In addition to the list of several countries a student can study for free, we’ve brought to you Norway and various tuition-free universities in Norway.
Norway is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, with a mainland territory that comprises the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
However, the capital of Norway and its largest city is Oslo. Nevertheless, for more on Norway and what it is like to study in Norway, see our guide to studying abroad in Norway.
This article bears an updated list of the universities which do not receive tuition fees from students. It can also serve as a guide for international students to know the tuition-free universities in Norway for international students.
Table of Contents
Why Study in Norway?
There are several reasons why students, both national and international choose to study in Norway, among numerous schools.
Apart from the natural beauty, Norway has to offer, there are various properties that qualify Norway as a good choice for most students.
However, below is a brief breakdown of the four most important reasons why you should study in Norway.
- Quality Education
Regardless of the small size of the country, its universities and colleges are known for quality education.
Therefore, studying in Norway enhances one’s career possibilities, both national and international.
- Language
This country may not be totally an English-speaking country but a good number of its university’s degree programs and courses are taught in English.
However, a high rate of English in society generally makes it easy for both to study and live in Norway.
- Free Education
As we all know, Norway is a small country with big resources. It is an utmost preference to Norwegian authorities/leadership to maintain and develop an educational system of high quality, available to all students, regardless of background.
Nevertheless, be mindful that Norway is a high-cost country, which requires an international student to be able to cover his or her living expenses for the duration of his or her studies.
- Livable Society
Equality is a value deeply grounded in Norwegian society, even in legislation and tradition.
Norway is a safe society where people of different classes, backgrounds, and culture cab come together to interact, with no bias, whatsoever. It is an accommodating society with friendly people.
However, this is of great importance because it makes room for students, both national and international to be themselves while enjoying their studies.
Requirements for Norway Universities Application
Below are a few of the many requirements and documents needed to study in Norway, especially in certain universities.
However, the overall necessities will be listed below.
- A Visa.
- Enough funds for living expenses and account proof.
- For master’s students, an undergraduate/Bachelor’s degree certificate is required.
- A pass on any English proficiency test. Although this differs, depending on your country.
- An application form for student residence with a passport photograph. This is mostly required by the University.
- Passport photograph.
- Documentation of admission to an accredited educational institution. Also, University requirements.
- Documentation of housing/housing plan.
15 Tuition Free Universities in Norway
Below is a 2022 list of the 15 free tuition universities in Norway. Feel free to explore this list and make your choice.
1. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
This university is number one on our list of the 15 tuition-free universities in Norway. It is abbreviated as NTNU, founded in 1760. Although, it is located in Trondheim, Ålesund, Gjøvik, Norway.
However, it is known for its absolute study in engineering and information technology. It has various faculties and several departments which offer courses in, Natural Science, Architecture and Design, Economics, Management, Medicine, Health, Etc.
This university is free because it is a publicly supported institute. However, foreign students is required to pay a semester fee of $68 every semester.
Moreover, this fee is for welfare and academic support for the student. This institute is a great pick as one of the free tuition universities in Norway for international students.
Nevertheless, this institute has a good number of 41,971 students and over 8,000 academic and administrative staff.
2. Norwegian University of Life Sciences
This university is abbreviated as NMBU and it is a non-profit institute. It is located in As, Norway. However, it is one of the tuition-free universities in Norway with a good number of 5,200 students.
However, in 1859 it was a Postgraduate Agriculture College, then a University College in 1897, and eventually became a proper, fledged university in the year 2005.
This university offers a variety of degree courses which includes; Biosciences, Chemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Landscaping, Economics, Business, Science, Technology, and Veterinary Medicine. Etc.
Moreover, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences is Norway’s fifth-best university. It is also among the free tuition universities for international students.
However, it has an estimated 5,800 students, 1,700 administrative staff, and several academic staff. Moreover, it has the highest percentage of foreign applications, worldwide.
Nevertheless, it has several rankings and notable alumni which proves it is one of the best.
Although foreign students are tuition-free students at NMBU, they are required to pay a semester fee of $55 every semester.
3. Nord University
Another on our list of tuition-free universities in Norway is this state university, which is located in Nordland, Trndelag, Norway. It was established in 2016.
It has campuses in four different cities, but its major campuses are located in Bod and Levanger.
However, it has a good number of 11,000 students, both local and foreign. It has four faculties and a business school, these faculties are mainly on; Biosciences and Aquaculture, Education and Arts, Nursing and Health Science, and Social Sciences.
In order to be free, this institute is publicly sponsored, although, international students are required to pay the sum of $85 every semester, this is an annual charge which is used to take care of various academic needs.
Nevertheless, this institute requires evidence of financial stability from international applicants. However, note that the yearly tuition fee for this university is around $14,432.
