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List of Top Universities in Norway in 2024 - Check here!

Updated on 13 December, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Norway is a great place to study since it provides a unique educational experience for students from all around the globe. The Norwegian educational system is one of its kind, with no or minimum tuition fee. This makes the country and the best universities in Norway and places a high value on internationalization. Colleges or free universities in Norway are continuously attempting to make things easier for overseas students.

Top Reasons to Study in the Country 

Safe Environment

Norway is one of the safest countries to live in. It has a low crime rate; hence, it is perfect for students. 

No-cost schooling

The Ministry for Education and Research sponsors the majority of higher education institutions in a nation managed for the benefit of the people rather than for profit. Unless they attend a private institution, domestic and international students are not required to pay any tuition fees. 

Learning Norwegian will be an added advantage

Learning Norwegian is essential if you want to study in Norway or communicate with Norwegians. Fortunately, if you’re coming from an English or Germanic background, the language isn’t too challenging to take up.

Top Subjects to Study in Norway

Some of the subjects that international students study at best universities in Norway are: 

Data Science 

Best universities in Norway for master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics courses are the most sought-after programs. Two of the below-mentioned universities are free universities in Norway and yet provide a wonderful education. Only an application fee of 70 EUR is charged.   

S.noUniversity NameSubject NameQS Subject Ranking 2022

Tuition fee

(2022-23)

Duration
1BI Norwegian Business SchoolMSin Business Analytics #105 10109 Eur 2 years 
2Norwegian University of Life Sciences  MS in Data Science #902 years
3University of OsloMS in Data Science #151-20002 years
      

Law and Legal Studies 

Best universities in Norway for Law and Legal Studies

S.noUniversity NameSubject NameQS Subject Ranking 2022Tuition fee (2022-23)Duration
1University of Oslo (UiO) – Faculty of LawMaster’s in Public International Law#86No Tuition fee is charged here. semester fee of NOK 860 1-1.5  years 
2University of BergenMaster’s Competition Law# 201-250and no tuition fee is charged. 2 years 
3UiT The Arctic University of NorwayMaster’s in Environmental aw#25625 per semester, no tuition fee 2 years 

MBA 

Students from anywhere in the world may attend Norwegian public universities for free. 

S.noUniversity NameSubject NameQS Subject Ranking 2022Tuition fee (2022-23) (Annual)Duration
1

The Norwegian University of

Science and Technology

Masters in Economics &

Business Administration

#401-450There is no tuition fee, 700 NOK per semester2 years 
2Norwegian School of Economics

MSc in Economics

and Business

Administration

#251-300800 NOK per semester, no tuition fee4 semester 
3BI Norwegian Business SchoolMaster in Business Administration#3110991 EUR 2 years

Digital Marketing 

Studies in media channels at the best universities in Norway, content, and societal influence are all part of a Media Studies education. 

S.noUniversity NameSubject NameQS World Ranking 2022

Tuition fee

(2022-23)

Duration
1Volda university of BergenMS in Digital marketing#101-150No tuition fee is charged2 years 
2Noroff Oslo #51-1003.900 Eur2 years
3University of Agder Not mentionedNot disclosed2 years

Visual Arts

Public universities in Norway do not charge any tuition fees, let’s look at the Colleges in Arts for international students who intend to spend less. 

S.noUniversity NameSubject NameSubject Ranking 2022

Tuition fee

(2022-23)

Duration
1University of BergenBachelor of Arts#182 (QS Subject Ranking)60 Eur per semester3 years 
2University of AgderBachelor of Arts#10 (National Rank by CWUR) Not disclosed. 3 years
3Western Norway University of Applied SciencesBachelor of Arts#Not Mentioned No Tuition fee is charged3 years

How to Apply

Online Application at the respective university portal is the way to apply at the Universities. The Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees require almost the same set of documents for the application. The parameters for the bachelor’s and master’s are designed by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)

Bachelor’ Programs

Transcripts from school are the only requirement for pursuing a Bachelor’s.

Masters’ Programs 

A bachelor’s degree in a course similar to what you want to apply to, for your Master’s. 

Mandatory tests for any degree in Norway

Internet-based Test TOEFL, IELTS, C1 Advanced, and PTE Test are some of the English Language Proficiency tests required for admission to universities in Norway. Any one among these four can be written to prove English proficiency. 

Admission Cycle:

There is only one intake for Norwegian universities. For courses beginning in August, the students must apply between 1st December to 15th March.  

Cost of Attendance Pre-Arrival Cost Living Costs

Living Expense:  

The average cost of living in Norway depends on the lifestyle you lead and the city you choose to reside. Generally, you should anticipate paying between 20,000 and 40,000 NOK  each month to live in this Nordic nation.

Pre Arrival: 

The pre-arrival cost, which includes the visa application fee, airfare from India to Norway, and the English Proficiency test, is around 1305 Euros. 

Scholarship Programs At The Top Universities 

Name of the ScholarshipDuration

Eligibility

Award Size
BI Norwegian Business School Bachelor International Scholarship3 years A good score in the previous degree matches the Norwegian education system. It is for Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Business Analytics100% tuition fee
Erasmus Mundus ScholarshipOne time. All Non-EU citizens with Master’s and Doctorate degrees can apply.Full scholarship including travel, monthly allowance, and insurance. The exact amount differs from course to course 
National Overseas ScholarshipOne timeStudents applying for Master’s and Ph.D. are eligible for this. Partial funding of the cost.
NTNU ScholarshipOne timeAll students applying at NTNULiving expense and visa application fee is covered to an extent. The university charges no tuition fee
BI Norwegian Business School2 YearsCandidates with a GPA matching A and are applying for the Master of Science Program.Full Tuition fee and 70% living expense 
      

Student Visa Process

For the Visa application, students must apply for a D-type visa. For this, a residence permit needs to be endorsed from Norway. The application fee for Norway is about 80 Euros, and it can be applied for at the Embassy.    

Program Specific Work Permit

A residency permit is required for anybody intending to work in Norway. Students can work for 20 hours a week, that is part-time work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to get admission to Norway public universities?

All public university applications must be sent to the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS). 


 

Which are some of the best universities in Norway for engineering?

The best universities in Norway for engineering are the University of Oslo and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, offering a wide variety of engineering and non-engineering courses. 


 

Are there any free universities in Norway?

Some of the universities in Norway for international students as well as for Norwegian students are free. These are mostly among Norway’s best universities, including the University of Bergen and the University of Oslo. 


 

Are there more Public Universities in Norway?

Most of the best universities in Norway are Public and charge no tuition fee. The private universities are also there and charge tuition fees; however, that is also minimum.

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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