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Universities in Norway

Oslo University College

Oslo, Norway
Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences (HiOA) is Norway's largest state university college, with a student body of approximately 16,000 students and 1,850 faculty and staff members. HiOA offers a unique range of professional programs that help qualify students for professions that will contribute not only to their own future welfare but also to that of the communities in which they choose to work and live. Oslo University College prides itself on creating value for individuals and contributing to the overall knowledge development of society as a whole. The ... See full description.

Sogn og Fjordane College

Sogndal, Norway
Sogn og Fjordane University College is a medium sized modern institution of higher education in Norway, with approximately 3,000 students and 300 employees. The University College is one of 26 state-run University Colleges in the country. Sogn og Fjordane University College offers students a wide variety of educational programs at the Bachelor level -and an increasing number of Master programs as well. In addition, the University College offers several vocational Bachelor programs and work closely with the regional industries, hospitals, education providers, public organizations and... See full description.

Universities in Norway by City:

OsloSogndalTromsø

About universities in Norway

Tertiary education comprising Universities, Masters Degrees, Graduate Studies and Professional Programs in Norway is governed by the Act on Higher Education and operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Education and Research. Colleges for the military and the police are, however, excluded from the ministry’s responsibility.
 
Universities in Norway
 
Institutions offering higher education in Norway comprise 38 public and 32 private institutions. These can be divided into:
  • Universities (7 in number, all public institutions)
  • Specialized university institutions (6 public and 3 private)
  • University colleges (22, all public)
  • University colleges of art (2, both public)
  • Higher education institutions with recognized study programs (29, all private, 24 of which are funded by the state for some of their activities)
 
In keeping with the Bologna Process, Norway’s tertiary education has a three cycle structure:
 
Bachelor’s Studies in Norway
 
Admission standards to bachelor studies in Norway are set by respective institutions; however, minimum admission requirements include three years’ successful completion of upper secondary education (in either a general or vocational study program) subject to a specific level of attainment translating into hours of lessons in specified subjects. A bachelor’s degree course runs for three years, with the academic year of 10 months from August to June divided into two terms, the first (autumn term) from mid August to mid December, and the second (spring term) from early January to mid June. Biology, shipping management, business administration, and development studies are among the most popular courses offered. Four degree programs (in veterinary science, theology, medicine and psychology) span six years, while degree studies in performing arts and performing music are of four-year duration.
 
Master’s Studies in Norway
 
Master’s studies in Norway run for 2 years. However, some subject areas have five-year integrated Master’s degree courses; these include pharmacy, dentistry, landscape architecture, industrial design, engineering and architecture.
 
Doctoral Studies in Norway
 
Doctoral (Ph.D.) studies in Norway span three years.  Apart from these structured programs, there are also traditional doctoral degrees awarded to high level researchers working over several years on crafting a successful defense of a substantial thesis.
 
Popular Professional Programs in Norway
 
Engineering and medicine are among the most popular professional programs in Norway. In order to qualify for admission to these professional degree programs, students need to satisfy additional requirements other than those required for other degree programs.  While some disciplinary programs start in the start spring term, professional programs in Norway generally begin in the autumn term.
 
Financial Support to Students in Universities in Norway
 
While state institutions of higher education do not charge tuition fees, students are required to pay a small fee every semester to the student welfare organization. Students receive grants and loans from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, regardless of the parents’ economy. Such grants and loans are intended to cover expenses relating to study materials, accommodation and subsistence.
 
Location of Universities in Norway
 
The Universities in Norway are those of Tromso, Bergen, Oslo, Agder and Stavenger, apart from the Norwegian University of Life sciences located in and outside Oslo, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, located in Trondheim.