Universities in Norway

Norway has some of the best public universities in Europe, and a good number of them teach in English too. Names like University of Oslo and NTNU come up again and again when people talk about strong education abroad, for a good reason. If you want a full list of universities in Norway later in this guide, we have that covered too, along with rankings and fees. 

This guide breaks down the top universities in Norway, what they cost, how you can get in, and what daily life looks like once you are there. We will also cover a big update on tuition fees for non EU students that most guides have not caught up on yet. Before you dive into a full list of universities in Norway, it helps to know which ones actually stand out. 

In this article, we will cover:

• Best universities in Norway and what each one is known for
• Top universities in Norway for masters, business, engineering, and science 
• Whether education is really free for international students
• Tuition fees and other costs you need to plan for
• Admission requirements and how to apply, step by step
• Scholarships you can actually apply for
• Cost of living, student life, and career options after graduation
• How to pick the right university for your goals

Best Universities in Norway

Norway has a handful of universities that stand out for research, teaching quality, and global reputation. Together, these universities offer more than 200 English taught master's programs, so you have real options even without speaking Norwegian. Each one has its own strength, so picking the right one comes down to what you want to study and where you want to live.

Here is a quick look at where they stand in the QS World University Rankings 2027, followed by a closer look at each one.

University Name	QS World University Ranking 2027
University of Oslo	=131
NTNU	264
University of Bergen	=283
UiT The Arctic University of Norway	=629
Norwegian University of Life Sciences	761 to 770
University of Stavanger	851 to 900
University of Agder	1201 to 1400
Oslo Metropolitan University	1201 to 1400

For a closer look at what each university actually offers, keep reading. 

University of Oslo

University of Oslo is the oldest and highest ranked university in Norway. It sits at rank 131 in QS World University Rankings 2027.

• Founded in 1811, so it has a long academic history behind it
• Has produced five Nobel laureates so far
• Strong in law, medicine, humanities, and natural sciences
• Runs close to 800 courses across nine faculties
• UG tuition: NOK 23,000 to 28,330 (INR 1.9 lakh to 2.4 lakh) a year
• PG tuition: NOK 198,000 to 286,000 (INR 16.6 lakh to 24.1 lakh) a year
• Top programs: Law, Medicine, Data Science, Economics
• Great pick if you want a big city campus with a serious academic name

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

NTNU is based mainly in Trondheim and is the largest university in Norway by student numbers. It ranks 264 in QS World University Rankings 2027.

• Top choice if engineering or technology is your goal
• Also strong in natural sciences and architecture
• Close ties with industry, especially energy and maritime technology
• UG and PG tuition: around NOK 170,500 to 198,800 (INR 14.3 lakh to 16.6 lakh) a year
• Top programs: Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture
• Students get real hands on exposure, not just classroom theory

University of Bergen

University of Bergen ranks 283 in QS World University Rankings 2027 and is known as the most cited university in the country.

• Leads the way in marine biology, climate science, and medicine
• Based in Bergen, a stunning coastal city with fjords nearby
• UG and PG tuition: NOK 190,000 to 380,000 (INR 16 lakh to 32 lakh) a year
• Top programs: Marine Biology, Climate Science, Medicine
• Good mix of strong academics and genuinely great quality of life

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT is the world's northernmost university, based in Tromso. It ranks 629 in QS World University Rankings 2027.

• Focuses heavily on Arctic studies, environmental science, and indigenous culture
• Runs more than twenty English taught master's programs
• UG and PG tuition: tuition free, only a semester fee of around NOK 625 (INR 5,300)
• Top programs: Arctic Studies, Environmental Science, Computer Science
• Good fit if you want a smaller campus with a very specific research focus

Norwegian University of Life Sciences

NMBU is based in Ås and specializes in environmental science, agriculture, veterinary studies, and biosciences.

• Around 6,500 students, so it feels close knit
• Topped national student satisfaction surveys for nine years running
• UG and PG tuition: NOK 80,000 to 150,000 (INR 6.8 lakh to 12.7 lakh) a year
• Top programs: Environmental Science, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture
• Shows the university genuinely looks after its students, not just its ranking

University of Stavanger

University of Stavanger is a growing research university known for its close ties with the energy sector.

• Strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration
• Hosts over 50 research centres, mostly in energy and digitalization
• UG and PG tuition: tuition free, only a semester fee of around NOK 600 to 700 (INR 5,100 to 5,900)
• Top programs: Petroleum Engineering, Risk Management, Business
• Good fit if you want practical, industry linked learning

University of Agder

University of Agder is based in Kristiansand and offers some of the more affordable non EU fee brackets in the country.

• Known for a practical, application focused teaching style
• UG and PG tuition: starting around NOK 47,000 (INR 4 lakh) a year for select programs
• Top programs: Engineering, Teacher Education, Health Sciences
• A solid pick if budget is one of your biggest priorities

Oslo Metropolitan University

Oslo Metropolitan University, also known as OsloMet, is one of the largest universities in Norway by student count.

• Focuses on applied sciences and practical, career ready programs
• Strong industry connections in and around Oslo
• UG and PG tuition: NOK 67,000 to 95,000 (INR 5.7 lakh to 8.1 lakh) a year for designated courses
• Top programs: Health Sciences, Education, Technology
• Good option if you want a large university with a hands on approach

Other Notable Universities and Specialised Institutions

Beyond the universities above, Norway has a few specialised schools worth knowing about. Each one focuses on a specific field instead of trying to cover everything.

• BI Norwegian Business School: the largest business school in the country, based in Oslo with regional campuses too
• Norwegian School of Economics (NHH): based in Bergen, known for economics and finance
• Nord University: focused on business, aquaculture, and regional development in the north

Suggested read: Study in Norway for Free

Top Universities in Norway by Subject

Every university in Norway has a subject or two where it genuinely stands out. University of Oslo (UiO) is ranked the best in the country for law and natural sciences, while Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) leads for civil engineering. It helps to match your field of study with the university's actual strength, rather than just going by overall rank.

Here is how the top picks break down by subject area. 

Best Universities in Norway for Business and Management

BI Norwegian Business School (BI) leads this space by a clear margin, ranking 121 in the QS Business and Management Studies rankings 2027.

University Name	QS Business and Management Rank 2027	UG Tuition (Approximate)	PG Tuition (Approximate)
BI Norwegian Business School (BI)	121	NOK 120,000 (INR 10.2 lakh)	NOK 150,000 to 180,000 (INR 12.7 lakh to 15.3 lakh)
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)	351 to 400	NOK 170,500 (INR 14.3 lakh)	NOK 198,800 (INR 16.6 lakh)
University of Oslo (UiO)	551 to 600	NOK 23,000 to 28,330 (INR 1.9 lakh to 2.4 lakh)	NOK 198,000 to 286,000 (INR 16.6 lakh to 24.1 lakh)
University of Bergen (UiB)	601 to 650	NOK 190,000 (INR 16 lakh)	NOK 380,000 (INR 32 lakh)
Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)	Not ranked in this QS list	NOK 130,000 (INR 11 lakh)	NOK 180,000 (INR 15.2 lakh)

Best Universities in Norway for Engineering and Technology

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is ranked the best in Norway for civil engineering, and it holds the biggest engineering faculty in the country.

University Name	Engineering Standing	UG Tuition (Approximate)	PG Tuition (Approximate)
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)	Best in Norway for civil engineering	NOK 170,500 (INR 14.3 lakh)	NOK 198,800 (INR 16.6 lakh)
University of Oslo (UiO)	Strong technology programs, smaller scale	NOK 23,000 to 28,330 (INR 1.9 lakh to 2.4 lakh)	NOK 198,000 to 286,000 (INR 16.6 lakh to 24.1 lakh)
University of Bergen (UiB)	Strong technology programs, smaller scale	NOK 190,000 (INR 16 lakh)	NOK 380,000 (INR 32 lakh)

NTNU also works closely with companies in energy, shipping, and manufacturing, so students often get real industry exposure alongside coursework.

Best Universities in Norway for Law and Natural Sciences

University of Oslo (UiO) is ranked the best university in Norway for both law and natural sciences, making it the strongest overall pick for these two fields.

University Name	Subject Standing	UG Tuition (Approximate)	PG Tuition (Approximate)
University of Oslo (UiO)	Best in Norway for law and natural sciences	NOK 23,000 to 28,330 (INR 1.9 lakh to 2.4 lakh)	NOK 198,000 to 286,000 (INR 16.6 lakh to 24.1 lakh)
University of Bergen (UiB)	Known worldwide for marine and earth sciences	NOK 190,000 (INR 16 lakh)	NOK 380,000 (INR 32 lakh)
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)	Strong in biosciences and environmental research	NOK 80,000 to 150,000 (INR 6.8 lakh to 12.7 lakh)	NOK 80,000 to 150,000 (INR 6.8 lakh to 12.7 lakh)

Best Universities in Norway for Other Popular Subjects

Some subjects have a clear home university even if they are not the biggest names overall.

