What are Norway’s visa requirements for international students?

Looking for a high quality of life, relatively affordable further education, and access to a thriving job market? Look no further than Norway. These are just a few of the reasons why the Scandinavian country attracts international students each year—and that’s without even mentioning the numerous top business schools found there.

BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo is Norway’s top business school. It offers a range of master’s degrees while its Executive MBA program, held jointly with Fudan University School of Management in China, is ranked 21st among the Financial Times’ top EMBA programs. Norwegian School of Economics is the country’s oldest business school and is also renowned for its Executive MBA program.

If you’re looking to secure your spot at a Norwegian university, you’ll likely need a student visa (unless you are a student from Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, or Finland). Here, we break down the process of applying for a Norway student visa, from the required documents to the cost of the application.

Summary of the student visa process to study in Norway

If you’re applying for a student visa for Norway, you’ll need to gather documents including your passport, proof of acceptance for your studies, proof of financial means, and evidence of accommodation. You’ll pay NOK 5,400 (US$568) in application fees. Official guidance says that if you apply before July 1, 2026, you will receive a decision on your application before the start of your studies in autumn 2026 (usually mid-August).

The Norway student visa: Requirements and how to apply

What documents are required to get a student visa for Norway?

To kick off your student visa application to study in Norway, you’ll be required to present several key documents.

You’ll need a valid passport, along with one recent passport-style photo.

You’ll need to provide proof of acceptance from your university of choice—usually in the form of an acceptance letter or enrollment certificate. This should include your name, intended study program, and the length of the program in question.

You’ll also need to demonstrate that you have the financial means to cover your living expenses for the duration of your studies—NOK 15,488 (around US$1,600) per month or NOK 170,368 (around US$18,000) per year—plus sufficient funds for your tuition fees. This amount will be higher if you are bringing family members with you.

You may be expected to show proof of health insurance that will cover you in Norway or, for students from the European Union/European Economic Area, a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

In addition, you’ll need to demonstrate proof of accommodation, whether via a private tenancy agreement, student housing agreement, or letter from a household where you are staying.

How can I apply for a student visa for Norway? 

Once you’ve gathered the required documents for your student visa for Norway, you can start your application. This predominantly takes place online, where you’ll provide certain details to support your application.

After the online portion of your application is complete, you’ll need to finish your application in person at a Norwegian embassy or a visa administration center (such as VFS Global), where you’ll hand in your required documentation. You can find more details online about where to make this in-person appointment, depending on your nationality and where you are applying from.

The embassy will hold on to this documentation while processing your application, so if you need your passport back before a decision is made, you’ll need to let them know.

How much does an application cost for a student visa in Norway? 

To apply for your visa to study in Norway, you’ll need to pay an application fee. This currently costs NOK 5,400 (US$568).

It’s worth considering the additional costs that accompany the application, including private health insurance and funds to support yourself during your stay.How long does it take to get a student visa for Norway approved in 2026?

The time it takes to receive your student visa for Norway will vary. Official guidance says that if you apply before July 1, 2026, you will receive a decision on your application before the start of your studies in autumn 2026 (usually mid-August).

A ticket to a top Scandinavian study destination?

Norway offers exciting prospects for international business students and career professionals. Norway is a member of the EEA, providing access to one of the world’s most thriving economic markets, while also maintaining a degree of independence.

It’s also a country that boasts pedigree across several top industries. As well as being a hub of financial activity, Norway is a key center for the energy, shipping, and oil and gas industries and more recently, it has gained traction as a technology hub.

Securing a student visa for Norway is a multifaceted process, requiring you to apply both online and subsequently in person, and to provide your passport as well as proof of acceptance, financial means, health insurance, and accommodation.

However, securing a student visa for Norway is a ticket to opportunity, and a first step toward carving out an exciting career in a unique and exciting European economy.