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Intakes

Plan your application around Norway’s academic calendar. Learn the main intakes, typical application windows, month‑by‑month timelines, special cases (exchange, Erasmus Mundus, PhD), and what to do after you receive an offer—plus visa, housing, and orientation milestones.


Overview

  • Main intake: Autumn semester starting in August (most programs).
  • Secondary intake: Spring semester starting in January (limited programs/universities).
  • Deadlines vary: International applicants often have earlier deadlines than EU/EEA or domestic applicants.
  • Plan ahead: Scholarship, English test, visa, and housing timelines overlap—start 9–12+ months before the semester.

Intake cycles at a glance

  • Autumn (Aug–Dec): Application windows commonly open in October and close between November and January for non‑EU/EEA international applicants. EU/EEA and domestic deadlines are often later.
  • Spring (Jan–Jun): Fewer programs. International deadlines can fall August–October of the previous year.
  • Short courses & summer schools: Separate, earlier deadlines (often spring) for June–August courses.
  • PhD positions: Recruited year‑round via vacancy announcements; start dates are negotiated.

Application windows (who applies when)

  • Non‑EU/EEA international applicants (degree programs): Many universities close applications for Autumn intake between early November and mid‑December; some accept until January. Spring intake (where offered) can close as early as August–October.
  • EU/EEA applicants (degree programs): Often later windows—commonly December–March—varies by institution/program.
  • Domestic applicants (Norway): Centralised bachelor’s deadline via Samordna opptak typically mid‑April; master’s deadlines vary by institution.
  • Exchange students: Deadlines set by your home university (learning agreement) and host institution—commonly 6–10 months before arrival.

Always check the exact deadline, time zone (CET/CEST), and separate “documentation deadlines” on your program’s official page.


Autumn intake timeline (August start)

12–15 months before (May–August, previous year)

  • Research programs, entry requirements, and tuition/scholarship policies.
  • Plan English tests (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) and book early; results can take 1–3 weeks.
  • Draft your CV and statement; contact referees.

9–12 months before (September–November)

  • Collect certified transcripts, degree certificates, and grading scales; arrange translations if needed.
  • Apply for scholarships/tuition waivers (many close Nov–Feb; Erasmus Mundus often Dec–Jan).
  • Submit program applications as portals open (often October).

7–9 months before (December–January)

  • Common application deadlines for non‑EU/EEA degree applicants.
  • Meet documentation deadlines (originals, certified copies, portfolio uploads).

5–7 months before (February–March)

  • Some programs issue offers; accept by the stated date.
  • Pay any required tuition deposit or semester fee per instructions.

3–5 months before (April–May)

  • Apply for your student residence permit and book biometrics promptly.
  • Apply for student housing or start private rental search; peak season begins.
  • Plan finances and proof‑of‑funds; prepare remittance steps if needed.

1–3 months before (June–July)

  • Receive permit decision; if approved, arrange entry visa (D‑visa) if required.
  • Book flights; plan airport‑to‑accommodation transport and arrival essentials.
  • Complete pre‑arrival tasks from your university (IT access, course registration).

Arrival month (August)

  • Attend orientation; pick up student ID; finalise course registrations.
  • Attend police/ID appointment to collect your residence card.
  • Set up banking, SIM, and local transport passes.

Spring intake timeline (January start)

10–12 months before (January–March)

  • Shortlist programs that offer Spring start; confirm early deadlines.
  • Schedule English tests and prepare documents.

7–9 months before (April–June)

  • Apply for scholarships (many still align to Autumn cycles—check specifics).
  • Submit program applications as portals open.

4–6 months before (July–September)

  • Common application/document deadlines for non‑EU/EEA Spring intake.
  • Receive decisions; accept offers and pay any deposits.

2–4 months before (September–November)

  • Apply for a residence permit and book biometrics quickly (holiday season can affect slots).
  • Secure housing; confirm move‑in dates over the New Year period.

0–2 months before (November–December)

  • Receive permit decision; arrange travel and arrival logistics.
  • Complete pre‑arrival tasks; check campus opening hours over holidays.

