Top 15 Tuition-Free Universities in Norway for Studies 2024
Have you ever considered pursuing your education in Norway but have concerns about the cost of tuition? Well, here’s some reassuring information: this article highlights 15 universities in Norway that offer tuition-free opportunities for international students to enroll in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs, easing the financial burden.
Norway, while often associated with a high cost of living, is also renowned for providing exceptional university education to international students without imposing tuition fees. By choosing to apply to one of these tuition-free universities, you open the door to an educational experience in Europe that comes with minimal or even no financial burden. This unique opportunity allows you to embark on your academic journey in Norway with confidence, knowing that the financial aspect won’t be a significant concern.
Norway, situated in Northern Europe, is a Nordic nation occupying the western and northern portions of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Covering a land area of 385,207 square kilometers (148,729 square miles), Norway was home to a population of 5,425,270 as of January 2022. Oslo, the capital city, not only serves as the nation’s capital but also stands as the largest city in Norway.
Despite its relatively modest size, Norway boasts a reputation for providing high-quality education at its universities and colleges. Notably, a significant number of these institutions offer degree programs and courses in the English language, making it accessible to international students seeking a world-class education in an English-speaking environment.
SEE ALSO: 20 Most Affordable Medical Schools in Canada 2023
List of Top 15 Tuition-Free Universities in Norway for Studies:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, situated in As, Norway, has a rich history. Established in 1859, it evolved into a university college in 1897 and later achieved full university status in 2005. Notably, the university has a welcoming approach to international students, with a significant percentage of its student body hailing from abroad.
At NMBU, students have the opportunity to pursue a wide array of degree programs in diverse fields, including Science, Technology, Food Science, Biosciences, Business, Economics, Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Landscaping, Environmental Science, and more.
One particularly appealing aspect of this institution is its tuition policy, which is favorable to international students. While tuition fees are not charged, there is a nominal semester fee of approximately NOK 470 (equivalent to $55) for certain student programs, which grants students access to various student welfare services and benefits.
Commonly known as UiB, the University of Bergen distinguishes itself as one of the premier tuition-free universities in Norway. Founded in 1946, the university boasts a diverse student body of over 14,000 individuals, comprising both Norwegians and international students, all benefiting from a high-quality education.
Students at the University of Bergen have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of degrees, encompassing fields such as law, medicine, mathematics and natural sciences, psychology, music and fine arts, social sciences, humanities, and more.
The remarkable aspect of this institution is its tuition policy, which extends the privilege of free education to all students. However, to access student welfare services and support, there is a modest Student Welfare Organization support fee of approximately NOK 590 (equivalent to $65) per semester.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) operates across three campuses in Trondheim, Gjovik, and Lesund. Established in 1760, it has risen to prominence as one of Norway’s top three universities.
NTNU is a welcoming destination for students from diverse national backgrounds, offering a comprehensive selection of degree programs. These programs span various fields, including information technology, engineering, architecture and design, medicine, humanities, natural sciences, health science, management, education, social science, and economics.
One of the standout features of NTNU is its commitment to providing free education, as it is publicly funded. This means that students can access high-quality education without tuition fees. For international students, the only financial obligation is a nominal semester fee, which amounts to approximately NOK 580 (equivalent to $68) per semester. This fee covers student organization activities and allows students to avail themselves of various welfare services.
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
In 2017, the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) was founded through the amalgamation of institutions in Stord, Sogndal, Bergen, Førde, and Haugesund, each of which now hosts one of its campuses.
Students at HVL have the opportunity to pursue degrees in various fields, including Health and social Sciences, Education and Arts, Business Administration, and Engineering and science. Additionally, the university provides facilities for food services, practical training, health resources, maritime activities, and even a driving school.
The university maintains a tuition-free policy, applying to both domestic and international students. However, international students are required to contribute to the student welfare fund by paying a semester fee for access to various support services and benefits.
Ostfold University College, created in 2018 through the merger of certain institutions in Oslo, is situated in Viken County and maintains campuses in Halsen and Frederikstad.
