About the Country
Welcome to Norway, a beautiful country located in Northern Europe, known for its stunning fjords, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you are interested in pursuing higher education, finding work opportunities, or experiencing a new culture, Norway offers something for everyone.
Education System: Norway has a strong and innovative education system, with a focus on student-centered learning and active participation. The country offers a range of top-ranked universities, including the University of Oslo, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the University of Bergen, among others. In addition to traditional classroom-based programs, there are also many online and distance learning options available in Norway.
Tuition Fee: Public universities in Norway offer tuition-free education for both Norwegian and international students. However, there is a small semester fee that students are required to pay. Private universities charge tuition fees, which can vary depending on the institution and program.
Scholarship Opportunities: Norway offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students, including the Norwegian Government Quota Scheme and Erasmus+ program. Additionally, many universities offer their own scholarship programs to help offset the cost of living expenses for students.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Norway can be high, with expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation being the most significant. On average, students can expect to spend around NOK 10,000 to NOK 12,000 per month on living expenses. However, the high cost of living is balanced out by the country's high standard of living, with access to world-class healthcare, public transportation, and cultural amenities.
Work Opportunities: Norway offers a range of work opportunities for international students and graduates, particularly in the fields of engineering, IT, finance, and renewable energy. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays. Additionally, graduates can apply for a six-month job seeker visa to find employment in Norway after completing their studies.
Minimum Wage: As of January 2023, the minimum wage in Norway is NOK 167.75 per hour, or approximately NOK 334,000 per year for full-time employees.
Cultural Experiences: Norway is known for its rich cultural heritage, with world-renowned music, art, and literature. From the Northern Lights to the Midnight Sun, Norway offers a unique experience for visitors and students alike. Whether you're interested in hiking, skiing, or exploring the city, there's something for everyone in Norway.
Top Universities
Norway is a popular destination for international students who want to experience its stunning natural beauty, high quality of life and free tuition. But which universities in Norway are the best? Here are the top five universities in Norway according to the QS World University Rankings 2023:
1. University of Oslo: Ranked 101st in the world, the University of Oslo is the oldest and largest university in Norway, with over 27,000 students and 6,000 staff. It offers a wide range of academic programs in humanities, social sciences, law, medicine, dentistry, natural sciences, mathematics, education and theology. It is also home to several museums and research centers of national and international importance.
2. University of Bergen: Ranked 207th in the world, the University of Bergen is a public university located in the city of Bergen on the west coast of Norway. It has about 17,000 students and 3,600 staff, and offers programs in arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, psychology, law and education. It is also known for its strong research profile, especially in marine science, climate change and global development.
3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology: Ranked 352nd in the world, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is a public university based in the city of Trondheim in central Norway. It has about 40,000 students and 7,000 staff, and offers programs in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, medicine, social sciences, humanities and arts. It is also Norway's main technical university and a leading institution for innovation and entrepreneurship.
4. UiT The Arctic University of Norway: Ranked 454th in the world, UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a public university located in the city of Tromsø in northern Norway. It has about 16,000 students and 3,500 staff, and offers programs in health sciences, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, education and fine arts. It is also Norway's third largest university and a center for research on Arctic issues.
5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences: Not ranked by QS but ranked 601st by THE (Times Higher Education), the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is a public university located in the town of Ås near Oslo. It has about 5,000 students and 1,400 staff, and offers programs in life sciences, environmental sciences, veterinary medicine and agricultural sciences. It is also Norway's only university focusing on biosciences.