Norway, known to many as a very little country is a well too known location for international studies. Being a country whose quality education standards and policies have a global repute, your next academic choice should be to study abroad in Norway.

Norway has beneficial awesome international exchange programs for international students.

When you make the decision to study abroad in Norway, you invariably make a choice that improves your career and networking possibilities, both at home and abroad.

In most Norwegian universities, tutors, lecturers, and professors alike are all easily approachable and students are encouraged to make the learning more interactive than rigid. Classes are organized in small groupings to ensure that every student follows the lecture.

The small class groupings ensure cooperation between students during the course of the program. This informal atmosphere on campus could be quite surprising at first but over time, every student develops a critical mind which constructively examines problems and provides definite solutions.

Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behavior. This is Norway, an international student’s paradise.

The Norwegian Education System

When you study abroad in Norway, you would realize that education is free as tuition fees are totally sponsored by the state for both local and international students. This decision by Norway’s government is to provide equal and fair opportunities to all students who pass through the country’s educational system.

As a result, most academic institutions in Norway have no tuition charges, and students have access to good education for free.

The Norwegian school system has three divisions/levels:

1. Barne skole (Elementary School, ages 6–13)
2. Ungdoms skole (Lower Secondary School, ages 13–16),
3. Videregående skole (Upper Secondary School, ages 16–19).

While in primary and lower secondary school, pupils are taught subjects that border on a similar curriculum.  In upper secondary school, the student chooses from a broad range of vocational subjects or general studies subjects.

The choice made at the upper secondary school determines the sort of profession which the student continues with at the higher institution.

In Norway’s tertiary educational system, there are eight universities, nine specialized colleges, and twenty-four university colleges. And with the high standard of education in Norway’s tertiary education system, many international students end up choosing Norway as their choice study abroad location.

Although it is an awesome experience to choose to study in Norway, starting up may prove rather difficult for a student who is quite green because students are expected to be largely responsible for their learning.

Over time though, one gets a hang of the system and develops along with colleagues.

Top 10 International High Schools to Study Abroad in Norway

In Norway, there are a lot of international schools for students who wish to study abroad. Here are the top ten international schools which you may find interesting,

1. Asker International School – At Asker International School students are assisted to develop their full potential and to become versatile, effective, and responsible citizens of the global community. English is the medium of instruction.
2. Birrale International School – The Birrale International School Trondheim provides a stimulating and secure learning environment where every child is valued. The name ‘Birrale’ means a ‘Safe Place for our Children’. Birrale International School prioritizes the overall safety of the wards put in their care.
3. British International School of Stavanger – The British International School of Stavanger comprises three schools, BISS Preschool, BISS Gausel, and BISS Sentrum which share a common goal of delivering high-quality education to children thereby making them role models.
4. Children’s International School –  The Children’s International School provides a skill-focused, inquiry-based, lifelong-learning educational experience to children.
5. Kristiansand International School – The Kristiansand International School is a school that encourages students to think carefully about the world around them, to learn new concepts of global significance, and to reflect thoughtfully on these.
6. Fagerhaug International School – The Fagerhaug International School influences students through its muti-diverse pool of students and encourages students to respect other peoples’ cultures and lifestyles.
7. Northern Lights International School – The Northern Lights International School focus on students individually to help them develop their most significant potential.
8. Gjovikregionen International School (GIS) – The Gjovikregionen International School (GIS) provides authentic international education to foster enthusiasm within students to explore individual and personal goals.
9. Tromso International School – The Tromso International School educates students about global participation by encouraging them to become inquirers, open-minded, and fluent in both English and Norwegian.
10. Trondheim International School – The Trondheim International School is a school that creates independent, knowledgeable, and caring individuals in a safe and supportive environment.

Higher Institution in Norway

Norway’s higher education system comprises accredited programs for Bachelor’s, Masters and Ph.D. degrees.

The Norwegian educational system is largely structured to follow the abiding European standards. With these standards, qualified international students who complete higher education in Norway get recognized in other European countries on a continental level and globally too.

