Norway is known for its high living standards, quality education, and rich cultural heritage. Although it is a relatively small country, students from around the world choose to study there and experience life in Scandinavia. Before the autumn 2023 intake, degree study at Norwegian public higher education institutions was generally tuition-free regardless of nationality.
However, from autumn 2023, degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland have normally had to pay tuition fees at Norwegian public higher education institutions. Exchange students, doctoral candidates, and students participating in certain programs are normally exempt, and other exemptions may apply. International students can also explore permitted employment and other funding options to support their studies. This article explains the main ways to work while studying in Norway.
Ways to Work While Studying in Norway
Below are some common ways for international students to work while pursuing a degree at a Norwegian university. The rules depend on the student’s citizenship and residence status. The 20-hour weekly limit discussed below generally applies to students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who hold a study permit. EU/EEA nationals have the right to work and study in Norway under EEA rules.
1. Work-study Programs
Norwegian universities may offer paid positions that function like work-study opportunities. For example, students may work as mentors, seminar leaders, or assistants in university departments and research projects. These roles can help students build academic skills and gain professional experience in their chosen fields.
Pay depends on the position, the applicant’s qualifications, and the appointment percentage. For example, a University of Bergen vacancy for two 50% research assistant positions listed full-time annual salary scales of NOK 455,000 for bachelor’s students, NOK 470,200 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, and NOK 519,400 for candidates with a master’s degree. Because the advertised jobs were 50% positions, the salaries would be prorated. Students should check each university’s vacancy page for current eligibility requirements, duties, contract duration, salary, and benefits.
2. Part-time Jobs
Getting a part-time job is another common way to work during one’s studies in Norway. Students can search current vacancies on NAV’s Arbeidsplassen or FINN Jobb. Norway does not have a general statutory minimum wage, although mandatory minimum rates apply in certain sectors. For example, as of July 2026, the hospitality-sector minimum starting wage is NOK 204.79 per hour for workers over age 20 or workers over age 18 who have four months of relevant experience. Pay in other jobs depends on the sector, experience, and employment agreement.
Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who plan to study in Norway for three months or longer generally need a study permit. Once the permit is granted, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration normally allows the student to work for up to 20 hours per week, including remote work, and full time during holidays. Students may not begin working before their permit has been granted, and a study permit does not allow them to be self-employed or run a business. EU/EEA and Swiss students follow separate registration rules and can work in addition to their studies. Regardless of immigration status, students should ensure that employment does not interfere with their academic responsibilities.
3. Remote Jobs
Remote work is another option for students in Norway. It can offer flexibility and reduce the need to commute. However, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration treats work performed while physically present in Norway for either a Norwegian or foreign employer as remote work in Norway. Except for EU/EEA citizens and others with applicable work rights, foreign nationals generally need a residence permit that authorizes this work.
For study-permit holders, remote work is included in the weekly 20-hour limit. A study permit also does not allow self-employment or operating one’s own business. International students should manage their time carefully, especially when working with employers in different time zones, so that employment does not disrupt their studies.
FAQs: Working While Studying in Norway
Is there a Work-Study Program in Norway?
Yes, students may find paid university positions that serve a similar purpose to work-study programs, such as mentoring, seminar leadership, student assistantships, and research assistantships. These positions are generally advertised as individual university vacancies, so their eligibility requirements, hours, duties, and salary levels vary.
A separate example of employment integrated with study is the BI Norwegian Business School PhD specialization in Economics. Accepted PhD candidates are hired as full-time employees on initial four-year contracts, with continued support dependent on good standing and regular academic progress. The four-year program reserves 25% of the candidate’s time for teaching and includes parental leave, health insurance, and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
Can You Work in Norway While on A Student Visa?
Yes. The official term used by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration is a study permit rather than a student visa. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who are granted a study permit are normally given automatic permission to work for up to 20 hours per week, including remote work, and full time during holidays. They do not need to submit a separate application for an ordinary part-time work permit.
The 20-hour weekly limit does not apply during holidays, when full-time work is permitted. A student may also apply for permission to work full time during the academic year if the work is part of the student’s education plan. Full-time salaried PhD and research positions are different from ordinary student employment. The Directorate of Immigration states that a researcher with a Norwegian employer must apply for a residence permit as a skilled worker. Students and researchers should therefore follow the conditions stated in their own residence decisions and employment contracts.
What Are the Benefits of Working While Studying in Norway?
One benefit of working while studying in Norway is the opportunity to supplement one’s budget. International students may find it challenging to manage Norway’s cost of living, and earnings from permitted employment can help cover some daily expenses and leisure activities. However, students should not assume that part-time income will cover all tuition and living expenses.
Another advantage of working while studying in Norway is the opportunity to develop professional contacts and become familiar with the country’s workplace culture. This experience may be useful for international students who are considering working in Norway after graduation. It can also help them understand Norwegian workplace expectations before applying for graduate employment.
Working while studying in Norway can give international students additional financial flexibility and valuable professional experience. However, it is important to balance employment with academic responsibilities and comply with the conditions of the applicable residence permit.
We hope this article helps you find a suitable way to work while studying in Norway. To discover a program you can pursue, check out these Available Courses for International Students. You can also visit our Study in Norway guide for more valuable tips and articles about Norway.
