Posted by In addition to the list of several countries a student can study for free, we’ve brought to you Norway and we will be showing you a list of various tuition-free universities in Norway.
Norway is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, with a mainland territory that comprises the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
The country has several universities and colleges that offer quality education to both national and international students.
So, without further ado, Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Why Study in Norway?
Norway, Europe’s northernmost country, offers stunning scenery, a high standard of living, and free tuition for international students.
Norway has a low crime rate, low unemployment, and a good welfare system, Norwegians are known for their amusement and kindness.
Norway also offers a diverse range of universities, with Norwegians taking a slightly different approach to tuition.
Requirements for Norway Universities Application
Here is a list of the general requirements for applying to universities in Norway:
- Academic qualifications: Completed secondary education or equivalent
- English language proficiency: Proof of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers
- Entrance exams
- Portfolios
- Letters of recommendation
List of the Tuition-Free Universities in Norway
Below is a list of the tuition-free universities in Norway:
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Nord University
- Østfold University/College
- University of Agder
- Oslo Metropolitan University
- The Arctic University of Norway
- University of Bergen
- University of South-Eastern Norway
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- University of Nordland (UiN)
- University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
- Narvik University/College
- Gjøvik University/College
- Harstad University/College.
15 Tuition Free Universities in Norway
1. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Founded: 1996
- Location: Trondheim, Norway
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is a public research university in Norway, founded in 1996 by the merger of six institutions, including the former Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH).
It is the largest university in Norway in terms of enrollment, with over 40,000 students and more than 8,000 academic and administrative staff. NTNU has three campuses located in Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund.
NTNU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as engineering, natural sciences, technology, social sciences, and the arts. It is known for its cutting-edge research, innovation, and close collaboration with industry partners.
NTNU is tuition-free for all students, including international students. However, foreign students are required to pay a semester fee of $68 every semester, which is used for welfare and academic support for the student.
If you’re interested in studying in Norway, NTNU is a great pick as one of the free tuition universities in Norway for international students.
2. Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Founded: 1859
- Location: Ås, Norway
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is a non-profit institute located in As, Norway.
NMBU has a rich history, starting as a Postgraduate Agriculture College in 1859, then becoming a University College in 1897, and eventually becoming a proper university in 2005.
NMBU offers a wide range of degree courses, including Biosciences, Chemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Landscaping, Economics, Business, Science, Technology, and Veterinary Medicine.
NMBU is Norway’s fifth-best university and is among the free tuition universities for international students. It has an estimated 5,800 students, 1,700 administrative staff, and several academic staff. Moreover, it has the highest percentage of foreign applications worldwide.
NMBU has several rankings and notable alumni, which proves its excellence in education and research.
Although foreign students enjoy tuition-free at NMBU, they are required to pay a semester fee of $55 every semester.
3. Nord University
- Founded: 1892
- Location: Bodø, Nordland, Norway
Nord University is a state university located in Nordland, Trndelag, Norway. It was established in 2016 and has campuses in four different cities, with its major campuses located in Bod and Levanger.
The university has a student population of 11,000, both local and foreign, and offers four faculties and a business school. These faculties are mainly Biosciences and Aquaculture, Education and Arts, Nursing and Health Science, and Social Sciences.
Nord University is publicly sponsored, which makes it tuition-free for all students, including international students. However, international students are required to pay a nominal fee of $85 every semester, which is used to take care of various academic needs.
Additionally, international applicants are required to provide evidence of financial stability.
4. Østfold University/College
- Founded: 1994
- Location: Halden and Fredrikstad, Norway
Østfold University/College, also known as OsloMet, is a public university in Viken County, Norway. It was established in 1994 and has over 7,000 students and 550 employees.
It is among the tuition-free universities in Norway for international students. The university has two campuses, one in Fredrikstad and the other in Halden.
The university has five faculties and a Norwegian Theatre Academy. These faculties are divided into various departments which offer a variety of courses including Business, Social Science, Foreign Language, Computer Science, Education, Health Science, and more.
Østfold University/College is publicly funded, although students pay an annual semester fee of $70.
