Study in the land of fjords and midnight sun

Updated on: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Norway is a north European country with a population of less than five million. In human development index, it is next only to Iceland. Among the countries of the world, it occupies one of the highest positions in education, income, life expectancy, human rights, and cultural freedom.

Norway maintains an exploratory mindset. It is geared towards technology, innovation, and developing a knowledge-based society. "Cold country, warm people". You can see the Aurora Borealis ("Northern lights"), experience the midnight sun, fjords and mountains. With the exception of a few private university colleges, all higher education institutions are state-run.

As a rule, there are no tuition fees for higher education in Norway. This is true for all levels, including undergraduate, Masters, and PhD programmes. This applies to foreign students as well. But fees may be charged for certain professional education programmes or other special programmes, and by some of the private institutions. However, the fees are generally low.

Norway has a variety of institutions in higher education-universities, specialised university colleges, state university colleges, state university colleges of art, and private university colleges. All institutions of higher education stress on research work as part of studies.

Universities

Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

University of Agder

University of Bergen

University of Oslo

University of Stavanger

University of Tromsø

Specialised university institutions

BI-Norwegian School of Management

MF Norwegian School of Theology

NHH-Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration

Norwegian Academy of Music

Norwegian School of Sport Sciences

Norwegian School of Veterinary Science

Oslo School of Architecture and Design

School of Mission and Theology

As an illustration for the styles in the specialised university institutions, you may see the programmes offered by NHH:

B.Sc. in economics and business administration

M.Sc. in economics and business administration, with major specialisations in financial economics, business analysis and performance management, economic analysis, economics: strategy and management, marketing and industrial economics, international business.

M.Sc. in international business

CEMS Master of international management

M.Sc. in accounting and auditing

Ph.D.

Courses at universities and university colleges are assessed on a scale of study credits, in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) standard. Norway welcomes students from other countries. There are nearly 12,000 international students on the rolls. There are opportunities for a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. programmes through the English language medium. The number of public and private institutions of higher learning comes to more than seventy.

You have to contact individual university or other institution for admission. You may normally have to submit your application for admission between January 15 and March 15 for programmes starting in August.

Entry requirements

Any foreign educational qualification is normally considered sufficient for admission to undergraduate programmes, if it is at the same level as the corresponding Norwegian qualification. A compilation of country-specific information called the GSU-list shows what level of education applicants from different countries should have for entry into Norwegian higher education. The list also indicates whether there is a need for proof concerning proficiency in English. The updated GSU-list is available in the web site www.nokut.no/sw14437.asp

For students from India, the minimum qualification for admission to undergraduate programs is the 12th Standard (CBCE / ISC/ State Board) + one year of university education. Further, you should have proof for proficiency in English.

For certain university and university college courses, there may be special entrance requirements. It would be in the form of special subjects or fields of study in the secondary school.

For Master's programmes admission requirements are decided by each university or University College. Normally, a 3-year Bachelor's degree would be adequate.

Special areas

Norway has a special reputation in studies and research in the marine field. There are several study programmes and courses aimed at international students in the field. Excellence in the area of marine research and fisheries management make Norway an interesting destination for students who want to pursue a career in this field. Norwegian universities and university colleges offer programmes and courses in the field of fisheries and marine resources management as well as industry-related research in aquaculture and biotechnology.

Other areas of significant achievements in Norway are petroleum studies and environmental protection.

Research in Norway

There are facilities for advanced research in certain areas such as marine research, energy and climate, medicine and health, food and communication technology, biotechnology, material science and nanotechnology.

In order to ensure quality in research, more than twenty ‘Centres of Excellence' have been established with the intention to bring more researchers and research groups to a high international standard. You can find the institutions and programs in Norway from the web site www.studyinnorway.no.

Student welfare organisation

Before arriving in Norway, you may use the services of the student welfare organisation in the institution to which you are applying, for transferring money to Norway for the first time. Since you may not have a bank account in Norway, you can transfer money to special accounts established for foreign students. In turn, they will send you an official statement confirming the amount transferred. You can use this document when applying for a student residence permit. After you reach Norway and open a bank account, you can transfer the money to your account. The organisation would give many other services as well.

If you intend to stay in Norway for more than six months you should register with the National Registry and get your identity number from the local tax assessment office.

This number is required for opening a bank account. If your stay is for a period less than six months, you would be given a dummy number.

Contact in India: Royal Norwegian Embassy, 50-C, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021

Ph: 011 – 41779200; Email: [email protected].

Study in the land of fjords and midnight sun

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