Courses to Study Abroad in Norway

In Norway, both local and international students have a wide range of programs to choose from. Only at the University of Oslo- Norway’s oldest university, programs ranging from Dentistry, Education, Humanities, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Theology are available.

Below is a list of other higher education programs available for students in Norway:

1. Accounting
2. Architecture
3. Biology
4. Chemical Engineering
5. Chemistry
6. Construction Management
7. Dance
8. Economics
9. Electrical Engineering
10. Environmental Science
11. Finance
12. Fine Art
13. Food Science
14. Geography
15. International Relations
16. Leadership
17. Marketing
18. Mathematics
19. Medicine
20. Neuroscience
21. Philosophy
22. Physics
23. Sports Science.

Top-ranked Universities in Norway

Norway has some of the best universities on the global ranking. Some of the topmost Norwegian universities are;

1. University of Oslo
2. University of Bergen
3. UIT the Arctic University of Norway
4. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
6. University of South-Eastern Norway
7. University of Stavanger
8. University of Troms
9. Telemark University
10. The Arctic University of Norway.

Cost to Study Abroad in Norway

The cost of education in Norway is quite considerable. With an average budget of about NOK 12,300 per month, a student can live comfortably without serious financial hassles.

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) recommends having to spend at least NOK 123,519 per year for all foreigners who plan to live in Norway.

Annual lodging fees in Norway range between NOK 3000-5000, monthly transportation card for students cost NOK 480 and feeding cost is about NOK 3800-4200 per year.

• Check out some of the Best Study Abroad Countries

Requirements for Bachelor’s and Master’s Visa

The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT), sets the minimum requirements for international students depending on the student’s home country. You can check out the NOKUT website for more information on minimum requirements for students from your home country. If it looks puzzling, you could reach out to your prospective institution for help.

Requirements needed to obtain a Visa to study a bachelor’s degree program in Norway include;

1. Required university application documents
2. General application documents
3. An English proficiency test.

For a Master’s degree program, the list of general application documents is also pretty straightforward. A student has to present:

1. An undergraduate/Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent of at least 3 years of study (it must include courses equal to at least 1/2 years of full-time studies in a subject relevant to the program you applied for),
2. An English proficiency test,
3. Specific entry requirements.

Applying for Student Resident Permit

For longer periods of study, every international student needs a student residence permit since visas in Norway are issued to last for only 90 days. Below is a list of documents required to obtain a student residence permit in Norway;

1. An application form for student residence having attached your passport photograph
2. A copy of your travel passport
3. Documentation of admission to an accredited educational institution
4. A plan of study
5. A form stating the progress of your studies
6. Documentation of housing.

Language Requirements for a Norwegian University Application

As an intender for higher education in Norway every student, irrespective of the home country, need to present a certificate to prove their proficiency in either Norwegian or English.

The certificate required of each student depends on the language in which his/her chosen program is taught.

English language tests accepted by higher institutions in Norway include either of the following;

1. TOEFL iBT
2. IELTS Academic
3. C1 Advanced
4. PTE Academic.

Scholarships in Norway

In Norway, there are lots of scholarship opportunities for international students. These opportunities are created from bilateral agreements between Norway and other nations.

These bilateral agreements allow for a mutual exchange of students, researchers, and teachers. The bilateral agreements are scholarship programs made possible by the Norwegian government’s relationship with other nations.

There are other scholarships made possible by non-governmental organizations for students who aim for a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree.

Below are some scholarship opportunities available for international students;

1. Tuition-free International Masters Program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
2. International Summer School Scholarships at the University of Oslo
3. Study a Masters in Europe Scholarship
4. Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme
5. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for International Students
6. SECCLO Erasmus Mundus Asia-LDC Scholarship
7. European Central Bank Women in Economics Scholarship

Challenges Faced while Studying in Norway

1. Language Barrier
2. Culture shock
3. Little or no jobs for persons who do not speak their native language
4. Moderately high cost of living.

If you want to study abroad in Norway and you need more information, don’t hesitate to use the comment section below or contact us. We wish you success in your academic journey. Good luck.

Europe, a continent of sophisticated culture, grace, and charm is totally awe-inspiring. For many international students, studying in Europe will be a dream come true.

