5 Best Medical Schools in Norway

Norway has one of the highest standards of living in the world, supported by a very high-performing medical system. This is why medical schools in Norway are considered excellent around the world, ranking very highly at a global level.

Studying in Norway can be expensive, however, given that even the cost of living is significantly more expensive than in other countries in Europe. It is worthwhile for the unique environment, amazing cultural opportunities, and great standard of education. We will look at top medical schools in Norway here.

Is it expensive to study medicine in Norway?

Norway overall is an expensive country, with high costs of living. However, medical degrees are granted by Norway’s public universities, and they don’t charge for tuition from any student (including international students). The only cost is a student union fee per semester. It is very possible for international students to study medicine in Norway for free, and check How to Study in Norway for Free (9 Steps) if you are interested!

How can you get admission to medical school in Norway?

In order to apply for medical school in Norway, you’ll need to have finished a high school program with specific requirements for science subjects (including Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry). Medicine is very competitive in Norway, so overall, the grade point average required to be admitted is high compared to other types of universities in the country. If you are interested, check out How to Study Medicine in Norway.

How long does medical school take in Norway?

Clinical medicine programs are 6 years long in Norway, and include a variety of in-class tuition and hands-on experience in hospitals and health institutions.

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Top Medical Schools in Norway

1. University of Oslo – Faculty of Medicine

The University of Oslo is the oldest university in Norway, located in the country’s capital city. It has a very large number of students, across undergraduate, graduate, and specialist degree programs. Founded in 1811, it took as its model the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. It also used to be the site where the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded from 1947 to 1989, in its Atrium.

Founded in 1814, the Faculty of Medicine here is the best medical school in Norway. The professional study program in Medicine is only taught in Norwegian, although there are some Master’s and PhD programs within the Faculty of Medicine that are taught in English. This 6-year program covers theoretical and practical aspects of the medical profession. It prepares students for becoming doctors in general practices, specialists, or professionals within various administrative positions in the Norwegian Directorate of Health, the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision or the health service.

The University of Oslo offers many opportunities for delving deeper into your area or interest through research. Once you have obtained your medical degree, you’ll be qualified for starting a program of doctoral study if you so desire.

2. University of Bergen – Faculty of Medicine

Bergen is one of the traditional centers of academic study in Norway, with roots going as far back as 1153 when the Bergen Cathedral School was founded. The University of Bergen, however, wasn’t established until 1946. It is one of the top universities in the world today, and the second biggest university in Norway after Oslo. University of Bergen Faculty of Medicine is considered one of the top medical schools in Norway.

The Faculty of Medicine is divided into several departments, allowing for specialization of studies especially at Master’s and PhD level. It receives a lot of international students for exchange programs and various study programs, taught in English. However, for the medical degree, studies are conducted in Norwegian. The degree focuses on how to prevent disease and injury, what gives humans good health, and how diseases can be treated.

3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology – NTNU – is an internationally focused institution with campuses in Trondheim, Alesund and Gjovik. Its main focus is science and technology and therefore has a great number of research facilities. It is also a public university, having been established by merging the University of Trondheim with a multitude of institutions dating back to 1760.

NTNU offers a PhD program in Clinical Medicine through its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, which is linked to the St. Olav’s Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, providing excellent opportunities for practical training. The program runs for 3 years and requires that you have completed a Master’s beforehand.

4. University of Tromso – Faculty of Health Sciences

The University of Tromso is known as the Arctic University of Norway as it is the world’s northernmost university, in the Arctic circle. It is the largest research and educational institute in northern Scandinavia, and a research powerhouse at international level.

At this medical school in Norway, the focus is on learning about the human body, what makes it healthy, and what factors create disease and how to fight them. The six-year clinical medicine degree program is offered in Norwegian only. In the 5th year of study, all students are required to conduct practical placements to learn important skills first-hand. There are also two optional periods where you can choose to immerse yourself in one or two topics. Finally, you can take a research line during the medicine studies, to follow up later on with a doctoral degree.

5. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences

The last school in our list of top medical schools in Norway is Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Located in Oslo, this public university has the national responsibility for education and research related to sport sciences.

They offer a Bachelor’s program in Training, Health and Performance. Taught over 3 years, this degree covers the intersection between physical activity, public health, and achievement in sports. It teaches nutrition, exercise, health and performance and how they all interact.

Additionally, the school offers a Master’s program in Sports Physiotherapy which is very well regarded globally. This will qualify you for clinical as well as research work. This program only accepts new intakes once every two years, with the next intake starting in 2021.

Finally, you can also study here for a European Master in Health and Physical Activity, which focuses on physical activity from a public health perspective and on the application of physical activity and training in health promotion work, prevention and rehabilitation. It is a joint program with the University of Southern Denmark, the Sports University of Rome, the University of Vienna, and the Norwegian Sports Academy.

 

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