5. University of Agder
- Founded: 1994
- Location: Kristiansand and Grimstad, Norway
The University of Agder is a tuition-free public university in Norway that was established in 2007. It was formerly known as Agder University College and has several campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad.
The university has over 11,000 students and 1,100 administrative staff. Its faculties include Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Health and Sport Sciences, Humanities and Education, Engineering and Science, and a School of Business and Law.
The university is mostly involved in research, especially in subjects like artificial intelligence, signal processing, European studies, and gender studies.
Although the university does not charge tuition fees, students who are interested in a full-time degree are required to pay an annual semester fee of $93.
6. Oslo Metropolitan University
- Founded: 2018
- Location: Oslo and Kjeller, Norway
Oslo Metropolitan University is a state university located in Oslo and Akershus, Norway. It was established in 2018 and has a student population of 20,000, 1,366 academic staff, and 792 administrative staff.
The university has four faculties: Health Science, Education, International Studies, Social Sciences, and Technology, Art, and Design.
It was formerly known as Stfold University College1. Oslo Metropolitan University has four research institutes and several rankings.
The nominal semester fee for students is $70.
7. The Arctic University of Norway
- Founded: 1968
- Location: Northern Norway
The Arctic University of Norway is the northernmost educational institution in the world, located in Troms, Norway. It was established in 1968 and opened in 1972.
The university has a student population of 17,808 and employs 3,776 staff members. It offers a wide range of degree programs in Arts, Science, Business, and Education.
UiT is the third-best university in Norway and is tuition-free for international students. It is also one of the largest schools in the country, with a significant number of local and foreign students.
However, students are required to pay a minimal semester fee of $73, which covers registration procedures, examination, student card, extracurricular memberships, and counseling.
In addition, students are eligible for discounts on public transportation and cultural events.
8. University of Bergen
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Bergen, Norway
The University of Bergen (UiB) is a public research university located in Bergen, Norway. It was founded in 1946 and is considered the second-best institute in Norway.
UiB has over 14,000 students and several academic and administrative staff.
The university offers a wide range of courses and degree programs in various fields such as Fine Arts and Music, Humanities, Law, Mathematics and Natural Science, Medicine, Psychology, and Social Science.
UiB was ranked 85th in quality education and impact, and it is among the top public tuition-free universities in Norway. The university is publicly funded and tuition-free for all students, regardless of their citizenship. However, every applicant is required to pay an annual semester fee of $65, which helps to take care of the student’s welfare.
9. University of South-Eastern Norway
- Founded: 2018
- Locations: The university has eight campuses located across two Norwegian counties. The campuses are in Bø, Drammen, Horten, Kongsberg, Notodden, Porsgrunn, Ringerike, and Rauland.
The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) is a state institution that was established in 2018 and has over 17,000 students.
It is one of the tuition-free universities in Norway for international students.
USN has eight campuses located in Horten, Kongsberg, Drammen, Rauland, Notoden, Porsgrunn, Telemark B, and Hnefoss, which are the result of a merger between the university colleges of Telemark, Buskerud, and Vestfold.
The university has four faculties: Health and Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, Business, and Technology and Maritime Sciences, which provide twenty departments.
USN students are required to pay an annual semester fee of $108, which includes the expenses of running a student organization, as well as printing and copying.
Postgraduate students may be charged additional fees, depending on the course of study.
10. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- Founded: 2017
- Location: Bergen, Norway
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) is a public educational university that was founded in 2017. It was formed by the merging of five different institutes, which eventually produced five campuses in Bergen, Stord, Haugesund, Sogndal, and Førde.
HVL offers undergraduate and graduate courses in the following faculties: Education and Arts, Engineering and Science, Health and Social Science, and Business Administration.
The university has over 16,000 students, including local and international students.
HVL has a diving school and several research facilities dedicated to Evidence-Based Practice, Education, Health, Kindergarten Knowledge, Food, and Maritime Activity. The university is known for its research in these areas and has a strong focus on practical and applied research.
Although HVL is a free tuition university, an annual fee of $1,168 is required from all students. Students may also be expected to pay additional costs for excursions, field trips, and several activities, depending on the course of study.
