Updated at: 07-04-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

Norway, also known as the Kingdom of Norway, is a mountainous country in Northern Europe. The majority of its people live in the southern half of the country, while the Sami inhabit the northern half. The country enjoys a high standard of living thanks to its position as a top exporter of petroleum. It is also one of the world’s most beautiful and secure nations.

Norway has a rich literary tradition, which includes the preservation of folklore and storytelling practices. The numerous festivals celebrated in Norway are always joyful and brightly decorated. Its long, rocky coastlines, fjords, polar bears, Northern Lights, and midnight sun are what bring most tourists to Norway. This piece will examine the top Norwegian educational institutions for foreign students.

Best Universities In Norway

Best universities in norway

University of Oslo

Since its founding in 1813, this prestigious university has been considered the oldest in Norway.

Each of its eight faculties—theology, law, medicine, the humanities, mathematics, natural science, dentistry, the social sciences, and education—offers a variety of academic programs. The university is not only home to several of the country’s historical museums, but it has also proven to be a forerunner in research and scientific discoveries.

Over 800 courses are offered in English, and several master’s and doctoral programs are conducted entirely in English, making this the best university in Norway for international students.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

It provides opportunities to earn a master’s degree or doctorate, as well as a master’s program in English.

The school is among the oldest in Norway and was established in 1910.

Science and the creation of cutting-edge technologies are prioritized at this institution. Natural sciences, economics, medicine, and architecture are just some of the fields covered.

Norwegian Universities of Life Sciences

Originally called the Norwegian College of Agricultural Graduate Studies, this prestigious institution opened its doors in 1859. There is nowhere else in Norway where you can get a veterinary degree.

Environment, secondary medicine, food science, biotechnology, aquaculture, and business development are all major research areas at NULS.

Bi Norwegian Business School

The Norwegian government’s Ministry of Education and Research recognized it as legitimate. When compared to other top Norwegian universities, its business school ranks among the largest in the country.

It is not surprising that the University of Oslo, the largest of its four campuses, ranks as Europe’s second-largest. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NOKUT) recognizes the private Norwegian School of Management as a legitimate university.

With over 200,000 graduates since 1983, BI is Norway’s preeminent provider of economic and management expertise.

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

When it comes to education, Westerdals College of Art in Norway is highly regarded. In July of 2014, it opened for business.

Students who are interested in pursuing careers in the arts, communications, or technology will find a supportive community at this school.

The educational philosophy at Westerdals Oslo ACT is a mix of practical assignments, conferences, seminars, and targeted projects, making it one of the most exciting colleges in Europe. Students also engage in collaborative and individual projects in classroom-based groups and teams.

University of Bergen (UiB)

Due to its emphasis on marine research, global challenges, and the climate & energy transition, the University of Bergen has become the most frequently cited Norwegian institution of higher education. The university’s graduate programs attract top students from around the world because they offer competitive salaries to Ph.D. candidates.

UiB’s seven faculties invest heavily in research while also providing world-class education in areas as diverse as medicine, dentistry, the arts, and mathematics. This prestigious school has nearly 2000 international students and is actively recruiting more through exchange programs offered to their students.

University of South-Eastern Norway (USN)

When it comes to attracting international students, the University of South-Eastern Norway is a strong contender. It was founded after the merger of three separate universities, so it has a wide range of locations and a wide range of academic offerings. Health and social care, computing, history, business, mathematics, the natural sciences, maritime studies, and the arts are just some of the disciplines represented at USN.

The university collaborates with local businesses and industries to conduct applied research. USN’s long-term vision is to be an innovative, globally-respected research institution that fosters a culture of entrepreneurship.

University of Agder (UiA)

Although the University of Agder in Norway is relatively young, it has a rich academic history dating back more than 190 years. The nursing college, music conservatory, and technical college in Holt, Aust-Agder that merged to form Norway’s premier university in 1994.

Since then, UiA has expanded its degree offerings to include the social sciences, business, health & sports science, the arts & humanities, engineering, and the sciences. An interdisciplinary teaching education unit was also established to support students across disciplines.

E-health, integrated emergency management, multimodality, and cultural shift are some of UiA’s top research priorities. UiA has a strong international orientation, with numerous English- and foreign-language-taught international joint programs and courses, all of which contribute to the university’s growing number of international partnerships with universities around the world.

