The commitment to continuous education and independent thinking make it a wonderful place to study a PhD in Norway. The country includes many institutions that come in the first places between the leading and ancient international universities.
This means that Norway offers the students who are willing to study PhD there the opportunity to conduct research in a stimulating environment. These researches are supervised by academic experts who are leaders in their disciplines.
After discussing all about studying master programs in Norway, here you are some information that may interest you as a foreign student about studying PhD in Norway.
Check our article about studying master in Norway.
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PhD in the Norwegian University System
Aside from having the best universities, Norway offers a wide range of higher education institutions. It also offers opportunities to conduct researches and training in a number of fields.
A few of the private institutions offer PhD programs. But, most of the trainings and PhD programs are provided by the state-run institutions that have university-level accreditation.
This means that you, as a PhD foreign student in Norway, can pursue your doctoral research in any of the country’s universities. The academic year in Norway usually extends from August to June.
The start dates of the PhD researches may be more flexible than those of the educational programs. You will probably need to register at the right time to start any training program with an official schedule.
Check our article about the top universities in Norway.
Assessment and Examination
A committee of at least three academics, with one external examiner, will examine your PhD thesis. After their approval, it is time to defend your thesis orally.
You may also have to give one or more public lectures about your thesis, in addition to answering questions asked by the examination committee.
Requirements for PhD study in Norway
To be qualified to get a PhD degree in Norway, you must hold first a master degree.
Another option is to have a certificate from a training institution, such as a school of psychology, dentistry, medicine, or law.
As an international student, you must apply for studying in Norway during the period between September and mid of March of the previous academic year.
How to Apply for PhD in Norway
Each institution has its own application procedures. So, it is better to contact the relevant institution directly to get the information about how to apply.
Usually, applicants must write a good research proposal. Also, they have to complete the application forms (usually available on the institution’s website).
You may also have to provide some additional documents.
Examples of documents that you are expected to provide:
- Certified copies of all documents that are related to your educational background;
- A statement describing your research project, including the time frame for completion;
- A funding plan for your studies (for a 3-4 years of full-time study), in addition to information about the funding source and type, if available.
- The name of at least one proposed academic supervisor, unless the program requires otherwise.
Visa for PhD Students
It is necessary for the PhD students in Norway to get a student residence permit.
You can apply for it at the nearest Norwegian embassy in your country.
Norwegian Identity Numbers
To obtain a PhD degree in Norway, you will have to stay in the country for more than 6 months.
This means that you have to be registered in the national registry to get a national identity number.
This will allow you to open a bank account and get a student card.
Jobs and Employment after your PhD study in Norway
The academic institutions and professional employers strongly demand the graduates of the postgraduate studies in Norway, for the quality offered by the higher education system in Norway.
As an international student holding a PhD degree in Norway, you will have a prosperous employment future in the Scandinavian and Northern Europe countries, especially if you have learned a few of the Norwegian language beside your PhD degree.
Whatever your professional targets are, the time you will spend studying to get your PhD degree in Norway will provide you with exceptional skills and experiences that will add a considerable value to your C.V. fields.
This is in addition to having wonderful memories throughout your stay in this great country.