Study in Oslo, Norway

About Oslo

Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway. The municipality had 728,714 inhabitants on 1 January 2026, according to Statistics Norway (SSB).

International students come to Oslo for master's programmes taught in English, for exchange semesters and for professional degrees in fields such as health, teaching and technology. Life in the city is well organised but expensive, so planning the budget is part of the decision.

Studying in Oslo

Oslo is home to Norway's oldest university. The University of Oslo (UiO) has existed since 1811 and reported 27,400 students and 226 study programmes in 2025. Its International Summer School offers six-week intensive summer courses in Norwegian.

Our directory lists OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, which has 24,120 students. Its roots go back more than 200 years, and it describes itself as Norway's most urban university, with academic communities in teacher education, health and social care, social sciences, design and technology. Its Pilestredet Campus is in Oslo, and it offers master's programmes, exchange places and PhD programmes, with an overview of programmes and courses taught in English.

Most bachelor's programmes in Norway are taught in Norwegian, and far more programmes are available in English at master's level. For a bachelor's degree you need the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU); the GSU list sets out what this means for each country. For a master's you need a bachelor's degree comparable to a Norwegian one (180 ECTS). English-taught programmes require documented English skills, set by each institution.

Tuition, permit and work

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at public institutions. Degree students from other countries must normally pay tuition fees, which vary between institutions and programmes; exchange students and doctoral candidates are normally exempt. All students pay a semester fee of approximately NOK 1,000 to the student welfare organisation (in Oslo, SiO).

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland need a residence permit for studies (study permit) from the Directorate of Immigration (UDI). They must be admitted as full-time students and show proof of funds: at least NOK 15,488 a month or NOK 170,368 a year for 2026-27. With a study permit you may work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time in the holidays. EU/EEA and Swiss students register with the police within three months of arrival.

Cost of living for students

The official estimate of NOK 15,488 a month covers housing, food, electricity and transport. Housing through the student welfare organisation is normally cheaper and more secure than the open market, but there is competition for rooms in the bigger cities, and many students share a flat to keep costs down.

Public transport is run by Ruter. A single ticket for zone 1 (Oslo) costs NOK 46 for adults and is valid for 60 minutes, and a 30-day ticket costs NOK 655 for adults and NOK 393 for full-time students under 30 with a Norwegian student ID. Tickets are valid on Ruter's buses, trams, metro and boats and on Vy trains in Oslo and Akershus. The single ticket has no student discount.

Getting around and daily life

You buy Ruter tickets in the app or on a travel card before boarding; tickets bought on board the bus or boat cost more. OsloMet's student pages describe long winters and summers when it never gets too hot and the light never really goes away. Learning some Norwegian helps: many part-time jobs are advertised in Norwegian, and working requires a Norwegian identification number and a tax deduction card.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Oslo?

Yes, mainly at master's level and on exchange. Most bachelor's programmes in Norway are taught in Norwegian, but OsloMet publishes an overview of its programmes and courses taught in English, and there are more English-taught options at master's level.

Do I have to pay tuition fees in Oslo?

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt at public institutions. Degree students from other countries normally pay tuition fees, which vary by institution and programme, and every student pays a semester fee of about NOK 1,000.

How much money do I need to study in Oslo?

For a study permit you must show at least NOK 15,488 a month or NOK 170,368 a year (2026-27). This is the official estimate of a student's living costs, without tuition fees.

Can I work while studying in Oslo?

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland may work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time in the holidays. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can work alongside their studies.