University of Stavanger

University of Stavanger

When deciding on a host institution, it’s important to weigh not only academic and research quality, but also extracurricular offerings, leadership potential, and professional development options. For these and other reasons, University of Stavanger ranks highly among Norway’s educational institutions.

Students at the University of Stavanger do not have to pay any money out of pocket because it is a public university in Norway. After its predecessor, Stavanger University College, was granted university status, the new institution was established in 2005. More than 12,000 students are enrolled at this institution, which provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in the Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Natural Sciences.

The University Centre in Svalbard

The University Centre in Svalbard (or UNIS for short) is a Norwegian public research university with classes taught in English located in the town of Longyearbyen. There is a strong emphasis on arctic biology, geology, geophysics, and technology at this institution, which is one of the most northern in the world. It is a smaller university, with fewer than a thousand students, most of whom are from outside the United States. Since English is the official language of UNIS, expats can adjust quickly.

Nord University

Nord University

The University of Nordland, Nesna University College, and Nord-Trndelag University College merged in 2016 to form the new public institution known as Nord University. The main campuses are in Bod and Levanger, but the university has several other locations. Nord University’s many campuses allow it to serve a large student body, provide a rich curriculum, and foster deep ties to the surrounding neighborhoods. The university has partnered with organizations all over the world, not just locally.

FAQs

Is Norway Good for International Students to Study In?

Norway’s academic institutions are known for their excellence in teaching and groundbreaking discoveries. Students are pushed to explore their unique perspectives and think outside the box. Numerous courses are taught in English for international students, and the standard of English in the country is quite high. Norway’s high quality education system, progressive society, and natural splendor have earned it numerous international student satisfaction awards.

Universities and state colleges in Norway are generally free to students because they receive public funding. Therefore, both domestic and foreign applicants only need to pay a small fee per semester to support student welfare organizations (approximately 590 NOK). In spite of offering shorter study programs and continuing education for a fraction of the cost of their international counterparts, private universities in this country still charge relatively high tuition rates.

The cost of living in Norway is higher than in many other countries, but the high standard of living is worth it. The Global Peace Index confirms what the World Happiness Report has found: Norway is one of the world’s most peaceful and secure countries, which is fitting for the home of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Can International Students Work in Norway While Studying?

Norwegian law allows citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area to live, study, and work in the country without restriction. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website has more details, especially for international students, if they plan to stay longer than three months.

Students from outside the EU/EEA are required to apply for a Norwegian study permit, which will allow them to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year. Norwegians have a high level of English proficiency, but most employers still require a higher level of competence in Norwegian. It is highly recommended that you start learning the language as soon as possible if you plan on living and studying in this area.

Why Should I Choose to Study in the Universities in Norway as an International Student?

Students can attest to the high quality of education offered in Norway, making it one of the world’s most popular study abroad destinations.

Their high technological standards and their safe, tranquil atmosphere are two of the main draws for students.

In this article, we will provide you with a list of universities in Norway that accept international students and where you can earn a degree you will be proud of.

These prestigious Norwegian universities can be classified as either public, state, or private depending on who owns them.

The government of Norway funds the country’s public school system to guarantee equal educational opportunities for all citizens.

The implication is that despite being among the best universities in Norway, most students at these establishments do not have to worry about paying tuition.

A certificate and a cost-free college stay are possible under these circumstances.

What are the Admission Requirements For International Students in Norwegian Universities?

In some countries, international students are required to have already completed one year of undergraduate level coursework.

University admission in Norway typically requires completion of an advanced secondary education for postgraduates.

Master’s degree programs typically require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent of three years of experience in the field.

There must be at least 15 semesters of coursework related to the requested program included in the degree.

Students should be proficient in Norwegian dialect because it may be the tutor’s first language of instruction.

Conclusion

The number of prospective international students applying to study at Norway’s public universities is expected to have increased dramatically.

The government of Norway cares about its citizens’ future and has made tuition-free programs available to students interested in studying at its public institutions, so more people are considering Norway as a top destination for their education. If you are set on attending a school in Norway at a reduced cost, I strongly suggest one of the options above.

Before submitting an application, research the schools of interest and become familiar with their prerequisites. International students who are interested in learning more about their educational opportunities abroad can peruse the information provided here.

I trust you found this article on the top Norwegian universities for international students to be useful. It took a great deal of energy! Thank you so much for reading; if you have any questions or additional thoughts, please leave them in the comment section.

Best wishes for your future success!