How to get a student visa in Norway

The immigration requirements for studying in Norway depend mainly on your nationality and how long you plan to stay. 

For non-EU/EEA students 

If you are from outside the EU/EEA and plan to study at a university or university college in Norway for more than three months, you will generally need to apply for a study permit before moving to Norway. You must be admitted to a full-time programme at an approved institution and meet requirements including those relating to financial support and accommodation. 

For EU/EEA students 

EU/EEA citizens do not need to apply for a study permit. If you plan to live and study in Norway for more than three months, you must register under the EU/EEA regulations.  

You will need to show that you have been admitted to an accredited educational institution and can support yourself during your stay.  

Students should also have appropriate health insurance, such as a European Health Insurance Card or private health insurance, depending on their circumstances. 

For short-term study 

If you are planning to stay in Norway for up to 90 days, you may need a visitor visa depending on your nationality. Some nationalities can enter Norway visa-free for short stays. A visitor visa is a Schengen visa and allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 

The requirements can vary depending on your citizenship and circumstances, so check the latest guidance from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) before making your travel or study plans. 

Other study-related permits  

Norway also has specific residence permits for certain trainees and researchers. 

Trainee permit: For students studying at a higher education institution outside Norway who need to complete a relevant traineeship as part of their studies. Applicants must generally be aged 18–29 and have a full-time trainee offer. 

Researcher with own funds: For researchers with a master's degree or equivalent who will carry out research at a Norwegian institution without a Norwegian employer.

Language tests 

Norway does not have a single language test requirement for all international students applying for a study permit. However, you must meet the language requirements of your chosen university and programme as part of the admissions process. 

If you are applying for a programme taught in English, you will generally need to provide proof of your English language skills. The accepted tests and minimum scores vary between institutions and programmes. 

If you plan to study in Norwegian, you will need to demonstrate sufficient Norwegian language proficiency for admission. 

Minimum funds 

You must show that you have enough money to cover your living expenses during your studies. The current requirement is around NOK 15,500 per month, or NOK 170,000 for a full academic year.  

If your programme charges tuition fees, you must also show that you can cover these costs. 

The exact amount can change, so make sure to check the latest financial requirement with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration before applying.

When completing your application through the official Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), you will typically receive a personalised checklist of the documents you need to submit based on your individual circumstances. 

However, here are some common documents you should generally prepare for your study permit application: 

• Valid passport, including copies of all pages that have been used 
• Signed application form/signature form from the UDI Application Portal 
• Recent passport-sized photograph if applying from outside Norway 
• Proof of admission to your full-time study programme, including the programme level and duration 
• Academic documents, such as certificates, transcripts and degrees 
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living costs in Norway 
• Proof that you can pay your tuition fees, if tuition applies 
• Proof of accommodation in Norway 
• An up to date CV 
• Completed and signed UDI checklist 

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need additional documents, such as proof of legal residence if applying from a country other than your home country, or a power of attorney if someone is representing you in your application. 

If you are under 18, additional documents may be required, including your birth certificate, parental consent and copies of your parents' identification documents. 

1. Get accepted to a full-time programme at an approved Norwegian university or university college.   
2. Prepare you documents 
3. Complete your application through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) Application Portal.  
4. Pay the application fee 
5. After completing your online application, follow UDI's instructions to book an appointment with the relevant embassy, Visa Application Centre (VFS), police or Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA), depending on where you are applying from.   
6. Attend your appointment and submit the required documents. If you are instructed to provide biometrics, these will be collected as part of the process.   
7. UDI will process your application and contact you if it needs additional information or documents.   
8. Receive your decision and residence card   

Can 

• Study full-time. 
• Work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, including remote work, alongside your studies. You can also work full-time during scheduled holidays. 
• Travel in and out of Norway while your permit is valid. 
• Bring your immediate family, such as a spouse, cohabitant or children, who may be eligible to apply for a family immigration permit. 

Cannot 

• Work more than 20 hours per week during the academic year unless you have permission to do so. 
• Run your own business or work as self-employed in Norway. 
• Stop studying or fail to meet the conditions of your permit. 
• Live outside Norway for more than six months in a year.