Timelines
Firstly, it’s worth noting that the average education duration in Norway is 13 years, after which students typically enter the first year of their bachelor’s degree program at around 19 years old. If a Ukrainian student decides to apply to a Norwegian university after completing school, they cannot do so directly. They must first study for 1-2 years at a Ukrainian higher education institution, preferably in a similar field. The duration of education does not differ significantly: a bachelor’s degree typically takes 3-4 years, a master’s degree takes 2 years, and a Ph.D. program takes 3 years.
Requirements
The admission requirements are much easier than in Ukraine, partly because there are no entrance exams like the Ukrainian External Independent Testing (ZNO). All you need is a high average grade from your school leaving certificate, and for international students, proficiency in Norwegian and English at a level higher than B2. It’s worth noting that bachelor’s programs are mostly taught in Norwegian, with English being used less frequently. However, in master’s programs, it’s the opposite, as most universities teach in English.
Cost of Education
Studying at public Norwegian universities is free, making private universities less popular, and there are fewer of them. However, there are some nuances. For each exam, a fee must be paid to obtain a diploma. This amounts to approximately 500 euros per semester. It’s possible to bypass these fees and complete your education entirely for free by attending lectures, doing practical assignments, and various types of work without taking exams. However, this option is typically chosen for self-improvement, as a diploma will not be issued without paying the fees. Additionally, the university requires proof that the student has more than 11,000 euros in their bank account to ensure they can cover exam fees, dormitory costs, library access, full meals, and other expenses.