Getting educated in a European university is a popular choice and most European universities are pretty selective of their students.

Europe offers over a thousand options and opportunities for bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., and short-term exchange programs to international students. Choosing to study in Europe is one decision that international students as graduates will relieve time and time again even after leaving the continent.

The European experience is never totally forgotten. One distinct characteristic of European Universities is that they are really advanced in multiple diverse fields and are open and welcoming towards international students and visitors generally. Globally acclaimed institutions like Harvard and Oxford are pride institutions of the European continent.

Why Study in Europe?

Choosing to study in Europe can help you advance in your academic and career journey. Mostly at the mention of the institution’s name, you catch the attention of the audience, an employer, or a soon-to-be business partner.

Europe has some of the most outstanding educational systems for different programs. In Switzerland, there is the best system for Hotel and Tourism Management Education, in France, outstanding fashion, arts, culinary, and business courses and in Germany? Quality engineering education at the lowest possible tuition fee ever.

So why not study in Europe?

Study in Europe

For a student who wants to study in Europe, you need to understand the educational system in Europe and how the higher institutions in Europe operate.

Here, we’d first take a look at Europe’s educational system.

The European Education System

There is no uniform educational Policy across European academic institutions. There is no international body to regulate, intervene or impose specific requirements regarding the education systems in any of the European countries. Rather, each country is allowed to develop and tailor its education system and curriculum according to its society.

Ideas and innovations are often shared across countries and with this, each nation’s academic institutions develop simultaneously but individually.

Therefore, the education system between the two European countries may be different but with a couple of similarities. Even though there is no interference in the individual education systems and policies, education is overtly supported by international bodies such as the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO.

Below, we will explore the educational systems of a couple of European nations.

The Education System in Great Britain

In Great Britain, children begin education at the age of five. Primary, Secondary school (equivalent to already closed junior high schools) and High school is mandatory for every child.
Furthering your studies to Higher education is optional and for most institutions, students get in by merit.

The Education System in Germany

In Germany, like most European countries, the child starts his education from primary school, this level is known as Grundschule and the child is taught to master writing, reading, and basic arithmetic. When Grundschule has been completed, the student gets to choose from either of the following three institutions to further their studies.

1. Hauptschule: an education that prepares the student to practice craft work or artworks and become perfect in them.
2. Realschule: this is an education that provides a more theoretical curriculum mostly for science-related courses and foreign languages.
3. Gymnasium: the Gymnasium exposes the students to a wide range of subjects which prepares them for college education.

Only students who complete the gymnasium get to go to college education and obtain a degree.

The Education System in France

The education system in France divides the stages of study into three compulsory levels. These three levels in the educational system of France include:

1. L’école élémentaire- in this stage the child who is mostly below six years old is enrolled and engaged in writing and learning skills.
2. Le college – this stage exposes the child to different specific subjects.
3. Le lycee – at this stage the student has to make a choice between a three-year high school (lycee) or a vocational school (lycee professional). The vocational school prepares the student for a specific handwork profession, while high school prepares the students for a higher level of education. Vocational students who want to further their studies will have to add an additional two years of studies to prepare them for the next academic step.

Higher Institutions in Europe

Many universities in Europe are globally recognized and have made solid names for themselves over the years. Choosing to study in a European university stands you out from the crowd.

Not only are these universities prestigious, but they also provide the best educational services and are rated highly globally. With the influx of international students to Europe, education there exposes you to multicultural backgrounds and helps build your global network reach. An invaluable experience.

Below are some of the top-ranked European Universities to which you may love to apply to and get your academic degree.

Top-Ranked Universities to Study in Europe

1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. Imperial College London
4. ETH Zurich
5. University College London (UCL)
6. EPFL
7. University of Edinburgh
8. University of Manchester
9. London School of Economics and Political Science
10. LMU Munich
11. King’s College London
12. Universite PSL
13. Karolinska Institute
14. Technical University of Munich
15. University of Bologna
16. University of Amsterdam
17. Heidelberg University
18. KU Leuven
19. Wageningen University & Research
20. Leiden University
21. Erasmus University Rotterdam
22. The Delft University of Technology.