This awesome institute, known for quality education is also one of the tuition-free universities in Norway for international students.
4. Østfold University/College
This is a university also known as OsloMet, and is one of Norway’s youngest universities. It is among the tuition-free universities in Norway for international students.
However, it was established in 1994 and has over 7,000 students and 550 employees. It is located in Viken County, Norway. Moreover, it has campuses in Fredrikstad and Halden.
It has five faculties and a Norwegian Theatre Academy. These faculties are divided into various departments which offer a variety of courses which includes; Business, Social Science, Foreign Language, Computer Science, Education, Health Science, Etc.
Nevertheless, just like most free universities, it is publicly funded, although students pay an annual semester fee of $70.
5. University of Agder
The University of Agder is another on our list of tuition-free universities in Norway.
It was established in 2007. However, it was formerly known as Agder University College, then became a full-fledged university and has several campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad.
Nevertheless, it has over 11,000 students and 1,100 administrative staff. Its faculties are; Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Health and Sport Sciences, Humanities and Education, Engineering and Science, and a School of Business and Law.
This institute is mostly involved in research, especially in subjects like; artificial intelligence, signal processing, European studies, gender studies, Etc.
Although, this university excuse students from paying tuition fee, students who are interested in a full-time degree is required to pay an annual semester fee of $93.
6. Oslo Metropolitan University
This is a state university and one of Norway’s youngest institutes, it is located in Oslo and Akershus in Norway.
However, it was established in 2018, and currently has a student number of 20,000, 1,366 academic staff, and 792 administrative staff.
It was formerly known as stfold University College. The university has four faculties in, Health Science, Education, International Studies, Social Sciences, and finally, Technology, Art, and Design.
Nevertheless, it has four research institutes and several rankings. It also has a nominal semester fee of $70.
7. The Arctic University of Norway
The seventh number on our list of tuition-free universities in Norway is the Arctic University of Norway.
This is the world’s northernmost educational institution which is located in Troms, Norway. It was established in 1968 and opened in 1972.
However, it currently has a number of 17,808 students and 3,776 staff. It offers various degrees ranging from Arts, Science, Business, and Education.
Nevertheless, it is the third-best university in Norway and a tuition-free university for international students.
In addition to this, it is one of the country’s largest schools in the number of students, both local and foreign.
However, students pay a minimal semester fee of $73 at UiT, except for exchange students. Moreover, this covers the registration procedures, examination, student card, extracurricular memberships, and counseling.
This also provides students with a discount on public transportation and cultural events.
8. University of Bergen
This university, also known as UiB is among the top public tuition-free universities in Bergen, Norway. It is regarded as the country’s second-best institute.
Nevertheless, it was founded in 1946 and has a good number of 14,000+ students and several staff, this includes academic and administrative staff.
UiB offers different courses/degree programs ranging from; Fine Arts and Music, Humanities, Law, Mathematics and Natural Science, Medicine, Psychology, and Social Science.
This university was ranked 85th in quality education and impact, it is, however, on the 201/250th ranking worldwide.
Just like others, UiB is a publicly funded university, and it is also one of the tuition-free universities in Norway, and this is regardless of citizenship.
However, every applicant is required to pay an annual semester fee of $65, which helps to take care of the student’s welfare.
9. University of South-Eastern Norway
The University of South-Eastern Norway is a young, state institute that was established in 2018 and has over 17,000 students.
It is one of the tuition-free universities in Norway for international students which followed the continuation of the university colleges of Telemark, Buskerud, and Vestfold.
Nevertheless, this institute, abbreviated as US, has several campuses. These are located in Horten, Kongsberg, Drammen, Rauland, Notoden, Porsgrunn, Telemark B, and Hnefoss. This is a result of the merger.
However, it has four faculties, namely; Health and Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, Business, and Technology and Maritime Sciences. These faculties have provided twenty departments.
Nevertheless, USN students are required to pay an annual semester fee of $108. Although, this includes the expenses of running a student organization, as well as printing and copying.
However, outside this fee, postgraduate students may be charged additional fees, depending on the course of study.
10. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
This is a public educational university, which is founded in 2017. However, it was formed by the merging of five different institutes, which eventually produced five campuses in Bergen, Stord, Haugesund, Sogndal, and Førde.
This University commonly known as HVL, offers undergraduate and graduate courses in the following faculties; Education and Arts, Engineering and Science, Health and Social Science, and Business Administration.
However, it has over 16,000 students, which includes local and international students.
It has a diving school and several research facilities dedicated to Evidence-Based Practice, Education, Health, Kindergarten Knowledge, Food, and Maritime Activity.
Although it is a free-tuition university, an annual fee of $1,168 is required from all students. Nevertheless, students may also be expected to pay additional costs for excursions, field trips, and several activities, depending on the course of study.
