Study in Norway in English: Language Requirements

English is the most popular language in the world. This is in addition to being the learning language of many students for many years. Many universities in Norway offer their students various programs in English. So, for an international student who wants to study in Norway in English, that will be a great option. A lot of students decide to study their full degree or a part of it in English in Norway.

Check our article about the top universities in Norway.

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How can I study in Norway in English?

To study in English in Norway, you can choose between the many master and graduate programs that are taught in English. For example, the University of Oslo offers many disciplines in English. They vary between humanities, social sciences, law, mathematics, natural sciences, education, medicine and dentistry, energy, and development.

This is in addition to the courses of teaching the Norwegian language for the academics that do not require prior knowledge of the language. Moreover, as for the PhD programs for the foreign students in Norway, numerous programs are taught in English too.

Here are some of the best universities in Norway that offer English-taught studies to get either a master’s degree or a PhD:

Bachelor Degree taught in English in Norway for International Students

Requirements of Studying in English and Norwegian

All applicants for the university programs that are taught in the Norwegian language in both of the universities and university colleges in Norway must submit their applications through the Norwegian universities and Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS).

They also have to fulfill the requirements of English and Norwegian languages.

How to Meet the Norwegian Language Requirement?

If the Norwegian language requirement is the only entry condition to be qualified for admission, you can choose one of the following tests:

393 hours of the third-year level of Norwegian language: tests in Norwegian language or as a second language.
Written test in the Norwegian language, advanced level, with a minimum of 450 points.
The third level of Norwegian language for international students, level 3- examination for international students at Norwegian universities (Trinn3).
A minimum of 60 Norwegian university credits/ECTS in Norwegian language and social science for international students.
Norwegian language test for adult immigrants from Kompetanse Norge with the result B2 in all 4 disciplines.
If you attended 9 or 10 years of primary and lower secondary school where the language of instruction was Norwegian, you meet the Norwegian language requirement.

How to Meet the English Language Requirement?

All applicants can meet the English language requirement by completing one of the following tests:

140 hours of English language from a Norwegian upper secondary school: written and oral exam.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), with a minimum score of 500 points from TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) or 60 points from TOEFL iBT (internet-based test).
IELTS (International English Language Testing Service), with a minimum score of 5.0.

One of the following certificates in Cambridge ESOL examinations:

Certificate in Advanced English
First Certificate in English
Certificate of Proficiency in English

One of the following European language certificates (telc):

English B2
English B2-C1 University
All English certificates at C1-level

You can also meet the English language requirements if you hold a university degree in English and literature. The English language subject is a main component in the study course.
A minimum of a completed one-year university studies in English in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA.
A complete masters’ degree in the English language

Learn our tips to succeed in IELTS

Is it possible to study in Norway in English for free?

The answer is yes. Public universities in Norway make it possible for any international student to enroll in any English-taught programs, regardless of their nationality. An option that allows you to get a high-quality degree in this beautiful Nordic country at almost no cost, since you pay only the student union fee, which is around 30 to 60 EUR per semester.

Live and study in Norway as an English speaker

You wonder if it is possible to live and study in Norway without knowing the Norwegian language? Don’t worry! 90% of Norwegians if not more speak and master English language at a very high level. It is then very easy for them to communicate in English. However, if you wish to learn the basics of the local language, we have an article that might be helpful.