Types of higher education institutions
Universiteter/Vitenskapelige hogskoler – institutions that offer academic courses on
all the three levels
Distriktshoegeskoler/Statlige hogskoler - specialized regional and state higher
education institutions
Structure of university studies
Academic year in Norway starts in mid-August and ends in mid-June. The language of
instructions is Norwegian, some postgraduate courses are instructed in English.
1st level
a) universities
* Candidatus magisteri (cand. mag.) - 4 years full-time study
b) regional and state higher education institutions
* Hogskolekandidat - 2-3 years full-time study
* Candidatus Magisteri (cand. mag.) - 3.5-5 years full-time study (titles can vary due to
the institution and major)
2nd level - graduate studies
a) univesities
* Candidatus - 2 years full-time study and research (titles vary due to the major - e.g.
cand.philol., cand. scient., etc.)
b) regional and state higher education institutions
* Hovedfagskandidat or others (due to the major)
3rd level – doctoral studies
universities
* Licentiate - 2 years full-time study and research
* Doktor - 3-4 years full-time research
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Application procedures
- all foreign students are urged to apply directly to the universities
- deadlines for applications differ
- proof of English proficiency is required
- where the lectures are held in Norwegian, a good command of Norwegian is necessary
- in case of starting the first year of undergraduate studies, student must be accepted
for studies at his/her home university
- student who has spent part of his/her studies at a university outside Norway can ask for
transfer of credits
Financing of university studies
- there is no tuition at Norwegian universities
- the total monthly living expenses in Norway average about NOK 7,000
- the student unions charge a membership fee of about NOK 500 per semester; student health
services are included in this fee
- universities do not provide any finacial aid, however Norway has reciprocal cultural
exchange agrements with number of countries (contact your home Ministry of Foreign
Affairs)
Health insurance
Health services are included in the student union-membership fee. This insurance covers
all hospital expenses in Norway, it does not include dental care expenses nor cost of
medication.
Visa
Students should contact the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate at an early stage for
information about visa regulation. Accepted candidates must apply for a student residence
permit in their home countries through the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate.
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Important addresses
Norwegian Research Council for Science and Humanities
Secretariat for Cultural Exchange Programs
Sandakerveien 99
N-0483 Oslo 4
tel. +47 (22) 157 012
fax +47 (22) 225 571
National Academic Information Centre
International Education Services
University of Oslo
P.O. Box 1081 Blindern
0317 Oslo
tel.: +47 (22) 85 78 78
National Student Union (NSU)
Sagveien 21
0458 Oslo
tel. +47 (22) 40 43 50
Useful publications
title: Admission requirements for foreign students to universities in Norway
published: University of Oslo, 1992
title : Foreign Students in Norway
published: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Internet addresses
http://www.uib.no/siu/ur/bros-eng.htm
- information on education
http://www.shu.edu/schools/no.html
universities programs
http://www.abo.fi/norden/uniinf_e.htm
- information on Scandinavian universities
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