Visit Ukraine - Studying in Norway for Ukrainians – visa, higher education, and work

Visa for studying in Norway How can Ukrainians obtain a visa in Norway? What documents are required for a visa? How much does a visa to Norway cost? How long is the visa valid for? 📌 Advice from Visit Ukraine Residence permit in Norway for Ukrainians

Visa for studying in Norway

Ukrainians who plan to study in Norway for more than 90 days must obtain a student residence permit. This is not a regular Schengen visa, but a document that gives you the full right to stay in the country for the entire period of your studies.

It allows you to:

study at a university or college;
use libraries, student dormitories, and transportation discounts;
work while studying (limited to 20 hours per week);
travel to Schengen countries without additional visas.

The peculiarity is that a student permit is immediately issued as a long-term stay and is extended for the next year depending on the program. This is much more convenient than applying for several short-term visas.

📌 Important: Ukrainians who have received temporary protection in Norway can study without a separate student visa, as they already have a residence permit.

How can Ukrainians obtain a visa in Norway?

The process consists of several stages, which should be started in advance (at least 3–4 months before the start of studies):

Enrollment at a university or college. First, you need to obtain an official letter of confirmation (admission letter) from the educational institution. This is a key document, without which a visa will not be issued.
Online application on the UDI website (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration). Here you create a personal account, fill out a questionnaire, and pay the consular fee.
Submission of documents to the consulate or visa center. During the submission, your fingerprints may be taken and a photo may be taken.
Application review. This usually takes 1–3 months, but during peak periods (summer-fall) it may take longer.
Arrival in Norway and registration with the police. Students must appear within 7 days of arrival to obtain a plastic residence permit card.

What documents are required for a visa?

The following documents are required for a student visa:

a valid passport (valid for at least one year);
official confirmation of enrollment;
proof of financial solvency (for 2026, 150,000 NOK ≈ 13,000 € per year is required; this can be a bank statement or a scholarship document);
proof of accommodation in Norway (rental agreement or confirmation of a place in a dormitory);
medical insurance for the entire period of stay;
completed application form and receipt of payment of the application fee;
color passport-size photo;
documents confirming previous education (certificate or diploma).

📌 Financial solvency is key. If you do not have enough money, your visa will be denied. Funds must be officially documented.

In Norway, when entering the country for study purposes, the lack of adequate health insurance may result in additional checks or delays, even if in some cases the policy is not formally required for short-term stays.

It is important for students to have proof of medical insurance coverage for the period until they are registered in the Norwegian health care system or for the entire duration of their studies (depending on the length of the program). Having a valid policy will help avoid complications when crossing the border and applying for a residence permit.

How much does a visa to Norway cost?

The cost of a student visa is 5400 NOK (≈ 460 €). This amount is paid when applying online. In case of refusal, the money is not refunded, so the documents must be prepared as carefully as possible.

How long is the visa valid for?

Usually, the permit is issued for 1 year. If the program is longer, the student must apply for an extension every year.

After completing their studies, graduates can obtain a job seeker permit — a permit to stay in the country for up to 12 months to find a job. This is a good opportunity to transition from student status to working status.

📌 Advice from Visit Ukraine

Obtaining temporary protection status, a student visa, or a residence permit in Norway can be a complicated process: from gathering documents and filling out forms correctly to confirming your studies or financial solvency. Any mistake can delay the consideration of your case or lead to its rejection. That is why it is worth using the help of Visit Ukraine lawyers, who accompany clients at all stages — from consultation to preparation of a complete set of documents. Our specialists will help you obtain the desired status faster and avoid risks.

Residence permit in Norway for Ukrainians

When a student arrives in Norway, they receive a plastic residence permit card. It confirms their legal status and gives them the following rights:

Work: up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. If you want to work more, you need additional approval from the UDI.
Healthcare: access to the healthcare system and social services on the same terms as Norwegian students.
Travel: free movement within the Schengen area without additional visas.
Family reunification: students can invite close family members if they can prove their financial ability to support them.
Extension of status: annual renewal of the permit until the end of studies.

