The University of Oslo was established in 1811 and is Norway’s oldest university. According to the university’s current facts page, UiO had 27,400 students in 2025. Located in Oslo, the university offers a broad range of study opportunities.
The admission process at the University of Oslo depends on your degree level, citizenship, residence status, and chosen program. Before applying, review the university’s official admission guidance carefully so that you submit the correct documents through the appropriate application system before the relevant deadline.
Admissions Process at the University of Oslo
There is no single application route for every University of Oslo program. Bachelor’s applicants and master’s applicants may need to use different application systems and deadlines. The steps below explain how to approach the process.
Here is how to begin your admission process at the University of Oslo:
Step 1. Do your Research
Begin by reviewing the University of Oslo’s official admission page and the page for your intended program. The application route and requirements depend on the type of study you are applying for. Applicants to programs taught in Norwegian must meet the relevant Higher Education Entrance Qualification requirements. Master’s applicants should review the individual program page because it contains the applicable admission requirements and application instructions.
Step 2. Submit an Online Application
The University of Oslo does not use one application period for all applicants. If you are applying for a bachelor’s degree program, UiO instructs applicants to submit an application through Samordna opptak, the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service.
If you are applying for a master’s degree program and you have citizenship from a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, the University of Oslo states that the application portal opens on October 15 and the application deadline is December 1 for studies beginning the following August. Applicants in other categories should use the university’s master’s admission page and admission guidance to confirm the correct route and deadline.
Step 3. Choose your Course
After identifying the correct application route, select your intended program according to the instructions in the applicable portal. Do not assume that every applicant is restricted to one course or program. Read the individual program page carefully because UiO states that program pages contain the relevant admission requirements and application instructions.
Step 4. Select Accommodation and Save the Application
Accommodation is generally separate from the degree application process. Do not assume that you must choose between on-campus and off-campus housing when submitting your UiO application. Students interested in student housing should review the SiO housing page. SiO accepts student-housing applications throughout the year and sends offers for available housing continuously.
Step 5. Upload Required Documents
Upload the documents requested for your application route and chosen program. The required documentation is not identical for every applicant. For English-taught master’s programs, applicants must document their English proficiency with an accepted test unless they qualify for an exemption. You can also review this guide to language tests in Norway. Bachelor’s applicants applying through Samordna opptak should follow that service’s document instructions. Review the official program page and any country-specific guidance carefully, and submit clear, legible documents before the applicable deadline.
Step 6. Pay the Tuition Fee
Tuition fees do not apply to every student. The University of Oslo states that students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees unless they qualify for an exemption. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the official tuition table lists fees of NOK 24,670 to NOK 30,330 for a 10-credit course at the bachelor’s level and NOK 34,000 to NOK 49,170 for a 10-credit course at the master’s level. Review the university’s tuition exemption page and the current fee table before making a payment.
Tips to Get Into the University of Oslo
The most important way to improve your application is to follow the official requirements for your degree level and chosen program. The University of Oslo does not use one universal checklist for every applicant. Review your program page carefully and make sure that you meet the relevant academic, language, documentation, and deadline requirements.
Tip 1. Earn High Grades and Test Scores
Strong grades may help your application, but the University of Oslo does not state that every applicant must graduate with all A’s. Bachelor’s applicants should confirm that they meet the applicable Higher Education Entrance Qualification and any additional program requirements. Master’s applicants should review the required academic background, English-language requirements, and any required specialization listed for their intended program.
Tip 2. Submit an Impressive Personal Statement
A personal statement is not a universal University of Oslo admission requirement. Submit one only if the page for your intended program specifically requests it. If your program requires a statement, follow its instructions carefully and review these tips for writing a personal statement.
Tip 3. Engage in Meaningful Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities can be valuable experiences, but the University of Oslo’s general admission guidance does not list club membership, leadership positions, rallies, or speaking engagements as universal admission requirements. Prioritize the academic qualifications, language requirements, documents, and deadlines stated on your program page. Include extracurricular information only if your application instructions request it.
To complete the University of Oslo admission process successfully, use the correct application route, review the requirements for your chosen program, submit the required documents before the applicable deadline, and confirm whether tuition fees apply to you.
Hopefully, this article on the admission process and tips for getting into the University of Oslo was informative and helpful. Find more similar articles on the Study in Norway page. Also, if you are interested, check out European courses on the Available Programs in Europe!
