
Thinking to study abroad in Norway in 2026? You’re in the right place.
Norway is quickly emerging as a top-tier destination for Indian students who seek world-class education in a peaceful, progressive, and nature-rich environment. With tuition-free education at public universities, strong English-taught programs, and a focus on innovation, sustainability, and research, Norway offers unmatched academic value, especially for STEM, sustainability, business, and social sciences.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to studying abroad in Norway as an Indian student in 2026.
Why Indian Students Are Choosing Norway
Feature | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Tuition-Free Education | No tuition fees for international students at public universities |
High-Quality Programs | Norway ranks among the top in human development and education quality |
English-Taught Degrees | 200+ master’s degrees in English across disciplines |
Sustainable Living | Leader in green tech, climate innovation, and quality of life |
Work While You Study | 20 hours/week work rights + internship opportunities |
Post-Study Visa Options | 1-year job search visa after graduation |
Safe, Inclusive Society | Gender-equal, low crime, excellent healthcare & public systems |
Close-Knit Indian Community | Growing support networks in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger |
Top Universities in Norway for Indian Students
University | Known For |
---|---|
University of Oslo | Humanities, Law, Medicine, Sustainability |
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | Engineering, AI, Marine Tech, Energy |
University of Bergen | Climate Research, Marine Biology, Philosophy |
BI Norwegian Business School | Business, Analytics, Finance, Entrepreneurship |
NMBU – Norwegian University of Life Sciences | Food, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development |
University of Tromsø (UiT) | Arctic Studies, Indigenous Studies, Biosciences |
Most universities in Norway are public and tuition-free, even for non-EU students.
Entry Requirements for Indian Students
For Bachelor’s Programs in Norway
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Academic Marks | Minimum 75–85% in Class 12 (some may require additional 1-year study) |
English Proficiency | IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80–90 |
Additional Year Requirement | Some UG courses require 1 year of university before direct entry |
Application Portal | Samordna opptak (limited UG English-taught options) |
For Master’s Programs in Norway
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Bachelor’s Degree | 3–4 years with 70–75% minimum (related field preferred) |
English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 90+ |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Required for most programs |
Letters of Recommendation | 1–2 academic/industry references |
GRE | Not required |
Application Fee | Usually free or low-cost |
Application Portal | Individual university websites (no centralized portal) |
Popular Courses in Norway for Indian Students
Field | Sample Programs |
---|---|
Engineering | MSc Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Structural Engineering |
Data & AI | MSc Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Informatics |
Environment & Climate | MSc Marine Biology, Climate Change & Sustainability, Arctic Studies |
Business & Management | MSc Strategic Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Finance |
Health & Medicine | MSc Public Health, Neuroscience, Molecular Medicine |
Humanities & Social Sci | MSc Human Rights, Global Development, Peace & Conflict Studies |
Application Timeline – Norway 2025 Intake
Stage | Timeline |
---|---|
Research & Shortlisting | September – November 2024 |
Application Deadlines | December 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025 |
Supporting Documents Deadline | Usually within 1–2 weeks after applying |
Admissions Results | April – May 2025 |
Visa Filing | May – July 2025 |
Semester Begins | August 2025 |
Tuition & Cost of Living in Norway
Expense | Approx. Cost (per year) | INR Equivalent |
---|---|---|
Tuition Fees (public) | Free | ₹0 |
Private Tuition (BI etc.) | NOK 90,000 – 140,000 | ₹7.5 – 11.5 lakh |
Living Expenses | NOK 130,000 – 150,000 | ₹11 – 13 lakh |
Residence Permit Fee | NOK 6,300 | ~₹55,000 |
Health Insurance | Free for residence permit holders | ₹0 |
Proof of financial capacity: NOK 137,907 (~₹11.5 lakh) required to apply for the study residence permit.
You Might Also Like: Study Abroad in Sweden: Indian Student Guide
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in Norway
Scholarship | What It Covers |
---|---|
Quota Scheme (limited) | Previously covered full costs; currently paused |
Erasmus+ | For joint master’s degrees, covers tuition + stipend |
University-Specific Scholarships | Partial tuition or living cost waivers (mainly private universities) |
Indian Scholarships | Inlaks, JN Tata, KC Mahindra – based on merit for global admits |
Post-Study Work & PR Opportunities in Norway
Pathway | Details |
---|---|
Job Search Visa | 12-month stay post-graduation to find a job |
Work Permit | After securing a job; renewable; counts towards PR |
Permanent Residency (PR) | After 3 years of full-time work (new rules allow faster PR in some cases) |
Citizenship | Eligible after 7 years of residence |
Family Benefits | Spouses can work; children access public schools and healthcare |
Let Admitix Help You Study Abroad in Norway
With proven success placing Indian students at NTNU, Oslo, Bergen, and more, Admitix offers:
- SOP/LOR support aligned with Nordic academic values
- Course and university shortlisting based on your goals
- Documentation help, funding & visa guidance
- Post-admit mentorship for relocation & job search
Book your free consult today and take the first step toward your Norway admit with Admitix!
FAQs – Study in Norway for Indian Students
Q. Is studying in Norway free for Indian students?
Yes, public universities don’t charge tuition. You still need to show living expense funds.
Q. Can I work while studying?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week during the semester, full-time in vacations.
Q. How competitive is admission to Norwegian universities?
Fairly competitive. A strong academic record and a focused SOP help.
Q. Do I need to know Norwegian?
Not for studies. But learning Norwegian helps in jobs and integration.
Q. How many universities can I apply to?
You apply directly to each university. No centralized portal for master’s programs.