- Public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees for both domestic and international students, making it an affordable destination for higher education.
- While the cost of living is high, averaging NOK 12,000 to NOK 20,000 per month, the lack of tuition fees offsets some of these expenses.
- Norway offers a wide range of Bachelor's and Master's degrees, catering to various academic interests and career goals.
Norway is an attractive European destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and stunning natural landscapes. Although the cost of living in Norway is high, averaging around NOK 12,000 to NOK 20,000 per month, the country offers a unique advantage in that public universities do not charge tuition fees for either domestic or international students. This makes Norway a highly appealing option for students seeking affordable yet high-quality education.
On our portals, you can explore hundreds of Master's degrees offering a wide range of academic options to suit various interests and career goals.
Explore affordable Master’s in Norway
Affordable universities in Norway, according to our data:
Here's a list of universities in Norway that provide cheap degrees for both international and domestic students in both Bachelor's and Master's levels:
- University of Oslo (UiO)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
- University of Bergen (UiB)
- Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)
- University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Other universities provide cheap degrees as well, but these are the ones that stand out thanks to the number of affordable degrees listed on our portals. Let's find out more about each of them:
1. University of Oslo (UiO), Oslo
The University of Oslo, located in Norway's capital city, is the country's largest and oldest public university. It is renowned for its research output and strong programs in law, medicine, and the humanities. UiO offers tuition-free education for both domestic and international students, although students are required to pay a small semester fee. The university provides a vibrant student life with numerous cultural, social, and academic activities, and Oslo's rich cultural scene and natural beauty enhance the overall experience.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, based in Trondheim, is Norway's primary institution for engineering and technology. NTNU is known for its cutting-edge research, particularly in engineering, natural sciences, and technology fields. As a public university, NTNU offers tuition-free education, with only a nominal semester fee required. The university's dynamic student life is supported by Trondheim's lively cultural scene, a strong sense of community, and numerous student organizations and activities.
3. University of Bergen (UiB), Bergen
The University of Bergen, located in the coastal city of Bergen, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence, particularly in the humanities, marine research, and social sciences. UiB offers tuition-free education for both domestic and international students, with a small semester fee. The campus life is vibrant, with a wide range of student activities, and Bergen's beautiful surroundings and cultural richness greatly enhance the student experience.
4. Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), Bergen
The Norwegian School of Economics, also located in Bergen, is a leading business school known for its rigorous programs in economics and business administration. As a public institution, NHH provides tuition-free education, requiring only a small semester fee. The school has strong connections with the business community, providing excellent career opportunities for graduates. The student life at NHH is active, with numerous student organizations, events, and Bergen's vibrant cultural scene contributing to an enriching experience.
5. University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Tromsø
The University of Tromsø, located in the Arctic city of Tromsø, is known for its unique focus on Arctic and indigenous studies, as well as strong programs in health sciences and fisheries. UiT offers tuition-free education for all students, with a small semester fee required. The university's location provides a distinctive student experience, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as northern lights viewing and dog sledding, along with a close-knit and supportive campus community.
6. Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, situated in the town of Ås, is a public university specializing in life sciences, agriculture, environmental sciences, and veterinary medicine. The university offers tuition-free education for both domestic and international students, with only a nominal semester fee. Student life is enriched by the beautiful campus surroundings, a strong sense of community, and a variety of student organizations and activities focusing on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
7. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, various locations
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) has multiple campuses across western Norway, including Bergen, Sogndal, and Stord. It is known for its practical and professionally oriented programs in engineering, health sciences, and education. As a public institution, HVL offers tuition-free education, with a small semester fee. The university provides a supportive and dynamic student life, with numerous extracurricular activities and the beautiful natural landscapes of western Norway offering plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.
What are the most affordable tuition fees for students in Norway
Norway stands out for its free tuition policy at public universities for all students, regardless of nationality. This policy applies to most undergraduate and postgraduate programs, making it one of the most affordable countries for higher education. Private universities, however, do charge tuition fees, which can be significant.
Conclusion
- Tuition fees are pretty much non-existent for domestic students in public institutions for both Bachelor’s and Master’s. However, private institutions may charge fees. The same applies to international students.
- Most non-free Master’s programmes for international students in Norway listed on Mastersportal cost between NOK 8,000 and can go higher than NOK 35,000.
- Regarding paid Master’s in Norway, anywhere between 8,000 and 15,000 NOK can be considered moderately affordable.
The values for domestic and international students presented above are based on tuition fees extracted from programmes listed on our portals as of the date this article was published.
Thus, Norway offers a unique opportunity for international students to receive high-quality education without the burden of tuition fees at public universities. Despite the high cost of living, the tuition-free policy for both domestic and international students makes Norway an attractive destination for higher education. With a variety of prestigious institutions and diverse academic programs, students can enjoy a rich educational experience in a country renowned for its natural beauty and innovative research.
Methodology
- We used real data from Studyportals analysts to compile the list of universities and tuition fees for affordable degrees.
- We examined all full-time Bachelor's and Master's degrees in this country that are listed on our portals for both domestic and international students.
- In this article, "cheap" or "affordable" means that the tuition fees are lower than what 75% of other universities charge on our website.
- Sometimes, we use the term “moderately affordable,” which means the tuition fees are cheaper than what half of the universities charge but more expensive than the lowest 25%.
- For practical reasons, we've rounded up (or down) all tuition fee values.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is subject to change, so it is crucial to check the publication date of this article. Always confirm the current tuition fees directly with the universities, as they can vary.
Other resources:
- Tuition-Free Universities in Finland, Norway and Germany
- How to Apply to an International University in Norway
- Study in Norway: Tuition Fees and Living Costs
- Best English-Taught Universities in Norway
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is tuition-free education available for international students in Norway?
Yes, public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees for either domestic or international students, making it a very affordable option for higher education.
2. How much are the living costs for students in Norway?
The cost of living in Norway is relatively high, averaging around NOK 12,000 to NOK 20,000 per month. This includes expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal needs.
3. Do private universities in Norway charge tuition fees?
Yes, unlike public universities, private universities in Norway do charge tuition fees. These can vary significantly depending on the institution and program.
4. Are there any additional fees for students at public universities in Norway?
Students at public universities in Norway are required to pay a small semester fee, which typically covers student welfare services and administrative costs.