This institution extends the privilege of tuition-free education to international students, enabling them to pursue degrees in various fields such as Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Social Science, Theatre Studies, Health Science, Education, and Foreign Languages.
The funding structure of Ostfold University College ensures that tuition is covered by public support, making education free of charge for all students. However, to access student services and support, there is a nominal semester fee of NOK 600 (equivalent to $70) payable by students each semester.
Founded in 1972, the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) has emerged as the third-ranking university in Norway and has attracted a significant number of international students pursuing diverse academic programs.
Situated in Troms, UiT provides a comprehensive range of degree options, encompassing fields such as Bioscience and Fisheries, Fine Arts, Health Science, Humanities and Education, Sports and Social Work, Science and Technology, and Law.
UiT stands out for its tuition-free education policy, ensuring that both domestic and international students can pursue their studies without bearing tuition costs. However, to support student welfare services and facilitate the registration process, students are required to pay a nominal semester fee of NOK 625 (equivalent to $73).
In 2018, Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) was established as a result of the merger of several educational institutions in Oslo. Students have the advantage of learning in a tranquil setting equipped with modern infrastructure.
While the majority of courses at OsloMet are conducted in Norwegian, some are available in English, French, and German. Prospective applicants should thoroughly investigate the institution’s website for information about the language of instruction before applying for any specific program.
Both local and international students have the opportunity to pursue degrees in fields such as Education & Information Science, Technology & Design, Health Science, and Social Science at Oslo Metropolitan University.
Similar to other institutions, tuition at OsloMet is free of charge. However, students are required to pay a semester fee of approximately NOK 600 ($70) to access various student welfare services, along with an additional NOK 220 ($25) for copying services.
University of South-Eastern Norway
The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), formed in 2018 through the merger of Buskerud, Vestfold, and Telemark University colleges, is situated in the South-Eastern region of Norway. This institution upholds a tuition-free policy, ensuring that all its students have access to education without the burden of tuition fees.
USN offers a range of degree programs in diverse fields, including Humanities and Education, Technology & Maritime Sciences, Health & Social Sciences, and Business. The university has multiple campuses, with students attending classes in locations such as Horten, Porsgrunn, Hnefoss, and others.
While tuition at the University of South-Eastern Norway is cost-free, students are required to pay a semester fee of approximately NOK 929 (equivalent to $108) each semester. This fee covers expenses related to copying, printing, and various student welfare services.
Nord University, positioned in Trondelag and Nordland, boasts a network of primary and satellite campuses dispersed across several locations, including Namsos, Vesterlen, Steinkjer, Levanger, Rana, Nesna, Bod, and others. The university has earned a distinguished reputation as one of Norway’s premier higher education institutions.
Nord University offers a diverse array of programs for both local and international students across its campus locations, encompassing fields such as Education and arts, Social Sciences, Biosciences and aquaculture, Business, and Nursing and Health Science.
In line with the standard practice in Norway, Nord University adheres to a tuition-free policy for all its students. However, international students are required to provide evidence of their financial capability and to pay a semester fee of approximately NOK 725 (equivalent to $85). This fee covers student organizations and administrative expenses.
Formerly identified as Agder University College and subsequently rebranded as the University of Agder in 2007, this establishment is renowned for its research initiatives in fields such as gender studies, signal processing, artificial intelligence, and European studies, among others.
The University of Agder maintains campuses in Grimstad and Kristiansand and provides a diverse range of degree programs in areas such as Engineering and Science, Fine Arts, Health and Sports Science, Humanities and education, Business and law, Teacher Education, and Social Sciences.
In accordance with the standard practice in Norway, the University of Agder does not impose tuition fees for its students. However, full-time students are obligated to pay a semester fee of approximately NOK 800 (equivalent to $93) to support various student welfare services.
University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
The University Centre in Svalbard, commonly referred to as UNIS is a Norwegian state-owned university institution. Its establishment dates back to 1993, and it is primarily engaged in research activities while also offering high-quality university-level education in the field of Arctic studies.
This institution is under the complete ownership of the Ministry of Education and Research, as well as being jointly owned by the universities of Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, NTNU, and NMBU, which together appoint the board of directors to oversee its operations. Additionally, a director, appointed by the board for a four-year term, leads UNIS.