11. University of Nordland (UiN)
The University of Nordland, abbreviated as the UIN was previously known as the Bodø University College, it was first a public university located in the city of Bodø, Norway. It was established in the year 2011.
However, in January 2016, this university was incorporated with Nesna University/College and Nord-Trøndelag University/College, then became Nord University, Norway.
This university provides a conducive environment for learning, experimenting, and research. It has approximately 5700 students and 600 staff.
Nevertheless, with learning facilities spread across Nordland county, UIN is a significant institute to learn, study, and research in the country.
It is one of the tuition-free universities in Norway and also a must-pick, tuition-free university for international students.
However, this institute offers several degree courses ranging from arts to science in various distinguished departments.
12. University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
This University Centre in Svalbard known as UNIS, is a Norwegian state-owned university.
It was established in 1993 and is involved in research and provides good university-level education in Arctic studies.
Nevertheless, this university is wholly owned by the Ministry of Education and Research, and also by the universities of Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, NTNU, and NMBU which appointed the board of directors.
However, this institute is led by a director appointed by the board for a four-year term.
This center is the world’s northernmost research and higher education institute, it is located in Longyearbyen at 78° N latitude.
However, the courses offered fall into four faculties; Arctic biology, Arctic geology, Arctic geophysics, and Arctic technology.
This is one of the youngest institutes and it had a number of over 600 students and 45 administrative staff.
Although it is a tuition-free university, foreign students are required to pay a yearly fee of less than $125, this is to sort out the student’s academic-related expenses, Etc.
13. Narvik University/College
This institute was merged with UiT, The Arctic University of Norway. This happened on the 1st of January, 2016.
Narvik University College or Høgskolen i Narvik (HiN) was established in 1994. This Narvik University College offers a quality education that is admired throughout the country.
Although it is one of the youngest universities in Norway, Narvik University College ranks high in international ratings, worldwide.
However, Narvik University College goes out of its way to make sure that every student with financial issues is supported.
Nevertheless, this university offers a wide range of courses, like Nursing, Business Administration, Engineering, Etc.
These courses are full-time programs, however, students are not limited to them, because the university also offers online courses and programs.
However, this university has approximately 2000 students and 220 employees, which includes the academy and administrative staff.
Moreover, It is definitely a good choice of school for international students, especially those in search of tuition-free universities in Norway for international students.
14. Gjøvik University/College
This Institute is a University/College in Norway, abbreviated as HiG. However, it was established on the 1st of August 1994, and it is among the tuition-free universities in Norway.
The university is located in Gjøvik, Norway. Moreover, it is a public higher education institute that merged with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in 2016. This gave it the campus name of NTNU, Gjøvik, Norway.
Nevertheless, this institute has an average of 2000 students and 299 staff, which includes academic and administrative staff.
This University admits a good number of foreign students yearly, which makes it suitable to be called, one of the tuition-free universities in Norway for international students.
However, it also offers its students and staff the opportunity to participate in international exchange programs. Nevertheless, it has a wide range of study facilities which includes, its own library and a conducive learning environment and campuses.
Lastly, it has several rankings, both national and international. Also, notable alumni’s and several faculties, are scattered into various departments.
15. Harstad University/College
This University was a høgskole, a Norwegian state institute of higher education, which is located in the city of Harstad, Norway.
However, It was originally established on the 28th of October 1983 but was enlarged properly as a university on the 1st of August 1994. This was a result of the merging of three regional høgskoler.
The Harstad University/College had about 1300 students and 120 staff in the year 2012. This University is organized into two faculties namely; Business Administration and Social Sciences, and then Health and Social Care. Which has several departments.
However, this university has a number of 1,300 students and 120 academic staff.
Nevertheless, Harstad University/College is one of the best educational institutes in the country, which has consistently demonstrated a high level of educational quality.
Moreover, this university ranks in the national rating of Norway, and this impressive result was achieved in less than 30 years.
This university has great infrastructure and a dedicated library, it also has various sports facilities which can come in handy for a lot of students.
Tuition-Free Universities in Norway Conclusion
In order to apply for any of the above universities, go to the university official site by clicking on its name, there you’ll be instructed on how to apply.
Note that before applying, the student should have proof of previous education, especially high school. And evidence of financial stability, in order to take care of his or she’s needs and housing expenses.
Nevertheless, if this may be a problem, you can check several universities which offer scholarships to students, both national and international students, and how to apply. This can help cover the tuition fee and housing cost, leaving you with little or nothing to fund.
If you are confused about what free tuition or full-ride scholarship really is, see also: what are full-ride scholarships.
We are here to help you make that important decision to study, and certainly here to help you choose. However, do not forget to engage us in the comment session below.