11. University of Nordland (UiN)
- Founded: 1994
- Location: Bodø, Norway
The University of Nordland, also known as UiN, was formerly called Bodø University College.
It was established in 2011 as a public university in Bodø, Norway. However, in January 2016, it merged with Nesna University/College and Nord-Trøndelag University/College to become Nord University, Norway.
UiN has approximately 5700 students and 600 staff. It is one of the tuition-free universities in Norway and is a popular choice for international students.
The university offers several degree courses in various departments, ranging from arts to science. With learning facilities spread across Nordland County, UiN is a significant institute for learning, studying, and research in the country.
12. University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
- Founded: 1993
- Location: Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) is a Norwegian state-owned university that was established in 1993.
UNIS is wholly owned by the Ministry of Education and Research, and also by the universities of Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, NTNU, and NMBU which appointed the board of directors. The institute is led by a director appointed by the board for a four-year term.
UNIS offers university-level education in Arctic studies and is involved in research in the same field.
The courses offered fall into four faculties: Arctic biology, Arctic geology, Arctic geophysics, and Arctic technology. As of 2023, UNIS has over 600 students and 45 administrative staff.
Although UNIS is a tuition-free university, foreign students are required to pay a yearly fee of less than $125 to sort out their academic-related expenses.
13. Narvik University/College
- Founded: 1994
- Location: Narvik, Nordland
Narvik University College, also known as Høgskolen i Narvik (HiN), was established in 1994 and is located in Narvik, Norway. The college merged with UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, on January 1, 2016.
Despite being one of the youngest universities in Norway, Narvik University College has a reputation for providing quality education that is highly regarded throughout the country and ranks high in international ratings.
The university offers a wide range of courses, including Nursing, Business Administration, Engineering, and more. These courses are full-time programs, but students are not limited to them, as the university also offers online courses and programs.
The university has approximately 2000 students and 220 employees, including the academy and administrative staff.
Narvik University College is committed to supporting students with financial issues and ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to succeed.
14. Gjøvik University/College
- Founded: 1994
- Location: Gjøvik, Norway
Gjøvik University College, abbreviated as HiG, is a public higher education institute located in Gjøvik, Norway.
It was established on August 1, 1994, and is among the tuition-free universities in Norway. In 2016, it merged with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and was renamed NTNU, Gjøvik, Norway.
The university has an average of 2000 students and 299 staff, including academic and administrative staff.
The university offers its students and staff the opportunity to participate in international exchange programs.
It has a wide range of study facilities, including its library and conducive learning environment and campuses. The university has several national and international rankings, notable alumni, and several faculties scattered into various departments.
15. Harstad University/College
- Founded: 1994
- Location: Harstad, Norway
Harstad University/College is a Norwegian state institute of higher education located in the city of Harstad, Norway.
It was originally established on October 28, 1983, as a høgskole, which was later upgraded to a university on August 1, 1994, after merging three regional høgskoler.
The university has two faculties, namely Business Administration and Social Sciences, and Health and Social Care, which are further divided into several departments.
Harstad University/College is one of the best educational institutes in Norway, known for its high-quality education and impressive infrastructure.
The university has consistently ranked high in the national rating of Norway, which is a remarkable achievement in less than 30 years. The university has a dedicated library and various sports facilities that can come in handy for students.
FAQs
What are the language requirements for international students?
Language requirements vary by university and program. Some programs are taught in English, while others may require proficiency in Norwegian or another language.
What is the duration of study programs in Norway?
The duration of study programs varies. Bachelor's programs are typically three years, while master's programs are often two years.
Can I stay in Norway after graduation to work?
Yes, Norway offers post-graduation work opportunities and various visa options for students to remain and work in the country.
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Conclusion
Norway is a great destination for international students who want to pursue higher education without worrying about tuition fees. In Norway, public universities are fully funded, so students don’t have to pay tuition fees. However, students do have to pay semester fees and their living expenses.
Lest we forget, international students can typically work part-time during their studies, which can help them with the cost of living.
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