The Norwegian higher education system is part of a network with institutions in the Nordic countries, the European Union, the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, and has a long tradition of cooperation with institutions in developing countries. Policies regarding international students give priority to solidarity and participation in global development.
Norwegian institutions of higher education welcome applications from qualified students from around the world. Over 9 000 foreign nationals are currently enrolled at this level of the educational system. International students may apply for admissions to a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programmes. Some universities and colleges offer specifically designed programmes for foreign students. These programmes are taught in English and admission does not require permanent residency.
International students are defined as all students without a permanent residence permit in Norway. There are three categories of international student: self-financing degree students, exchange students and students participating in various fellowship programmes. Eligibility for exchange and fellowship programmes is usually determined on the basis of national and regional bilateral agreements and fulfilment of quota requirements. Participation in a number of funding programmes is limited to applicants from specific countries.
Entrance requirements
All international applicants must fulfil the same basic entrance requirements as Norwegian students. These requirements vary depending on the country in which the applicant has completed his or her primary and secondary education. Applicants must normally have completed upper secondary education. In addition, there are specific entry requirements for programmes in certain subjects. In some cases, non-formal competence or occupational experience may be included as qualification for entry into a study programme. Students who apply for graduate degree studies must satisfy requirements regarding previous study at university level.
A new degree structure, adopted from the Bologna Process, is being introduced in the Norwegian higher education sector. As from autumn 2003, the degrees issued will be the bachelor's degree (three years), the master's degree (two years) and the Ph.D. (three years). In a few subject areas, students will enrol for a five-year integrated degree course (master's). Certain specialized programmes, such as medicine, veterinary science, psychology and theology will follow a different degree structure.
A good command of English is required of all students attending Norwegian institutions of higher education. International students who are not native speakers of English must document their English-language proficiency. International students accepted for bachelor's degree studies must complete a preparatory programme in Norwegian Language before they begin a study programme, unless they can document a good command of the Norwegian language. The Norwegian Language Programme includes Norwegian language courses and a course in Norwegian Life and Society, and normally takes two semesters to complete.
Financing
There are no tuition fees at Norwegian state higher education institutions, although most require payment of a small semester registration fee. Cost of living grants are only awarded to international students accepted for selected fellowship programmes. Self-financing students must document that they possess a minimum of NOK 80.000 (approx EUR 10.000) per academic year.
The following types of foreign nationals are eligible for student loans and stipends from the State Educational Loan Fund:
- Nordic nationals
- Citizens of EEA countries
- Citizens of Central and Eastern European countries as well as developing countries
- Political refugees and persons granted residency on humanitarian grounds
- Immigrants
By the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research