Norway

Are you thinking of studying abroad without any tuition fee? Norway is the best country for pursuing higher education where education is free. The Norwegian universities, maintaining their standard of providing high-quality education to their students, do not charge any tuition fees to both EU and non-EU students till the date. However, there are discussions going on to include tuition fee for international students which is yet to be announced.

Norway, a Nordic country in Northern Europe, is connected with the Scandinavian peninsula in the eastern and northern sides. It is divided into eleven first-level administrative counties. These counties are then sub-divided into 356 second-level municipalities. Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is the most populous city in the country. Norwegian is the official language of Norway which is divided into two forms: Bokmal and Nynorsk. The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone.

For a few decades, Norway has become a magnet for international students. This is because education is free in Norway, even for international students. The universities offer Master’s courses in English without charging any tuition cost.

 

Facts about Norway

• 1) The Laerdal Tunnel, 24.5 km long in Norway, is the world's longest road tunnel connecting the small communities of Laerdal and Aurland.
• 2) The capital city of Norway, Oslo, has been the venue of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony every year since 1901.
• 3) Norway has an attractive labor market and the unemployment rate is only 3.6 percent.
• 4) The sun doesn't set in the summer season. If you visit northern Norway in the summer, you may be able to take advantage of the midnight sun.
• 5) Norway's rail travels have been awarded Europe's best.

Why Choose Norway?

Free Education

In Norway, public universities provide free education to their students, both EU and non-EU citizens. Some courses at public institutions may charge some fees, but these are rare and tend to be at the post-graduate level. Depending on the universities, the students might be required to pay a semester fee between NOK 300 and NOK 600. This semester fee gets them a membership to the student union, access to health services, counselling and sports facilities, and an official student card. Only private universities charge tuition fees to their students. However, there are scholarships available for both EU students and international students.

Quality education

Despite being a tiny country, Norway provides a world-class education system. The universities and colleges deliver quality education which improves the career of the students. Both international exchange and degree-seeking students could benefit from studying in Norway, i.e. they can improve their career opportunities, both at home and abroad. Due to the standardization in the learning system in the universities, the lecturers and teachers are easily approachable. The tuition usually takes palace in a small group. The students are highly encouraged to develop a critical mind to prepare for the future.

English: Easy Communication

Even though Norwegian is the national language, the natives could communicate in English easily. The vast majority of Norwegians generally speak English on a very high level. Therefore, it would not be difficult for non-native English students to communicate with the locals. In addition, they will find themselves improving their English skills during their studies in Norway. Likewise, many universities provide programmes and courses in English. The international students could take this opportunity to improve their career opportunities. A standard level of English in society generally makes the students more comfortable studying and living in Norway.

A Safe Society

The society in Norway is modernized. Equality is deeply valued and is rooted in both legislation and tradition. On campus, students are taught in a standard way, i.e. they benefit from high technological standards and services, modern facilities and equipment, and innovative teaching. Norway is also a safe place- students can feel secure almost everywhere they prefer to stay and study. The crime rates are very low. In conclusion, students relatively tend to be unmarked by crime and police harassment.

Better startups

Norway is a global leader in industries like oil and gas & their services, high-tech products, shipping, renewable energy, telecommunications, and fish farming. Students interested in starting their venture in any industries mentioned above could take advantage by studying in Norway. Likewise, Norway is a home for designers who are enthusiasts for finding technological solutions to make life better. Oslo, the capital city, is considered to be a major European hub for start-ups. Moreover, Norwegians are raising millions of krone to figure out how to modernize and upgrade equipment like fingerprints and solar panels. The availability of multiple ideas means students need not be into business or tech to work in a Norwegian start-up.

 

The Educational System

Until now, tuition fees are not charged at public universities in Norway, regardless of the student's nationality. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a free degree from a prestigious university, and it's one of the many reasons why Norway has become a popular destination for international students.

Tuition prices at private universities range from 7,000 to 9,000 EUR per year for Bachelor's programs. Master's programs cost between 9,000 and 19,000 EUR per year.

 

Academic Year and Courses

The Academic year to apply for the universities in Norway is December to March and the Autumn course start from August. The courses offered by the Norway Universities are:

• Business Analytics
• Business Administration
• Applied Data Science
• Network and IT Security
• Leadership and Organisational Psychology
• Business- Finance Foundation Course.

 

Student Visa Requirements

• Meet the English language requirements.
• Get selected and enrolled in a related course.
• Should have adequate health cover and insurances.
• Manage financial requirements required for the stay.
• Should not have any infection or disease considered contagious.

 

Employment Opportunities

Working while studying in Norway might enhance your learning and living experience. The International students can work up to only 20 hours of work per week. During the summer vacation, students can work up to 40 hours a week and full-time during holiday. International students can get a job in agriculture chemicals, fishing, food processing, Café etc. After finishing the course, students can get job on their respective fields.

 

Scholarships Options

Norway provides the free scholarship opportunity to the international students. Norway's higher education system consists of seven universities, nine specialized university institutions, 22 state university colleges, two national academies of the arts, and 16 private colleges.

Completing a university degree is frequently regarded as an expensive endeavor, with tuition costs typically accounting for most of the cost. International students are usually not charged tuition at Norwegian universities and public university colleges. However, you should keep in mind that Norway's living costs are greater than many other nations.

 

Process for applying to study in Norway

International Students should know how to apply to study in Norway. Here, are the process listed below:

• An application form for student residence with a passport photograph and English Proficiency test
• A copy of your passport
• Documentation of admission to an accredited educational institution
• A plan of study
• A form stating the progress of your studies
• Documentation of housing

It usually takes 15 days to receive an answer after handling the application at the Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Center.

 

Documents Checklist for Norway

• English Proficiency Test Score of IELTS, TOEFL
• A filled-out application form
• Receipt of payment of the application fee (NOK 5,300, or approximately US$650).
• A valid travel document is required (i.e., passport)
• Two current passport-sized white-background photographs
• Admission to a full-time education program that has been approved
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources in a Norwegian bank account for the duration of the program. For each academic year, you must demonstrate that you have access to NOK 116,369 (about US$14350) (10 months).
• You must provide evidence that you have a place to stay in Norway.
• You must show proof that you intend to depart Norway after your residency permit expires (usually in the form of a return ticket).

 

Cost for study and Accommodation

As the education cost is free in Norway, for Living expenses, an average student budget in Norway is estimated to be around NOK 12 352 per month (2021). According to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), you will require roughly NOK 126 357 every year (2022).