15 Free and Cheap Universities in Norway for International Students

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In Norway, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Norway without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Norway, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 29 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Norway, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Norway for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Norway ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society 0 NOK 100%
NLA University College 0 NOK 100%
Sámi University of Applied Sciences 0 NOK 100%
University Centre in Svalbard 0 NOK 100%
VID Specialized University 5,300 NOK - 6,200 NOK 96%
Volda University College 78,000 NOK - 145,000 NOK 38%
University of Stavanger 80,000 NOK - 125,000 NOK 36%
Norwegian University of Life Sciences 80,000 NOK 36%
Kristiania University College 98,400 NOK 22%
BI Norwegian Business School 99,400 NOK - 129,200 NOK 21%
Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences 118,000 NOK - 170,000 NOK 6%
UiT The Arctic University of Norway 128,500 NOK - 470,600 NOK -2%
University of Oslo 130,000 NOK - 160,000 NOK -4%
University of Agder 130,000 NOK - 380,000 NOK -4%
Norwegian University of Science and Technology 136,300 NOK - 501,100 NOK -9%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 125,000 NOK for universities in Norway.

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1. MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society

MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, a private institution, is located in Oslo, Norway. However, since it is non-profit, the school does not accept or charge tuition fees. MF takes pride in being the most prominent institution in Norway for theological education and research. Its 1000+ students can choose from its bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

2. NLA University College

NLA University College, a private and religious institution established in 1968, is located in Bergen, Norway. It started as a college for training Christian teachers and has grown into a university with several campuses in Bergen, Oslo, and Kristiansand. Students can expect to receive value-based education that instills ethics and an understanding of Christian values.

3. Sámi University of Applied Sciences

Sámi University of Applied Sciences is dedicated to the Sámi indigenous people and culture. It is the only one of its kind in the world. The primary language of instruction is Sámi; thus, proficiency in it is required. However, if you’re not that fluent, don’t be discouraged, as you can learn Sámi at the university. Despite its small population, the university delivers a range of programs that focus on indigenous journalism, teaching, Sámi language and literature, social science, and even reindeer herding.

4. University Centre in Svalbard

The University Centre in Svalbard, also known as UNIS, is an English-taught public research university in Longyearbyen, Norway. It is among the world’s northernmost institutions and focuses on arctic biology, geology, geophysics, and technology. A relatively small university, it welcomes less than a thousand students, most of whom are international students. Transition is easy for foreigners since English is the primary language in UNIS.

5. VID Specialized University

VID Specialized University is among the biggest institutions for higher education in Norway. They offer many study programs across different levels, with most courses focusing on the health and social sciences. Through different initiatives, commissions, and partnerships with other organizations, the school is also able to demonstrate its dedication to the development of its community.

6. Volda University College

Volda University College, or Høgskulen i Volda in Norwegian, is one of the state-supported academic institutions in Norway. It was founded in 1994 through the merger of two colleges in Møre og Romsdal county. At present, the college has 4,500 students and offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

7. University of Stavanger

The University of Stavanger is one of the public universities in Norway, providing students with tuition-free education. It was founded in 2005 after its predecessor, Stavanger University College achieved a university status. The university is currently home to more than 12,000 students and offers bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Natural Sciences.

8. Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Norwegian University of Life Sciences, a public institution in As, Norway, aims to contribute to the solution of environmental, developmental, health, food, and resource problems. Thus, it offers 60+ programs centered around such global issues. Besides inspiring social responsibility and generating solutions, the institution provides quality education for its students, ranking 9th for agriculture and forestry in the QS World Rankings by Subject.

9. Kristiania University College

Kristiania University College, one of Norway’s oldest private institutions, was established in Oslo in 1914. Over the years, several institutions have merged with it, including Westerdals Oslo ACT, the Norwegian College of Musical Theatre, and the Norwegian University College of Dance. Committed to its social responsibility of equipping individuals with training and education to become skilled experts, the university offers several programs in design, communication, and technology, some of which are English-taught.

