Ever thought of studying in Norway but worried about the tuition fees? The good news is, you don’t have to worry as much about fees as this piece showcases over 10 tuition-free universities in Norway for international students to study for Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. programs.
Norway may be known as a costly nation to live in, but it’s also a nation that offers high-quality university education to international students without charging tuition fees. You can apply to one of the tuition-free universities, and you’re on your way to studying in Europe with very little or no financial hassle at all.
Norway – A Country in Northern Europe
Norway is a Nordic country within a mainland territory in in Northern Europe that comprises of the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
The country has a total area of 385,207 square kilometres (148,729 sq mi) and had a population of 5,425,270 in January 2022. The largest city in Norway is Oslo and also doubles as the largest city in the country.
Regardless of the small size of the country, its universities and colleges are known for quality education. Since it is majorly an English speaking country, a good number of its universities degree programmes and courses are taught in English.
Tuition Free Universities in Norway
1.) Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
Norwegian University of Life Sciences is located in As, Norway. It was instituted in 1859, became a university college in 1897, and then a full university in 2005 and admits a high percentage of international students.
Students can study the following degrees in NMBU: Science, Technology, Food Science, Biosciences, Business, Economics, Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Landscaping, Environmental Science, and others.
Tuition at this university is free for international students however, they’ll have to pay a semester fee of about NOK 470 ($55) for some student programs and to enjoy student welfare.
2.) University of Bergen
Usually referred to as UiB, the University of Bergen stands out, as one of the best top tuition-free universities in Norway. It was established in 1946 and has more than 14,000 students who are both Norwegians and international students receiving a quality education.
The degrees that students can study at the University of Bergen include law, Medicine, Mathematics and Natural Science, Psychology, Music & Fine Art, Social Sciences, Humanities, and others.
The tuition here is free for all students but, they’ll have to pay a Student Welfare Organization support fee of about NOK 590 ($65) per semester.
3.) Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has three campuses; Trondheim, Gjovik, and Lesund campuses. It was established in 1760 and has become one of Norway’s top three universities.
Students from different nationalities can study the following degrees in NTNU: Information technology, Engineering, Architecture and design, Medicine, Humanities, Natural sciences, Health Science, Management, Education, Social science, and Economics.
Tuition in this institution is free as it’s publicly supported so that students can get free, quality education. International students will only pay a semester fee of about NOK 580 ($68) every semester for student organizations and to enjoy welfare services.
4.) Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) was established in 2017 by the merger of institutions at Stord, Sogndal, Bergen, Førde , and Haugesund, and the university has campuses in all five locations.
Students here can study for a degree in Health & Social Sciences, Education & Arts, Business Administration, and Engineering & Science while having access to food, practical, health, and maritime activity, and a driving school.
Tuition is free at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences for national and international students. But, international students will have to pay a semester per semester for students’ welfare.
5.) Ostfold University College
Ostfold University College was established in 2018 when some institutions in Oslo merged with some institutions in Oslo. It is located in Viken County and has campuses in Halsen and Frederikstad.
The institution offers free tuition to international students who can study for degrees in Business, Computer science, Engineering, Social science, Theatre studies, Health science, Education, and Foreign language.
Aside from the students paying a minor semester fee of NOK 600 ($70) every semester, the tuition fee in Ostfold University College is free because the institution is publicly funded.
6.) Arctic University of Norway
The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) was established in 1972 and has risen to become the third best university in Norway and has a large number of international students studying for various degrees there.
This institution is located in Troms and offers students degrees in Bioscience and fisheries, Fine arts, Health science, Humanities and Education, Sports and social work, Science and Technology, and Law.
The Arctic University of Norway offers tuition-free studies. Students will only pay a semester fee of NOK 625 ($73) to access student welfare and complete their registration.
7.) Oslo Metropolitan University
Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) was birthed in 2018 through a merger of some learning institutions in Oslo. Students get to enjoy learning in a serene environment with new infrastructures.
Most of the courses in OsloMet are taught in Norwegian with only some of them taught in English, French, and German. So, applicants should make proper inquiries from the institution’s website before applying for any course.
Degrees available for both local and international students to study in Oslo Metropolitan University include Education & information science, Technology & Design, Health science, and Social science.
Tuition at this institution is free just like others, but students have to pay about NOK 600 ($70) per semester for student welfare services and an extra NOK 220 ($25) copy fee.
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8.) University of South-Eastern Norway
The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) was established in 2018 because of the continuation of Buskerud, Vestfold, and Telemark university colleges. Located in the South-Eastern area of Norway, this institution offers free tuition to all its students.
Students can study for the following degrees: Humanities and Education, Technology & Maritime sciences, Health & Social Sciences, and Business. The institution has many students studying in Horten, Porsgrunn, Hnefoss, and other campuses.
The University of South-Eastern Norway doesn’t charge a tuition fee but the students have to pay a semester fee of about NOK 929 ($108) every semester for copying, printing, and student welfare.
9.) Nord University
Nord University is located in Trondelag and Nordland, with major and satellite campuses in Namsos, Vesterlen, Steinkjer, Levanger, Rana, Nesna, Bod, and other locations. It ranks high as one of the best high institutions of learning in Norway.
Both local and international students in Nord University can study Education & Arts, Social sciences, Biosciences & Aquaculture, Business, and Nursing & Health science in these campus locations.
Tuition fee in this institution is free for all students however, international students have to present proof of their financial ability and pay a semester fee of about NOK 725 ($85), which covers students’ organizations and administrative costs.
10.) University of Agder
Previously known as Agder University College and later became the University of Agder in 2007, this institution is known for carrying out research in gender studies, signal processing, artificial intelligence, European studies, and other such subjects.
The institution has campuses in Grimstad and Kristiansand and offers students degrees in Engineering & Science, Fine Arts, Health & Sports Science, Humanities & Education, Business & Law, Teacher Education, and Social Sciences.
Tuition is free at the University of Agder however students who are studying full-time are required to pay a semester fee of about NOK 800 ($93) for students’ welfare.
I trust this list of 10+ tuition-free universities in Norway for international students will be helpful in your decision to study in Norway.