Become an exchange student in Norway
Want to take an exchange semester in Norway? Here you can find out what to expect from an exchange semester, how much it costs to live in Norway, exchange funding, and all about the exchange admissions process; to make preparing for exchange a little bit easier.
Going on exchange is a great way to travel, meet new people, and enrich your study experience!
As an exchange student in Norway, you will likely spend a fair bit of time out in nature, jumping in the cold ocean (and then hopping straight into the sauna), drinking beer with your classmates, grilling in the park, and of course you might spend a bit of time actually studying.
What is exchange studies?
So what is exchange? Basically, universities have agreements with each other that make it possible for students to complete some of their studies at another institution; without hindering study progress.
Most often the evaluation of your academic credentials will go via the institution to which you are applying. If you need a general consideration of your academic credits, this can be obtained from NOKUT.
Find the best places to study in Bergen
Read up on the academic institutions
located in Bergen.
How much do things cost in Bergen?
- Monthly Transport Pass - 455NOK (or 2265NOK for 6 months)
- Cinema Ticket - 160NOK (90NOK if you go on student day)
- Eating out – 120-300NOK (Inexpensive restaurant/takeaway)
- Housing – 4500-6000NOK (can be more if you’re looking to rent privately instead of going with student housing)
- Semester fee – 590NOK
- Coffee at a Café - 30-60NOK
- Coffee at University – 10-40NOK
- Beer at a bar – 60-140NOK
How much does it cost to be an exchange student in Norway?
Living costs in Norway are high in comparison to some other countries. Luckily Bergen is a super student friendly city, with student pricing often offered, and free events arranged for students year-round!
The estimated cost of living for a student in Norway is 12537NOK per month (according to The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration), or just over 1000 Euro.
As an exchange student in Bergen you will be offered guaranteed student housing with the Bergen student welfare organisation Sammen, starting at 3093NOK per month for a bed in a shared room at Fantoft.
Find out more on cost of living in Bergen
What is the Erasmus programme?
Erasmus is an EU program, coordinating exchange opportunities within Europe. To be eligible for this program you must be from an EU country, or one of the other countries associated with the Erasmus program. To check if you’re eligible you can visit the Erasmus website.
In addition to coordinating exchange programs, Erasmus also offers funding which can help cover your travel and living costs whilst on exchange.
How to apply for exchange in Norway?
The first step in the exchange admission process is usually through your own academic institution.
- Find out which institutions your home university has exchange agreements with!
The first step in your exchange journey is finding out where you want to go. Speak to an exchange coordinator from your home university, or check on your home university’s website to find out more about the options that you have!
- Receive a nomination from your home university!
Once you have decided where you want to go, Speak with an exchange coordinator at your home university to check whether you’re eligible. Your university will then nominate you for your chosen exchange programs. Remember that you can apply for more than one program to increase your chances of being accepted!
- Send in your applications!
Once you’ve been nominated by your home university it is time to start sending in applications. Application portals for each university will be slightly different, so remember to read carefully over what is required. You will usually need to send in a copy of your transcript, identification, and often a letter of motivation.
- And now you wait!
Once you’ve sent in your applications you have to just sit and wait! Waiting times vary from institution to institution, but can take up to two months.