Study in Norway for Indian Students

Why Study in Norway?

• Research-intensive universities: Norwegian universities combine teaching with active research, especially in energy, marine and climate sciences, and technology.
• Energy, maritime and technology sectors: Programmes connect with Norway's offshore energy, renewable energy, shipping, aquaculture and technology industries.
• Tuition rules now more flexible: Since 1 August 2026, universities no longer have to charge full-cost fees to non-EU/EEA students; the University of Oslo, for example, has announced lower fees for 2027/28.
• Work during and after study: Students can work 20 hours a week in term and full time in holidays, and graduates can apply for a job-seeker permit of up to one year.
• Safe society and outdoor life: Norway is safe, egalitarian and English-friendly, with easy access to nature.

Masters in Norway for Indian Students

A Master's degree in Norway usually takes two years (120 ECTS credits) and includes an independent thesis. The academic year starts in mid-August, and teaching combines lectures, seminars, lab or field work and group projects.

You apply directly to each university, usually through its online application portal. Admission normally requires a bachelor's degree with a specialisation in the relevant subject (typically around 80 ECTS credits), and competitive programmes rank applicants on grades. Deadlines for non-EU/EEA applicants are early — at NTNU, for example, the window is 1 November to 1 December for the following autumn.

The GRE is not usually required. Indian applicants must document English proficiency, usually with IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT at the level set by each university.

• Typical duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
• Main intake: August
• Non-EU deadlines: Often around 1 December for the following autumn
• English tests: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT (university-specific scores)
• Study permit funds: NOK 170,368 for 2026/27, plus tuition
• Work after study: Job-seeker permit of up to one year

Popular Master's programmes in Norway

• MSc Computer Science / Informatics
• MSc Artificial Intelligence / Data Science
• MSc Petroleum Engineering / Energy Engineering
• MSc Renewable Energy / Sustainable Energy Systems
• MSc Marine Technology
• MSc Electric Power Engineering
• MSc Environmental and Climate Sciences
• MSc Aquaculture / Fisheries
• MSc Economics / Business Analytics
• MSc Global Health / Public Health

Best Universities in Norway for International Students

Norway has public universities and university colleges plus a few private institutions. The universities below are among those Indian students commonly consider; check each for tuition, which varies by programme.

Following the 2026 law change, public universities set their own non-EU/EEA fee levels, so fees for 2027/28 may differ from those listed for 2026/27.

• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) (Trondheim): Engineering, marine technology, energy, computer science
• University of Oslo (Oslo): Informatics, sciences, social sciences, public health
• University of Bergen (Bergen): Climate and marine sciences, sciences, social sciences
• UiT The Arctic University of Norway (Tromsø): Arctic and marine sciences, fisheries, health
• University of Stavanger (Stavanger): Petroleum and energy engineering, computer science
• Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) (Oslo): Applied computing, engineering, health and social sciences
• Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) (Bergen): Economics, business analytics, finance
• BI Norwegian Business School (private) (Oslo / Bergen): Business, finance, management

Popular Courses to Study in Norway

• Energy & Petroleum Engineering: Programmes in petroleum, energy systems and electric power linked to Norway's energy industry.
• Renewable Energy & Sustainability: Wind, hydro and solar energy, climate and environmental programmes.
• Marine & Maritime Technology: Marine technology, ocean engineering and aquaculture, especially at NTNU, UiB and UiT.
• Computer Science & AI: Informatics, AI and data science programmes at NTNU, UiO and others.
• Business & Economics: Economics, finance and business analytics at NHH, BI and public universities.
• Public & Global Health: Research-based health programmes, for example at the University of Oslo and University of Bergen.

Cost of Studying in Norway

Non-EU/EEA students pay tuition at Norwegian public universities, and the study permit requires proof of living funds. Figures below are approximate for 2026/27; check each programme's fee page.

Norway is expensive, and the UDI amount is a minimum. The University of Oslo has already announced lower fees for 2027/28 under the new rules.

