Quick facts

Why choose UiO

• Academic depth and breadth: From cutting‑edge AI and data science to public health, jurisprudence, archaeology, and Ibsen studies, UiO spans the full spectrum of disciplines.
• Research that matters: Interdisciplinary initiatives like UiO:Life Science and UiO:Energy and Environment address global challenges in health, climate, and society.
• Capital‑city advantages: Study within reach of Norway’s Parliament, Supreme Court, ministries, NGOs, hospitals, media, and startups—fueling internships, case projects, and guest lectures.
• Student welfare and inclusion: The Oslo student welfare organization SiO offers affordable housing, healthcare, gyms, cafés, mental‑health services, and career support tailored to students.
• Vibrant student culture: Hundreds of associations—from music and debate to coding and sustainability—plus the legendary student house Chateau Neuf and welcoming “buddy week” (fadderuke).
• Nature on your doorstep: The forests and lakes of Nordmarka are minutes away by metro—perfect for hiking, skiing, swimming, and cabin trips.

Academics and programs

Bachelor’s degrees (Norwegian)

Most bachelor’s programs are taught in Norwegian across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law, and more. International applicants with documented Norwegian proficiency have many options, with select English‑taught courses available.

Master’s degrees (English, 2 years / 120 ECTS)

• Data Science, Informatics (including AI and machine learning)
• Biosciences, Molecular Life Sciences, Public Health, Global Health
• Economics, Political Science, Peace & Conflict Studies, Human Rights
• Linguistics, Nordic Studies, Archaeology, Cultural Heritage
• Energy, Geosciences, Environmental & Sustainability Studies

PhD education (English‑friendly)

Fully research‑based with paid research fellow (employee) positions advertised year‑round; strong supervision and access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities.

Teaching and learning

Research‑led instruction, small‑group seminars, labs and fieldwork, and an emphasis on critical thinking, academic integrity, and independent study.

Facilities

Modern labs and maker spaces; extensive libraries (the Georg Sverdrup library is a campus hub); specialized law and medical libraries; collaboration with Oslo Science Park and university hospitals.

Research and innovation

• Interdisciplinary culture: UiO brings together ecology, geoscience, linguistics, informatics, law, health, and social sciences to tackle complex problems from multiple angles.
• Centres of Excellence and flagship units: Examples include the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED), and dScience – Centre for Computational and Data Science.
• Societal impact: Partnerships with ministries, courts, NGOs, and cultural institutions shape research in democracy, law, migration, and human rights.
• Entrepreneurship: Proximity to Oslo Science Park and a supportive ecosystem offers hackathons, internships, and commercialization support; life science innovation is nurtured through the UiO:Life Science environment.

Student life and support

• Orientation & community: New students are welcomed through faculty introductions, international meetups, and buddy programs that make it easy to connect.
• Housing & welfare (SiO): Student housing across Oslo; medical and mental‑health services; SiO Athletica gyms; affordable cafés; career counseling and workshops.
• Student organizations: Academic societies, cultural clubs, music and theatre, Model UN, coding groups, entrepreneurship and sustainability initiatives.
• Libraries & study spaces: Quiet reading rooms, group rooms, long opening hours, and excellent digital collections.
• Museums & culture: UiO hosts major museum collections in natural and cultural history and regularly convenes public talks, debates, and performances.

International students

• Language options: Entire master’s and PhD programs can be completed in English. Norwegian language courses are available (offerings vary by program and semester).
• Admissions:
  • Bachelor’s degrees generally require documented Norwegian proficiency.
  • English‑taught master’s programs require a relevant bachelor’s and proof of English (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL). Country‑specific requirements may apply.
  • Application windows for international master’s typically open in late autumn for studies starting the following August; EU/EEA applicants may have later deadlines.
• Tuition and fees:
  • Public universities in Norway remain tuition‑free for EU/EEA citizens (a small semester fee applies).
  • Non‑EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition; amounts vary by program. Limited scholarships may be available (faculty/program awards and external schemes).
• Visas and permits: Students from outside the EU/EEA typically need a study permit and must document sufficient funding per UDI guidelines. A part‑time work permit (up to 20 hours/week) during semesters is commonly included.
• Cost of living: Oslo offers high quality of life and excellent public transport; costs are relatively high. Student housing, subsidized gyms and cafés, and transport discounts help manage expenses.

Always confirm program details, tuition regulations, and application deadlines on UiO’s official pages before applying.

Life in Oslo

• Safe, inclusive, and informal: Norway’s egalitarian culture means students and professors are often on a first‑name basis.
• City meets nature: Efficient metro, tram, and bike networks connect campus to museums, concert halls, lively neighborhoods—and to vast forests and lakes for year‑round outdoor activities.
• Career launchpad: As Norway’s political and economic center, Oslo offers internships and part‑time roles in public administration, health, culture, media, energy, and tech—valuable experience alongside your studies.

Notable achievements and alumni

UiO’s academic community includes Nobel laureates and world‑leading researchers across economics, physics, and medicine. Alumni include national leaders, Supreme Court justices, diplomats, and innovators whose work shapes policy, science, and culture in Norway and beyond.

How to get started

1. Explore programs: Identify English‑taught master’s or PhD opportunities that match your interests.
2. Check requirements: Review program‑specific academic and language criteria, plus any country‑specific documentation rules.
3. Track deadlines: International master’s applications commonly open in autumn for the next academic year—always confirm exact dates on UiO’s official pages.
4. Plan finances: Understand tuition (if applicable), living costs, and scholarship options; prepare proof of funding for immigration.
5. Secure housing early: Apply for SiO student housing as soon as you’re eligible.
6. Prepare to thrive: Join pre‑arrival webinars, brush up on Norwegian basics, and connect with student groups before you arrive.

Closing

At the University of Oslo, you’ll find rigorous academics, a welcoming community, and a uniquely Norwegian balance of city energy and outdoor adventure—an ideal setting to learn, research, and grow. 🎓🌿