Business administration in Norway can be a good choice if you want a practical degree, a safe study environment and strong links to business life. You can find bachelor’s and master’s programmes, and many international students look for English-taught options. The exact rules depend on the university, so always check the programme page and the university admissions page.
What business administration means in Norway
In Norway, business administration is often called business, management, economics or business and administration. You may study it at a university, a university college, or a business school.
- Bachelor’s level - usually 3 years.
- Master’s level - usually 2 years after a relevant bachelor’s degree.
- Some schools also offer exchange semesters, one-year programmes, and special tracks like finance, marketing, or international business.
Programme names can be different, so read the course content, not only the title. Two programmes with similar names can have very different entry rules.
Typical admission requirements
For a bachelor’s degree, you usually need a secondary school diploma that is equal to Norwegian upper secondary education. Many universities also ask for maths, sometimes with a minimum grade or a specific subject level. If you studied outside Norway, the university will compare your documents to its admission rules.
For a master’s degree, you usually need a relevant bachelor’s degree, often in business, economics, management, or a related subject. Some programmes ask for a certain number of credits in business subjects, research methods, or statistics.
- Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts.
- Proof of English proficiency if the programme is taught in English.
- Passport copy and sometimes a CV or motivation letter.
- For some master’s programmes, work experience or a GMAT/GRE type test may be helpful or required.
To know what counts, check the university’s admissions page and the national study admission portal, where available.
English-taught options and language
You do not always need Norwegian to study business in Norway. Many universities offer English-taught master’s degrees, and some also offer English-taught bachelor’s programmes, though these are fewer.
If the course is in English, you often need an accepted English test or previous education in English. Common tests include IELTS and TOEFL, but each institution decides which scores it accepts.
- Look for the language of instruction on the programme page.
- Check if the university accepts your school or university background as proof of English.
- If you want to work in Norway after graduation, learning Norwegian can help a lot.
Even in English-taught programmes, daily life in Norway can be easier if you learn some Norwegian during your studies.
Tuition fees and living costs
Tuition in Norway depends on your citizenship, the institution, and the programme. Many public universities in Norway do not charge tuition for students from the EU and EEA for many programmes, but some institutions and some programmes may still have fees, and rules can change. Non-EU and non-EEA students are often charged tuition, and the amount can vary a lot by school and subject. Always check the university’s fee page for the current number.
Living costs are important in Norway. Rent, food, transport, books and personal spending can be high compared with many other countries. Universities often publish a recommended monthly budget, and immigration authorities may also list the amount needed for a student residence permit. Check both sources before you apply.
- Accommodation is often your biggest cost.
- Student housing is usually cheaper than private rent.
- Part-time work may help, but do not rely on it to cover all costs.
Plan with a buffer. Prices can differ a lot between Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and smaller towns.
Application timeline and documents
Start early. For many Norwegian programmes, applications open months before the study start, and deadlines are often in winter or early spring for autumn entry. Some programmes have an early deadline for international applicants.
A simple timeline can look like this:
- 6 to 12 months before start - check programmes, fees and language rules.
- 4 to 8 months before start - prepare diplomas, transcripts and translations.
- 3 to 6 months before start - submit the application and required documents.
- After admission - apply for housing, visa or residence permit if needed.
Do not wait for the last week. Some documents take time to get, especially certified translations and proof of English.
How universities find students
Universities and admissions offices often use international student registers and enquiry systems to look for suitable candidates. They search by subject, level, country, previous education, English level and other filters. If you have a clear profile, you make it easier for them to contact you first.
They usually want students who match the programme profile, not random applicants. A complete profile can help them see whether you fit a bachelor’s or master’s track, and whether your background matches their entry rules.
- Use the exact study field, like business administration, management, economics or international business.
- Add your latest education and grades where possible.
- Include your English level and any test results.
- Upload the key documents you already have.
Common questions
Can I study business administration in Norway without speaking Norwegian?
Yes, sometimes. Many master’s programmes are taught in English, and some bachelor’s options are too. Check the language on the programme page and the language proof rules.
Is business administration free in Norway?
Not always. Fees depend on your nationality, the institution and the programme. Public institutions have had different fee rules for different student groups, so always check the current fee page on the university site.
Can I work while studying?
Often yes, but the exact work rights depend on your residence permit. Check the Norwegian immigration authority before you make plans. Do not assume part-time work will cover all your costs.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This saves time when you compare Norwegian business programmes and want universities to come to you instead of you starting from zero every time.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.