Tuition fees in Norway

• Public university — humanities, social sciences, business: approx. NOK 175,000 – 205,000 per year
• Public university — science, technology, engineering: approx. NOK 205,000 – 300,000 per year
• Selected reduced-fee programmes: some programmes charge much less, e.g. at NTNU

Living expenses in Norway

• Funds required for the study permit: NOK 170,368 for 2026/27 (two semesters), plus tuition
• Accommodation: approx. NOK 4,500 – 8,000 per month (highest in Oslo)
• Food, transport and personal: approx. NOK 5,000 – 7,000 per month
• Semester fee (student welfare): approx. NOK 1,000 per semester

Eligibility to Study in Norway

Norwegian universities set programme-specific requirements. Indian applicants for a Master's in Norway usually need:

• Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree of at least three years, recognised as equivalent to a Norwegian bachelor's.
• Subject specialisation: Usually around 80 ECTS credits in the subject area of the Master's programme.
• Grades: Many programmes set a minimum grade and rank applicants on results.
• English proficiency: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT at the score each university requires.
• Motivation letter and CV: Required by some programmes.
• Funds and tuition: Tuition must be paid before enrolment, and living funds shown for the study permit.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
• IELTS / TOEFL score report
• Motivation letter and CV where required
• Letters of recommendation where required
• Proof of tuition payment
• Proof of funds (NOK 170,368 for 2026/27)

Intakes in Norway

Norway has one main intake for Master's programmes:

The early non-EU deadline leaves time for tuition payment and the study permit, which can take several weeks to process.

• Autumn intake: classes start August; apply Many non-EU deadlines fall around 1 December of the previous year (e.g. NTNU: 1 Nov – 1 Dec)
• Spring intake: classes start January; apply Very few Master's programmes; check each university

Scholarships in Norway for Indian Students

Norway has no general government scholarship for Indian Master's students, and several public universities, including NTNU and the University of Bergen, do not offer tuition scholarships. Options include:

• BI Presidential Scholarship: At BI Norwegian Business School: full tuition for up to two years plus NOK 50,000 per semester for top-grade international applicants; deadline 1 March.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's: EU-funded scholarships for joint programmes that include Norwegian partner universities.
• Reduced-fee programmes: Some programmes charge far lower fees, and more universities may cut fees under the 2026 rules — compare fee pages.

How to Apply to Universities in Norway

• 1. Choose your programme: Compare two-year Master's programmes and their subject requirements.
• 2. Shortlist universities: Compare tuition levels, which now vary more between universities.
• 3. Check eligibility: Confirm your bachelor's degree and subject credits meet the requirements.
• 4. Take your English test: Book IELTS or TOEFL so scores are ready before the December deadline.
• 5. Prepare documents: Transcripts, degree certificate, motivation letter and CV.
• 6. Submit applications: Apply on each university's portal within the non-EU application window.
• 7. Accept your offer: Accept your place and follow the university's instructions.
• 8. Pay tuition and deposit funds: Pay tuition and transfer living funds, often to the university's deposit account.
• 9. Apply for the study permit: Apply online to UDI and hand in your documents at the application centre in India.
• 10. Prepare for travel: Arrange housing, then register with the police and tax authorities after arrival.

Norway Study Permit for Indian Students

Indian students admitted to a Norwegian Master's programme need a study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). You apply online after admission and then hand in your documents at the application centre in India.

You must document enough money to live on — NOK 170,368 for the 2026/27 academic year — in addition to tuition. The money can come from loans, grants or your own funds, and is usually held in a Norwegian bank account or the university's deposit account.

Norwegian rules and amounts change each academic year. Check udi.no before applying.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport
• Letter of admission from a Norwegian institution
• Proof of tuition payment
• Proof of funds (NOK 170,368 for 2026/27)
• Documentation of housing if requested
• Completed UDI application and fee
• Visit to the application centre in India

Working while studying in Norway

Non-EU/EEA students can usually work up to 20 hours a week during their studies and full time during holidays.

Working after your studies

After completing your degree in Norway, you can apply for a residence permit as a job seeker for up to one year. Apply at least one month before your study permit expires.

Living in Norway as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: Student welfare organisations (such as SiO in Oslo and Sit in Trondheim) offer student housing; apply as soon as you are admitted.
• Food: Food is expensive, so most students cook at home; Indian groceries are available in larger cities.
• Transport: Students get discounted public transport, and cities are compact.
• Climate and daylight: Winters are long and dark, especially in the north; outdoor life helps many students adjust.
• Student support: International offices and student organisations help with arrival, housing and orientation.

