Study in NorwayStudy permit in Norway (student residence permit)
Norway is one of Europe's most respected academic destinations, with research-driven universities and university colleges and a strong selection of English-medium master's and PhD programmes. A student residence permit, often called a student visa, is granted by UDI for admission to a full-time programme, on proof of financing and accommodation. We support the whole journey: admission, permit, arrival, work rights and the path beyond graduation.
What makes Norway a strong choice for international students
Norwegian higher education emphasises critical thinking, independent work and real-world application. Beyond the classroom, Norway offers an exceptional quality of life, a safe environment and easy access to the wider Nordic region and Europe.
Programmes are built around active research, group work and practical projects rather than rote learning.
Reasons students choose Norway
The combination of teaching style, location and lifestyle makes Norway a durable base for an international study experience.
English-medium programmes
A wide selection of English-taught master's programmes across the major universities, with some English bachelor's tracks too.
Research-led teaching
Programmes built around active research, group work and practical projects rather than rote learning.
Gateway to Europe
A strong base in the Nordic region with straightforward travel across the EU and EEA.
Core requirements for a Norwegian student permit
UDI assesses admission, financing and accommodation together, so each piece needs to be documented before you file.
Admission and finances
- Full-time admission to a recognised Norwegian university or university college
- Non-EEA students generally pay tuition at public institutions; fees vary by institution and programme
- Documented funds for living costs for the study period, usually held in a Norwegian student account, at the level UDI sets each year
Housing, passport and cover
- A documented place in student housing, a private rental or another accommodation arrangement
- A passport valid for the intended period of stay
- Adequate health cover, and for non-EEA students an intention to leave at the end of studies unless a further permit applies
Permits by study level
The right route depends on the level you are entering and the language of instruction.
Bachelor
Most bachelor's programmes are taught in Norwegian. English-medium bachelor's programmes are more limited but exist in business, international studies and some engineering tracks.
Master
A wide selection of English-medium master's programmes across the major universities and business schools. This is the most common route for international students.
PhD
PhDs in Norway are normally salaried positions rather than student permits, and are filed under the Researcher work-permit route instead. See our Work Permit page.
From offer letter to arrival in Norway
1. Apply to the institution
Submit applications to Norwegian universities or colleges during their admission periods.
2. Receive admission
Once admitted, you receive an official admission letter confirming your full-time place.
3. Arrange financing and housing
We guide the financing deposit and documenting accommodation, the two issues that most often delay a decision.
4. File the student permit
We prepare and submit the application to UDI with certificates and translations that meet the requirements.
5. Biometrics and decision
Attend biometrics at the relevant mission or police office and await the decision.
6. Arrival and registration
On arrival we help with registration in the National Population Register and the steps that activate your health cover.
Work rights and the path beyond graduation
During studies
Part-time work permitted up to the weekly hour limit set for students in term
Full-time work during scheduled study breaks
Work permission renewed alongside the student permit
Curriculum internships and placements count where they are part of the programme
After graduation
Job-seeker residence permit to look for qualifying work after graduation
Switch to a Skilled Worker permit on a qualifying job offer
Time on a student permit does not itself count towards permanent residence
Family immigration becomes possible once on a qualifying work permit
Getting each piece in place before submission
A student application stands or falls on admission, financing and timing. We make sure each piece is ready before filing, so your permit is in place for the start of term.
Admission and documents
We check your admission letter, prepare the application and make sure certificates and translations meet UDI requirements.
Financing and housing
We guide you through the student-account deposit and documenting accommodation, the two issues that most often delay a decision.
Arrival and registration
After approval, we help with biometrics, registration with the National Population Register and the steps that activate your health cover.
Plan your studies in Norway with confidence
Start early. The right preparation keeps your permit on track for the start of term.
