The Norwegian university system is well-known for its welcoming environment, focus on research and excellent academic programs. Norwegian universities often rank among the world’s best because of their innovative approach to sustainability teaching. All citizens and foreign nationals are eligible for a free public university education at one of Norway’s many highly regarded universities, such as the University of Oslo, NTNU, or the University of Bergen. Students from all over the globe who are looking for a top-notch education that doesn’t break the bank will find Norway to be a worthwhile option.

Many Norwegian university programs, particularly those leading to a Master’s or Doctorate degree, are offered in English, allowing overseas students easy access to higher education in Norway. In addition, students at Norwegian institutions have the chance to participate in cutting-edge research initiatives in areas including technology, environmental science, and medicine. Universities in Norway also emphasize student-centered learning, interdisciplinary study, and partnerships with businesses and other organizations throughout the world.

Top 10 Universities in Norway

Here is the list of top 10 universities in Norway to study:

1. University of Oslo

2. University of Bergen

3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

4. University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)

5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

6. University of Stavanger

7. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

8. University of Agder

9. Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)

10. BI Norwegian Business School

1. University of Oslo

The University of Oslo, with 6,500 staff members and 27,200 students, is the biggest public research and higher education institution in Norway. Half of Norway’s European Research Council funds and over 40% of the country’s Centres of Excellence are held by this oldest and best-ranked institution. World University Rankings placed UiO at #79 on the global scale in 2024.

The University of Oslo offers a wide range of degree programs, from bachelor’s to doctoral, in fields as diverse as law, the social sciences, the arts, and medicine. The teaching and research conducted by the Faculty of Medicine covers a wide range of topics, including fundamental biological research, clinical investigations, and public health.

Recently, the Research Council of Norway rated the Department of Nutrition at the Medical Faculty as exceptional, ranking it among the top 10% of Norway’s research facilities. Five Nobel laureates have come from this university, which speaks much about the quality of its faculty and research. Oslo University has created three interdisciplinary priority areas for collaborative research and education in Energy, Life Science, and the Nordic model.

More than 2,000 foreign students from all around the globe make up the university’s varied student population. As a result, foreign students will find it simpler to integrate into campus life and make friends from all over the world. International students are not charged tuition at UiO or any of Norway’s other public institutions. Only living expenditures are necessary, which are greater in Norway than in other countries but offset by the absence of tuition.

2. University of Bergen

The esteemed University of Bergen (UiB) in Norway is a public university renowned for its dedication to academic quality and a heavy focus on research. Marine research, climate studies, health, the social sciences, and the humanities are only a few of the disciplines that have brought UiB a great reputation as one of Norway’s top institutions.

International students are drawn to the institution because of the variety of Master’s and PhD programs offered in English. Even though the majority of undergraduate courses are taught in Norwegian, there are specialist programs available in English for overseas students, so they may still actively engage with academic life. Like other public universities in Norway, UiB offers domestic and foreign students a tuition-free education. It makes a high-quality education available to students all over the globe, which is one of the distinguishing characteristics of studying at UiB.

In Bergen, the University of Bergen is deeply embedded in the city’s history, culture, and geography. Nearly 20,000 students attend UiB, which is divided among seven academic departments. The university has around 4,200 staff members and professors on staff. PhD candidates at UiB are paid employees, which makes the doctorate degree a great option for talented individuals looking to further their careers. The majority of graduates from medical schools come from countries other than Norway.

3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is a leading Norwegian institution for technical education and research. The founding of Det Trondhiemske Selskab (Trondheim Academy) in 1760 is the predecessor of the university. It was NTNU that became Norway’s biggest single university after a merger in 2016. In the 2024 World University Rankings, it comes in at number 256.

The traditional academic fields of medicine, the social sciences, and the humanities are intricately bound up with this legacy. Also, out of all the Norwegian universities, NTNU has the most diverse art programs in terms of music, visual art, and architecture. Researchers from all around the world work together on projects with NTNU’s academic staff. In addition to collaborating with Norwegian government agencies, they also deal with businesses and industries on a global scale.

Every year, the research team works on around 2,000 R&D projects. Staff at NTNU work closely with the SINTEF Group and Allforsk, two research foundations, to help overcome the gap between academics and businesses. Every major Norwegian industrial company has an official collaboration arrangement with NTNU. Verbundnetz Gas, ABB, Alcatel, BP Amoco, Deminex, Shell, and others are multinational corporations with whom contracts for research and development and instructional programs have been negotiated.

For overseas students, NTNU offers a wide range of services, such as assistance with accommodation, visa applications, orientation, and Norwegian language classes. International students may more easily transition to Norwegian life with the help of this assistance.

