Norway Universities to Consider for Higher Education 

Norway has a well-regarded higher education system. Public universities charge tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland. Fees vary by institution and programme, and living costs are relatively high. For Indian students planning ahead, exploring an education loan for Norway early can help manage the cost of studying in Norway. Programmes are quality-assured by NOKUT, and many universities offer English-taught courses, mainly at Master’s level, along with some Bachelor’s and PhD options.

Universities and Colleges in Norway – Fees Overview

Public universities in Norway set their own tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, with costs varying by subject and institution. Fields such as technology and health sciences generally have higher fees than the humanities. PhD positions are typically funded and do not charge tuition. There are no government-funded scholarships for full-degree international students, and external grants are limited and competitive. For students enrolling in a private university, an education loan may help cover finances.

Disclaimer: All NOK to INR conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate as of February 2026. Actual exchange rates may vary due to market fluctuations. Students are advised to check the latest rates before making financial decisions.

Sources:

• NTNU – Tuition Fees 2025/2026: https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/tuition-fee
• University of Oslo – Tuition Fees 2025/2026: https://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/tuition/
• University of Bergen – Tuition Fees 2025/2026: https://www.uib.no/en/education/49499/tuition-fees-international-students

Universities in Norway

Norway has 11 universities, 9 specialised universities, and 14 university colleges/universities of applied sciences, all quality-assured by NOKUT. The list below covers institutions that offer English-taught programmes.

Sources:

• Study in Norway – Higher Education Institutions: https://studyinnorway.no/higher-education-institutions-norway
• NOKUT – Higher Education Institutions: https://www.nokut.no/en/higher-education/higher-education-institutions/

Why Study in Norway

• Quality-assured higher education: All institutions are accredited and monitored by NOKUT, ensuring consistent academic standards. Degrees are issued within the Bologna Framework and recognised across Europe and internationally.
• Research-led teaching: Norwegian universities are strongly research-oriented, with particular strengths in energy, marine technology, environmental science, and health sciences — fields that align with Norway's key industry sectors.
• Around 350 English-taught programmes: The majority are at Master's level, giving international students a focused and well-defined set of programme options across technology, business, natural sciences, and social sciences.
• Funded PhD positions: Doctoral research positions in Norway are typically advertised as paid jobs. Successful candidates receive a salary, not just a waiver, making Norway a financially viable destination for research-level study.
• Post-study opportunities: Norway's economy in energy, maritime, technology, and health creates genuine employment pathways for graduates. Non-EU students may apply for a residence permit to seek work after completing their degree.
• Safe and stable environment: Norway is consistently rated among the most peaceful and liveable countries globally, with high standards of public safety, healthcare, and student welfare.

Sources:

• Study in Norway – Why Norway: https://studyinnorway.no/why-norway
• Study in Norway – Home: https://studyinnorway.no/

August / September Intake in Norway: How It Works

The fall intake in Norway across all Norwegian universities begins in August or September. This is when the widest range of English-taught Master's and Bachelor's programmes is available.

• Application deadline (primary): At NTNU, the application deadline for most international Master's programmes is 1 December of the preceding year for non-EU/EEA applicants (i.e., 1 December 2025 for an August 2026 start). At UiO, the deadline for non-EU applicants is typically 1 March. Deadlines vary by institution and programme, so the students must check the specific programme page.
• Application portal: Most Norwegian universities use a national or their own admissions portal. Specific instructions are available on each university's admissions page.
• Suitable for: Students who want access to the full range of English-taught programmes and adequate time to arrange a study permit (student residence permit) through UDI (the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) after receiving an admission offer.
• Study permit / visa: Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a student residence permit with UDI. As part of this process, students must document financial capacity to cover living costs for the academic year; UDI requires proof of at least NOK 166,859 (approx. ₹13,13,180) for the 2025/2026 year. Tuition fees must generally be paid before the residence permit application is confirmed.

Sources:

• NTNU – Admission: https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/imp/how_to_apply
• University of Oslo – Tuition and Admission: https://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/
• Study in Norway – Cost and Requirements: https://studyinnorway.no/cost-and-requirements

January Intake in Norway: How It Works

A January intake exists at some institutions for specific programmes only. It is not a broad system-wide intake. The majority of English-taught Master's programmes in Norway begin in August/September.

• Availability: Students should check individual university admissions pages or the Study in Norway programme search to confirm which, if any, programmes at their target institution accept January entry.
• Suitable for: Students who missed the August intake, need additional time to prepare applications or funding documentation, or are specifically applying to one of the few programmes with a confirmed January start.
• Not standard: Do not assume January availability. Confirming directly with the institution's admissions office before beginning the visa or financial documentation process is essential.

Sources:

• Study in Norway – Study Opportunities: https://studyinnorway.no/study-opportunities
• Study in Norway – Cost and Requirements: https://studyinnorway.no/cost-and-requirements

Student Cities in Norway

Sources:

• Study in Norway – Higher Education Institutions: https://studyinnorway.no/higher-education-institutions-norway
• Study in Norway – Map: https://studyinnorway.no/map

MBA Universities in Norway

Sources:

• NHH Norwegian School of Economics: https://www.nhh.no/en/education/
• Norwegian Business School (BI): https://www.bi.no/en/programmes/
• NTNU – Tuition Fees and Programmes: https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/tuition-fee

Engineering Universities in Norway

Sources:

• NTNU – Tuition Fees: https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/tuition-fee
• University of Stavanger – Admissions: https://www.uis.no/en/studies
• Study in Norway – Higher Education Institutions: https://studyinnorway.no/higher-education-institutions-norway

MS Universities in Norway

Sources:

• NTNU – Tuition Fees: https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/tuition-fee
• University of Oslo – Tuition Fees: https://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/tuition/
• University of Bergen – Tuition Fees: https://www.uib.no/en/education/49499/tuition-fees-international-students
• Study in Norway – Higher Education Institutions: https://studyinnorway.no/higher-education-institutions-norway

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