Situated in Longyearbyen at an impressive 78° N latitude, this center holds the distinction of being the northernmost research and higher education institute globally. UNIS categorizes its courses into four faculties, focusing on Arctic biology, Arctic geology, Arctic geophysics, and Arctic technology.
Despite being one of the newer academic institutions, UNIS accommodates a substantial student body of over 600 individuals and maintains an administrative staff of 45 professionals. While tuition is entirely cost-free, international students are required to make a yearly payment of less than $125, which helps cover academic-related expenses and other essential services.
This institution underwent a merger with UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, effective from January 1, 2016.
Narvik University College, also known as Høgskolen i Narvik (HiN), was initially founded in 1994 and has established itself as a provider of high-quality education well-regarded across the country.
Despite being one of the more recent additions to the Norwegian academic landscape, Narvik University College has earned a prominent position in international rankings, gaining recognition worldwide.
The university is committed to ensuring that students facing financial challenges receive the support they need.
Narvik University College offers a diverse array of courses, spanning fields like Nursing, Business Administration, and Engineering. These programs are primarily full-time, but students also have access to online courses and programs.
With an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students and a staff of 220, comprising both academic and administrative professionals, Narvik University College is an excellent choice for international students, especially those seeking tuition-free universities in Norway.
This educational institution, known as HiG, is a Norwegian University/College that came into existence on August 1, 1994. Notably, it is one of the tuition-free universities in Norway.
Situated in Gjøvik, Norway, this public higher education institute went through a merger with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in 2016, adopting the campus name NTNU, Gjøvik, Norway.
With an enrollment averaging around 2,000 students and a staff of 299 individuals, encompassing both academic and administrative roles, this university has a significant international student intake, solidifying its status as one of the tuition-free universities in Norway for international students.
In addition to its academic offerings, the institution provides opportunities for both students and staff to engage in international exchange programs. It also boasts a wide array of study facilities, including its own library and a conducive learning environment across various campuses.
Furthermore, it has earned recognition through national and international rankings and counts notable alumni among its achievements, with several faculties organized into diverse departments.
This educational institution, originally a høgskole, a Norwegian state higher education institute, is situated in the city of Harstad, Norway.
Its inception dates back to October 28, 1983, but it attained university status on August 1, 1994, following the amalgamation of three regional høgskoler. At that time, the Harstad University/College counted around 1,300 students and had a staff of 120 members, as of the year 2012.
The University is structured into two faculties: Business Administration and Social Sciences, as well as Health and Social Care, each comprising several departments.
With a student body of approximately 1,300 individuals and a dedicated academic staff of 120, Harstad University/College has earned a reputation as one of the country’s top educational institutions, consistently delivering a high standard of education.
Furthermore, this university holds a notable position in Norway’s national rankings, a remarkable achievement within a span of less than 30 years.
As one of the Top 15 Tuition-Free Universities in Norway for Studies, the University of Stavanger offers a variety of programs that are available to international students at no cost. These include undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as engineering, management, and the sciences. In addition, the university also offers a range of English-taught programs that are designed for international students. The university’s location in the scenic city of Stavanger, on the southwestern coast of Norway, provides students with a variety of opportunities for exploration and discovery. The University of Stavanger also provides a range of financial support options for international students.
SEE ALSO: ICMS Professional Scholarship Program 2024 in Australia
Conclusion
In conclusion, Norway offers an array of world-class educational opportunities, with many of its universities and colleges providing tuition-free education to both domestic and international students. This commitment to accessible education is a testament to Norway’s dedication to fostering a highly educated society and a global learning environment. The top 15 tuition-free universities in Norway for studies mentioned in this discussion showcase a range of programs in various fields, providing students with the chance to pursue their academic goals without the burden of tuition fees. Moreover, these institutions often have a strong focus on research, providing students with the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking discoveries and innovative projects. Norway’s commitment to tuition-free education, coupled with its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, makes it an attractive destination for those seeking high-quality higher education. Whether it’s the vibrant cities or the serene landscapes, Norway offers an exceptional environment for learning and personal growth.