How to Study Nursing in Norway for International Students

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Unlike in many other countries, education policies existing in Norway guarantee tuition-free education in public universities. As for private universities, their tuition fees are lower than those of European or American universities. This makes Norwegian higher education institutions especially popular among international students.

The position of a nurse is seen as one of the most prestigious jobs in Norway. Trained nurses having the necessary experience and skills are always in demand. They can find a job not only in Norwegian hospitals but also in school health services, aid agencies, and care homes for elderly people.

Qualified nurse/care worker moving to Norway needs to undergo the process of job authorization, which is rather long and complicated. Therefore, foreigners planning to build a career in this country as nurses/care workers prefer to get a Bachelor’s nursing degree in one of the Norwegian universities. Today, we will talk about the nursing education programs offered by Norwegian universities and discuss certain aspects important for future international students studying nursing in Norway.

What Degrees are there for Nursing in Norway?

In Norway, attention is paid to the importance of professional education for everyone willing to build a career in the field of medicine. Only those who have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing have permission for legal nursing practice.

Norwegian universities offer a number of full-time educational courses in nursing. For example, VID Specialized University and the University of Adger have Bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Trained nurses/care workers can hone their skills and expand their knowledge by completing a Master’s nursing program at the University of Bergen.

Cost of Studying Nursing

As mentioned above, higher education in Norway public universities is provided on a tuition-free basis. However, all students are obliged to pay a semester fee. (Exception is made only for the students studying on exchange programs).

The fee covers costs for registration as a student, exams, welfare services, and some other things. Sometimes, it includes a small donation to the Students’ Assistance Fund, which is voluntary.

More information about semester fees can be found on the official Semester Fee page of the University of Bergen, the University of Adger, and the VID Specialized University.

The cost of living in Norway is high. Therefore, it is a good idea to start saving money before a student is expected to arrive and start studying at a chosen university. As a rule, many students rent apartments offered by Student Housing Organization. On average, a furnished apartment costs from 3000 to 4000 Norwegian Krones per month.

Although there are many different costs, there are ways that you can study nursing in Norway for free, which many international students have accomplished. If you are interested, learn about How to Study in Norway for Free (9 Steps).

Requirements to Study Nursing in Norway for International Students

To study Nursing in Norway as an international student, you need to gather and send a set of documents to the university of their choice. Some universities may request more documents than others. However, there is a standard set of documents that never changes.

Apart from passport and secondary education certificates, all international students applying for a bachelor’s degree program need to have Higher Education Entrance Qualification Certificate. Applicants outside of the EU, need to have a scan of the original bank statement proving that they have enough money for living in Norway.

If a future student is applying for a master’s nursing program, s/he needs to have a certified copy of Bachelor Diploma. Depending on the language the Diploma is issued in, a need for translation and notarization may arise.

Preparing to study nursing in Norway can be difficult, so we’ve prepared a guide on How to Study in Norway for International Students. Read the guide if you feel lost!

In What Languages Do You Study Nursing?

Norway has strict standards when it comes to the language in which educational programs are taught. In the case of nursing, all bachelor’s and master’s degree courses are taught in Norwegian. Examples are the programs offered by VID Specialized University and the University of Adger. Even though the University of Bergen allows you to write the thesis in English, the program itself is taught in Norwegian.

Since the language of teaching and instruction is Norwegian, all foreign applicants must have a certificate proving their proficiency in Norwegian. Fluency in English is also necessary because some modules and/or courses included in a program are taught in English.

Best Nursing Schools in Norway for International Students

1. University of Adger

The adequate combination of theory and practice results in graduates having all the necessary knowledge and skills regarding illnesses and healthcare, research methods, and nursing ethics.

Students are taught not only to rely on theoretical knowledge but also to analyze cases and look for better solutions complying with general principles at this nursing school in Norway.

One of the core beliefs of Adger University is that of nursing being a profession of global importance. Therefore, students are encouraged to participate in the exchange program during the 2nd and the 3rd years of study. All participants have a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and set of skills while studying in one of the partner universities based in Australia, the US, Europe, and Africa.

2. University of Bergen

The University of Bergen is a well-known higher education institute and highly-ranked research center. With freedom and curiosity being the basic principles of every research, it is not surprising that each discovery and innovation is a valuable contribution to society’s future.

The Master’s degree program in nursing is meant for those who already have a Bachelor’s degree in this field.

The full-time course lasts for 2 years in this nursing school in Norway. It is structured so that to inspire independent research, knowledge gathering, and data analysis. The final assessment is carried out in the format of the final exam. Besides, students are expected to write a thesis. This written paper is meant to show their abilities to think critically, present a theory on a chosen theme logically, and generate new knowledge.

3. VID Specialized University

The final candidate in our list of best nursing schools in Norway for international students is VID Specialized University. With campuses based in Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, and Sandnes, VID Specialized University is one of the largest private universities in Norway. A wide range of educational programs on all levels (Bachelor, Master, Ph.D.) creates choices for applicants interested in education, medicine, management, theology, and social sciences.

The 3-year full-time bachelor course in nursing aims to train professionals ready to provide high-quality health services in local and international health care centers and hospitals.

Through role-play and simulation of real-life cases with patients, students learn to quickly react and use the skills they develop. A strong focus on clinical practice (50% of total course education time) allows getting practical experience, which is essential to any nurse.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.