One of the three quaint and quiet Scandinavian countries, Norway is located in northern Europe with a vast coastline along the north Atlantic ocean. The country has a small population of only 5 million but is rich in resources. As such, international students can study in Norway at minimal to zero tuition charges. As a knowledge country in need of highly-skilled professionals, the Norwegian nation welcomes a significant international student population every year. It is home to 9 universities, 8 university colleges, 5 scientific state-owned colleges and a number of private institutions that offer high-quality education, exposure and professional capacity to students. Pursuing a master in Norway as an international student can be a safe career investment as degree programs in certain Norwegian universities are globally recognized. If you are looking for affordable study abroad destinations with a life close to Nature, then here is everything you need to know about masters in Norway.
No. of International Students | 23,000+ |
Courses Offered | Arts and Humanities, Business, Global Studies, Sciences and Engineering |
Course Duration | 1.5 – 2 years |
Eligibility Criteria | A Bachelor’s Degree in related discipline |
Test Scores | IELTS – 5.5, GMAT/GRE – No Minimum Score |
This Blog Includes:
Why Study Masters in Norway?
Norway ranks #13 in the US News survey of the best countries in the world. Rooted in the ideals of modernity, equality and egalitarianism, the country is an international student’s dream study abroad destination. From offering a comfortable lifestyle and high quality of education, the Norwegian society offers plentiful opportunities for social integration, both on and off-campus for international students studying or working in the country. There are more reasons to study in masters in Norway:
- Globally Recognized Programs: Universities in Norway follow the Bologna process which includes the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTA). This makes the master’s degree programs in Norway more compatible with the European framework and therefore, recognized worldwide.
- High Quality of Life: Norway is a small, peaceful country with plenty of space. It has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and has the highest standard of living. Ranked as one of the best countries to live in the world, Norway also features high literacy rates, material wealth and cultural freedom.
- You Can Study in Norway for Free: Norway is a small country rich in resources. This is one of the reasons why public universities in Norway do not charge any tuition fees for students to obtain a master’s degree. International students can therefore study in Norway for free but will have to finance the extremely expensive living costs.
- Nature is the Country’s Highlight: Norway is a natural paradise with high cliffs, mountains, the midnight sun and the infamous Aurora Borealis, the northern lights. Students can simply experience serene nature with clean air, fresh water and no crowd, giving them an atmosphere perfectly conducive to learning.
- Norway is Deep-Seated in Culture: Norway has a strong sense of culture and tradition with the arts, drama, music and literature of Norway being renowned worldwide. The country has produced several cultural and literary icons such as Henrik Ibsen, and Edvard Munch that are considered influential even today. Students of Arts and Humanities can, therefore, get the unique opportunity to study the cultures of the land by living in it.
Also Read: Study in Norway – A Gateway to Success
Popular Masters Programs in Norway
Norwegian universities offer 2-year postgraduate programs in a range of disciplines. From Arts, Humanities, Design, Business, to Engineering, international students can choose from more than 200 masters in Norway. The following are the top courses taken up by international students who choose Norway as their study abroad destination:
- Masters in Classical Studies
- Masters in Informatics: Robotics and Intelligent Systems
- Masters in Music, communication and Technology
- Masters in Viking and Medieval Norse Studies
- Masters in Leadership and Change
- Masters in Finance
- Masters of Science in Business
- BI-Fudan MBA Program
- Executive Masters of Management in Energy
- Masters in Global Health
- Masters in Digital Culture
- Masters in Design
- Masters in Public Administration
- Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Masters in Globalization and Sustainable Development
Top Universities for Masters in Norway
The universities in Norway are globally acclaimed and feature in reputed world league tables. Check out the best universities for masters in Norway with their global rankings:
University | QS World University Rankings 2022 | THE World University Rankings 2022 |
University of Oslo | 102 | 119 |
University of Bergen | 199 | 201-250 |
Norwegian University of Science and Technology | 369 | 401-500 |
University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway | 440 | 351-400 |
BI Norwegian Business School | – | – |
Norwegian University of Life Sciences | – | 601-800 |
University of Stavanger | – | 401-500 |
NHH Norwegian School of Economics | – | – |
Also Read: Universities in Norway
Entry Requirements
Although admission requirements for applying to a master’s course in Norway are set by specific universities, there is certain minimum eligibility criterion that must be met for securing admission to a masters in Norway:
- A Bachelors’ degree of minimum 3 years full-time
- Minimum 1.5 years of study in the selected subject area
For Master’s courses in the English language, international students are also required to show proof of English Language Proficiency. The following are the accepted test scores:
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 500 for a paper-based test, 170 for a computer-based test or a minimum of 60 for internet-based test.
