A master's in Norway can be a good option if you want a degree taught in English and a study environment with clear rules. The exact requirements and deadlines depend on the university and programme, so always check the university's admissions page and the programme page before you apply.
1. Who can apply
Most master's programmes ask for a finished bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification. Some programmes also want your degree to match the subject area, for example engineering, business, or computer science.
- You usually need a recognised bachelor's degree.
- Your school and degree must be accepted by the university.
- Some programmes ask for a minimum number of credits in the right subject.
- Some research-based or special programmes may want work experience or a portfolio.
If your school or degree was earned outside Norway, the university will check whether it is equivalent to a Norwegian bachelor's degree. They may use national recognition rules and internal academic review. If you are not sure, check the admissions page and the national recognition authority in your country or the Norwegian recognition guidance linked by the university.
2. English level and language rules
Many master's degrees in Norway are taught in English. If the programme is in English, you usually need proof of English ability. The exact score depends on the university.
- Common tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and sometimes Cambridge tests.
- Some universities accept proof from previous study in English.
- Some programmes ask for a higher score in writing or overall.
Always check the programme page for the accepted tests, minimum scores, and how recent your test result must be. Do not assume one score works everywhere. If the programme is taught in Norwegian, you may need Norwegian language proof instead.
3. Tuition and living costs
Norway does not have one single fee for all students. Tuition depends on your citizenship, the university, and the programme.
- Some public universities charge tuition for non-EU or non-EEA students.
- EU and EEA students may have different rules, but you should still check the university's fee page.
- Private institutions can have their own fees for all students.
Living costs are an important part of planning. Norway is known for a high cost of living, so you should budget for rent, food, transport, study materials, health insurance if needed, and personal spending. Use the university's cost-of-living guidance and the official immigration authority's financial requirement page if you need a visa or residence permit.
Do not rely on social media estimates. Check the university, the official student housing provider, and the Norwegian immigration authority for current guidance.
4. Documents you usually need
Most universities ask for a standard set of documents. Prepare them early, because some papers take time to get.
- Passport or national ID
- Bachelor's diploma or graduation certificate
- Official transcript of records
- Proof of English level, if needed
- CV or résumé
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- Course descriptions or syllabus, if the university asks for subject matching
- Reference letters, if required
Some universities want certified copies or official translations if the documents are not in English or a Scandinavian language. Check the programme page for format rules, file size, and whether you must upload everything in one application portal.
5. Deadlines and application timing
Application windows in Norway vary by university and programme. For many master's programmes, applications usually open months before the study start date and close in winter or early spring for autumn intake. Some programmes have different dates for international applicants, especially if you need time for a visa or residence permit.
- Check when applications open on the university's admissions page.
- Check the final date for international applicants, not only the general deadline.
- Look for document deadlines as well as the application deadline.
- If you need a residence permit, start early because processing can take time.
Deadlines can change from year to year. The safest rule is to follow the dates on the official programme page for the year you plan to apply.
6. What happens after you apply
After you submit your application, the university checks your academic background and documents. If something is missing, they may ask you to upload more files or explain your qualifications.
- You may receive an application number or portal login.
- The university may ask for more documents.
- Admission decisions are usually sent by email or the application portal.
- If you are accepted, you may need to confirm your place by a deadline.
Admission is never automatic. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place, because spaces can be limited and some programmes are selective.
Common questions
Do I need to speak Norwegian to study a master's in Norway?
Not always. Many master's programmes are taught in English and ask for English test results instead. If a programme is taught in Norwegian, you will usually need Norwegian language proof. Check the programme page carefully.
Can my foreign bachelor's degree be accepted?
Often yes, if it is considered equivalent to a Norwegian bachelor's degree and matches the subject requirements. The university decides this based on your transcript, diploma, and sometimes course descriptions. Check the admissions page for how they assess foreign qualifications.
When should I start preparing?
Start several months before the deadline. You may need time to get transcripts, translations, language test scores, and certified copies. If you also need a visa or residence permit, begin even earlier and check the national immigration authority's site.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents. 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.