinary university with a strong focus on Northern Norway and the High North. UiT currently offers around 27 master’s programs taught in English and two English-taught one-year programs. It does not currently offer bachelor’s programs taught in English.
UiT has developed through several mergers. Its main campuses are in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik, and Harstad, with smaller departments in Mo i Rana, Hammerfest, and Kirkenes.
UiT offers study programs across a broad range of fields, including health, science, technology, education, social sciences, humanities, fine arts, economics, fisheries, biosciences, and law. Applicants should consult the current study catalog for the latest options.
3. Nord University
Nord University was established on January 1, 2016, through a merger of the University of Nordland, Nesna University College, and Nord-Trøndelag University College. Its official facts page lists 11,300 students and 1,400 employees.
The university has study locations in Bodø, Levanger, Steinkjer, Stjørdal, Mo i Rana, Namsos, Nesna, and Vesterålen.
Nord University focuses on blue and green growth, innovation and entrepreneurship, and welfare, health, and education. It also highlights research communities in aquaculture, biosciences, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
4. University of Stavanger
The University of Stavanger was granted university status in 2004. Before that, it was known as Stavanger University College. The university’s official 2025 figures list 13,647 students, 1,704 full-time-equivalent employees, and five PhD programs.
The University of Stavanger offers exchange opportunities to students enrolled at partner institutions. Inbound exchange students should follow the university’s application instructions and nomination process. The arrangement is not limited to students from US partner universities.
Students interested in Norwegian-taught degree programs can consider the university’s Norwegian Language and Culture program, known as NORINT. This intensive one-year program requires at least A2-level Norwegian. After successfully completing the course and passing the final exam, students meet the Norwegian language requirement set by the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service.
5. University of Bergen
The University of Bergen is an internationally oriented, research-intensive university. It was founded in 1946 and has roots dating back to the establishment of Bergen Museum in 1825. The university’s official history page lists around 21,000 students and 4,400 employees.
The University of Bergen offers programs across a broad range of fields, including fine art, music and design; health and psychology; history, philosophy and religion; information technology and media; languages, literature and culture; law, economics and administration; natural sciences; ocean, climate and energy studies; society and politics; teacher training and pedagogy; and technology and engineering.
As you can see, universities in Norway offer many study options for prospective applicants. The estimated acceptance rates above provide a general indication of selectivity, but they should not be treated as official institution-wide figures or as a definitive ranking of Norway’s most selective universities. Admission requirements and competition vary by program, so applicants should compare the requirements, deadlines, and available places for the specific programs they are considering.
We hope that this article on universities in Norway with low acceptance rates was helpful. Make sure to check out the Study in Norway guide and the various available programs for international students if you are interested in studying abroad.