• Arctic and polar studies: UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Nord University
• Health and social sciences: Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
• Sports science: Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
• Petroleum and energy: University of Stavanger

Affordable Universities in Norway

Not every one of the top universities in Norway charges the same fees, so budget is worth mapping out early. Public universities stay free for EU, EEA, and Swiss students, but non EU students do pay tuition, and the range is wide. Fees can run anywhere from NOK 47,000 (INR 4 lakh) to well over NOK 500,000 (INR 42.5 lakh) a year depending on the program you pick.

If budget is a big factor for you, a few public universities stand out for keeping their non EU fees lower than the bigger research flagships.

University Name	Yearly Tuition for Non EU Students (Approximate)
UiT The Arctic University of Norway	Tuition free, only a semester fee of NOK 625 (INR 5,300)
University of Agder	Starting around NOK 47,000 (INR 4 lakh) for select programs
University of Stavanger (UiS)	NOK 60,000 to 85,000 (INR 5.1 lakh to 7.2 lakh)
Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)	NOK 67,000 to 95,000 (INR 5.7 lakh to 8.1 lakh) for designated courses
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)	NOK 80,000 to 150,000 (INR 6.8 lakh to 12.7 lakh)

Universities outside Oslo and Bergen also tend to have cheaper rent and daily costs, which brings your total budget down further even when tuition is similar.

Tuition Fees for International Students in Norway

Numbers are the easiest way to compare universities, so here is where things actually stand for non EU students right now, based on the latest figures each university has published.

University Name	Yearly Tuition Range (NOK/INR)
University of Oslo (UiO)	NOK 100,000 to 200,000 (INR 8.5 lakh to 17 lakh), depending on course level
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)	Around NOK 170,000 (INR 14.4 lakh)
University of Bergen (UiB)	NOK 190,000 to 380,000 (INR 16.1 lakh to 32.3 lakh)
UiT The Arctic University of Norway	Tuition free, semester fee only
BI Norwegian Business School (BI)	NOK 120,000 to 180,000 (INR 10.2 lakh to 15.3 lakh)

These numbers can shift as universities finalize their new fee policies. So always check the official page of your shortlisted university before you plan your budget.

Additional Costs Beyond Tuition

Tuition is only one part of your total bill, and a lot of students forget to plan for the smaller costs that add up alongside it. Here is what else you should keep in your budget.

• Study permit application fee: around NOK 6,300 (INR 535)
• Books and study material: a small recurring cost through the year
• Winter clothing: budget for this if you are coming from a warmer country, Norwegian winters are no joke
• Rental deposit: usually one to three months of rent, paid upfront before you move in

Eligibility Requirements for Bachelor's Programmes

Bachelor's admission in Norway works a bit differently from what most international students expect, so it helps to know the basics before you start applying.

• Most bachelor's programs are taught in Norwegian, so you generally need to show Norwegian language proficiency to get in
• You also need a completed secondary education that matches Norway's entry requirements for your specific country
• Applications go through one central portal called Samordna Opptak, also known as NUCAS
• This is the main system used for undergraduate admissions across the whole country

Eligibility Requirements for Master's Programmes

Master's programs are where most English taught options actually live, which is why this is the route most international students end up taking.

• You need a relevant bachelor's degree to apply
• Your grade average should usually be equal to a Norwegian C or better
• Applications go directly to each university, not through NUCAS
• You will need to fill out a separate form for every single university you apply to

English Language Requirements

Since most programs for international students are taught in English, universities want proof that you can actually keep up in class. Most ask for one of these scores.

• IELTS: around 6.0 to 6.5
• TOEFL: around 80 to 90
• PTE: around 59 to 62

Exact scores vary by university and by course, so always check the specific program page before you apply.

How to Apply to Universities in Norway?

The application process looks long and confusing on paper, but it becomes pretty simple once you break it down into steps. Here is exactly what the journey looks like from start to finish.

Step 1: Shortlist Universities and Courses

Before you touch any application form, spend time narrowing down where you actually want to apply. This one step saves you from wasting effort later.

