History, Affiliations and Rankings

The University of Oslo is Norway’s first and oldest institution for higher education and research that was established in 1811, by King Frederick VI of Denmark. Since its founding year when the University welcomed 18 students, it today has a student population of 26,000+ and has produced 5 Nobel Prize winners to date. As Norway’s leading University, UiO attracts a large amount of foreign population of students and researchers. In fact, research forms a cornerstone of the University’s prestige internationally. The University of Oslo is a member of the European University Initiative Circle U. It is also affiliated with the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA) and the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities. According to Reuters’ magazine, the University of Oslo ranks in the top 100 among Europe’s Most Innovative Universities. It is also a leading world University that ranks #102 in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and #119 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. 

Infrastructure, Campuses, Courses

The University of Oslo has buildings spread out across the city of Oslo, with the main campus at Blindern being located in the western outskirts of the city. There are 8 faculties, namely - Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Theology, Medicine, Dentistry, Educational Sciences and Law - that collectively offer 230+ academic programs and 490+ Doctoral degrees. The Faculty of Law is based in the City Centre campus of Oslo, which was also the original campus of the University, built in the traditional neoclassical infrastructure. In addition, the University also has 2 Museums and 10 Norwegian Centers of Excellence for promoting research-based innovation and entrepreneurship among the students. As a Master’s student at Oslo, you can participate in the “Science Shop,” which is basically an initiative by the University in which the students can write their thesis and research projects in collaboration with select companies/organizations in Norway! On the campus, students will also find 25+ student-friendly cafes and restaurants that serve everything from international cuisines to vegetarian options. 

Accomplishments and Alumni

Recently, the University of Oslo joined hands with the European Life Sciences Network EIT Health, Scandinavia, as an Associate Partner for building on the research innovation projects in Life Sciences. As a globally engaged University, Oslo has strategic partnerships with Universities in the Global South, Europe and Nordic countries, including the likes of the USA, India, and Japan. In all, the University of Oslo has Exchange agreements with 500+ partner universities worldwide. Further, researchers at the Faculty of Medicine at UiO recently developed an AI method to identify new potential medicines for treating Alzheimer’s condition. Since its establishment as Norway’s first University, Oslo has produced five Nobel Prize winners, who are - Fridjof Nansen (Nobel Peace Prize, 1922), Ragnar Frisch (Economic Sciences, 1969), Odd Hassel (Chemistry, 1969), Ivar Giaver (Physics, 1973) and Trygve Haavelmo (Economic Sciences, 1983). Other notable graduates attributed to the University of Oslo are - Yngve Slyngstad (Former CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management), Gro Harlem Brundtland (29th Prime Minister of Norway), Arne Naess (Norwegian Philosopher) among others.

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

The University of Oslo has a student population of 26,450+ enrolled at various levels at the University, who are taught by the 3800+ academic staff. Nearly 15% of the student body comprises the International student population. Also, 31% of the PhD students at Oslo are International students. Gender equality is defined as a strategic matter for the university. The University is committed to having gender equality as a conscious element in all its activities. The University of Oslo attracts top multinational employers to recruit graduates from the University, such as Deloitte, Accenture, SAP Norge, Keystone Education Group, in addition to other local organizations.