📌 For Ukrainians with temporary protection, these rules are partially simplified: they can study without a student visa, using their current refugee status.

Higher education in Norway is based on the Bologna system, so Ukrainians will find the structure familiar. There are three levels:

Bachelor's degree — three years;
Master's degree — two years;
PhD (doctoral degree) — usually three years.

These degrees are automatically recognized in most European countries.

Types of educational institutions

There are two main types of higher education institutions in the country:

State universities and university colleges. They are funded by the state. Previously, education was free for everyone, but since 2023, most universities have introduced fees for foreigners outside the EU/EEA (including Ukrainians). In June 2025, the government abolished the mandatory rule, and now each university decides for itself whether to charge tuition fees.
Private colleges (høyskoler). They have always had their own tuition fees, which are usually higher than those of public universities.

Language of instruction

Most bachelor's programs are taught in Norwegian. There are many English-language programs at the master's and PhD levels. For example, at the University of Oslo, NTNU, or the University of Bergen.

To be admitted, you must confirm your language proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL for English programs or a Norwegian language certificate (e.g., Bergenstesten).

Accessibility for foreigners

Norwegian universities are open to students from all over the world, including Ukrainians. There are no special quotas or restrictions for admission: if you meet the program requirements, you can apply on equal terms with other foreign students. This applies to both bachelor's and master's or PhD programs.

However, there are a few important points to consider:

Confirmation of previous education. Universities will check whether your certificate or diploma meets Norwegian standards. For a bachelor's degree, you must have a complete secondary education, and for a master's degree, you must have a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.
Recognition of diplomas. Most Ukrainian certificates and diplomas are automatically recognized after official translation into English or Norwegian. However, in cases where there are differences in the curriculum (for example, in the fields of medicine, law, or pedagogy), the university may require confirmation through the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT). This is called nostrification.
Academic requirements. Some programs, especially master's programs, may require a minimum grade point average or certain subjects in previous education. For example, technical majors often check the level of mathematics or physics.
Language requirements. If you choose an English-language program, you must provide an IELTS or TOEFL certificate. For programs in Norwegian, you must provide a Bergenstesten or other recognized exam.

Thus, Ukrainians have full access to the Norwegian higher education system, but for successful admission, they must prepare translations of documents in advance and, if necessary, undergo the nostrification procedure.

The process of admission to Norwegian universities is quite transparent for Ukrainians, but it requires careful preparation. It is important to collect a complete set of documents and meet the application deadlines, as they are strict.

Required documents

The standard list for most programs includes:

high school diploma or bachelor's/master's degree with an official translation into English or Norwegian;
language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs or Bergenstesten for Norwegian-language programs);
a motivation letter explaining why you want to study this particular program;
1–2 letters of recommendation from teachers or employers;
CV/resume with academic and professional experience;
copy of passport;
proof of financial means (required for visa and residence permit).

Exams and preparatory courses

In most cases, there are no separate entrance exams. Admission is based on your GPA, motivation letter, and additional university requirements. If your level of education is deemed insufficient, you may be offered a Foundation Year — a preparatory year.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online through university portals.
For some programs, you can use the national platform Samordna opptak (it covers most bachelor's programs in Norwegian).
Applications for master's and English-language programs are usually submitted directly through the university's website.

Deadlines

for bachelor's programs — usually by December 1 of the previous year (for fall enrollment);
for master's programs — mostly by December 1–January 1, depending on the university;
you need to check the website of the specific institution, as the deadlines vary.

Nostrification of diplomas

If your diploma or certificate needs to be confirmed, this is done by NOKUT. They determine whether Ukrainian education meets Norwegian standards. Without this procedure, your documents may not be accepted.

Housing in Norway is one of the most important issues for Ukrainian students. Rent is expensive here, but universities try to help through student dormitories and support organizations.

Halls of residence

Most universities cooperate with student welfare organizations that manage halls of residence. In Oslo, for example, this is SiO.

The cost of a dormitory usually ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 NOK/month (≈ 300–500 €).
You can choose a room with a private bathroom or a cheaper option with shared facilities.
To get a place, you need to apply immediately after enrollment, as demand is high.

