Norway is home to some of Europe’s most respected universities, offering internationally recognised degrees, innovative teaching methods, and excellent research opportunities. From world-leading public universities to specialised institutions, students can choose from a wide range of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes across engineering, business, health sciences, computer science, social sciences, and many other fields.
This university list provides an overview of Norway’s leading higher education institutions, their strengths, admission basics, and popular study areas. Whether you are comparing universities or planning your academic journey, this guide will help you make an informed decision. It is especially valuable for Bangladeshi students seeking trusted information before applying to study in Norway.
Top Universities in Norway
Norway is home to several internationally recognised universities known for academic excellence, research, innovation, and strong industry partnerships. Below are some of the top universities in Norway, offering high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines for both domestic and international students.
1. University of Oslo (UiO)
Founded
1811
Location
Oslo
Institution Type
Public Research University
Popular Programs
Law, Medicine, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences
The University of Oslo (UiO) is Norway’s oldest and one of its most prestigious universities. It is internationally recognised for excellence in research, medicine, law, social sciences, and digital technologies. UiO attracts thousands of international students every year through its strong academic reputation and extensive English-taught Master’s programmes.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Founded
1996 (Origins: 1760)
Location
Trondheim
Institution Type
Public Research University
Popular Programs
Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Robotics, Architecture, Energy
NTNU is Norway’s largest university and the country’s leading institution for engineering, science, and technology. It has strong partnerships with industry and research organisations, making it one of the best choices for students pursuing STEM-related degrees.
The University of Bergen is internationally recognised for marine research, climate science, and health-related disciplines. Located on Norway’s west coast, it offers students access to world-class research facilities and a vibrant international learning environment.
4. UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Founded
1968
Location
Tromsø
Institution Type
Public Research University
Popular Programs
Arctic Studies, Marine Biology, Fisheries, Law, Health Sciences
UiT is the world’s northernmost university and a global leader in Arctic research. It is particularly well known for programmes related to environmental science, marine biology, fisheries, indigenous studies, and Arctic sustainability.
NMBU specialises in sustainable development, life sciences, veterinary medicine, environmental studies, and biotechnology. The university is highly regarded for research focused on food production, climate change, and natural resource management.
6. Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
Founded
2018 (University Status)
Location
Oslo
Institution Type
Public University
Popular Programs
Nursing, Public Health, Education, Engineering, Business
Health Sciences, Teacher Education, Applied Sciences
OsloMet is one of Norway’s fastest-growing universities, offering career-focused education with strong connections to public services and industry. It is particularly popular for nursing, education, engineering, and social sciences. For Bangladeshi students planning to study in Norway from Bangladesh, OsloMet offers a practical learning environment with strong industry collaboration and excellent career prospects.
The University of Stavanger is widely recognised for its expertise in energy, petroleum engineering, computer science, and business. Its close collaboration with Norway’s energy industry provides students with valuable research and career opportunities.
Comparison of Top Universities
University
City
Best For
English Master’s
QS Ranking
University of Oslo
Oslo
Medicine & Law
Yes
Top 150
NTNU
Trondheim
Engineering
Yes
Top 300
University of Bergen
Bergen
Marine Science
Yes
Top 300
UiT
Tromsø
Arctic Studies
Yes
Top 650
NMBU
Ås
Sustainability
Yes
Top 700
OsloMet
Oslo
Health Sciences
Yes
Recognised
UiS
Stavanger
Energy
Yes
Recognised
Degree Structure in Norway
Norway follows the Bologna Process, making its degrees internationally recognised across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Most universities use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), where one full-time academic year equals 60 ECTS credits.
Degree
Duration
ECTS Credits
Bachelor’s Degree
3 Years
180 ECTS
Master’s Degree
2 Years
120 ECTS
Integrated Master’s
5 Years
300 ECTS
Doctoral (PhD)
3–4 Years
Research Based
Note: Professional degrees such as Medicine typically require 6 years of study, while Law is usually offered as a 5-year integrated Master’s programme.
Public vs Private University List in Norway
Norway offers both public and private higher education institutions. Public universities are known for their strong research focus and broad academic offerings, while private institutions often specialise in business, design, theology, and applied sciences.
