How to Get Student Visa for Norway (Requirements)

Considered as the best country to live in, Norway is a perfect venue for one’s study abroad experience. With its high rating for convenient and comfortable life, it is unsurprising to know that many international students wish to enroll in one of its universities. If you are one of these students, who would want to study and live in Norway for more than three months, you need to secure a student visa or a student residence permit. Since Edarabia wants to be with you through your study abroad journey, we have compiled useful information to guide you in your student visa application.

Table of Contents

1. Who needs to apply for a student visa in Norway?
2. Steps in Applying for a Student Visa in Norway
3. What can a student visa in Norway give you?

Who needs to apply for a student visa in Norway?

Generally, if you are an international student whose study program would extend for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a study permit. However, the process differs depending on your country of origin. See below list if you belong in a specific classification, so you could be guided accordingly.

International Students from Nordic Countries
The Nordic countries belong to a cultural group consisting of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. If you are a citizen from any of the above-mentioned countries, you are not required to go through the entire visa application process. In short, you can enter and study in Norway without a residence permit, although you have to report to the National Registry about your intention to study in Norway. You would also need to appear at a tax office in Norway so they could verify your identification, especially if your study program would last for more than six months.

International Students from the EU/EEA/EFTA Countries
International applicants who are citizens of countries that belong to the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are also not required to apply for a student residence permit to commence their studies in Norway. If you are one of these students, all you need to accomplish is an online police registration, travel arrangements to Norway, and appearance before the local police station within three months of arrival in the country. Documents will be asked to verify your intention of staying in Norway. Check out the table below for the countries included in this classification:

International Students from Non-EU/EEA/EFTA/Nordic Countries
If you are a citizen who does not fall into the above country classifications, you will have to undergo the student visa application process before you can study at a university in Norway. Don’t worry, we are here to walk you through the application process in detail.

Steps in Applying for a Student Visa in Norway

The procedures for obtaining a student visa or student residence permit in Norway vary according to one’s home country. However, we have listed the general steps for every international applicant:

• Apply to your selected Norwegian university. Once successful, you can proceed to the subsequent steps.
• Check if your country requires an online or a paper application. You can do this by visiting the Norwegian consulate nearest to you or the Norwegian immigration website. You may also ask the university, as it always has an international student guide for you.
• Settle the application fee. The fee depends on your country of origin. Generally, it is NOK 5,300 ($633).
• Open a Norwegian bank account as per the requirement of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration. You can ask your university for guidance about this because you will find it difficult to open an account without a Norwegian personal number.
• Set aside the financial resources for your intended stay in Norway. The current fund requirement is NOK 116,369 ($13,893) per academic year. If you are a recipient of any scholarship or financial aid in Norway or your country of residence, you have to show documentation for it as well.
• Look for accommodation options. Try searching online for a private house, apartment, or a residence hall at your university.
• Secure the documents required for your application. These are as follows:
• Duly accomplished application form
• Valid passport
• Recent photograph
• Letter of admission or acceptance into a university
• Proof of funds
• Proof of accommodation in Norway
• Medical or health insurance
• Flight return ticket
• Send your application either online or in print. Some countries would be advised to submit their forms to a Swedish or Danish consulate.

The processing of student visas could take several months; thus, it is best to prepare in advance, and send in your application at the soonest possible time. When your application is approved, you can acquire a residence card for your studies in Norway.

What can a student visa in Norway give you?

A student visa in Norway does not only grant you entry to the country and to a university you selected. Moreover, it also allows you to get a part-time job while studying full-time. International students in Norway can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week on school days, and without time restrictions during holidays and university breaks. Some international students are allowed to have a full-time work permit in Norway, provided that it is parallel to the curriculum of their study program. In this case, all you need to submit is proof of an employment offer. You can also renew your student residence permit within three months before its expiration. You can do this through verified financial proof and a report of your university progress.

If you decide to stay in Norway after completing your study program, you can apply for a residence permit that can cover six months so you can find a job in the country. The immigration office will decide whether you can stay longer and work in the country. They will look at your educational background and employment offer as evidence of your acquired skills during your stay.

We wish you every success in your student visa application in Norway! Click on the following related pages for further information about Norway as a study abroad destination.

Related Pages
How to Apply for a University in Norway
Best Student Cities in Norway
How to Get a Scholarship in Norway
Norwegian Graduate Studies 101: What You Need to Know