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Study Abroad in Norway (2026): Indian Student Guide

  • July 31, 2025
Admitix Editorial Team
Study Abroad in Norway: Indian Student Guide - Admitix

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

FeatureWhy It Matters
Tuition-Free EducationNo tuition fees for international students at public universities
High-Quality ProgramsNorway ranks among the top in human development and education quality
English-Taught Degrees200+ master’s degrees in English across disciplines
Sustainable LivingLeader in green tech, climate innovation, and quality of life
Work While You Study20 hours/week work rights + internship opportunities
Post-Study Visa Options1-year job search visa after graduation
Safe, Inclusive SocietyGender-equal, low crime, excellent healthcare & public systems
Close-Knit Indian CommunityGrowing support networks in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger

Top Universities in Norway for Indian Students

UniversityKnown For
University of OsloHumanities, Law, Medicine, Sustainability
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)Engineering, AI, Marine Tech, Energy
University of BergenClimate Research, Marine Biology, Philosophy
BI Norwegian Business SchoolBusiness, Analytics, Finance, Entrepreneurship
NMBU – Norwegian University of Life SciencesFood, 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

RequirementDetails
Academic MarksMinimum 75–85% in Class 12 (some may require additional 1-year study)
English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80–90
Additional Year RequirementSome UG courses require 1 year of university before direct entry
Application PortalSamordna opptak (limited UG English-taught options)

For Master’s Programs in Norway

RequirementDetails
Bachelor’s Degree3–4 years with 70–75% minimum (related field preferred)
English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 90+
Statement of Purpose (SOP)Required for most programs
Letters of Recommendation1–2 academic/industry references
GRENot required
Application FeeUsually free or low-cost
Application PortalIndividual university websites (no centralized portal)

Popular Courses in Norway for Indian Students

FieldSample Programs
EngineeringMSc Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Structural Engineering
Data & AIMSc Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Informatics
Environment & ClimateMSc Marine Biology, Climate Change & Sustainability, Arctic Studies
Business & ManagementMSc Strategic Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Finance
Health & MedicineMSc Public Health, Neuroscience, Molecular Medicine
Humanities & Social SciMSc Human Rights, Global Development, Peace & Conflict Studies

Application Timeline – Norway 2025 Intake

StageTimeline
Research & ShortlistingSeptember – November 2024
Application DeadlinesDecember 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025
Supporting Documents DeadlineUsually within 1–2 weeks after applying
Admissions ResultsApril – May 2025
Visa FilingMay – July 2025
Semester BeginsAugust 2025

Tuition & Cost of Living in Norway

ExpenseApprox. 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 ExpensesNOK 130,000 – 150,000₹11 – 13 lakh
Residence Permit FeeNOK 6,300~₹55,000
Health InsuranceFree 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

ScholarshipWhat It Covers
Quota Scheme (limited)Previously covered full costs; currently paused
Erasmus+For joint master’s degrees, covers tuition + stipend
University-Specific ScholarshipsPartial tuition or living cost waivers (mainly private universities)
Indian ScholarshipsInlaks, JN Tata, KC Mahindra – based on merit for global admits

Post-Study Work & PR Opportunities in Norway

PathwayDetails
Job Search Visa12-month stay post-graduation to find a job
Work PermitAfter 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)
CitizenshipEligible after 7 years of residence
Family BenefitsSpouses 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.