7 Best Public Universities in Oslo for International Students

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Oslo is one of the cities in Norway you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Oslo can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

There are 13 universities you can find in Oslo, and 7 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Oslo a great place for international students.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Oslo, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Public Universities in Oslo

1. Norwegian Actors’ Centre

  • Norwegian Actors’ Centre Page
  • Established in 2001, the Norwegian Actors’ Centre (Norsk Skuespillersenter) is a government-funded institution that offers seminars, workshops, master classes, and networking events. The institution focuses on cross-disciplinary collaboration and professional development within the realm of performing arts and facilitates the training of numerous theater makers and professional actors in Norway.

    2. University of Oslo

  • University of Oslo Page
  • 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.

    3. Oslo Metropolitan University

  • Oslo Metropolitan University Page
  • 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.

    4. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences

  • Norwegian School of Sport Sciences Page
  • Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, a specialized public institution, was established in 1968 in Oslo. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as part-time courses. These courses and programs focus on sports science and other related studies. Degree-granting programs are only available in Norwegian, but a few part-time individual courses are taught in English.

    5. Oslo School of Architecture and Design

  • Oslo School of Architecture and Design Page
  • 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.

    6. Norwegian Academy of Music

  • Norwegian Academy of Music Page
  • 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.

    7. Oslo National Academy of the Arts

  • Oslo National Academy of the Arts Page
  • 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. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Oslo?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Oslo can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Oslo charge up to 632,800 NOK for bachelor’s and 632,800 NOK for master’s studies.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Oslo. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.