Universities in Oslo: Your Guide to Higher Education
Oslo is home to Norway's leading universities and colleges, offering world-class education, innovative research, and an exceptional student experience. With low or no tuition fees at public universities, international programs in English, and a high quality of life, Oslo attracts thousands of international students annually.
Major Universities in Oslo
University of Oslo (UiO)
Norway's oldest and highest-ranked university
Overview
- • Founded: 1811
- • Students: 27,500+ (2,500+ international)
- • Ranking: Top 100 globally (QS World Rankings)
- • Nobel Prizes: 5 laureates affiliated
- • Location: City center (Blindern campus)
- • Language: Norwegian + 100+ English master's programs
Top Programs
- • Medicine - Top medical school in Scandinavia
- • Law - Prestigious law faculty, strong reputation
- • Natural Sciences - Physics, chemistry, biology excellence
- • Humanities - Literature, philosophy, history
- • Social Sciences - Political science, sociology
- • Theology - Oldest theology faculty in Norway
Why Choose UiO: Research-intensive university with strong international reputation, beautiful campus, comprehensive library system, and excellent facilities. Home to Nobel Prize-winning research in peace and economics.
Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
Norway's third-largest university, practice-oriented
Overview
- • Founded: 2011 (merged 2018)
- • Students: 21,000+ (2,000+ international)
- • Focus: Professional education, applied research
- • Campuses: Pilestredet, Kjeller, Romerike
- • Language: Norwegian + 40+ English programs
- • Specialization: Health, education, engineering, arts
Top Programs
- • Nursing & Health - Largest health education in Norway
- • Teacher Education - Leading teacher training programs
- • Engineering - Civil, electrical, IT engineering
- • Social Work - Strong social welfare programs
- • Journalism - Renowned media and journalism faculty
- • Product Design - Innovative design programs
Why Choose OsloMet: Strong industry connections, hands-on learning, modern facilities, diverse student body, and excellent career prospects. Particularly strong in health sciences, engineering, and teacher education.
BI Norwegian Business School
Europe's largest business school
Overview
- • Founded: 1943
- • Students: 19,000+ (20% international)
- • Type: Private business school
- • Accreditation: Triple Crown (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA)
- • Location: Nydalen campus, Oslo
- • Language: English for most master's programs
Top Programs
- • MBA - Highly ranked international MBA program
- • Finance - MSc Finance, Investment Management
- • Marketing - Strategic marketing, digital marketing
- • Management - Leadership, strategy, innovation
- • Accounting - Professional accounting programs
- • Economics - Business economics, quantitative methods
Why Choose BI: Strong corporate connections, international focus, modern campus, excellent networking opportunities, and high employability. One of few Norwegian schools charging tuition, but offers quality business education.
Other Notable Institutions in Oslo
Located in Ås (30 min from Oslo). Agriculture, environment, veterinary science, biotechnology.
Visit Website →World-leading sports science research. Physical education, coaching, sports management.
Visit Website →Top music conservatory. Performance, composition, music education. Tuition-free.
Visit Website →Specialized architecture and design school. Small, selective, prestigious programs.
Visit Website →Admission Requirements
EU/EEA Students
General Requirements:
- • Upper secondary education - Equivalent to Norwegian high school
- • Specific subjects - Math, English, depending on program
- • Grade requirements - Competitive programs have cut-offs
- • No entrance exams - For most undergraduate programs
Master's Programs:
- • Bachelor's degree - Relevant field, minimum grade average
- • English proficiency - TOEFL/IELTS required
- • GRE/GMAT - Some business programs require
- • Motivation letter - Often required
International (Non-EU/EEA) Students
General Requirements:
- • Secondary education - Equivalent to Norwegian standard
- • English proficiency - TOEFL (min. 80) or IELTS (min. 6.0)
- • Certified documents - Translations, apostille if required
- • Earlier application - March 1 deadline for most programs
Student Visa Requirements:
- • Admission letter - From Norwegian university
- • Financial proof - 139,680 NOK/year (2025)
- • Health insurance - Coverage for duration of stay
- • Residence permit - Apply through UDI
Application Process
Explore programs, check requirements, prepare documents
Centralized application portal for Norwegian universities
Transcripts, diplomas, English test, motivation letter
Universities send admission letters, accept offer
Submit to UDI with financial proof, insurance
Apply for student housing through SiO or private market
Attend orientation, register with police, open bank account
Student Life in Oslo
Student Housing
- • SiO - Main student housing provider
- • Cost: 4,000-7,500 NOK/month
- • Types: Dorms, studios, shared apartments
- • Apply early - Demand exceeds supply
- • Private market: 5,000-12,000 NOK/month
Monthly Budget
- • Housing: 4,000-7,500 NOK
- • Food: 3,000-4,500 NOK
- • Transport: 822 NOK (student pass)
- • Books: 500-1,000 NOK
- • Total: ~10,000-15,000 NOK/month
Part-Time Work
- • Allowed: 20 hours/week during semester
- • Full-time: During holidays/summer
- • Wages: 180-250 NOK/hour typical
- • Common jobs: Retail, restaurants, tutoring
- • Tax: ~25-30% on student income
Student Organizations
- • Student unions - Each university has active student body
- • International clubs - ESN Oslo for exchange students
- • Sports clubs - Football, handball, skiing, climbing
- • Academic societies - Field-specific student groups
- • Cultural groups - Music, theater, debate, film
- • National associations - Connect with home country students
Student Benefits
- • Health services - Subsidized healthcare, student clinics
- • Library access - Extensive university libraries, 24/7 study spaces
- • Gym membership - Discounted rates at SiO gyms (250 NOK/semester)
- • Career services - Job fairs, CV help, networking events
- • Discounts - Cultural events, public transport, software licenses
- • Student loans - Lånekassen for Norwegian/Nordic students
Academic Year Structure
Autumn Semester
- August 15 - December 20
Main semester with lectures, seminars, group work
- Week 40 (October)
Autumn break - 1 week off
- December 20 - January 2
Christmas break
- January (exam period)
Written exams, project deadlines
Spring Semester
- January 15 - June 15
Second semester of academic year
- Week 15-16 (April)
Easter break - 1-2 weeks (most take vacation)
- May 17
Constitution Day - National holiday
- May-June (exam period)
Final exams, thesis submissions
Summer Break: June-August is vacation period. Many students work, travel, or do internships. Some programs offer summer courses. Academic year follows Northern Hemisphere schedule.
Why Study in Oslo?
Public universities charge 0 NOK tuition for all students, regardless of nationality. Only small semester fee.
500+ master's programs in English. No Norwegian required for most graduate studies.
Top-ranked universities, Nobel Prize-winning research, innovative teaching methods, modern facilities.
Beautiful nature, safe city, clean environment, outdoor lifestyle, work-life balance culture.
Strong job market, especially in tech, energy, finance. Graduates can apply for job-seeker visa.
25% international students, multicultural campus, global networking, English widely spoken.
Learn Norwegian for free during studies. Useful for integration and local job market.
1-year job-seeker permit for graduates. Pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers.
Start Your Academic Journey in Oslo
World-class education, no tuition fees, and an incredible student experience await