If you want to study nursing in Norway, start by checking two things: the level you want and the language of teaching. Bachelor programmes usually lead to professional registration, while master's programmes are for deeper study and often need a nursing degree already. The exact rules depend on the university, so always check the programme page and the Norwegian official admissions and immigration sources.
What nursing degrees exist in Norway?
In Norway, the main route into the profession is usually a bachelor's degree in nursing. This is the study path most international students look at first because it can lead to the qualifications needed for nursing work after graduation.
You can also find master's programmes in areas like public health nursing, advanced practice, health sciences, or specialised care. These are usually for students who already have a relevant bachelor's degree, often in nursing or a related health field.
- Bachelor's in nursing - for first entry into the profession
- Master's in nursing or health sciences - for deeper specialisation
- Short courses or exchange study - sometimes available, but not the same as a full nursing degree
For a full nursing qualification, the programme must meet Norwegian professional and academic rules. The university website should clearly say whether the degree leads to eligibility for professional practice.
Language and teaching options
Most nursing bachelor's programmes in Norway are taught in Norwegian, because clinical practice requires strong local language skills. This is important for patient safety and for placement in hospitals or care settings.
Some master's programmes are taught in English. A few exchange modules or health-related courses may also be in English. But English-taught full bachelor's degrees in nursing are uncommon.
If you are looking for an English-taught option, check each programme page carefully for:
- language of instruction
- language requirements for admission
- whether clinical practice still requires Norwegian ability
- if you need a Norwegian language test before placement starts
If a programme is in Norwegian, the university may ask for documented Norwegian skills. The exact level can vary, so use the university admissions page as the main source.
Typical admission requirements
Admission rules vary by institution and by country of previous education. For bachelor's study, you usually need upper secondary school qualifications that match Norwegian general admission requirements. For master's study, you usually need a relevant bachelor's degree.
For nursing specifically, universities often look for strong grades in science or health-related subjects, plus proof that you can study in the programme language.
- Bachelor's applicants: completed secondary education, the right subject mix, and language proof
- Master's applicants: completed relevant bachelor's degree, transcript, and often a good GPA
- All applicants: passport copy, application form, and any required certified translations
Some programmes may also ask for documentation of work experience, motivation, or specific prerequisite courses. Do not guess - check the admissions requirements for the exact programme you want.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Norway depends mainly on your citizenship and the university. In recent years, public universities have charged tuition to many students from outside the EU and EEA, while EU and EEA rules may differ by institution and programme. Because policies can change, always check the university's own fee page and the programme page.
As a practical rule, expect these broad ranges:
- EU/EEA students: often lower fees or no tuition at some institutions, but not everywhere
- Non-EU/EEA students: tuition often applies and can range from moderate to high, depending on the university and programme
Do not rely on old forum posts or outdated blog numbers. The official university fee page is the source to use.
Living costs in Norway are high compared with many countries. Budget for housing, food, transport, books, and personal costs. A common monthly student budget is often in the range used by the immigration authority as proof of funds, but this number can change from year to year. Check the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, also called UDI, for the current financial requirement if you need a student residence permit.
- housing: often the biggest cost
- food and daily life: moderate to high
- books and study materials: extra cost
- health insurance or permit costs: check official rules
Application timeline and documents
Start early. Nursing programmes can have limited places and strict document rules, especially if you apply from outside Norway.
A safe timeline is to begin research 9 to 12 months before your intended start date.
- 9 to 12 months before: choose programmes and check language requirements
- 6 to 9 months before: prepare transcripts, diplomas, translations, and passport copy
- 3 to 6 months before: submit the application and watch your email closely
- After admission: arrange housing, money proof, and residence permit steps if needed
Typical documents include:
- passport
- school or university transcripts
- degree certificate if you already graduated
- language test result
- CV or motivation letter, if requested
- certified translations if your papers are not in English or Norwegian
Always check whether your documents must be uploaded in a special system, sent by post, or verified by a public authority.
How universities find candidates
Norwegian universities do not usually search open social media profiles for admissions in a casual way. They use official application systems and programme databases. If you want to be visible, your profile needs to be complete and clear in the right place.
Admissions offices look for students by field, level, grades, language, nationality, and document readiness. If your information is incomplete, they cannot easily see if you are a fit.
- fill in your education history clearly
- upload language results if you already have them
- show the exact field you want: nursing
- keep your contact details current
Some universities also work with international admissions portals or partner platforms. The key is always the same: give correct, structured information and check the official admissions channel for the programme.
Common questions
Can I study nursing in Norway in English?
Sometimes, but full bachelor's programmes in nursing are usually taught in Norwegian. English-taught options are more common at master's level or in related health subjects. Check the programme page for the language of instruction and clinical practice rules.
Do I need to know Norwegian before I apply?
Not always, but many nursing programmes need Norwegian language proof before admission or before placement starts. The exact requirement depends on the university. Use the official admissions page for the current rule.
Can I work as a nurse after graduation?
That depends on qualification recognition, professional licensing, and language ability. A degree alone does not automatically guarantee the right to practise. Check the Norwegian health authority and the university for the pathway that applies to your case.
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 helps you get noticed earlier while you still compare programmes, fees and entry rules.
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.