If you’re looking to study in any of the free tuition universities in Norway for international and Norwegian students, this university guide is for you.
Norway at the moment has opened up its doors to international students from anywhere in the world to study at their public universities free of charge. Via these institutions, students get to get the best out of their degree program at no cost.
However, these free universities in Norway do not mean that students do not pay for tuition, rather it means that you don’t have to pay much to get a degree in these universities in Norway.
In this guide, you will find the list of the top ten free Norwegian universities for international students. Also, you will find a guide that leads you to the school website if it fits your educational needs.
If that is your need, sit tight and get informed!!!
Studying in Norway: What is it Like?
Maybe you had no idea but one of the reasons why many international students look out for free Norwegian universities is because Norway is one of the most expensive countries to go to. And if you have to study there, you need a little bit of financial help depending on your financial capability.
Although Norway is home to many internationally recognized universities, you have to have a plan other than wishing to study in Norway.
In a bid to make quality education available to many, Norway offers free education to all students regardless of their nationalities. You must know that Norway is not one of the most popular studies abroad destinations. However, it’s slowly making a name for itself with more than 9,500 international students.
And interestingly, the figures are expected to rise in the years to come through its free tuition universities in Norway for international students.
Read Also: Norway Scholarships
How Can International Students Study in Free Universities in Norway?
First of all, international students can study in Norway regardless of their home country. The only way for international students can study in Norway is to first find an institution of choice, look up their requirements and acceptance rate and apply if preferred.
Once you pass the admission criteria, you will get admission.
How Many Universities Are There in Norway?
Currently, Norway has 9 universities, 8 university colleges, and 5 colleges of sciences/applied sciences. All these educational arms are conducted and managed by the Norwegian government.
Also, there are considerable private institutions of higher education that receive funding from public donors.
What Degrees Are Norway Known For?
Not all courses are best offered in Norway. Some programs have a proven track record of excellence whereas some courses are laboring to find a ground in Norway.
However, Norway is known for strong programs in many different fields, especially in;
- Business
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Engineering
Read Also: 5 Reasons Abroad Study In Norway will Benefit International Students
Top 10 Free Universities in Norway for International Students
Here is a list of free tuition universities in Norway for international students;
#1. Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Founded: 1859
- Location: As
- Student Population: 5,800+
- Percentage of International Students: 20%
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 470.
NMBU is a free public university that has undergone a lot of redefining over the years. It was first founded as the Norwegian Agriculture Postgraduate College. However in 1897, it became a university college and in 2005, it finally became a full-fledged autonomous university.
Currently, NMBU is the 5th best university in Norway.
They offer degrees in the fields of Biosciences, Chemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Landscaping, Economics, Business, Science, Technology, and Veterinary Medicine.
But the not-so-good news is that NMBU has the lowest student enrollment in Norway. Amidst this, they have the highest number of foreign students
#2. University of Agder
- Founded: 2007
- Location: Kristiansand and Grimstad
- Student Population: 11,000+
- Percentage of International Students: 11%
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 800
Although the University of Agder officially started in 2007, we can trace its genealogy down to the Agder University College, which opened in the year 1994.
Many of the courses of repute in the University of Agder are offered in the Schools/Faculties of Business & Law, Social Science, Fine Arts, Health & Sports Science, Humanities & Education, Engineering & Science, and Teacher Education.
If you’re a research fanatic, this Norwegian university is very much involved in research, particularly in the fields of AI, Signal Processing, European Studies, Gender Studies, etc
Even though all students do not pay tuition at UiA, the semester dues are unavoidable. Some other costs can include; housing (NOK 3200 or $373 per month), textbooks (NOK 3500 or $409), transportation (NOK 520 or $60), etc
#3. Nord University
- Founded: 2016
- Location: Nordland and Trøndelag
- Student Population: 11,000+
- Percentage of International Students: Not Specified
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 725.
Nord University is one of the youngest as well as one of the free universities in Norway for international students. This is one of the free Norwegian universities that has many campuses.
Its main campuses are in Bodø and Levanger. Other satellite campuses are in Steinkjer, Mo i Rana, Namsos, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Stjørdal, and Vesterålen.
These students major in Biosciences & Aquaculture, Education & Arts, Nursing & Health Science, Social Science, and Business. The semester dues you pay serve as the administrative fees and various student organizations.
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#4. University of Bergen
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Bergen
- Student Population: 14,000+
- Percentage of International Students: 13%
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 590 or $65.
The next on our list of free universities in Norway for international students is the University of Bergen. Since its inception in 1946, the University of Bergen has had a proven record of high academic benchmarks.
Currently, the school is recognized as the 2nd best school in Norway and 85th in terms of impact. However, it is listed as 201-250 internationally.
As a publicly-funded Norwegian university, UiB offers free education to all its students. However, all enrollees have to pay minimal semester fees which helps to fund the Student Welfare Organization.
At UiB, degree programs in the fields of Fine Art & Music, Humanities, Law, Mathematics & Natural Science, Medicine, Psychology, and Social Science.
#5. The Arctic University of Norway
- Founded: 1972
- Location: Tromsø
- Student Population: 14,000+
- Percentage of International Students: 11%
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 625 or $73.
The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) is the world’s northernmost educational university. This university is the third-best and the sixth-biggest university in Norway and also one of the free Norwegian universities.
