🇳🇴 How to apply to university in Norway

Applications go through Samordna opptak (NUCAS). Programmes usually start: August.

Checked on 20 October 2026 against the official sources listed below.

The essentials

Application system: Samordna opptak (NUCAS)Coordinates admission to undergraduate programmes at public universities and university colleges; English-taught programmes for international students are usually applied for at each institution.
When programmes start: August.
International applicants: Norwegian-taught programmes are applied for through Samordna opptak; English-taught bachelor's programmes through each institution's own system, usually between December and February for non-EU/EEA applicants. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland pay tuition and need a study permit from UDI.
Language: English (usually IELTS or TOEFL) for English-taught programmes; Norwegian for Norwegian-taught ones.

Key dates

Samordna opptak's published calendar is for 2026; the 2027 one isn't out yet. In 2026 applications opened on 1 February, the ordinary deadline was 15 April (1 March for some groups) and results came in July. For non-EU/EEA applicants applying directly to an institution, deadlines are usually earlier, from December to February.

The dates for the next intake haven't been published yet. We add them once the official source does.

Your checklist

The usual steps for an international student applying to a bachelor's in Norway, in order. Tick them off as you go — your ticks stay in this browser, with no account.

1.Find a programme on Study in Norway and check whether you apply through Samordna opptak or directly to the institution.
2.Check the general entry requirements for your country's school qualifications and the language requirement.
3.Take an English test (usually IELTS or TOEFL), or show Norwegian for Norwegian-taught programmes.
4.Apply by the deadline — for non-EU/EEA applicants often between December and February.
5.Accept your offer and pay tuition if you're from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland (Norway charges them since 2023).
6.Apply to the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for a study permit, with proof of admission, funds and housing.
7.Arrange housing — the study permit asks for it.

0 of 7 done · ticks are saved in this browser only

Next steps

Sources

Written by CollegeMatcher in our own words from these official pages, checked on 20 October 2026. Dates change every year.

Study in Norway — Entry requirements for bachelor and master programmes