Study in Norway: Admissions

Language Tests for Norway University Admissions

A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in Norway.

Overview of English Language Requirements for Norway Universities

Students from India and Pakistan normally need an English test (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE) for an English-taught master's in Norway. The University of Oslo (UiO) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 in each part, TOEFL 90 in total or PTE 62 in total.

Who Needs Language Testing?

Applicants to English-taught master's at UiO and NTNU, unless exempt.
Applicants to the master's at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), unless exempt.

Common Exemptions

You studied at least one year (60 ECTS, the credits for one full study year) in English at a university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA. This is the NTNU rule.
You have a university degree with English language as the main subject. This is the NTNU rule.

Important Considerations

Test age

Your test must not be older than two years on the application deadline (the last day to apply). This is the rule at UiO and NTNU.

Score sending

For TOEFL, upload your result. Also ask ETS, the company that runs TOEFL, to send your score to NTNU. NTNU's ETS code is 9652.

Upload by the deadline

Your test result must reach the university by its application deadline. Find the date on your programme's page.

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT is accepted at UiO, NTNU and NHH. NTNU and NHH also accept the at-home version (TOEFL Home Edition). Tests taken from 21 January 2026 use a new score scale.

Score Requirements for Norway Universities

University Tier	Graduate	Business/Law
University of Oslo (UiO)	90 total, with 19 reading, 20 listening, 20 speaking and 24 writing	-
NTNU	90	-
NHH	-	90 for tests taken before 21 January 2026, or 4.5 for tests from 21 January 2026

These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official ETS website to register for the TOEFL exam, view dates, and find testing centers.Visit TOEFL Site

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic is accepted at UiO, NTNU and NHH. NTNU and NHH also accept IELTS Online.

IELTS Test Versions

IELTS Academic

The academic test is the one Norwegian universities accept.

UiO does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake (a retake of one part of the test). NTNU does.

Scoring System

Score Validity

Same two-year rule as above.

Norway University Requirements

Typical Minimum Requirements

University of Oslo (UiO)

6.5 overall and at least 6.5 in each part

e.g., Most English-taught master's

NTNU

6.5 in each part

e.g., International master's programmes

Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)

6.5 overall

e.g., Master's programme

Special Considerations

• Graduate programs may require higher scores
• Some schools require minimum scores in each section
• English-focused majors often have higher requirements

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official IELTS website to register for the exam, find test centers, and access preparation materials.Visit IELTS Site

Duolingo English Test

NTNU does not accept the Duolingo English Test. Only the tests on NTNU's list count: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge and PTE.

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official Duolingo English Test website to register, take practice tests, and learn more.Visit Duolingo Test Site

PTE Academic and Cambridge

PTE Academic and Cambridge exams are also accepted at some universities.

Primary Alternative
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)

Test Overview

PTE Academic is accepted at UiO, NTNU and NHH.

Norway University Requirements

University of Oslo (UiO)

62 overall, at least 58 in each part

NTNU

62 overall

PTE Academic Official Site

Other Alternative English Proficiency Tests

Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

NTNU

Accepted at NTNU at B2 level (the lowest level accepted) or higher. Cambridge tests have no end date.

Norway Universities Accepting:NTNU

Typical Requirement:B2 or higher

Official Site

Scores by University

Minimum scores for English-taught master's programmes.

University Category	TOEFL iBT	IELTS Academic	Duolingo English Test	PTE Academic
University of Oslo e.g., Most English-taught master's	90 in total, and at least a set score in each part (see above)	6.5 (6.5 each part)	-	62 (58 each part)
NTNU e.g., International master's	90	6.5 each part	Not accepted	62
NHH e.g., Master's programme	90	6.5 overall	-	-

Score Requirements Variations

These are general ranges. Individual universities may have different requirements, and some programs (especially in areas requiring high communication skills like business, education, or healthcare) often require higher scores than the university minimum.

Understanding Minimum Subscores

UiO sets minimum scores for each part of the test.

Test	Reading	Listening	Speaking	Writing
TOEFL iBT	19	20	20	24
IELTS	6.5	6.5	6.5	6.5
PTE Academic	58	58	58	58

Need help preparing for your language test?

Who Does Not Need a Test

Exemption lists are short. Most students from India and Pakistan should plan to take a test.

Common Exemption Categories

Study in an English-speaking country

One full year (60 ECTS credits) of study in English at a university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA. This is the NTNU rule.

English degree

A university degree with English language or literature as the main subject. This is the NTNU rule.

Important Notes on Exemptions

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.
Each university has its own list. Check your programme's page.

Frequently Asked Questions