Also, it is listed as one of the best young universities in the world offering degrees in the fields of Health Science, Science & Technology, Humanities & Education, Bioscience & Fisheries, Fine Arts, Law, and Sports & Social Work.
At tuition-free UiT, all enrollees pay a semester fee which covers processes such as registrations, examinations, student cards, student counseling, and student organization memberships.
This applies to all students except those in exchange programs.
#6. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Founded: 1760
- Location: Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund
- Student Population: 36,000+
- Percentage of International Students: 8%
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 580 or $68.
Here’s another Norwegian university on our list of free universities in Norway. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology nowadays is on the list of top 3 universities in Norway.
It’s solely responsible for offering Engineering and Information Technology courses. However, it also has programs in Natural Sciences, Architecture & Design, Economics, Management, Medicine, Health Science, Social Science, Humanities, and Education.
As one of Norway’s publicly-funded universities, you do not pay anything other than the semester dues which cover student welfare services and organization funding.
#7. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- Founded: 2017
- Location: Bergen, Stord, Haugesund, Sogndal, and Førde
- Student Population: 16,000+
- Percentage of International Students: Not Specified
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 625 or $73.
Although the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is a new institution in Norway, it has gotten a strong footing in the academic world.
The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences came about as a merger of 5 schools which gave rise to its 5 campuses.
Most courses fall under the undergraduate and graduate courses such as Education & Arts, Engineering & Science, Health & Social Science, and Business Administration. And for the records, the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences has a diving school as well.
For tuition, it is free. However, depending on the course, you may need to pay additional fees for excursions, field trips, and whatnot.
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#8. University of South-Eastern Norway
- Founded: 2018
- Location: Horten, Kongsberg, Drammen, Rauland, Notodden, Porsgrunn, Telemark, Bø, and Hønefoss
- Student Population: 17,000+
- Percentage of International Students: Not Specified
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 929 or $108.
The University of South-Eastern Norway is one of the free universities in Norway for international students. This free university is a continuation of the university colleges of Telemark, Buskerud, and Vestfold.
Following this merger is the establishment of its 9 campus in Horten, Kongsberg, Drammen, Rauland, Notodden, Porsgrunn, Telemark, Bø, and Hønefoss.
The programs offered in this free Norwegian university include the fields of Health & Social Science, Humanities & Education, Business, and Technology & Maritime Sciences.
Aside from the semester fee which is used to cover some expenses, there is an optional fee called the SAIH fee of NOK 40 which may be required of you.
Also, postgraduate students may be levied additional amounts outside of the semestral payment.
#9. Oslo Metropolitan University
- Founded: 2018
- Location: Oslo and Akershus
- Student Population: 20,000+
- Percentage of International Students: Not Specified
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 600 or $70..
The Oslo Metropolitan University is one of the free Norwegian universities for international students. This university came about as a merger of various institutions in Greater Oslo. Although it is resident in Oslo, it serves both the residents of the Akershus regions.
The students of Oslo Metropolitan University are enrolled in Faculties of Health Science, Education & Information Science, Social Science, and Technology & Design.
However, you must know that most courses in Oslo Metropolitan are taught in Norwegian, although some are delivered in French, German, and English.
Besides the semester fee that helps fund student welfare services, enrollees are required to pay NOK 220 ($25) copy fee as well as a contribution to the SAIH, which amounts to NOK 40.
#10. Østfold University College
- Founded: 1994
- Location: Viken County
- Student Population: 7,000
- Percentage of International Students: Not Specified
- What You Pay For: Semestral fee of NOK 600 or $70.
Østfold University College is the last university on our list of free tuition universities in Norway for international students.
HiØ as its abbreviation offers Associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and some PhDs in the fields of Business, Social Science, Foreign Language, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Health Science, and Theatre Studies.
The not-so-good news about this free Norwegian university is that it has a low student population scattered in its two campuses: Frederikstad and Halsen campuses.
Before enrolling in this college, it’s ideal to know that the cost of living in Fredrikstad is cheaper than in most Norwegian areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Free Norwegian Universities for International Students
What Are the Living Costs High In Norway?
As international students studying in any of the free universities, even though you are not paying tuition, you need to consider the living cost.
The cost of living in Norway largely depends on the location within the country. Cities like Oslo will have significantly higher expenses than smaller towns and cities. On average, students can expect to budget between NOK 9500 to NOK 20,000.
Can I Study in Norway Using Only English?
Yes, some degree programs and courses are taught and administered in English.
To achieve that, you will need IELTS or TOEFL to study in Norway in English.
Asides from English, some courses are taught in French as well.
What are the Administrative Fees For Norway?
On average, the administrative fee ranges between NOK 300 to NOK 600.
However, this largely depends on the university you are studying at.
With these fees, you can access the students’ union of the respective university, sports provisions, healthcare services, and counseling services.
Read Also: 10 Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students 2022
Summary
Without a doubt, you too can study in Norway via its free tuition universities for international students.
Kindly note that the administrative fees are not tuition but a token to run the administrative arms of the university.
I hope that this article on free universities in Norway was helpful!
Good luck, scholar!!!
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References
- https://worldscholarshipforum.com/universities-in-norway-with-free-tuition-for-international-students/
- https://opportunitiescorners.info/study-in-norway-free/
