10 Free and Cheap Universities in Oslo for International Students

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In Oslo, 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 Oslo, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 13 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Oslo, make sure to read more!

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

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Oslo 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%
VID Specialized University 5,300 NOK - 6,200 NOK 98%
Kristiania University College 98,400 NOK 49%
BI Norwegian Business School 99,400 NOK - 129,200 NOK 49%
University of Oslo 130,000 NOK - 160,000 NOK 33%
Oslo Metropolitan University 200,500 NOK - 404,500 NOK -4%
Norwegian Academy of Music 380,000 NOK -97%
Barratt Due Institute of Music 380,000 NOK -97%
Oslo National Academy of the Arts 439,700 NOK - 632,800 NOK -128%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 192,600 NOK for universities in Oslo.

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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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Oslo Metropolitan University

Oslo Metropolitan University, or OsloMet, is a relatively young state university in Norway. It has more than 21,900 students and around 2,200 employees. The university offers degree programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Technology, Health and Social Sciences.

7. Norwegian Academy of Music

The Norwegian Academy of Music is the largest music conservatory in the country and the only one with university status. It upholds the highest standards in musical education and offers programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Several of its graduates have become world-renowned composers, singers, and researchers who are continuously contributing to the growth of the music industry.

8. Barratt Due Institute of Music

The Barratt Due Institute of Music was founded by Henrik Due and Mary Barratt Due in 1927. It is a reputed institution for classical music education in Norway and facilitates a cooperative learning environment that allows students to engage in ensembles and performances together. Additionally, the institution hosts around 200 concerts each year, cultivating numerous musical talents along the way.

9. Oslo National Academy of the Arts

Oslo National Academy of the Arts, a specialized public institution, was established in Oslo. One of the few Norwegian schools dedicated to visual arts and design, the academy offers a variety of programs and courses through its six divisions: academy of opera; academy of theater; academy of fine art; design; art and craft; and academy of dance. Each division has its own admission procedures and selected programs. Students may expect high-quality training and learning, as the academy is ranked 51st in the performing arts by QS Rankings.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society 0 NOK 100%
VID Specialized University 4,080 NOK - 33,200 NOK 99%
Kristiania University College 72,200 NOK - 102,400 NOK 67%
BI Norwegian Business School 126,600 NOK - 164,600 NOK 42%
University of Oslo 180,000 NOK - 260,000 NOK 17%
Oslo Metropolitan University 200,500 NOK - 404,500 NOK 7%
Oslo School of Architecture and Design 363,600 NOK -69%
Norwegian Academy of Music 380,000 NOK -77%
Barratt Due Institute of Music 380,000 NOK -77%
Oslo National Academy of the Arts 439,700 NOK - 632,800 NOK -104%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 214,700 NOK for universities in Oslo.

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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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 NOK annually for their master's degree.

2. VID Specialized University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is VID Specialized University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at VID Specialized University is 4,080 NOK to 33,150 NOK.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Kristiania University College for incoming international master’s students is 72,200 NOK to 102,400 NOK. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. BI Norwegian Business School

Another affordable university to consider in Oslo is 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.

The tuition fee in BI Norwegian Business School for master’s program for foreign students starts from 126,600 NOK.

5. University of Oslo

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Oslo 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 180,000 NOK yearly.

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.

6. Oslo Metropolitan University

Oslo Metropolitan University, or OsloMet, is a relatively young state university in Norway. It has more than 21,900 students and around 2,200 employees. The university offers degree programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Technology, Health and Social Sciences.

7. Oslo School of Architecture and Design

Oslo School of Architecture and Design is a public institution dedicated only to graduate studies in architecture, design, and landscape architecture. There are no bachelor’s or undergraduate programs offered by this school. Instead, students may pursue master’s or doctoral studies. It is among the world’s leading universities in architecture, ranking 151st in QS Ranking by Subject. International students are much welcomed and even comprise a significant fraction of the population.

8. Norwegian Academy of Music

The Norwegian Academy of Music is the largest music conservatory in the country and the only one with university status. It upholds the highest standards in musical education and offers programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Several of its graduates have become world-renowned composers, singers, and researchers who are continuously contributing to the growth of the music industry.

9. Barratt Due Institute of Music

The Barratt Due Institute of Music was founded by Henrik Due and Mary Barratt Due in 1927. It is a reputed institution for classical music education in Norway and facilitates a cooperative learning environment that allows students to engage in ensembles and performances together. Additionally, the institution hosts around 200 concerts each year, cultivating numerous musical talents along the way.

10. Oslo National Academy of the Arts

Oslo National Academy of the Arts, a specialized public institution, was established in Oslo. One of the few Norwegian schools dedicated to visual arts and design, the academy offers a variety of programs and courses through its six divisions: academy of opera; academy of theater; academy of fine art; design; art and craft; and academy of dance. Each division has its own admission procedures and selected programs. Students may expect high-quality training and learning, as the academy is ranked 51st in the performing arts by QS Rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Oslo 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 Oslo?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Oslo. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Oslo is the Barratt Due Institute of Music, which offers Music Performance to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Barratt Due Institute of Music offers Music Performance .

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 Oslo, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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