For students in search of a rich, enlightening, and engaging learning experience, Norway’s schools have a lot to offer. Studying in Norway isn’t just a great way to expand your horizons and meet new people. It’s also an opportunity to experience why Norway is one of the happiest places on earth.
Benefitting from everything from amazing healthcare to scenic beauty and a phenomenal standard of living, Norway is a naturally appealing place for all kinds of academics.
However, it’s worth remembering there are a few challenges you’ll need to overcome before you can begin your education. Today, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about studying in Norway, from why you should consider it, to what you’ll need to do to begin taking classes.
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Why Consider Studying in Norway?
As mentioned above, there are various reasons to consider studying in Norway. First and foremost, many students rank Norway as one of the safest and most comfortable places to get an education. Norway is one of the safest places in the world, with an extremely low crime rate.
It’s also a place where you’re likely to be welcomed regardless of which culture or socio-economic group you belong to. Norwegians are friendly and accommodating people, and Norway is home to expats from all over the globe, particularly in major cities like Oslo.
For ambitious students, Norway also offers a number of fantastic opportunities to get involved with startups and new business ventures. Entrepreneurs consider Oslo, in particular to be a major European hub for the technology sector. You’ll likely be able to find endless jobs working with everything from biometric scanner developers to solar panel and sustainable energy companies.
Perhaps most importantly, Norway offers a diverse range of colleges and universities to choose from, despite its modest size. The country is home to some extremely reputable facilities, such as the BI Norwegian Business School, NHH School of Economics, and the University of Oslo.
Opportunities for Students in Norway
As mentioned above, Norway offers a host of opportunities to international students. There are innovative startups and companies who will actively pay to support interns getting their education within the country. Additionally, Norway is a leader in energy, technology, and human rights, making it an ideal place to pursue your education if you’re interested in this area.
If you’re planning on pursuing a career in Norway, the best thing you can do is look for a company to sponsor you. This will make it easier to apply for citizenship in the long-term, and get a work visa. It’s worth noting, however, that many of the companies in Norway won’t hire you unless you can speak Norwegian to a certain extent.
Though many Norwegians do speak English, and courses at universities and colleges are offered in English too, you’ll be expected to learn the local language if you plan on fully integrating yourself into the country’s culture.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Norway?
While the stunning landmarks, friendly communities, and wide range of employment opportunities might be enough to attract many students to Norway, there’s another key reason why many students choose Norway for their education: free tuition.
While there are various costs associated with getting an education in Norway, such as paying for accommodation, applications, and even course books, the majority of public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. If you already live in a European country, you may be able to apply to study in Norway without paying anything. There are also specialist programs available for American students.
Private universities do have tuition costs, but they’re often a lot less expensive than they would be elsewhere in the world. For instance, undergraduate students will pay approximately $7000-$9000 per year for their education. As an added bonus, grants and scholarships are also available for international students planning on studying in Norway.
Though the Norwegian government doesn’t offer individual scholarships, you can find a number of startups throughout the country willing to pay for an employee’s education.
The biggest cost you’ll need to account for when studying in Norway is the cost of living. Although Norway is one of the most affluent countries in the world, it’s also extremely expensive to live in. You can expect to spend up to $450 per month on food alone, as well as $70 per month on public transport.
Most people spend around 12% more living in Norway per month than they would in the US. However, rent is a little cheaper in Norway than in America, depending on which city you choose for your education. It’s worth researching the cost of living in each space before you start your studies.
How to Study in Norway: Step by Step
The journey you’ll take to pursue an education in Norway can vary depending on a number of factors, including what you want to study, and where you currently live. Here are some of the key steps you’ll need to take as an international student.
Choose the right City
The first step in starting your education in Norway, is choosing where you exactly you want to be. For most students, Oslo would usually be the natural choice. As the capital city of Norway, it’s home to a host of different universities and colleges offering a variety of programs. It’s also a fantastic place to find employment opportunities and meet new people.
However, Oslo can also be one of the more expensive places to live while you’re getting your education. It may be worth considering other locations like Bergen if you’re not sure you can afford the cost of living in Oslo. Make sure you evaluate all of the universities available in a space before you commit to a certain location.
Find a University and Program
Next, you’ll need to decide which classes you’re going to take in Norway. The universities throughout the country offer a huge variety of different programs to choose from, focusing on everything from architecture and design to technology and science. Keep in mind, the majority of courses are available in English, but it’s worth double-checking the language before you apply.
When you’re looking for a relevant university and program, it’s also worth finding out whether your chosen institution offers any grant or scholarship support, internship opportunities, and accommodation for students. Remember, the deadlines to apply for most universities will be in June, however international students are advised to apply as early as possible.
Apply for a Permit
Norway will require you to apply for a Residence permit to study in the country, unless you’re a member of an EU/EEA country. If you’re a member of one of these countries, you will need to register upon arrival at your course. If you’re from anywhere else, you’ll need to apply for a visa as soon as you’re accepted into a college course. Most universities and educational institutions will be able to help you with this.
When you apply for a residence permit in Norway, you will also be required to pay a charge, and show you have enough money to live on when in the country. If you’re planning on working in Norway to pay some of your bills, you’ll need to apply for a separate work visa, which can take a lot longer, and be more complex to access.
Invest in Language Tuition
As mentioned above, most of the courses available from universities and colleges in Norway will teach classes in English. However, it’s a good idea to invest in learning the language anyway, as this will help you to earn employment when you’re done with your course. Some universities will offer students a fast-track Norwegian language course, which they can take before they begin their studies.
Other universities and colleges will allow you to take additional language classes alongside your course. If you’re planning on doing this, make sure you have enough time in your schedule to manage both aspects of your study.
Find accommodation
Finally, when you’re studying in Norway, you’ll need somewhere to live. While some colleges and universities have on-site accommodation available, you may not be able to access this as an international student. On average, you can expect to pay a decent amount on food, accommodation, and the overall cost of living when you’re in a major city.
If you’re planning on living outside of a major city to reduce your costs, then you’ll need to make sure you have access to transportation to get to your course each day. Factor this into your calculation when you’re figuring out how much you’re going to spend on your course.
Should You Consider Studying in Norway?
Ultimately, Norway is an expensive place to live, but it’s also a fantastic country for students in search of a phenomenal education. You’ll be able to access some amazing courses, connect with fantastic people, and potentially get your foot in the door of some up-and-coming countries.
If you’re looking for a safe and beautiful place to live and learn, then Norway could be the perfect location for your international studies.
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