Study in Norway: Admissions

Who Can Study a Master's in Norway

To join a master's in Norway you need a bachelor's that matches a Norwegian one. You also need good grades in the right subjects and proof of English. Each course sets its own rules.

Example eligibility check

Example: master's applicant from India

Bachelor's degree

You have this

Example

Subject credits

You have this

Example

English test

Not done

Example

Money proof

Not done

Example

Example result

Maybe you qualify

Example only. Your own result will be different, and each programme decides.

Key Entry Requirements

These rules apply to most English-taught master's programmes.

Comparable bachelor's

Your bachelor's must match a Norwegian bachelor's degree.

Length of study

At the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), if the country list says '+ 1 year university education', you need four years of higher education. If it says nothing, a three-year degree is enough.

Subject credits

At the University of Oslo (UiO), you need at least 80 ECTS (credits) in the subject the programme asks for.

Grades

At UiO and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), your grades must average at least C on Norway's A to F scale. C is a good grade, like a Second Class Upper (a high pass) in the UK.

English

Most universities ask for an English test, such as IELTS Academic 6.5 in each of the four parts (listening, reading, speaking and writing).

Money proof

At NTNU and the University of Bergen (UiB), students from outside the EU/EEA must show money proof (papers that show you have enough money) when they apply. The EU/EEA is the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. India and Pakistan are outside it.

Meeting the Rules Is Not Enough

Many students apply for few places. The university puts applicants in order by their grades in the subjects it asks for.

Rules by Study Level

Most students from other countries come to Norway for a master's.

What each level asks for

1Bachelor's

Norway keeps a list that sets the school rules for bachelor's entry. Universities must follow it.
Some countries need 1 to 2 years of higher education after school.
Few bachelor's programmes are taught in English.

2Master's

A bachelor's comparable to a Norwegian one.
Required subject credits, such as 80 ECTS at UiO.
Grades that average at least C at UiO and NTNU.
English test.

Tests You May Need

Standardized Testing Requirements

Graduate Tests

1GMAT

Needed for the NHH master's, unless NHH lets you skip it.

NHH: GMAT Focus 555 or more.

2GRE

Accepted by NHH instead of GMAT.

NHH: 152 or more on quantitative reasoning.

Note: Most programmes ask only for English. A few, such as the NHH master's, also ask for GMAT or GRE.

English Requirements

English Proficiency Requirements

Students from India and Pakistan usually need an English test (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE). Your test must not be older than two years on the application deadline (UiO, NTNU).

Test	Graduate	Notes
IELTS Academic	6.5 in each part	At least 6.5 in each of the four parts (listening, reading, speaking and writing) at UiO and NTNU.
TOEFL iBT	90 in total	UiO also needs at least 19 in reading, 20 in listening, 20 in speaking and 24 in writing.
PTE Academic	62 in total	UiO also needs at least 58 in each part.

Important Considerations

Score Validity

Check the test provider’s score validity rules and your university’s requirements.

Possible Exemptions

You may be exempt from English proficiency requirements in certain cases:

You may skip the English test at NTNU if you studied for at least one year in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA.
At UiO, you still need a test if you studied at a branch campus of a foreign university, in a franchised programme (one run under another university's name), or by distance learning.

Special Rules by Programme

Different academic disciplines often have specific requirements beyond the general eligibility criteria. These specialized requirements ensure you have the necessary background and aptitude for success in your chosen field in Norway.

Business (NHH)

At NHH, you need at least 555 on the GMAT Focus test, or at least 152 on the quantitative (maths) part of the GRE test. GMAT and GRE are tests some master's programmes ask for.
A GMAT or GRE score can be up to five years old on the application deadline day.

Computing (UiO example)

The UiO master's in Informatics: Programming and System Architecture needs 30 ECTS in programming. 6 of them must be in algorithms (step-by-step computer methods).

Looking for Other Fields?

This is not an exhaustive list. Many other academic disciplines have specific requirements. Always check with your target universities in Norway for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements for your specific program of interest.

Extra Rules for International Applicants

International students face several additional requirements beyond those for domestic applicants. These ensure that you can successfully transition to studying in Norway and comply with immigration regulations.

How grades are judged

NTNU turns grades from other countries into Norwegian grades and puts applicants in order by them.

UiO checks each foreign degree on its own. It does not turn your grades into Norwegian ones.

Pakistan papers

Get the HEC stamp before you upload your papers.

If your bachelor's is from Pakistan, send your papers to the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Upload them to Søknadsweb (NTNU's application website) with the HEC stamp by the documents deadline.

Finished degree

Ask each university if you can apply before you finish your degree.

At UiT The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), you must have finished your degree by the application deadline. A certificate that says your degree is still in progress does not count.