Study in Norway? Get Ready for University-Specific Tuition Fees

Introduction

For years, Norway has been celebrated as one of the few countries offering tuition-free higher education to both domestic and international students, regardless of nationality. This made it a top destination for students from around the world seeking high-quality education without the burden of high tuition costs.

However, a significant shift in policy has recently changed the landscape for international education in Norway. Starting in 2025, Norwegian universities have been granted the authority to set their own tuition fees for students from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). This move marks a departure from the country’s long-standing commitment to free education for all.

In this blog, we’ll explore what this change means for prospective international students, how tuition fees may vary by university, and what you should consider when planning to study in Norway under this new system.

What Changed? Norway’s New Tuition Policy

In a move that surprised many in the global education community, the Norwegian government announced that starting from the 2025 academic year, universities would be allowed to set their own tuition fees for students from outside the EU and EEA. This decision breaks from Norway’s traditional model of free education and aligns more closely with policies seen in many other European countries.

According to this new policy, public universities are not expected to give free education to non-European students. Rather, they can know the tuition cost depending on the type of program, academic program, and the resources of the institution. Every university can now have the freedom to charge any price to international students who are not EU/EEA citizens.

This change does not apply to the EU/EEA students as well as the students of the country with which Norway has special agreements because they will have the possibility to study without paying a fee. But the students of other countries, including Pakistan, India, Nigeria, the U.S., and other countries, that are not situated in the EU/EEA zone, consider this to be one of the focal points for admission to Norwegian universities because of the expenses.

Why the Change?

Norway’s decision to shift away from tuition-free education for non-EU/EEA students stems from a mix of economic, political, and educational policy factors. The primary reason cited by the Norwegian government is cost-efficiency and sustainability. With increasing numbers of international students, the financial burden on the state was growing, especially when tuition was fully subsidized.

The authorities claim that education must be affordable but it is not fiscally possible to keep giving free education to every international student not to mention those who might not end up staying in Norway once they obtain their degrees. Through this move, the government hopes that due to tuition fees, the universities will be more economical in the use of the resources and will also reduce the monetary burden.

Also with the change, Norway will be on the pattern of other Nordic and European countries including Sweden and Denmark have already started implementing tuition fees for non-Europeans.

However, the policy has sparked debate. Critics worry it may reduce diversity and limit access for talented students from low- and middle-income countries. Universities themselves are responding in varied ways—some cautiously optimistic about the flexibility to set competitive fees, while others express concern about a potential drop in international applications.

What This Means for International Students

For international students—especially those from outside the EU and EEA—this policy shift has significant implications. Perhaps the most important change is that tuition is no longer standardized or free. Instead, fees will now vary from one university to another, and even between programs at the same institution.

This means that if you’re planning to study in Norway, you’ll need to:

• Research individual universities to find out how much they’re charging for your desired program.
• Understand that STEM and professional programs (like engineering, medicine, or business) may come with higher fees compared to humanities or social sciences.
• Be aware that some programs taught in English—popular among international students—may be priced differently from those in Norwegian.

In addition, this transition also influences the way you budget. The cost of living in Norway is already high and it is set to be higher due to the introduction of tuition fees as international students must brace themselves to spend more. This may affect your university selection, as well as, your program of study and even your decision to study in Norway.

It also emphasizes the importance of seeking scholarships, grants, or other financial support, which may now become more competitive as demand increases.

Examples of Tuition Fee Ranges

With universities now setting their own tuition fees, the cost of studying in Norway can vary widely depending on the institution and program. While some universities are still finalizing their pricing models, early examples provide a general idea of what non-EU/EEA students can expect:

1. University of Oslo (UiO)

• Humanities/Social Sciences: NOK 130,000–160,000 per year (~USD 12,000–15,000)
• Science/Engineering: NOK 180,000–220,000 per year (~USD 17,000–20,000)

2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

• Master’s Programs in English: Starting from NOK 150,000 (~USD 14,000) annually
• Higher for technical or professional programs

3. BI Norwegian Business School (Private)

• Tuition has always applied to international students and can range from NOK 100,000–200,000 (~USD 9,500–19,000) per year, depending on the degree.

4. University of Bergen (UiB)

• Fees not yet finalized for all programs, but estimates suggest NOK 120,000–180,000 (~USD 11,000–17,000) annually for most graduate programs.

It’s also worth noting that some universities may offer tuition waivers or scholarships for high-achieving students or those from specific regions. However, these opportunities are expected to be limited and highly competitive.

How to Plan Your Application in Light of the New Fees

With Norway’s shift to university-specific tuition for non-EU/EEA students, thorough planning is more important than ever. Here are key steps to help you navigate the new financial landscape and make informed choices:

1. Start Research Early

Begin by identifying the universities and programs you’re interested in. Visit their official websites to:

• Check updated tuition fees for your program.
• Explore if any fee exemptions, waivers, or scholarships are available.

2. Compare Universities and Programs

Since tuition now varies by institution and subject:

• Compare total costs (tuition + cost of living).
• Consider program quality, language of instruction, and location (smaller cities may offer lower living costs).

3. Plan Your Budget Carefully

Include:

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses (Norway requires proof of around NOK 137,907/year for a student visa)
• Travel, books, insurance, and other costs
  Use this to evaluate your funding needs realistically.

4. Look for Financial Aid and Scholarships

While fewer scholarships may be available compared to tuition-free days, some options still exist:

• University-specific scholarships
• Governmental or bilateral aid programs
• External scholarships from NGOs or home-country governments

5. Prepare for the Student Visa Process

To secure a study permit in Norway, you must:

• Show admission to a full-time accredited program
• Provide proof of sufficient funds, which now includes covering both tuition and living expenses

6. Apply Strategically

Apply to a mix of universities:

• Some may still keep fees moderate or offer waivers.
• Others may align their prices competitively to attract international talent.