• Match your subject and study level with universities that are genuinely known for it
• Skip applying to five universities for a course only one of them is actually strong in
• A focused shortlist beats a long random one every time

Step 2: Check Eligibility and Language Requirements

Once your shortlist is ready, the next job is making sure you actually qualify for each program on it.

• Check your academic background against what each program asks for
• Confirm your English or Norwegian language score meets the minimum
• Do this before you invest time filling out any application

Step 3: Check Application Deadlines

Deadlines in Norway differ depending on whether you are applying for a bachelor's or a master's, so mark these dates early.

• Bachelor's through NUCAS: closes 15 April
• Early admission for non EU applicants who need a residence permit: closes 1 March
• Master's programs: usually around 1 December for the following autumn intake, though this can shift slightly by university

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Documents take longer to sort out than people expect, especially if translations are involved, so start early.

• Passport copy
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (suggested read: what are academic transcripts)
• English or Norwegian language test scores
• Statement of purpose, if the program asks for one (suggested read: statement of purpose format)
• Letters of recommendation, where required (suggested read: letter of recommendation format)

Step 5: Submit the Application

This is the step where a lot of avoidable mistakes happen, so slow down and double check everything.

• Submit through NUCAS for bachelor's programs
• Submit directly through the university's own portal for master's programs
• Double check every upload before you hit submit, since missing documents are one of the most common reasons applications get delayed

Step 6: Wait for the Admission Decision

Once your application is in, all that is left is the wait, and timelines differ by program level.

• Bachelor's decisions: usually come out around July
• Master's decisions: can arrive anywhere between a few weeks to a couple of months after the deadline, depending on the university

Application Deadlines for Universities in Norway

Deadlines are one of the easiest things to miss when you are juggling multiple applications, so here is a quick summary you can come back to.

• Bachelor's through NUCAS: 15 April, early admission 1 March
• Master's programs: usually around 1 December for autumn intake
• Some universities: also run a smaller January intake with earlier deadlines, so check with your specific university if you are applying outside the usual cycle

Scholarships to Study at Universities in Norway

Scholarships in Norway are not as widespread as they are in some other countries, so you need to actually know where to look instead of expecting them to show up in every search result. The good news is that a handful of solid options do exist, and some of them cover a lot more than just tuition.

Scholarships and Funding Options for International Students

Money is usually the biggest worry for anyone planning to study abroad, so it helps to know exactly what is out there before you start applying. Some scholarships cover just living costs, while others take care of tuition and give you a stipend on top. 

Here is a closer look at the main scholarships international students actually apply for, along with who qualifies and what each one covers.

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Coverage
BI Presidential Scholarship	Top master's applicants at BI Norwegian Business School with a strong academic record	Full tuition plus a living stipend of around NOK 150,000 (INR 12.7 lakh) per year
NTNU Merit Scholarships	Strong international master's applicants at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)	Partial or full tuition support, amount varies by program
Norwegian Quota Scheme	Students from developing countries, mainly at master's and PhD level	Covers living expenses and travel costs
Erasmus Plus	Students from EU and partner countries	Monthly stipend plus travel costs for exchange periods
High North Scholarship	Students from select countries, including the US, Canada, and Japan	Supports studies at selected institutions in northern Norway

How to Find Scholarships for Norwegian Universities

Do not rely on just one source when you are hunting for scholarships, since listings can go outdated fast.

• Check the scholarships page on your target university's website first, that is where the most accurate and updated information lives
• Look at Study in Norway's official portal, which lists funding options by university and by subject
• Apply early wherever possible, since most scholarships have limited seats and fill up quickly

Cost of Living for Students in Norway

Norway is genuinely one of the more expensive countries to live in as a student, so it helps to know the real numbers before you commit. The official estimate for 2026 to 2027 is from NOK 15,488 (INR 1.3 lakh) per month to NOK 170,368 (INR 14.5 lakh) per year, and this is the minimum amount the immigration office asks you to prove before granting your student permit.

Actual spending tends to run a bit higher once you factor in rent, food, and daily expenses. Here is a rough monthly breakdown so you know where your money actually goes.

