Last Updated: 29 July 2026

Study in Norway – Top Universities Cost, Visa & Scholarships

• 4 Norwegian universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026 top 500
• 1-year residence permit to seek skilled work after graduation
• Tuition from August 2026: NOK 0 for exempt students; typically NOK 176,300–205,600 per year for others
• Living funds required: NOK 170,368 per year for 2026–27
• Scholarships up to NOK 250,000 per year at selected institutions
• Study permit decisions typically in 4 to 8 weeks

Why Apply for a Norway Student Visa?

Norway is a good choice for international students looking for quality education in Europe. The country has 11 public universities and 10 public university colleges, along with several private institutions. International students can apply for a Norway study permit to study bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. Norway offers many study options and a good learning environment for students from around the world.

*Need assistance to Study Abroad? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all the ways.

Education in Norway

Norwegian universities offer many course options in various fields. The universities here follow the Bologna system like other European nations. The duration of the various levels of study in the country are:

• Bachelor’s degree: 3 years
• Master’s degree: 2 or 5 years
• Doctorate: 3-year research-oriented education, which may include 1 additional year for teaching

Best Universities in Norway: QS World University Rankings 2026

Best Courses in Norway

Norway offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s courses for international students across different fields of study. Tuition fees at Norwegian public universities depend on the student’s nationality and, from August 2026, on the individual university. Students can choose a course based on their education, career goals, and interests. See the cost section below for the latest tuition fees.

Undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Psychology
• Bachelor in Applied Data Science
• Bachelor in Northern Studies

Master's degrees

• Engineering
• Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Development Studies
• Business
• Energy Management
• Political Science
• Informatics
• Media

Other courses

• MBA
• Medicine and HealthCare
• Information Technology (IT)
• Management
• Education & Training
• Science
• Digital media
• Arts
• Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering

Courses to choose for highest paid jobs in Norway

• Civil Engineering
• Information and Technology
• Lawyers/Judges
• Mechanical Engineering
• Professors

Most public universities in Norway charge nominal fees to students, while studying at private universities is also affordable. International students can choose short-term or long-term courses based on their interests.

*Confused to choose which course to pursue? Avail Y-Axis course recommendation services to choose the best.

Benefits of Studying in Norway

Norway is a popular study destination for international students, offering quality education, career opportunities, and a safe environment. Some of the main benefits of studying in Norway include:

• Flexible tuition fees: Since 1 August 2026, Norwegian universities can set their own tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA. Some universities have reduced their fees sharply, while some programmes may charge little or no tuition. This means students may even find tuition-free options at some of Norway’s top-500 public universities.
• High-quality education with strong academic and research opportunities
• Safe and welcoming environment for international students
• Beautiful natural landscapes and a high quality of life
• Good job opportunities for skilled graduates
• Rich cultural experiences and opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds

Cost of Studying in Norway for Indian Students

The cost of studying in Norway depends on the university and programme you choose. From August 2026, Norwegian universities can set their own tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA. Students must also plan for living expenses, student welfare fees, and the study permit fee.

Study Cost Calculator

Note: Tuition can vary greatly by programme. For example, NTNU charges NOK 26,445 per year for Childhood Studies and Global Relations & Sustainable Development, while programmes such as Medicine and Dentistry can cost NOK 528,650 per year.

Eligibility to Study in Norway

International students planning to study in Norway must meet the admission and study permit requirements. The main requirements include:

• An acceptance letter from a recognised university or institution in Norway
• Admission to a full-time study programme
• Proof of English language skills for English-taught programmes
• Proof that you have enough money to cover your living expenses
• Proof that you can pay the tuition fee, if your university or programme charges one
• Required academic documents from your previous studies
• Health or medical insurance, where required

Norway Student Visa Requirements

Students from outside the EU/EEA generally need a Norway study permit for studies lasting more than three months. The main requirements include:

• Completed study permit application
• Valid passport
• Acceptance letter from a Norwegian university or institution
• Previous academic certificates and documents
• Proof of funds to cover living expenses
• Proof of tuition fee payment, if applicable
• Health or medical insurance, where required
• Proof of accommodation, where required

Financial Requirements for Norway Study Permit

You must have enough money to cover your living expenses and, where applicable, your tuition fees. For the 2026–27 academic year, UDI requires students to show at least NOK 15,488 per month, or NOK 170,368 for the full academic year (around ₹17.2 lakh).

For students coming to Norway for only one semester, the required amount is:

The money must be kept in a Norwegian bank account or the educational institution's deposit account. The funds can come from your savings, an Indian education loan, a grant, a scholarship, or a combination of these. Income from a confirmed part-time job in Norway may also count towards the required amount. Students should also budget around NOK 1,000 per semester for the compulsory student welfare organisation (Samskipnad) fee.