Arrival month (January)

  • Orientation and semester start; police/ID appointment; banking/SIM setup.

Special cases: exchange, Erasmus Mundus, PhD

  • Exchange (Erasmus+/bilateral): Deadlines are set by your home university and host; often 1–2 semesters in advance. Learning agreements and ECTS plans are required.
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM): Highly competitive; applications typically Oct–Jan for the following Autumn. Follow the consortium’s calendar.
  • PhD positions: Recruited via job postings year‑round; applications follow vacancy deadlines and include a research plan. Start dates are negotiated.
  • Short/summer schools: Apply early (often Feb–Apr) for June–August sessions; visas and housing may have separate timelines.

After you get an offer

  • Accept by the deadline: Missing it can void your place; some offers require a tuition deposit.
  • Documents for visa: Prepare admission letters, accommodation plan, proof of funds, insurance, and translations if needed.
  • Scholarship outcomes: Monitor decisions and align your financial plan; update your proof‑of‑funds if a waiver/award arrives.
  • Course registration: Complete pre‑semester modules and choose courses as systems open.

Visa & residence permit timing

  • Apply early: Many cases are not considered lodged until biometrics are captured; book appointments promptly.
  • Processing times vary: Peak seasons can extend timelines—always check current estimates.
  • Travel only when permitted: Wait for approval and, if required, an entry visa (D‑visa) before you fly.

Official guidance: udi.no/en/want-to-apply/studies/ · Appointments: visa.vfsglobal.com · Police/ID: politiet.no

Need help? See Visa Assistance Support Services.


Housing & arrival planning

  • Student housing: Applications open months before semester; peak demand May–August (Autumn) and Oct–Dec (Spring).
  • Private rentals: Start early; verify leases and deposit accounts; align move‑in with orientation.
  • Travel timing: Arrive in time for orientation and your police/ID appointment.

See Accommodation Support and Travel Assistance Services.


Orientation & semester structure

  • Orientation: Usually in the week(s) before classes. Includes campus tours, registration, and social events.
  • Semesters: Autumn (Aug–Dec), Spring (Jan–Jun). Exam periods vary by program; some re‑sit/continuation exams occur later.
  • Public holidays: Expect closures during Easter and Christmas/New Year; plan travel and appointments accordingly.

Official resources

  • Study in Norway (programs & calendars): studyinnorway.no
  • Higher education & admission guidance (HK‑dir): hkdir.no/en
  • Immigration (students): udi.no
  • Police (residence card appointments): politiet.no
  • University calendars & portals (examples): Søknadsweb/institution pages—see your program’s official site for exact dates.

Frequently asked questions

When do most programs start?

August is the main start. January starts exist but for a smaller set of programs and institutions.

How early should I apply?

For Autumn, many non‑EU/EEA applicants apply between October and December of the previous year. Check your program’s page for exact dates.

Can I apply if I’m finishing my degree soon?

Some universities accept “pending” final documents with a documentation deadline. Read your program’s rules carefully.

What if I miss the Autumn deadline?

Consider Spring‑start programs (if offered), short courses, or reapplying next cycle. Exchange routes via your home university may have different timelines.

Are there separate deadlines for scholarships?

Yes. Many scholarships (including Erasmus Mundus) close earlier than program applications—often Dec–Feb for Autumn starts.

Do online/hybrid programs affect my visa?

Distance learning may not qualify for a study permit. Maintain full‑time, on‑campus study as required by UDI and your university.

Can I defer my offer?

Deferral policies vary by institution and program. Check your offer letter and contact admissions promptly.


Get intake planning support

Share your target semester, programs, and deadlines. We’ll build a month‑by‑month plan for applications, scholarships, visa, housing, and arrival—aligned with official guidance.

Comprehensive Student Services · Visa assistance · Accommodation · Scholarships & costs


Important notes

  • Deadlines and availability vary by university, program, and applicant category—always verify on official pages.
  • Immigration, fees, and requirements can change; check official sources (UDI, university, police).
  • Allow extra time for English tests, document procurement, translations, and visa appointments during peak seasons.

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