10. BI Norwegian Business School

BI Norwegian Business School is the leading academic institute specializing in business and management studies in Norway. It operates across four campuses and offers programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The school also maintains links to several businesses from Norway and abroad, allowing students to access the best internship and research opportunities.

11. Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences

Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, or INN University, is a public institution formed by merging an applied science university with a university college. It has six campuses: Blæstad, Elverum, Evenstad, Hamar, Lillehammer, and Rena. Its programs, a few of which are English-taught master’s, are research-intensive, training students to contribute and produce innovations.

12. UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT The Arctic University of Norway, a public institution established in 1968, is located in Tromsø. As the world’s northernmost university, its studies are focused on the Arctic, the problems it faces, and its preservation. Students who take this challenge experience learning amidst an arctic and wild environment. They choose from high-quality courses in the sciences, humanities, technology, economics, etc. The university even offers some English-taught courses.

13. University of Oslo

For more than 200 years, the University of Oslo has built its reputation as the top-performing university in Norway. They have a consistent position in global rankings, proving their excellence in various academic and research fields. Today, they are home to more than 25,000 local and international students and they offer a wide range of programs to all levels, including science, education, and humanities.

14. University of Agder

A young public educational institution, the University of Agder has two campuses in Norway. They have six faculties, and they offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs to domestic and foreign students. Before being a university in 2007, the University of Agder was a college offering various courses. After having an outstanding performance in the field, they were given a “university” status.

15. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, shortly referred to as NTNU, is a public university in Trondheim, Norway. It specializes in Engineering and Technology degree programs, along with Arts, Social Sciences, and Architecture. With a history that goes back to 1760, NTNU became one of the largest universities in the country, with its over 40,000 student population.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Norway for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Norway ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Molde University College-Specialized University in Logistics 0 NOK 100%
MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society 0 NOK 100%
NLA University College 0 NOK 100%
UiT The Arctic University of Norway 0 NOK - 373,500 NOK 100%
Sámi University of Applied Sciences 0 NOK 100%
University Centre in Svalbard 0 NOK 100%
VID Specialized University 4,080 NOK - 33,200 NOK 98%
Kristiania University College 72,200 NOK - 102,400 NOK 51%
Volda University College 119,000 NOK 19%
Norwegian University of Life Sciences 125,000 NOK - 225,000 NOK 15%
University of Stavanger 125,000 NOK - 150,000 NOK 15%
BI Norwegian Business School 126,600 NOK - 164,600 NOK 14%
Norwegian University of Science and Technology 141,400 NOK - 521,300 NOK 4%
University of South-Eastern Norway 160,000 NOK - 230,000 NOK -9%
Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences 175,000 NOK - 245,000 NOK -19%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 146,200 NOK for universities in Norway.

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1. Molde University College-Specialized University in Logistics

Molde University College – Specialized University in Logistics, also known as HiMolde, is a specialized public institution established in 1994. It offers graduate programs focused on logistics, economics, business administration, management, sports sciences, social sciences, health sciences, and social care. There are a few English-taught, international degree courses; however, they are for graduate students only. Bachelor’s programs are offered only in Norwegian.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Molde University College-Specialized University in Logistics should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 NOK annually for their master's degree.

2. MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society is 0 NOK.

MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, a private institution, is located in Oslo, Norway. However, since it is non-profit, the school does not accept or charge tuition fees. MF takes pride in being the most prominent institution in Norway for theological education and research. Its 1000+ students can choose from its bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

3. NLA University College

NLA University College, a private and religious institution established in 1968, is located in Bergen, Norway. It started as a college for training Christian teachers and has grown into a university with several campuses in Bergen, Oslo, and Kristiansand. Students can expect to receive value-based education that instills ethics and an understanding of Christian values.

The tuition fee at NLA University College for incoming international master’s students is 0 NOK. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Another affordable university to consider in Norway is UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway, a public institution established in 1968, is located in Tromsø. As the world’s northernmost university, its studies are focused on the Arctic, the problems it faces, and its preservation. Students who take this challenge experience learning amidst an arctic and wild environment. They choose from high-quality courses in the sciences, humanities, technology, economics, etc. The university even offers some English-taught courses.