- IELTS with a minimum score of 5.0. (varies for universities)
Application Process
The application process takes place over a period of time and begins months before the commencement of classes. You can call our Leverage Edu experts on 1800 572 000 to find out how the application process can be fast-tracked and streamlined to UK! Here’s an easy 5-step process to complete your application process for masters in Norway:
- Call our experts on 1800 572 000 to start your application process through our one dashboard platform
- Compile all your documents like SOPs, essays, certificates and LORs and exam scores like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc
- Meet all the applications deadlines and start the application process for accommodation, students visa, and scholarships/student loans
- Accept the offer letter and meet your teachers, college mates and roommates virtually
- Get your visa approved and fly to your dream university!
Documents Required
- All official academic Transcripts and grade cards
- Passport size photographs
- Passport photocopy
- Visa
- Updated CV/Resume
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- Letter of Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
Cost of Study & Living in Norway
Cost of Studying in Norway (1 year) | INR 7 – 16 Lakhs |
Cost of Living in Norway (1 year) | INR 10- 17 Lakhs |
Studying abroad can be an expensive affair, but not in Norway! Public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees from international students. Through various fellowship programmes, scholarship schemes or student loans, foreign students can secure funding for the full duration of their degree program in Norway or for a limited number of semesters.
While the tuition fees in the country are non-extent, the living costs can be extremely expensive to meet for international students. Students are expected to have a budget of at least NOK 11,000 per month (INR 90,875) to cover their expenses while living in Norway. This budget includes accommodation, transport, groceries, food and eating out and social life. It is common for international students in Norway to take up part-time employment at a maximum of 20 hours/week throughout the duration of their study permit.
Popular Scholarships for Masters in Norway
- BI Presidential Scholarship – Awarded to meritorious students with a minimum GPA of A on the ECTS scale, this scholarship covers full tuition fees for the two years of the program along with a stipend to cover living expenses.
- Master of Science International Scholarship – This scholarship is offered to international students admitted to MSc programs at BI International Business School. The award varies and may cover full or partial tuition fees for the first year of study, or for the entire duration of the program.
- Master of Science International Scholarship Bergen – This scholarship is offered to international students admitted to MSc programs at BI International Business School, Bergen campus. The award varies and may cover full or partial tuition fees for the first year of study, or for the entire duration of the program.
- A. Wilhelmsen Foundation Scholarship Program – This scholarship includes an amount of NOK 150,000 (INR 12.41 lakhs) and is awarded to international students admitted to MSc programs at BI Norwegian Business School, based on their previous academic record, ambitions, previous experiences and financial need.
Also Read: List of Scholarships in Norway for International Students
Student Visa to Study in Norway
International students planning to take up master’s in Norway will require a Student Residence Permit. The following are the requirements for getting a Norwegian student visa to study in Norway:
- You are accepted to a university or college in Norway
- You are enrolled in a full-time degree program
- You have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, wherever applicable, and at least NOK 126,357 (INR 10.42 lakhs)
Note: With the student residence permit in Norway, an international student would be able to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours/week.
Also Read: Norway Visa for Indians
FAQs
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Norway from public universities in Norway is free of cost or is reimbursed via tuition fee waivers. However, private Norwegian universities charge a considerable tuition fee for both Bachelor’s and Master’s courses.
Public universities in Norway do not charge any tuition cost. However, private universities in Norway charge an average of 7-15 lakhs.
Yes, students with a residence permit in Norway of at least 3 years can settle to study or work in Norway indefinitely. They must apply for a PR before their current permit expires. With the Residence Permit, students can stay in Norway for up to 1 year after the completion of their degree program, but it does not qualify them for permanent citizenship.
Yes, Norway offers a PR to international students provided they already possess a Residence Permit of at least 3 years in the country.
Are you planning to study masters in Norway? Connect with our experts at Leverage Edu for end-to-end assistance from application to Visa process. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to kickstart your study abroad journey today!