Higher education in Norway
Discover how the Norwegian system for higher education works. Explore all the details on semester start, degree system and tuition fees.
The Norwegian system for higher education is based on the European principles for education.
Where can you study?
There are about 70 public and private institutions of higher education located throughout Norway, and many of these institutions, particularly the larger ones, offer study programs and a individual courses in English.
Most bachelor programmes are however taught in Norwegian, and admission requires proficiency in Norwegian language.
Explore the academic institutions in Bergen
Cost of studying
Public education is free in Norway and students will not have to pay tuition fees.
However, there are some exceptions:
- Students from outside EU/EEA and Switzerland
- Students at private institutions
Learn more about cost of studying in Norway
Academic year
The academic year consists of two semesters.
- The Autumn semester lasts from August to December
- Spring semester from January to June
When do Norwegians start studying?
Acceptance to higher education is offered after finishing upper secondary school with general university admissions certification.
For most Norwegians, this means they can start their studies the year they turn 19.
The degree system
Norway is following the guidelines from the Bologna Process in European higher education.
Degrees:
- Bachelor's (3 years)
- Masters (2 years)
- Ph.D. degrees (3 years)
Adapting to the European standard has made it easier for students attending Norwegian institutions to obtain recognition of their qualifications in other countries.
ECTS Credits
The full-time workload for one academic year is 60 “studiepoeng”/ECTS credits.
Grades
Grades are typically awarded according to a graded scale from
- A (highest)
- F (fail)
- E as the minimum pass grade.
Some examinations are also awarded with just simply by a pass or fail grade.