Norway vs Sweden for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering research-led programmes and regional cost planning in Norway alongside English-taught master's programmes and innovation-focused study in Sweden. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Norway, start with research-led programmes and regional cost planning; for Sweden, compare English-taught master's programmes and innovation-focused study. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public university — humanities, social sciences, business: approx. NOK 175,000 – 205,000 per year; Public university — science, technology, engineering: approx. NOK 205,000 – 300,000 per year

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. NOK 4,500 – 8,000 per month (highest in Oslo); Food, transport and personal: approx. NOK 5,000 – 7,000 per month; Semester fee (student welfare): approx. NOK 1,000 per semester

Typical Master's duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT (university-specific scores) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): BI Presidential Scholarship; Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree of at least three years, recognised as equivalent to a Norwegian bachelor's.; Grades: Many programmes set a minimum grade and rank applicants on results.

Intakes and planning: Autumn intake: starts August; apply Many non-EU deadlines fall around 1 December of the previous year (e.g. NTNU: 1 Nov – 1 Dec); Spring intake: starts January; apply Very few Master's programmes; check each university

Student visa: Norway Study Permit for Indian Students. Valid passport; Letter of admission from a Norwegian institution

Post-study graduate route: After completing your degree in Norway, you can apply for a residence permit as a job seeker for up to one year. Apply at least one month before your study permit expires.

Sweden — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's — humanities and social sciences: approx. SEK 80,000 – 130,000 per year; Master's — engineering, technology and sciences: approx. SEK 120,000 – 200,000 per year

Sweden — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. SEK 4,000 – 7,500 per month (highest in Stockholm); Food, transport and personal: approx. SEK 3,500 – 5,000 per month; Residence permit fee: SEK 1,500 for an adult applicant

Sweden — Typical Master's duration: 1 year (60 credits) or 2 years (120 credits)

Sweden — English-taught study and language: English 6 — IELTS Academic 6.5, no section below 5.5 English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Sweden — Funding routes (not guaranteed): KTH India Scholarship; Lund University Global Scholarship Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Sweden — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree of at least three years (180 credits equivalent) from a recognised university.

Sweden — Intakes and planning: Autumn intake (first round): starts Late August; apply 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 for autumn 2027; fee and documents by 1 Feb 2027; Autumn intake (second round): starts Late August; apply Opens 15 Mar 2027, closes 15 Apr 2027 — usually too late for a non-EU residence permit

Sweden — Student visa: Sweden Residence Permit for Studies for Indian Students. Valid passport; Notification of final admission to full-time study

Sweden — Post-study graduate route: After completing your whole Master's programme, you can apply for a residence permit of up to one year to look for work or start a business in Sweden. You must apply before your study permit expires.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Norway

Is Norway good for Indian students?

Yes, for students interested in energy, marine technology, engineering, computing and sustainability. Norway offers research-led English-taught Master's programmes, 20 hours a week of work during studies and a job-seeker permit of up to one year.

Is education free in Norway for Indian students?

No. Since autumn 2023 public universities charge non-EU/EEA students tuition. From August 2026 they may set lower fees, but they must still charge a fee.

How much does it cost to study in Norway?

Tuition at public universities is roughly NOK 175,000–300,000 per year for 2026/27, and you must show NOK 170,368 for living costs for the study permit.

What are the fees for a Master's in Norway?

For 2026/27, NTNU charges NOK 176,300–205,600 per year for most programmes and the University of Oslo NOK 204,000–295,000. Some programmes cost less, and the University of Oslo has announced lower fees for 2027/28.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Norway?

A bachelor's degree of at least three years with a specialisation in the relevant subject (usually around 80 ECTS), good grades and English proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL.

What is the application deadline for Norway?

Non-EU/EEA deadlines are early — often around 1 December for programmes starting the following August. NTNU's window runs from 1 November to 1 December.

What are the intakes in Norway?

Almost all Master's programmes start in August. Very few start in January.

Can I work while studying in Norway?

Yes. Non-EU/EEA students can usually work up to 20 hours a week during studies and full time in holidays.

Can I stay in Norway after my Master's?

Yes. After completing your degree you can apply for a job-seeker residence permit of up to one year.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in Norway?

Options are limited. There is no general government scholarship, and several universities do not offer tuition scholarships, but BI offers the Presidential Scholarship and Erasmus Mundus programmes include Norwegian partners.