• Find other Highly Ranked Universities in Europe

Popular Courses to Study in Europe

1. Business Administration
2. Foreign Languages
3. Culinary Arts
4. Law
5. Architecture
6. Data Science
7. International Relations
8. Natural Sciences
9. Finance
10. Engineering
11. Medicine
12. Marketing.

Best Countries to Study in Europe

As there are multiple education systems and different educational policies for each nation in Europe, there should be a scale of preference that should rank studies in some nations as better than others.

Now, this is not to say that any of the European nations have substandard educational institutions. Not at all. Rather this curated listing shows you the better locations in which you may love to study at if you choose to study in Europe.

1. Germany

Popular for the low tuition for prestigious universities and for its commitment to research and development, studying in Germany presents one of the best choices one can make to study in Europe. Some of the very popular German Universities include;

• Technical University of Munich
• Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich
• Heidelberg University
• The Humboldt University of Berlin.

2. Austria

Internationally reputed for its innovation in music, the arts, and architecture, the centrally placed country of Austria presents another great location choice for study in Europe. Here are some of the very foremost academic institutions in Austria with a plethora of programs to offer;

• University of Vienna
• Ghent University
• UCLouvain
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel
• The University of Antwerp.

3. United Kingdom

The UK, home to the most age-long prestigious universities is one country that definitely should be part of this curation. Most UK institutions are known for their academic excellence. Some of them include;

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• University College London
• The University of Edinburgh.

4. Poland

Popular for being the crossroad between eastern and western Europe, Poland provides irresistible education programs with reasonable policies. Some of the more popular universities in Poland include;

• Jagiellonian University
• University of Warsaw
• Warsaw University of Technology.

5. Netherlands

In the Netherlands, although the population speaks Dutch, provisions are made for students who speak English to be taught in English. One of the first European nations to begin with this, they have drawn multiple international students into their education system and have become a brewing pot for multiculturalism.

Here are some of the Dutch universities you will find indispensable;

• University of Groningen
• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Delft University of Technology
• University of Amsterdam
• Leiden University.

6. Finland

The Finnish education system is known as the best in the world with high-quality higher education standards and an easy approach to learning. Higher education in Finland consists of vocational-oriented Polytechnics and academic-oriented universities. Here are some of the most top rated universities in Finland ;

• University of Helsinki
• Aalto University
• University of Turku
• The University of Oulu.

7. France

France’s capital, the city of romance, Paris, is surprisingly not a city known only for its many red roses. It is also a city where both international and local students hit the books.

Known as one of the best countries for study in Europe, studying in France offers you a variety of choices with brimming multicultural society.

Some of her best universities Include ;

• Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University)
• Ecole Polytechnique (ParisTech)
• Sorbonne University
• Sciences Po Paris.

8. Switzerland

Blessed with nature and great business acumen, Switzerland is a force to reckon with in business education. Not only will you be exposed to the majestic culture of the locals, you also get to learn first-hand how to manage businesses the Swiss way.

Here are some swiss universities you will find interesting;

• ETH Zurich
• EPFL Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
• University of Zurich
• The University of Geneva.

Studying in Europe without IELTS and TOEFL

Some universities in Europe do not require international students to write IELTS or TOEFL, before making applications.

Here are some universities to study in Europe without IELTS and TOEFL:

• Braunschweig University of Technology (TU Braunschweig)
• Free University of Berlin
• American Business School, Paris
• EBS Paris
• University of Bologna
• Polytechnic University of Milan
• Medical University of Warsaw
• University of Bialystok
• Ghent University.

Study Masters in Europe

Despite having many top-ranking universities around the globe, Europe remains one of the continents with low-cost tuition for master’s programs. Many international students prefer to have their master’s education in a European nation. That is the kind of prestige and legacy Europe has built over hundreds of years.

To study master’s in Europe, the basic requirement is proficiency in the English language and a bachelor’s degree in the program of interest.

 Conclusion:

Are you aspiring to study in Europe and you need more information? Do not hesitate, to use the comment section below or contact us. We will be most delighted to assist you.

We wish you success in your academic journey. Good luck!