Non-EU/EEA/EFTA
Students from Non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries who are studying in Norway for more than 3 months register with authorities by applying for a residence permit for studies (study permit).
Student residence permit
Non-EU/EEA/EFTA students staying more than 3 months need to apply for a student residence permit from The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). You should start the application process as soon as you are accepted to an Educational Institution, while you are still in your home country. The process will be ongoing after you arrive in Bergen. Ultimately, you will receive an identification card about the size of credit card indicating that you are a resident of Norway for a specified time period. UDI refers to this as a residence permit for studies or a study permit. This identification card will be necessary when you return to Norway if you have been traveling outside the country during your studies. It may also be necessary for other offical purposes related to residency, but it is not considered a legal ID for general use.
Getting a study permit
You must register using UDI's Application Portal (usually from your homecountry, as soon as you have been accepted to a programme in Bergen).
The website for UDI will provide details regarding requirements for you dependent on your country of origin. But you can generally expect to pay an application fee, fill out an application, provide documentation of admission to an approved educational institution, documentation of sufficient funds, documentation of housing and a copy of your passport. You can also expect to have to turn in/mail in documentation at a consulate or embassy. Follow the directions specified by UDI's site.
When your application has been granted you must show the documentation requested by UDI. You will be able to book an appointment to do so online, but you must show documentation in person at the Bergen Immigration Office (at the local police). Some academic institutions arrange times for their international students to be processed. Check with your institution, you may not need to make an appointment yourself.
After you arrive in Norway, you will visit the Bergen Immigration Office at your appointed time or with your institution (see #3). Make sure you have the documents UDI's website instructs you to bring. Note that you will receive a letter from the Norwegian Embassy indicating that you are required to 'go to the police' (Immigration Office) within 7 days of arrival, this doesn't apply if you are attending a scheduled appoitnment. Non-EU/EEA/EFTA students are processed at the Immigration Office at Nesttunbrekka 95, 5221 Nesttun (Bybane stop: Skjoldskiftet).