Public Universities
Private Universities
Government-funded
Privately managed
Wide range of programmes
Specialised programmes
Strong research environment
Smaller class sizes
International recognition
Industry-focused education
Large campuses
Personalised learning experience
Regardless of institution type, students should always verify that their chosen university is accredited by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT).
Popular Study Programs in Norway
Norwegian universities offer hundreds of degree programmes across diverse academic fields. Some of the most popular choices among international students include:
1. Engineering
2. Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
3. Business Administration
4. Data Science
5. Renewable Energy
6. Marine & Ocean Sciences
7. Nursing & Public Health
8. Medicine
9. Environmental Science
10. Economics & Finance
11. Architecture & Design
12. International Relations
Many Master’s and PhD programmes are available in English, particularly in science, technology, business, and engineering.
Why Study at Norwegian Universities?
Norwegian universities consistently attract international students because of their high academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and excellent quality of life.
1. Internationally recognised degrees
2. Research-driven education
3. Modern campuses and learning facilities
4. English-taught Master’s and PhD programmes
5. Safe and inclusive study environment
6. Strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability
7. Excellent student welfare services
8. Opportunities for international exchange and research collaboration
9. Close links with industry and employers
10. Globally respected qualifications
Universities Offering English-Taught Programs
Many Norwegian universities offer English-taught Master’s and PhD programmes, making Norway an attractive destination for international students.
Some of the universities offering a wide range of English-taught programmes include:
While English is widely used at the postgraduate level, many Bachelor’s programmes are taught in Norwegian. Applicants should always check the language requirements for their chosen programme before applying.
How to Choose the Right University in Norway
Choosing the right university depends on your academic background, career goals, and preferred study environment. Before applying, consider the following factors:
1. Choose Your Study Programme: Select a degree that aligns with your academic interests and future career plans.
2. Compare Admission Requirements: Review GPA requirements, language proficiency, prerequisite courses, and application deadlines.
3. Explore University Rankings: Compare universities based on academic reputation, research strengths, facilities, and student satisfaction.
4. Check Tuition Fees and Living Costs: Understand tuition policies, semester fees, accommodation costs, and your overall study budget.
5. Review English-Taught Programmes: Ensure your chosen programme is available in English if you do not speak Norwegian.
6. Consider the Location: Each Norwegian city offers a unique student experience, climate, and career opportunities.
7. Seek Professional Guidance: If you need assistance selecting a university or preparing your application, consult an experienced study abroad adviser to make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about universities in Norway, admission requirements, English-taught programmes, and studying in Norway.
Norway has around 10 public universities, along with specialised universities, university colleges, and accredited private higher education institutions offering a wide range of degree programmes.
The University of Oslo (UiO) is widely recognised as Norway's highest-ranked university. Other leading institutions include NTNU, the University of Bergen, and UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
Yes. Norwegian universities follow the Bologna Process, and their degrees are recognised throughout the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and many countries worldwide.
Yes. Most Norwegian universities offer a wide range of English-taught Master's and PhD programmes, while many Bachelor's programmes are primarily taught in Norwegian.
Yes. Bangladeshi students can apply to Norwegian universities if they meet the required academic qualifications, English language requirements, and programme-specific admission criteria.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is widely regarded as Norway's leading university for engineering, technology, computer science, and innovation.
The University of Oslo and the University of Bergen are among Norway's top universities for medicine, health sciences, and biomedical research.
Compare universities based on programme availability, admission requirements, rankings, location, language of instruction, tuition fees, research opportunities, and future career prospects before making your final decision.
Find the Right University in Norway
Norway is home to some of Europe’s most respected universities, offering internationally recognised degrees, innovative teaching methods, and excellent research opportunities. From world-leading public universities to specialised institutions, students can choose from a wide range of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes across engineering, business, health sciences, computer science, social sciences, and many other fields.
This university list provides an overview of Norway’s leading higher education institutions, their strengths, admission basics, and popular study areas. Whether you are comparing universities or planning your academic journey, this guide will help you make an informed decision. It is especially valuable for Bangladeshi students seeking trusted information before applying to study in Norway.
Top Universities in Norway
Norway is home to several internationally recognised universities known for academic excellence, research, innovation, and strong industry partnerships. Below are some of the top universities in Norway, offering high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines for both domestic and international students.
