Norway Student Visa 2027: Requirements Explained
Learn how to get a Norway study permit in 2027, including admission and funds requirements, the application fee, work rights, family options and what happens after you graduate.
Emily Carter
Last updated
Why Study in Norway, and Who Needs a Permit
Norway offers high-quality universities, many English-taught programmes, safe cities and some of the most beautiful nature in the world. If you are not from the EU or EEA, you need a study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) to study there. Getting admitted to a Norwegian university does not give you the right to live in Norway, because the study permit is a separate application. This guide focuses on the permit for university and university college students, which is the route for most degree students.
Admission and Study Requirements
You need an offer of admission from a university or university college approved by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). You must study full-time, and your situation at home should show that you can return after your studies. You also need a place to live in Norway, so plan your housing at the same time as your admission. UDI does not set a language requirement, but each university has its own admission and language rules.
How Much Money You Need
You must show that you can support yourself while you study. For a full academic year, UDI requires at least NOK 15,488 a month, or NOK 170,368 a year. Your funds can come from student loans, grants, your own money in a Norwegian bank account, or a part-time job that has already been offered to you. If your programme charges tuition, you must also show that you can pay it, and students usually pay a small semester fee of about NOK 1,000 to their student welfare organisation.
Steps to Apply for a Norwegian Study Permit
First, choose your programme and get an offer of admission from an approved institution. Next, gather your documents, including your passport, proof of funds, proof of housing, academic certificates and proof of any tuition payment. Then complete the online application on the UDI website and pay the fee of NOK 5,400 if you are over 18. Wait for your decision before you travel, and apply as early as you can, because processing times change.
Work Rights and Family
Your study permit lets you work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during your studies, and full-time during holidays. You cannot be self-employed or run your own business on a study permit. Your spouse or partner and children can usually apply to join you, but UDI currently processes family applications separately from your own. Time spent on a study permit does not count toward permanent residence in Norway.
Do You Have to Pay Tuition in Norway?
It depends on your university and programme. Since 2023, most students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland pay tuition at public universities. Some groups, such as doctoral candidates and certain exchange or scholarship students, are usually exempt.
Do You Need to Speak Norwegian?
Not always. Many master’s programmes are taught in English, but most bachelor’s programmes use Norwegian. Check your programme’s language requirements before you apply.
Can You Stay in Norway After Graduating?
Not automatically. You can apply for a job seeker permit for up to one year if you have at least NOK 341,373 in your own funds. If you find a skilled job, you can then apply for a skilled worker permit.
Check if you qualify for a Norway study permit →
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