Renting

If dormitory accommodation is not available, you can rent an apartment or room on the private market:

A one-room apartment in Oslo costs around 12,000–15,000 NOK/month (€1,000–1,300).
Prices are lower in smaller cities, starting at 7,000 NOK/month (≈ €600).
Popular websites for finding accommodation: finn.no, hybel.no.

Residence permit

Upon arrival, foreign students must obtain a residence permit for study:

The application is submitted through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
The permit is issued for the duration of your studies, after which you will receive a residence card confirming your right to live and study in Norway.

Thus, students have two main options — more affordable dormitories or private rentals. But in any case, housing costs in Norway are significant, so it is worth planning your budget in advance.

Norway has long been known for its free education for all, but since 2023, foreign students from countries outside the EU/EEA (including Ukrainians) have faced mandatory fees. In 2025, the rules changed: the government abolished mandatory fees for everyone, and now each university decides for itself whether to keep tuition fees. This means that conditions vary from institution to institution.

Average cost of tuition

At public universities, many programs remain free, but some institutions have introduced fees. The amount can range from 80,000 to 150,000 NOK per year (≈ €6,800–12,800).
At private colleges, tuition is traditionally more expensive — from NOK 120,000 to 400,000 per year (≈ €10,000–34,000).
Ukrainians pay the same fees as other foreigners, with the exception of those who have refugee status or temporary protection in Norway — they often receive benefits.

Additional student expenses

In addition to tuition fees, other mandatory budget items should be taken into account:

Administrative fees — approximately 600–700 NOK/year (≈ €50).
Insurance. Medical insurance is mandatory. Without it, students will not receive a visa or residence permit. A convenient option is to take out an international policy at Visit Ukraine (meets the requirements of visa centers and is suitable for study).
Accommodation. On average, from 3,500 NOK/month in a dormitory to 12,000 NOK/month in a private apartment.
Food and transportation. Students spend approximately 3,000–4,000 NOK/month on food and another 600 NOK/month on public transportation.
Textbooks and materials. On average, 3,000–5,000 NOK/year.

Total expenses

According to official data from Study in Norway, a student must have at least 13,790 NOK/month (≈ 1,200 €) to cover accommodation and living expenses. This is the official minimum, which must also be shown when obtaining a student permit.

Thus, studying in Norway can be either completely free (depending on the university) or quite expensive. But even at paid universities, costs are often lower than in the UK or the US, and the quality of education remains one of the highest in Europe.

Even though some universities in Norway have made education fee-based for foreigners, Ukrainian students have the opportunity to significantly reduce their expenses thanks to scholarships, grants, and special support programs.

Is there free education for foreigners?

At some public universities (especially in smaller cities), education remains free even for students from outside the EU/EEA.
Ukrainians with temporary protection or refugee status are often exempt from tuition fees. Details should be clarified directly with the university.

State and university scholarships

Lånekassen is a Norwegian state fund that supports students. It provides loans and grants, some of which can be converted into non-repayable aid. Ukrainians with temporary protection are eligible to apply: lanekassen.no.
Scholarships from individual universities. For example, the University of Oslo and the University of Bergen offer financial assistance to foreign students in master's programs.

International programs

Erasmus+ — Ukrainians can study in Norway on an exchange program for a semester or a year: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu.
Nordplus — scholarships and grants for students from Northern European countries, including foreigners in partner programs: nordplusonline.org.
EEA/Norway Grants — support programs for students from countries that cooperate with Norway, including Ukraine: eeagrants.org.

Special opportunities for Ukrainians

After 2022, Norwegian universities and international foundations launched separate scholarships for students from Ukraine. They can cover:

full or partial tuition fees;
accommodation in a dormitory;
costs of educational materials.

To find current offers, check the Study in Norway portal regularly, as well as the websites of specific universities.

✅ Thus, even if a university charges high tuition fees, Ukrainian students have a real chance to reduce their expenses thanks to state grants, Erasmus+, Nordplus, or special scholarships for refugees.