Want to know about the Basic Information of Universities in Norway?

Norway has a network of public universities and specialized private institutions that offer a wide range of educational programs. The country’s higher education system is known for its quality, equality, and strong student welfare. Here’s an overview of Norway’s public and private universities, as well as their admission basics:

There are around 10 comprehensive public universities in Norway, alongside specialized universities and business schools, as well as a number of university colleges and research institutes that form part of the higher education sector.

Under the Bologna Process, Norway has implemented the three-cycle degree structure. Higher education typically consists of a three-year Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), which can be followed by a two-year Master’s (120 ECTS), with some integrated five-year programs.

There is a credit system (ECTS) in place to quantify the amount of work needed to pass each course. One full-time academic year equals 60 ECTS credits (about 25–30 working hours per credit), with opportunities for exchange or further study abroad after three years. Medical students usually complete a six-year degree. Students wishing to study law typically take a five-year integrated Master’s (Master i rettsvitenskap).

Universities Which are on the Top Priority Lists?

Several universities in Norway appear in global rankings each year. The top institutions include:

1. 1. University of Oslo (UiO): Norway’s oldest and highest-ranked research university, renowned for law, medicine and life sciences, humanities, social sciences, and data/digitalization. Alumni and faculty include Nobel laureates.


2. 2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU): The country’s largest university and national leader in technology and engineering, with strengths in ICT, oceans, energy transition, materials, robotics, and design; closely linked with SINTEF.


3. 3. University of Bergen (UiB): A global hub for ocean and climate research with strong medicine, data/media, law, and social sciences—city campus between mountains and fjords.


4. 4. UiT The Arctic University of Norway: World-leading in Arctic and marine studies, fisheries science, indigenous studies, biology, law, and health—multi‑campus in the High North.


5. 5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU): Sustainability-focused university specializing in life sciences, veterinary medicine, environment, food, and landscape architecture, located in Ås near Oslo.


6. 6. OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University: Urban, practice-oriented institution with strengths in health sciences, teacher education, social sciences, engineering, and design—strong links to public sector and industry.


7. 7. University of Stavanger (UiS): Known for energy and offshore technology, risk and societal safety, computer science, health, education, business and hospitality, and performing arts in Norway’s energy region.

Norwegian universities are renowned for their international orientation, with extensive exchange agreements and many English‑taught Master’s and PhD programs.

It is not hard to see why Norway is an increasingly popular place to study. Public universities emphasize academic quality, openness, and inclusive student welfare.

Norway’s history and culture have shaped a diverse, modern society with strong traditions of equality, sustainability, and outdoor life across its regions.

Located in Northern Europe with excellent transport links, Norway offers dramatic landscapes from fjords and coastal archipelagos to mountains and Arctic tundra—each region with its own character.

From the Northern Lights to world‑class research environments, Norway pairs nature with innovation—just a few reasons why it is a compelling destination for international students.