Norway is a strong choice if you want an engineering degree in a safe country with good universities and many English-taught master’s programmes. The process is clear, but you should check each university’s admissions page because entry rules and costs depend on the programme.
What engineering study levels you can choose
In Norway, you can usually study engineering at bachelor’s or master’s level. Some schools also offer doctoral study, but most international students start with a bachelor’s or a master’s programme.
- Bachelor’s degree: usually 3 years. This is for students who are starting higher education or who want a full undergraduate path in engineering.
- Master’s degree: usually 2 years. This is for students who already have a relevant bachelor’s degree.
- PhD: usually research-based and separate from normal admissions for pupils and most students.
Many bachelor’s programmes are taught in Norwegian. Many master’s programmes in engineering are taught in English. Check the exact language on the programme page before you apply.
Typical entry requirements
Admission rules vary by university and by field such as civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, or chemical engineering. The university decides if your school record or degree is enough, and some programmes are more selective than others.
For a bachelor’s programme, you usually need:
- a school-leaving qualification that is accepted for entry to higher education
- good grades in maths, and often physics or other science subjects
- proof of language ability if the programme is not taught in your first language
For a master’s programme, you usually need:
- a relevant bachelor’s degree, often in engineering or a related STEM subject
- enough credits in maths, science, and engineering topics
- English proof such as IELTS or TOEFL if the programme is taught in English
If you studied outside Norway, the university may ask for certified copies, translations, and a grading explanation. Always read the exact document list on the admissions page.
English-taught options
Norway has many English-taught master’s programmes in engineering. These are often the easiest option for international students, especially if you do not speak Norwegian yet.
English-taught bachelor’s programmes are less common. If you want a bachelor’s degree, check carefully whether the programme is fully in English or if you need Norwegian before you start.
Useful things to check on the programme page:
- language of instruction
- required English test and minimum score
- whether your background in maths and physics is enough
- application deadline and document deadline
Do not assume that a programme in engineering is open to all international students in English. Some are open only to certain nationalities, degrees, or exchange routes.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Norway depends on whether you are from the EU or EEA, and on the university and programme. Rules have changed in recent years, so the safest place to check is the university’s official fee page.
In general:
- EU/EEA students: some public universities still charge no tuition, but others now charge fees for international students. Check the current policy carefully.
- Non-EU/EEA students: tuition is often charged at public universities, and the amount can vary a lot by programme.
Living costs are high in Norway, especially in cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger. You should plan for rent, food, transport, books, and personal costs. A common planning range is about NOK 12,000 to 15,000 per month or more, but your real cost can be higher depending on housing and lifestyle. Always check the official cost-of-living guidance from the university and the immigration authority.
Other costs may include:
- application fee, if the system uses one
- student union or semester fee, where relevant
- visa or residence permit costs
- insurance, if required for your situation
Timeline and how to prepare
The safest plan is to start early. For many Norwegian programmes, the main intake is in autumn, and deadlines can be months before the start date.
A practical timeline is:
- 9 to 12 months before start: choose the programme and check entry rules
- 6 to 9 months before start: take your English test and collect transcripts, diplomas, and translations
- 3 to 6 months before start: submit your application and upload all documents
- after admission: apply for housing and, if needed, a residence permit
Use only the official university admissions page and the national immigration authority for visa or residence permit steps. Do not rely on old forum posts, because rules and deadlines can change.
How universities find candidates
In Norway, universities usually do not search randomly on the internet. They work through official application systems, programme pages, and approved student databases or recruitment tools.
This means you should make your profile clear and complete. Admissions teams need to see:
- your field of interest, such as mechanical or software engineering
- your current or completed education
- your English level
- your documents, when available
If your profile matches what a programme is looking for, the university can contact you first in some recruitment systems. That does not replace the normal application process, but it can help you get noticed earlier.
Common questions
Do I need to speak Norwegian to study engineering in Norway?
Not always. Many master’s programmes are in English. Many bachelor’s programmes are in Norwegian, so check the language on the programme page.
Can I work while studying?
Often yes, but your right to work depends on your residence status and permit rules. Check the national immigration authority and your university before you plan part-time work.
How do I know if my degree is accepted?
Read the admission requirements on the university’s official page. If you are unsure, contact admissions and ask about your exact school or degree before you apply.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can see what you are looking for. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
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.