4. University of Tromsø- The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)

The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) has the honor of being the world’s most northern university. Located on the border of the Arctic, it seems to be on a mission. Tromsø, Alta, Narvik, and Harstad are the major campuses, whereas Mo i Rana, Hammerfest, and Kirkenes are minor departments. The University of Tromsø has a particular interest in climate change, the extraction of Arctic resources, and environmental dangers, all of which are subjects that greatly worry the general population. Global challenges may be studied up close and personal at UiT.

Regional, national, and international knowledge-based development is provided by the university. Life in northern Norway is shaped by diversity, vast distances, varied light and weather, and wild environments.

Even though UiT is a traditional institution that offers degrees in many different fields, several of its educational departments and institutes focus on Arctic Norway and its unique culture. Economics, law, social work, tourism, sports, and the fine arts are only a few of the conventional fields represented in UiT’s academic offerings. Other fields include health sciences, social sciences, humanities, science and technology, and economics.

Norwegian Centres of Excellence have been bestowed to UiT’s Centre for Advanced Studies in Theoretical Linguistics (CASTL) and CTCC, Centre for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry. UiT is home to 15,500 students and 3,300 faculty members. The basis of education is research. The eight schools that makeup UiT provide a diverse array of academic courses, notwithstanding their focus on Northern concerns.

Over 20% of the faculty and 10% of the student population are international. All of the university’s departments provide English-taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses, and the institution provides more than 20 master’s degree programs in English.

5. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) was elevated to the status of a university in 2005 after having been founded in 1859 as the Norwegian Agricultural Postgraduate institution. In 1897, it became a top scientific university. Approximately 5,100 students and 1,700 faculty and staff make up NMBU, a public institution.

The main campus is situated in Akershus, Norway, in Ås. Along with a variety of historically significant buildings, Campus Ås is home to one of Norway’s most picturesque parks and Ås Farm, a research and teaching facility for traditional cattle. NMBU shares Campus Ås with Norway’s Institute of Food, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Research (Nofima) and Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO). The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is located on Campus Adamstuen. The faculty is unique among Norwegian universities in that it prepares veterinary doctors to practice in both the medical and public health sectors.

The mission of NMBU is to educate exceptional individuals, conduct innovative research, and engage in high-quality scholarship that extends existing knowledge. The university operates under the guiding ideals of academic freedom and research independence.

6. University of Stavanger

As a leading institution in the advancement of knowledge and social change processes, the University of Stavanger is known for its creative and global profile. A decent learning and working environment, green transition, energy, health, and welfare are the university’s focus areas.
With the Archaeological Museum as its crown jewel, UiS’s academic offerings are structured among six faculties, 13 departments, and several national research and competence centers. The university’s department for advanced and continuing education is UiS-EVU. At the University of Stavanger, there is an increasing number of English-taught foreign study programs. The UiS provides a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s level courses in a variety of subjects via its full-time master’s programs and student exchange programs.

Degree programs welcome students from anywhere around the globe, but exchange programs may only accept those whose home university has an existing exchange relationship with the UiS. Those interested in enrolling in Norwegian-taught degree programs may do so by completing the UiS’s one-year preparatory language program.

The University of Stavanger has about 1400 faculty and 10,000 students. Numerous research institutes are located close to the UiS, which is an additional advantage of the university. Working together with these research and academic institutions is advantageous for both organizations.

7. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) was founded in January 2017 by uniting five autonomous institutions in Bergen, Førde, Haugesund, Sogndal, and Stord. Among Norway’s most prestigious universities, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) stands prominently. On the list of top universities in the world, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences comes in at number 1640.

Each year, hundreds of HVL graduates contribute to significant social objectives in corporations, organizations, and other fields. HVL is spread out over five campuses and 400 kilometers along Norway’s western coast. At the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels, the institution provides a diverse selection of academic programs. Health- and social sciences, engineering, teacher education, marine sciences, natural sciences, culture and sports, social sciences, economics, and management at HVL are vibrant and inventive.

HVL is focused on a career path. The University’s educational programs, research, and development efforts provide fresh information and skills that are both globally rooted and locally applicable.

Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to travel and participate in high-quality exchange programs. Participation from students and partners, as well as members of the regional, national, and worldwide research communities, enhances the quality and relevance of HVL’s research.

8. University of Agder

Universitetet i Agder, or simply the University of Agder, is a public Norwegian university that has locations in both Kristiansand and Grimstad. Academic pursuits at the institution have been going on since 1839, but it wasn’t until 2007 that it was elevated to the rank of university. The merging of six colleges brought it into being in 1994.

As a global institution, the University of Agder is devoted to fostering international cooperation. Internationalization promotes cooperation, creativity, intercultural communication, and problem-solving, which are vital in global communities. Maintaining and expanding its reputation as a top worldwide research university is an ongoing priority for the University of Agder. More than 350 international students participate in the university’s exchange program each year, and the institution already has 400 exchange partnerships.