Expense Categories	Approximate Monthly Cost (NOK/INR)
1 bedroom apartment, city centre	NOK 12,900 (INR 1.1 lakh)
1 bedroom apartment, outside city centre	NOK 10,100 (INR 86,000)
Groceries	NOK 3,000 to 4,000 (INR 25,500 to 34,000)
Public transport pass	NOK 805 (INR 6,850)
Utilities, mobile, and internet	NOK 1,000 to 1,500 (INR 8,500 to 12,700)

Source: numbeo

Location changes this picture quite a bit, so it is worth comparing before you finalize where you want to study.

• Oslo: the most expensive city to live in, with the highest rent in the country
• Bergen: close behind Oslo, slightly cheaper on rent but similar on daily costs
• Stavanger: moderate living costs with somewhat lower rent than Oslo
• Trondheim: the most affordable of the major student cities, both on rent and overall spending

Smaller cities like Trondheim or Tromso can genuinely save you a decent amount over the year, so where you choose to study matters a lot more than most students expect going in.

Career Opportunities After Studying at a University in Norway

Norway has a strong job market, with an employment rate well above the EU average, so finding work after graduation is realistic if you plan ahead. English speakers can land good roles too, especially in IT, engineering, and energy, though picking up some Norwegian definitely helps your prospects long term.

After graduation, non EU students can apply for a job seeking permit that lasts up to 12 months, or up to two years for PhD graduates. This gives you real time to look for work without rushing into the first offer that comes your way.

Here is a look at some popular career paths and what they roughly pay.

Job Role	Approximate Annual Salary (NOK/INR)
Software Developer	NOK 600,000 to 650,000 (INR 51 lakh to 55 lakh)
Civil Engineer	NOK 560,000 (INR 47.6 lakh)
Mechanical Engineer	NOK 570,000 (INR 48.5 lakh)
University Lecturer	NOK 700,000 (INR 59.5 lakh)
Marketing Executive	NOK 570,000 (INR 48.5 lakh)

Source: glassdoor

Popular career paths for graduates also include:

• Software development and IT roles
• Civil and mechanical engineering
• Research and academia
• Healthcare and public sector roles

How to Choose the Right University in Norway?

With so many good options on the table, picking one comes down to a few practical questions rather than just chasing rankings. Here is what actually matters when you are making the final call.

Choose Based on Your Course and Career Goal

Start with your subject, not the university's name or reputation. Here is why this matters more than people think.

• A university ranked slightly lower but genuinely strong in your field will serve you better than a bigger name that is only average at what you want to study
• Research the department, not just the university, before you decide
• Your career outcome depends more on subject strength than overall rank

Compare Tuition and Total Budget

Tuition fees now vary a lot between universities, so do not assume Norway is cheap or expensive across the board.

• Compare actual tuition numbers for your shortlisted programs, not a general average
• Factor in living costs too, since that adds up fast over two or three years
• Look at the full picture, tuition plus living costs, before ranking your choices

Check Eligibility Before Shortlisting

Make sure you actually meet the entry requirements before falling in love with a university.

• Check academic and language requirements early
• This saves you time and stops you from missing other deadlines while waiting on one application
• A realistic shortlist beats an ambitious one that does not match your profile

Consider Location and Student Life

Where you study shapes your day to day experience just as much as what you study.

• Big cities like Oslo and Bergen offer more social life and job opportunities
• Smaller cities like Tromso or Ås offer a quieter pace and often cheaper rent
• Think about what kind of environment actually suits you, not just what looks good on paper

Check English Taught Programme Availability

Language can quietly decide your whole application, so check this early.

• If you do not speak Norwegian, stick to master's programs
• Most bachelor's degrees in Norway are taught in Norwegian
• This one check alone can save you from applying to the wrong program entirely

Conclusion

Norway still stands out as one of the strongest study destinations in Europe, even with the tuition changes over the past few years. Between University of Oslo (UiO), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), University of Bergen (UiB), and UiT The Arctic University of Norway, you get a genuine mix of academic strength, research quality, and a comfortable student life to pick from.

A few things worth keeping in mind before you apply:

• Compare tuition and total budget across your shortlisted universities, not just one
• Track deadlines early, bachelor's and master's timelines are very different
• Match your subject to the university's actual strength, not just its overall rank
• Check language requirements before you fall for a program you may not qualify for

If you want help figuring out which university in Norway actually fits your goals and budget, upGrad's study abroad team can walk you through it step by step.

Have more doubts? Book a Free 1:1 Live Session with upGrad Experts Today. We are here to help!