1. University of Oslo (UiO)
The University of Oslo (UiO) is Norway’s oldest and one of its most prestigious universities. It is internationally recognised for excellence in research, medicine, law, social sciences, and digital technologies. UiO attracts thousands of international students every year through its strong academic reputation and extensive English-taught Master’s programmes.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
NTNU is Norway’s largest university and the country’s leading institution for engineering, science, and technology. It has strong partnerships with industry and research organisations, making it one of the best choices for students pursuing STEM-related degrees.
3. University of Bergen (UiB)
The University of Bergen is internationally recognised for marine research, climate science, and health-related disciplines. Located on Norway’s west coast, it offers students access to world-class research facilities and a vibrant international learning environment.
4. UiT The Arctic University of Norway
UiT is the world’s northernmost university and a global leader in Arctic research. It is particularly well known for programmes related to environmental science, marine biology, fisheries, indigenous studies, and Arctic sustainability.
5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
NMBU specialises in sustainable development, life sciences, veterinary medicine, environmental studies, and biotechnology. The university is highly regarded for research focused on food production, climate change, and natural resource management.
6. Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
OsloMet is one of Norway’s fastest-growing universities, offering career-focused education with strong connections to public services and industry. It is particularly popular for nursing, education, engineering, and social sciences. For Bangladeshi students planning to study in Norway from Bangladesh, OsloMet offers a practical learning environment with strong industry collaboration and excellent career prospects.
7. University of Stavanger (UiS)
The University of Stavanger is widely recognised for its expertise in energy, petroleum engineering, computer science, and business. Its close collaboration with Norway’s energy industry provides students with valuable research and career opportunities.
Comparison of Top Universities
Degree Structure in Norway
Norway follows the Bologna Process, making its degrees internationally recognised across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Most universities use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), where one full-time academic year equals 60 ECTS credits.
Note: Professional degrees such as Medicine typically require 6 years of study, while Law is usually offered as a 5-year integrated Master’s programme.
Public vs Private University List in Norway
Norway offers both public and private higher education institutions. Public universities are known for their strong research focus and broad academic offerings, while private institutions often specialise in business, design, theology, and applied sciences.
Regardless of institution type, students should always verify that their chosen university is accredited by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT).
Popular Study Programs in Norway
Norwegian universities offer hundreds of degree programmes across diverse academic fields. Some of the most popular choices among international students include:
Many Master’s and PhD programmes are available in English, particularly in science, technology, business, and engineering.
Why Study at Norwegian Universities?
Norwegian universities consistently attract international students because of their high academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and excellent quality of life.
Universities Offering English-Taught Programs
Many Norwegian universities offer English-taught Master’s and PhD programmes, making Norway an attractive destination for international students.
Some of the universities offering a wide range of English-taught programmes include:
While English is widely used at the postgraduate level, many Bachelor’s programmes are taught in Norwegian. Applicants should always check the language requirements for their chosen programme before applying.
How to Choose the Right University in Norway
Choosing the right university depends on your academic background, career goals, and preferred study environment. Before applying, consider the following factors:
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about universities in Norway, admission requirements, English-taught programmes, and studying in Norway.
Norway has around 10 public universities, along with specialised universities, university colleges, and accredited private higher education institutions offering a wide range of degree programmes.
The University of Oslo (UiO) is widely recognised as Norway's highest-ranked university. Other leading institutions include NTNU, the University of Bergen, and UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
Yes. Norwegian universities follow the Bologna Process, and their degrees are recognised throughout the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and many countries worldwide.
Yes. Most Norwegian universities offer a wide range of English-taught Master's and PhD programmes, while many Bachelor's programmes are primarily taught in Norwegian.
Yes. Bangladeshi students can apply to Norwegian universities if they meet the required academic qualifications, English language requirements, and programme-specific admission criteria.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is widely regarded as Norway's leading university for engineering, technology, computer science, and innovation.
The University of Oslo and the University of Bergen are among Norway's top universities for medicine, health sciences, and biomedical research.
Compare universities based on programme availability, admission requirements, rankings, location, language of instruction, tuition fees, research opportunities, and future career prospects before making your final decision.