Student exchange programs and international research cooperation are examples of how the international emphasis is reflected in the large presence of students, professors, and researchers. There are a total of 44 bachelor’s degree programs, 33 master’s degree programs, and 14 PhD specializations available at this university. Additional options include shorter study programs and courses designed to promote lifetime learning.

Priority research centers of the University of Agder have been awarded to six centers. The centers will serve as UiA’s premier venues for global research beginning in 2019. The institution gives them top priority depending on their track record and their goals for future growth.

9. Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)

Among Europe’s most prestigious business schools, NHH – Norwegian School of Economics takes great pride in its high rankings and extensive academic offerings for undergraduates and graduate students. Their ultimate goal is to further establish themselves as a world leader in cutting-edge economic and business-related research.

The dedication to international education at NHH has been maintained over many years. The result is a vast exchange network that now includes 195 partner universities in more than 50 countries. The university is an active participant in many prominent international networks, including ENGAGE, PIM, ERASMUS+, NORDPLUS, and the highly regarded CEMS alliance. The university brings together eight powerful non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 34 leading business schools, and 70 multinational enterprises.

In addition, NHH feels proud to have earned international accreditations from prestigious organizations including EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB. These certifications demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards that are recognized worldwide.

By being committed to the principle of global citizenship, NHH can recognize and stand in solidarity with people all around the world. In line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations, their primary initiatives include a wide range of topics. About 4,500 students and 475 staff members work together to foster academic success, diversity, and inclusion within this lively community.

10. BI Norwegian Business School

As Norway’s preeminent institution for research-based business and management education, BI Norwegian Business School is both autonomous and non-profit. In all, there are six different campuses spread over Norway that this university serves. Along with Oslo, Norwegian universities also have campuses in Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Drammen, where foreign programs are offered.

By joining the community at BI Norwegian Business School, one may help bring about a more sustainable future via the combined efforts of scholars and entrepreneurs. When it comes to bachelor’s degree programs, 80% of students and 90% of master’s degree holders find jobs within six months after graduation.

At the international business school, students may get a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Data Science for Business, or Digital Business, and most of the master’s programs are taught in English. With over 80 different nationalities represented on campus, 20% of BI’s master’s students come from outside the country. The institution stands as one of the top 50 European business schools. They have also achieved three most prominent international accreditations including EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA.

Research in economics, finance, strategy, leadership, and business analytics are some of the university’s most renowned fields of study. The Center for Monetary Economics and the Center for Business Analytics are two of its many specialized research centers. To facilitate student exchanges, BI maintains a vast international network with more than 200 partner institutions throughout the globe. In addition to its associations with organizations in the United States, China, and Europe, BI is a member of the EFMD.

BI’s ultimate goal is to foster innovation and value creation via the acquisition of new skills and information. In pursuit of its mission to become “an internationally leading business school,” the institution seeks to educate future business leaders to be both intellectually and ethically brilliant.

Top Universities in Norway	Global Ranking 2024
University of Oslo	79
University of Bergen	205
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)	256
University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)	419
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)	854
University of Stavanger	996
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences	1640
University of Agder	1852
Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)	2069
BI Norwegian Business School	Not Ranked

Conclusion

To sum up, Norway’s universities are notable for their dedication to student-centered learning, innovative research, and high standards of academic performance. Norwegian universities create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that encourages students from all walks of life to think critically and work together. Students are prepared to face critical global concerns via a high-quality education that includes an emphasis on sustainability and global citizenship.

Furthermore, public universities attract a diverse group of students from all over the world since they do not charge foreign students any kind of tuition. Higher education in Norway is extremely desired due to its attractive campus life, beautiful natural landscapes, and strong student support networks. The universities of Norway are well-positioned to maintain their position as worldwide leaders in higher education by providing cutting-edge academic programs and research opportunities that benefit both local and international communities.

FAQs

Which University In Norway Has The Highest Ranking?

The University Of Oslo Holds The Top Spot In Norway’s University Rankings, as reported by QS World University Rankings.

What Is The Cost Of Tuition In Norway For Students From Abroad?

In public institutions, only the student union charge (30–60 EUR/semester) must be paid in full. Bachelor’s programs at private colleges cost 7,000–9,000 EUR/year. Masters programs cost 9,000–19,000 EUR/year.

How Does Norway’s Educational System Stand Out?

The Norwegian higher education system is well-known for its excellent academic standards, cutting-edge pedagogy, and friendly, casual relationships between professors and students.

Which Norwegian Job Pays The Most?

Engineering jobs are the highest-paying jobs in Norway.

Best Diplomats

Top Universities In Norway For International Students