The tuition fee in UiT The Arctic University of Norway for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 NOK.

5. Sámi University of Applied Sciences

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Sámi University of Applied Sciences has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 0 NOK yearly.

Sámi University of Applied Sciences is dedicated to the Sámi indigenous people and culture. It is the only one of its kind in the world. The primary language of instruction is Sámi; thus, proficiency in it is required. However, if you’re not that fluent, don’t be discouraged, as you can learn Sámi at the university. Despite its small population, the university delivers a range of programs that focus on indigenous journalism, teaching, Sámi language and literature, social science, and even reindeer herding.

6. University Centre in Svalbard

The University Centre in Svalbard, also known as UNIS, is an English-taught public research university in Longyearbyen, Norway. It is among the world’s northernmost institutions and focuses on arctic biology, geology, geophysics, and technology. A relatively small university, it welcomes less than a thousand students, most of whom are international students. Transition is easy for foreigners since English is the primary language in UNIS.

7. VID Specialized University

VID Specialized University is among the biggest institutions for higher education in Norway. They offer many study programs across different levels, with most courses focusing on the health and social sciences. Through different initiatives, commissions, and partnerships with other organizations, the school is also able to demonstrate its dedication to the development of its community.

8. Kristiania University College

Kristiania University College, one of Norway’s oldest private institutions, was established in Oslo in 1914. Over the years, several institutions have merged with it, including Westerdals Oslo ACT, the Norwegian College of Musical Theatre, and the Norwegian University College of Dance. Committed to its social responsibility of equipping individuals with training and education to become skilled experts, the university offers several programs in design, communication, and technology, some of which are English-taught.

9. Volda University College

Volda University College, or Høgskulen i Volda in Norwegian, is one of the state-supported academic institutions in Norway. It was founded in 1994 through the merger of two colleges in Møre og Romsdal county. At present, the college has 4,500 students and offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

10. Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Norwegian University of Life Sciences, a public institution in As, Norway, aims to contribute to the solution of environmental, developmental, health, food, and resource problems. Thus, it offers 60+ programs centered around such global issues. Besides inspiring social responsibility and generating solutions, the institution provides quality education for its students, ranking 9th for agriculture and forestry in the QS World Rankings by Subject.

11. University of Stavanger

The University of Stavanger is one of the public universities in Norway, providing students with tuition-free education. It was founded in 2005 after its predecessor, Stavanger University College achieved a university status. The university is currently home to more than 12,000 students and offers bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Natural Sciences.

12. BI Norwegian Business School

BI Norwegian Business School is the leading academic institute specializing in business and management studies in Norway. It operates across four campuses and offers programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The school also maintains links to several businesses from Norway and abroad, allowing students to access the best internship and research opportunities.

13. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, shortly referred to as NTNU, is a public university in Trondheim, Norway. It specializes in Engineering and Technology degree programs, along with Arts, Social Sciences, and Architecture. With a history that goes back to 1760, NTNU became one of the largest universities in the country, with its over 40,000 student population.

14. University of South-Eastern Norway

The University of South-Eastern Norway, or Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge in Norwegian, is a state-funded university with eight campuses in Norway. It was founded in 2018 through the merger of several academic institutions in the country. At present, the university has four faculties and enrolls more than 18,000 students.

15. Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences

Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, or INN University, is a public institution formed by merging an applied science university with a university college. It has six campuses: Blæstad, Elverum, Evenstad, Hamar, Lillehammer, and Rena. Its programs, a few of which are English-taught master’s, are research-intensive, training students to contribute and produce innovations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Norway?

Applying to cheap universities in Norway requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Norway for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Norway?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Norway. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Norway is the BI Norwegian Business School, which offers Business Administration, Data Science for Business, and Digital Business to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the BI Norwegian Business School offers Applied Economics, Sustainable Finance, and Strategic Marketing Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Norway, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Norway as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Norway for international students was helpful!