Studying law in Norway can be a strong option if you want a public university system, a high quality of life, and a clear academic path. The main things to check are the degree level you want, the language of teaching, and the exact entry rules on each university page.
For law, Norway is different from some other countries. A full professional law degree is often taught in Norwegian, while some universities also offer master's programmes in English. If you are applying from abroad, start early and check the official admissions page of each university and the Norwegian national admissions or immigration sites for current rules.
What law degrees exist in Norway?
Norway usually offers law at these levels:
- Bachelor's level - a lower-level degree in law-related subjects, legal studies, or business law. Not every university offers a full law bachelor's for international students.
- Master's level - this is the main route for advanced legal study. Some programmes are in English, especially in areas like public international law, human rights, or maritime law.
- Professional law degree - in Norway, the main path to becoming a lawyer or legal professional is often a long integrated programme taught in Norwegian. The exact structure depends on the university.
If your goal is to work as a lawyer in Norway, you should check both the university's degree structure and the rules from the relevant professional bodies. If your goal is international legal study, an English-taught master's may be enough.
Can you study law in English?
Yes, but the choice is usually more limited at bachelor's level. At master's level, you are more likely to find English-taught options.
Typical English language requirements include:
- IELTS or TOEFL with a score set by the university
- proof that your previous degree was taught in English, if the university accepts that
- writing samples or a motivation letter for some programmes
Do not assume a programme is in English just because the website has an English page. Check the language of instruction on the exact programme page. Some courses are partly in English, but the degree may still require Norwegian for clinical work, internships, or later professional use.
Typical entry requirements
Entry rules differ by level, but these are common requirements you should expect:
- For bachelor's study: a school-leaving certificate that is accepted in Norway, plus proof of English if the programme is in English.
- For master's study: a recognised bachelor's degree, often in law or a related field, with the grades required by the university.
- For professional law study: stronger academic requirements and often Norwegian language ability.
Universities may also ask for:
- passport copy
- CV
- motivation letter
- transcripts and diploma
- documented course content if they need to check whether your previous degree fits
If your documents are not in English, Norwegian, or another language accepted by the university, you may need certified translations. Always follow the exact document list on the admissions page.
What does law cost in Norway?
Costs depend on your nationality, the university, and the programme. In recent years, many public universities in Norway have charged tuition for students from outside the EU and EEA, while EU and EEA students may still face lower or no tuition in some cases. This can change, so always check the official university fee page for your programme.
Useful cost categories to plan for are:
- Tuition: check the programme page and university fee page. Some programmes may be free, while others charge a yearly fee, especially for non-EU students.
- Living costs: Norway is expensive compared with many countries. Budget for housing, food, transport, books, and health insurance if required.
- Residence permit funds: the immigration authority sets a minimum amount you must show for living costs. Check the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, UDI, for the current figure.
As a rough planning point, many students prepare for a high monthly budget, especially in Oslo and other large cities. Do not use internet guesses for money planning. Use the university cost page, student housing site, and UDI requirements.
Application timeline and where to start
A good plan is to start 9 to 12 months before your intended start date. Some programmes open earlier, and document checks can take time.
Basic steps:
- Choose the level you want - bachelor's, master's, or a professional track.
- Check whether the programme is in Norwegian or English.
- Read the entry requirements on the university admissions page.
- Prepare transcripts, diploma, passport, language proof, and any translations.
- Apply through the university or the national application system if the programme uses one.
- After admission, check residence permit rules with UDI if you need a student permit.
It is smart to make a simple document folder early. Keep scanned copies of everything, plus the original names of your files. If the university asks for extra proof of your previous studies, you will save time.
How universities look for candidates
Universities do not only wait for applications. Many admissions offices search student profiles and contact people who match a programme. They may look for your field, education level, grades, English level, and documents.
To be easier to find, your profile should be clear and complete:
- state that you want law, legal studies, or a related field
- add your highest completed education
- list your English level honestly
- upload the documents you already have
- mention whether you are open to bachelor’s or master’s options
If your profile is vague, it is harder for a university to see whether you fit. A clear profile can help admissions teams contact you first when they search for students with your background.
Common questions
Can I become a lawyer in Norway with an English-taught degree?
Sometimes, but often not directly. Many legal careers in Norway require Norwegian language skills and a degree that matches local professional rules. Check the university page and the rules of the legal profession before you apply.
Do I need Norwegian before I apply?
Not always. Some master's programmes are in English. But if you want a professional law degree or later work in Norway, Norwegian is often important. Check the exact language requirement on the programme page.
Where should I check the latest rules?
Use the university's admissions page for entry and tuition, and the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, UDI, for visa or residence permit rules. For scholarships, always check the scholarship provider's own site.
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.
That gives you a simple way to reach universities without sending the same details again and again.
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.