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.