Important: UDI updates the required living funds regularly. Students should check the latest amount for their academic year before transferring funds.

English Language Requirements for Norwegian Universities

Norwegian universities set their English language requirements based on the programme and level of study. Indian students may need to provide scores from IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, or another accepted test.

The master's scores above reflect published requirements at the University of Oslo and NTNU. Some business, engineering, health, and other competitive programmes may require higher scores. Students should always check the requirements of their chosen programme before taking an English test.

*Get expert coaching services from Y-Axis professionals to ace your scores.

How to Apply for a Norway Student Visa?

Step 1: Get admission to a recognised university or educational institution in Norway.

Step 2: Check the Norway study permit requirements and prepare all the required documents, including proof of funds and tuition payment, if applicable.

Step 3: Complete and submit your Norway study permit application online through UDI and pay the required application fee.

Step 4: Submit your documents and complete any required appointment or identity verification process.

Step 5: Wait for UDI to process your application and receive the decision.

Step 6: Once your study permit is approved, make your travel arrangements and fly to Norway to begin your studies.

Norway Student Visa Fee

UDI charges a fixed fee for a Norway study permit. The fee depends on the applicant's age and is the same for a first application and a renewal.

Applicants can pay the fee online using Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay as the final step of the UDI application. Make sure your card is enabled for international online payments.

Note: The application fee is not refundable once you have submitted your application in person.

Norway Student Visa Processing Time

Eligible students can generally receive a Norway study permit decision in around 4 to 8 weeks. Processing times may vary depending on the application and documents submitted. Providing complete and correct documents can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Norway Student-Dependent Visa

Your spouse or cohabiting partner and children can normally apply to live with you in Norway through family immigration. UDI currently does not have the capacity to process a family member's application at the same time as the student's application. This means the student and family members may receive their decisions at different times, so families should plan their travel accordingly. The first-time family immigration application fee is NOK 11,900 per adult and NOK 5,950 per child under 18.

Working While You Study in Norway

A Norway study permit allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week while studying and full-time during holidays. The 20-hour limit also includes remote work. This means that if you work remotely or freelance for an Indian employer while living in Norway, those working hours count towards the weekly limit. Students cannot be self-employed or run their own business on a study permit. You must also wait until your study permit has been granted before you start working.

Norway Job-Seeker Permit After Graduation

Norway does not have a “post-study work visa.” After completing your education in Norway, eligible graduates can apply for a residence permit as a job seeker under Norway's work immigration rules. This permit allows you to stay in Norway while looking for skilled work.

If you receive a skilled job offer while your job-seeker application is still being processed, you can change it to a skilled worker application through UDI without paying another application fee, while keeping your place in the processing queue. Once you receive a qualifying skilled worker permit, your residence period towards permanent residence can begin.

Can You Get PR in Norway After Studying?

Yes, international graduates can qualify for permanent residence (PR) in Norway, but studying in Norway does not directly lead to PR. Time spent on a study permit or graduate job-seeker permit does noat count towards PR. For most graduates, the qualifying period starts after receiving a skilled worker permit.

A typical PR pathway for an Indian graduate includes:

Step 1: Complete your studies in Norway on a study permit.

Step 2: Apply for a job-seeker permit for up to one year after graduation.

Step 3: Find a skilled job and get a skilled worker permit.

Step 4: Complete three years of qualifying residence on the skilled worker permit.

Step 5: Apply for permanent residence in Norway after meeting all PR requirements.

For a student completing a two-year master’s programme, it could take around six years from arriving in Norway to becoming eligible for PR, assuming they find skilled work within the one-year job-seeker period. Applicants must also meet the required Norwegian language, social studies, income, and immigration conditions. From 1 September 2025, these requirements must be met when UDI makes its decision on the PR application. Norwegian citizenship is a separate process with its own requirements.

Scholarships to Study in Norway

The Norwegian government does not offer a general scholarship for all international students. Scholarships are mainly offered by individual universities and through a limited number of specific programmes. Students usually need to apply through the university or relevant programme rather than a central scholarship system.

Note: Scholarship availability can vary between universities and academic years, especially following the August 2026 tuition fee changes. Some universities, including NTNU, state that they do not offer scholarships that cover tuition fees. Students who depend on scholarships should check funding options carefully when choosing universities.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis can assist by giving more vital support to aspirants who wish to study in Norway. The support process includes,  

• Free Counseling: Free Counseling on university and course selection.
• Campus Ready Program: Fly to Norway with the best and ideal course. 
• Course Recommendation: Y-Path gives the best suitable ideas about your study and career options.
• Coaching: Y-Axis offers IELTS live classes to help students clear with high scores.  
• Norway Student Visa: Our expert team helps you get a Norway student visa.