Study in Norway

If you are from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you will need a study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). You apply once a Norwegian institution has admitted you to full-time studies, and you will need to show where you will live and that your studies are funded.

A study permit is normally granted for one year at a time and renewed for the length of your programme, as long as you are making satisfactory progress.

UDI sets the amount you must have available, and reviews it periodically — it is currently around NOK 151,690 for a year. An application fee applies and is also subject to change, so confirm both figures on UDI's own pages before you apply.

A study permit lets you work up to 20 hours a week during term, and full time during holidays. After the first year you will usually need to show that your studies are progressing in order to keep the work right.

Once you complete your degree you can apply for a job-seeker permit of up to one year to look for work in Norway.

Study Permit Key Facts

• Duration: Normally granted for one year at a time and renewed for the length of your programme, subject to satisfactory progress.
• Work rights: Up to 20 hours a week during term, and full time in the holidays.
• Eligibility: You need an offer of a place on a full-time programme, somewhere to live, and funds held in a Norwegian student account or shown as required by UDI.
• Financial requirement: The amount required by UDI, which is updated periodically and is currently around NOK 151,690 for a year.
• Fee: An application fee applies and is subject to change; check the current figure with UDI.
• Health cover: If you are staying for more than twelve months you normally become a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme once you register as a resident.

Post-Study Permit Key Facts

• Duration: Up to one year after you complete your degree, to look for work in Norway.
• Work rights: You can work while you hold it, so you can support yourself during the search.
• Eligibility: You must have completed your programme in Norway and apply before your study permit expires.
• What happens next: Once you have a qualifying job offer you can apply for a skilled worker residence permit.

Immigration rules, fees and funding thresholds in Norway are reviewed periodically, so always confirm the current requirements with UDI before you apply.