Last Updated on December 31, 2021
Norway has some of the top universities in the world and offers amazing educational opportunities for international students. Over the past few years, the country has established itself as one of the most popular study destinations in the world.
International students have always been satisfied with their Norwegian education. In 2016, international students listed Norway as their top choice, with an overwhelming 9.26 out of 10. The score is based on online reviews and data gathered by Studyportals International Student Satisfaction Award. Aside from that, a report presented in 2019 by Diku, a Norwegian agency for international cooperation and quality enhancement in higher education, stated that 85% of international students are likely to suggest Norway to others.
Like in most countries, Norway offers bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in three years, while master’s and PhD degrees can be finished in two to three years or more. There are also programs where students can take a one-tier master’s degree, allowing them to continuously take their bachelor’s and master’s within five years.
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Top 10 Universities in Norway for International Students
If you wish to become an international student in Norway, here is a list of top 10 universities that are highly recommended for international students.
1. University of Oslo (UiO)
The University of Oslo was founded in 1811, making it the oldest university in the country. It offers a wide selection of programs through its eight faculties. With its five Nobel Prize winners and nine Centres of Excellence, it has proven to be a pioneer in research and scientific discoveries. Aside from being the home to several historical museums of the country, UiO offers a full Norwegian experience for their international students with its location in the country’s capital. The University of Oslo is the best university in Norway for international students.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
The merging of six research and higher education institutions in 1996 gave birth to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. It specializes in technology and natural science and has nine faculties. Students can choose among the vast selection of programs varying from humanities to entrepreneurship and architecture. As the University of Oslo, NTNU was able to bag Nobel Prize awards, with the most recent one in 2014. NTNU looks forward to gaining a more positive impact in the international academic scene with their dozens of exchange programs and over 300 exchange agreements with 60 universities globally.
3. University of Bergen (UiB)
Next on our list of top universities in Norway for international students is the University of Bergen, which was established in 1946. It has a strategic focus on three areas, namely marine research, climate and energy transition, and global challenges. With its seven faculties, students have a large selection for their degree of choice. Bergen has been a city of academic activities even before the institution of the university, and the establishment of the Bergen Museum can surely add to a more profound educational experience to international students.
4. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, founded in 1859, is the second oldest institution for higher education in the country. International students can choose among the seven faculties for their programs, some of which are exclusively taught in English.
5. UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Established in 1968 and officially opened in 1972, it is considered the world’s northernmost university and the most comprehensive research institution in Northern Norway. Fitting for its location are the university’s research activities such as space science, auroral light research and fishery sciences. International students in UiT who are looking to delve deeper into Arctic research are close to the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research and Norwegian Polar Institute. Uit has eight faculties with a long list of programs international students can choose from if they prefer fields outside Arctic research.
6. University of Stavanger (UiS)
UiS was established in 2005 in the oil and energy capital of Norway. This top university in Norway has three faculties which are Arts and Education, Social Sciences, and Science and Technology. A diverse culture and the perfect balance of work and play in the city of Stavanger make the university a great place for international students.
7. University of Agder (UiA)
After the merging of Agder College and five other colleges, University of Agden, one of the best universities in Norway for international students, was established in 2007. Its six faculties and comprehensive programs provide great options for international students. UiA also believed that a good start is essential to having a fun academic experience thus it offers a reliable buddy system, the opening of the year festival, specialized services, and start-up courses perfect for international students’ seamless blending into the Norwegian culture.
8. BI Norwegian Business School
Founded in 1943, the BI Norwegian Business School is the largest business university in Norway. As it has four campuses, with the main campus in Oslo, international students can choose a location depending on their academic aspirations, convenience and other personal considerations.
9. Nord University
Another best university in Norway for international students is Nord University. This university was established in 2016 and had over 200 programs and courses. As it bravely faces global challenges and is ready to offer innovative insights and solutions, international students from partner universities across the globe are coming to Nord for their education.
10. Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)
The NHH was established in 1936 which, along with business courses, offers programs in energy and natural resources. It also has a globally known research facility, making it an excellent choice for international students.
The list of top universities in Norway for international students was compiled based on an indicator focused on teaching performance, research and impact, international perspectives and knowledge transfer.
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