Masters Degree in Norway

By Modoante – From campus to career, we’ve got you!

With tuition-free education at public universities, stunning natural landscapes, and a high standard of living, Norway is a top choice for international students pursuing a master’s degree in Europe. Even for non-EU/EEA students, most Norwegian public universities offer free tuition, making it one of the most affordable options for graduate education globally.

If you’re planning to pursue a master’s degree in Norway, this guide breaks down the entire process—from finding the right programme to submitting a successful application and preparing for student life in Norway.

Step 1: Explore Master’s Programmes and Universities

Norway offers hundreds of English-taught master’s programmes in diverse fields such as sustainability, data science, marine studies, engineering, architecture, social sciences, and energy technology.

Start your research by:

• Browsing programmes on Modoante.com to compare subject areas, tuition policies, and scholarship options.

• Focusing on top universities like:
  

  • University of Oslo (UiO) – Strong in social sciences, humanities, and health.

  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) – Known for engineering, natural sciences, and technology.

  • University of Bergen (UiB) – Offers marine, environmental, and climate-related programmes.

  • Nord University – Specialised in biosciences and innovation.

  • NHH & BI Business School – Offering globally competitive business and economics programmes.

Programmes in Norway emphasise critical thinking, independent research, and collaborative learning.

Step 2: Check Admission Requirements for Master’s Degrees

Each university has its own admission criteria, but general requirements for international students include:

• A recognised bachelor’s degree in a related field

• Official academic transcripts with a strong GPA

• Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores typically required):
  

  • IELTS 6.5+

  • TOEFL iBT 90+

  • PTE Academic may also be accepted

• Statement of purpose or motivation letter

• Updated CV detailing academic and professional background

• Letters of recommendation (varies by programme)

• A passport copy

Some programmes may require:

• A portfolio (for design/architecture)

• Entrance tests or interviews (rare, but applicable for competitive courses)

👉 Tip: Always check the specific requirements on Modoante.com or the university’s official programme page.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents

Make sure your application is complete and submitted in the required format.

You’ll typically need:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate + transcript

• English language test results

• Motivation letter (tailored to the specific programme)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Letters of reference (if required)

• Passport scan

• Portfolio or writing samples (if applicable)

Translation requirements: If your documents are in another language, provide certified translations in English or Norwegian, along with originals.

Start preparing at least 6–8 months in advance to meet deadlines, especially if testing, translating, or verifying credentials.

Step 4: Apply Online via University Portals

Applications for master’s programmes in Norway are submitted directly through each university’s own portal. There is no centralised platform like NUCAS for graduate degrees.

Steps:

• Create an account on the university’s admissions portal.

• Choose your programme.

• Upload all required documents in PDF format.

• Submit before the deadline.

• Pay any application processing fee (if required, approx. €50–€100).

💡 Track your application status on the university portal after submission.

Step 5: Application Deadlines for Master’s Programmes

Most Norwegian universities follow this timeline for autumn semester (August start):

• December–January: Main application window for non-EU/EEA students

• March–April: Final deadlines for EU/EEA applicants

• April–May: Admission decisions released

• August: Semester begins

Some programmes may have earlier deadlines for specific fields or rolling admissions—check carefully on Modoante.com and the university site.

Step 6: Apply for a Student Residence Permit (Non-EU/EEA Students)

If you’re a non-EU/EEA citizen and receive an offer of admission, apply for a student residence permit via the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

You’ll need:

• Letter of admission from a Norwegian university

• Valid passport

• Proof of sufficient funds: NOK 137,907/year (~€12,000)

• Proof of housing in Norway

• Health insurance (included once registered in Norway)

• Completed UDI application form

• Application fee (approx. NOK 5,900 / €550)

⏳ Processing time: 1–3 months. Apply immediately after acceptance.

Step 7: Plan Your Student Life in Norway

Though tuition is free, you’ll need to budget for higher living costs.

Accommodation:

• Student dormitories: €400–€700/month depending on city

• Apply early via providers like SiO (Oslo) or Sit (Trondheim)

Living Costs:

• Total estimated monthly expenses: €900–€1,200

Work Rights:

• Work up to 20 hours/week during semesters

• Work full-time during holidays

• Knowing Norwegian can improve part-time job prospects

Student Integration:

• Join student clubs, societies, and local events

• Take advantage of orientation programmes and local services

• Explore Norway’s outdoors—"friluftsliv" is a part of everyday life

• Start your research a year in advance

• Match your academic background with the programme’s focus

• Write a compelling motivation letter—showing how Norway aligns with your goals

• Ensure your documents are complete, translated, and submitted on time

• Use Modoante.com to:
  
  

  • Track deadlines

  • Explore scholarships

  • Get personalised guidance

Q1: Is tuition free for master’s students in Norway?
✅ Yes. Public universities in Norway do not charge tuition for any students, including non-EU/EEA. You only pay a registration fee (~€70/semester).

Q2: What is the cost of living in Norway as a master’s student?
💶 Expect to spend €900–€1,200/month, depending on the city.

Q3: Can I work while studying for my master’s in Norway?
✅ Yes. Up to 20 hours/week during study periods and full-time during breaks.

Q4: What are the English test requirements for master’s programmes?
📘 Most universities require:

• IELTS: 6.5+

• TOEFL iBT: 90+

• PTE Academic (some universities)

Q5: When do I need to apply for a master’s degree?
📅 Applications for the autumn intake usually open in December and close by March for non-EU/EEA applicants.

This guide was written by Modoante using original research and information gathered from official education resources. Always verify deadlines and requirements on the official university portal before submitting your applications/documents.