In case you haven’t heard, Norway is no longer completely tuition-free for foreign students.
From autumn 2023, international students from outside the European Economic Area (including countries of the European Union, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland who wish to study in Norway will have to pay cost-covering fees to their universities.
This decision was received with mixed feelings.
“This is a sad day for students and for equal opportunities,” said the chair of the Norwegian National Student Union, Maika Marie Godal Dam.
One Reddit user who is against the introduction of tuition fees says Norway’s diversity will suffer. “I’m not from the EU myself and did my masters in the UK, and there the diversity of international students was low because only rich kids could afford it. They weren’t particularly good at studying – basically some British universities take in as many international students as they can for money instead of being selective,” the user said.
“I think that will happen in Norway too.”
Meanwhile, the other side also has some compelling arguments.
“I welcome this new law with open arms, because being a Norwegian student can be pretty sucky,” writes one Reddit user. “Foreign students are given priority for student accommodation, which pushes many locals into the private rental market, which is much more expensive. Also, very few foreign students will ever stay in Norway or pay taxes there after they finish their studies, making the whole thing pretty expensive for the government.”
Another Reddit user says he thinks this law is completely fair: “If our students have to pay to study at your universities, your students have to pay to study at our universities.”
Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great facilities while studying in Norway. Source: AFP
Even with tuition fees, studying in Norway is still cheaper than in more popular study countries such as the USA or Great Britain.
Below are some places that offer affordable, English-taught programs at Bachelor, Master and PhD levels.
Affordable universities to study in Norway in 2024 and beyond
If you are studying at the University of Oslo, visit the Oslo Opera House in the city center and take a walk on the roof. Source: AFP
University of Oslo
The University of Oslo ranks 119th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and holds the title of the best University in Norway.
They offer over 90 English-language Master’s and PhD programs covering a wide range of disciplines.
Students must pay a semester fee of 64 US dollars (690 krona) to the Student Welfare Organization. Tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic year range from 17,638 to 25,487 US dollars (191,000 to 276,000 krona).
North University
North University Although it is one of the youngest universities in the country, it still offers a high-quality education. It offers a variety of English-language programs at all levels, as well as a one-year course in Norwegian language and society and an online course.
All students applying must pay a semester fee of $75 (815 Norwegian Krone). In the meantime, Tuition fees for the 2023/2024 academic year range from US$12,559 to US$48,204 (SEK136,000 to SEK522,000).
Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
OsloMet offers numerous Master’s and PhD programs, some of which are taught entirely in English, while the rest are a mix of Norwegian and English.
All students must pay a registration fee of around US$84 (910 krona) to study at the university. Tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic year will be around US$18,515 to US$37,353 (200,500 to 404,500 krona).
This is how it feels when you find out that studying in Norway is still quite affordable, even though there are no longer any tuition fees. Source: AFP
University of Bergen
The University of Bergen only offers two-year Master’s programs, with the second year dedicated to writing the thesis.
More than 20 Master’s programmes at the University of Bergen are taught in English. These include subjects such as humanities and aesthetic studies, medicine, natural sciences and technical subjects, social sciences and psychology, as well as fine arts, music and design.
Students must pay a semester fee of 64 US dollars (690 crowns). to the Student Welfare Organisation. Tuition fees range from 17,306 to 23,821 US dollars (187,400 to 257,950 krone).
Western Norwegian University of Applied Sciences (HVL)
HVL brags five locations in western Norway: Førde, Bergen, Sogndal, Haugesund and Stord. Most campuses (except the Førde campus) offer English-language master’s programs.
Students must pay a semester fee of US$78 (850 krone) and tuition fees range from approximately US$14,775 to US$24,010 (160,000 to 260,000 krone).
UiT The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
UiT is supposedly the “northernmost university in the world” – located on the edge of the Arctic. They offer about 43 English-taught degree programs at all levels – Bachelor, Master and PhD. Depending on the degree program you choose, you can study at one of the beautiful UiT campuses in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik and Harstad.
All students must pay a semester fee of US$62 (670 crown). In the meantime, Tuition fees range from US$17,121 to US$34,491 (SEK185,400 to SEK373,500).
However, students pursuing the Master of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies are exempt from paying fees, and the one-year Norwegian Language and Society program costs only $4,451 (48,200 krone).
University of Stavanger (UiS)
The hotel is located in Stavanger — on the southwest coast of Norway — UIS offers two-year Master’s degree programs Classes are taught in English and cover disciplines such as business administration, engineering, health sciences, music, natural sciences and social sciences.
To study at the university, students must pay a registration fee of approximately US$83 (900 krone). Tuition fees range from US$14,314 to US$16,622 (155,000 to 180,000 krone).
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on August 9, 2024.
