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Norway

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At a glance

Living index rating
Very expensive
Monthly rent
NOK 4,500 – NOK 7,500 in student housing; private rooms in Oslo NOK 7,000 – NOK 10,000
Monthly food
NOK 3,500 – NOK 5,000
Other monthly expenses
NOK 1,500 – NOK 3,000 (transport, phone, utilities, personal)
Visa processing time
Usually 1 – 3 months; apply early for autumn starts
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • Study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), applied for online and completed at an embassy or VFS centre
  • Admission to a full-time programme at an approved institution
  • Proof of funds for living costs: NOK 166,859 for the 2026 – 2027 academic year, usually deposited with your university or in a Norwegian bank account
  • Tuition fees (most public universities now charge non-EU students)
  • Housing documentation and passport
  • Work up to 20 hours a week during term, full-time in holidays

Work permit after studies

  • Job-seeker permit for up to 1 year after graduating from a Norwegian institution
  • You can work any job while looking for skilled work
  • Then switch to a skilled-worker residence permit

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence after 3 years on qualifying permits (e.g. skilled worker), with income and language requirements; time on a study permit doesn't count
  • Citizenship after 8 years of residence in the last 11 (6 years with sufficient income), with Norwegian at B1 oral level and a citizenship test
  • Dual citizenship is allowed

Family details

  • Spouse, cohabitant and children can apply for family immigration with a higher education student
  • You must document enough funds to support them
  • Family members can usually work in Norway

Universities in Norway

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (38), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.