A 2025 Guide to Studying Abroad in Norway

Whether you're heading to Oslo, Bergen, or anywhere else in the stunning country of Norway, you're in for an adventure of a lifetime.

Studying abroad in Norway will give you a lifetime of adventures and memories to take home with you, as well as an expanded education and new friends!

No matter where you're at in the journey, you've come to the right place for your year abroad in Europe.

In this guide, we're going to be taking a look at what students need to know in order to study abroad in Norway. From visas and entry requirements to some of the steps you will need to take, and even some advice for getting comfortable in your new home - we have you covered.

🇺🇸 Please note: This article is specifically for US students looking to study abroad in Norway. Programs, visas/permits, and requirements may differ depending on your nationality.

How to study abroad in Norway

To study abroad in Norway, there are quite a few things you will need to do. Thousands of people go through this exact same process each year, so rest assured that it's entirely possible!

While there are many details in between, the process to study abroad in Norway is generally as follows.

• Find a program in Norway. The first step to the journey is finding a college program that aligns with your academic and professional goals. We will talk more about how to find a program in a later section.
• Make sure you meet program qualifications. Even when studying abroad, universities typically have minimum requirements that students must meet in order to be accepted. These qualifications may be program-related, GPA-related, or even language-based.
• Make sure you meet Norwegian residence permit qualifications. In many countries, you must apply for a long stay visa to study abroad. In Norway, US citizens need to apply for a residence permit if they intend to spend more than 90 days in the country. We will talk more about the qualifications in a later section.
• Apply for your program.
• Apply for your residence.
• Move to Norway!

A lot of things happen between each of those steps, but they generally need to happen in that order.

Let's take a closer look at some of them.

Study abroad programs in Norway

Finding the right program/course for you is essential to your academics, your professional future, and your overall enjoyment while living in Norway.

Even if your heart is set on a specific city, you need to make sure that there is a program that aligns with you and your needs.

There are several ways that students can find educational programs in Norway, and one of the most common ones is through their current university.

If you are currently a university student in the States, your study abroad department can tell you if there are options for you to study in Norway. Typically, universities have longstanding partnerships with educational institutes abroad, making finding (and oftentimes applying) for a program a bit easier.

If you're not a university student currently, or your university doesn't offer a study abroad program in Norway, you can always apply on your own.

This can be done through a private study abroad program/service or by finding a program yourself and applying independently. Keep in mind that the university must be included on NOKUT's list of approved educational institutions (NOKUT is the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education).

Make sure that you do thorough research before traveling with an independent company and/or before applying for university admission to a foreign institution.

Norway residence permit requirements

In order to live and study in Norway, you're going to need a residence permit if your program exceeds 90 days. There are several qualifications that applicants must meet during the process.

In Norway, there isn't just one residence permit. There are different types depending on your reason for spending time in Norway.

On top of that, there isn't just one permit for studying - there are several - and the one you need must align with your situation.

The application requirements depend on the specific permit you're applying for.

All of that said, the requirements for US students looking to study at a Norwegian university for more than 90 days are:

• Proof that you have been accepted into a Norwegian university/educational institution.
• Payment of the application fee.
• Proof that you have the funds to support yourself during your time in Norway.
• Proof that you have paid/can pay your tuition fees.
• Proof of accommodations during your time in Norway.
• You cannot be self-employed or run a business in Norway (should you have one).

Keep in mind that additional documents/requirements may be necessary. You should always take actionable information from official sources (like the Norwegian Embassy or a trusted partner). The information found there will always be the most accurate and up-to-date.

Tips for studying abroad in Norway

Learn about the kroner (NOK). Norway's official currency is the kroner. Before traveling, you should learn the general conversion rate between it and the US Dollar.

Sunlight and darkness. Norway is very far north, meaning daylight changes drastically throughout the year. In the winter, it is very dark with limited hours of daily sunlight. The opposite is true for the summer. This can be a huge adjustment for those used to a more southern dose of daylight.

Drink up! The tap water in Norway is perfectly safe (and delicious).

Pack for all types of weather. Norway's climate is unpredictable and can change rapidly, sometimes without notice. Dressing in layers is a must, and so is bringing rain gear!

"The right to roam". The great outdoors is part of the Norwegian way of life. In Norway, you are allowed to camp in national parks and the countryside for free, but keep in mind there are still rules you will need to obey.

Brush up the cycling skills. Riding a bike is very popular in Norway, and the infrastructure is well-equipped for it!

Rely on public transportation. Norway is known for having excellent public transportation.