Completing a university degree is often considered to be an expensive endeavour and tuition fees are usually making up the bulk part of the cost. The majority of Norwegian universities and state university colleges are publicly funded and the Norwegian government considers access to higher education for all to be an important part of the Norwegian society. Thus, as a rule Norwegian state universities and university colleges do not charge tuition fees. This also applies to foreign students, no matter which country you come from. However, you should take into consideration that living expenses in Norway are higher than in many other countries.

"Nothing is for free" is a saying that is true in many cases. However, in Norway it is possible to get quality education without having to pay tuition fees. If certain prerequisites are met you could also be eligible for financial support that can pay for your living expenses. Through various fellowship programmes, scholarship schemes or student loans, international students can receive funding for a full degree or a limited number of semesters.

No tuition fees 
Generally, students at state universities and university colleges do not pay tuition fees. This is true for all levels, including undergraduate studies, Masters programmes and Ph.D. programmes. However, students will have to pay a semester fee of NOK 300-600 each semester. In order to take an exam this fee will have to be paid in full. But the fee also grants you membership in the local student welfare organisation, which in turn entitles you to several benefits. These benefits may include on campus health services, counselling, access to sports facilities and cultural activities.

Payment of the semester fee is also neccessary to get an official student card that, among other things, gives you reduced fares on most forms of public transport and lower ticket prices to various cultural events.

Programmes and courses with tutition fees
Most private institutions have tuition fees for all their programmes and courses. But the fees are usually significantly lower than those of comparable studies in most other countries. Also, foreign students don't pay higher tuition fees than Norwegian students.

State universities and university colleges may have tuition fees for a few specialised programmes. Typically these programmes are at the Masters level.

Accommodation costs

Students pay around 36% out of the total living costs on accommodation, so invest in something proper.

You will, generally, pay a monthly average of 1,500 EUR for accommodation in a private rental apartment, with utilities included. Accommodation prices in Oslo can lead up to 1,700 EUR per month, for instance.

Students look for accommodation on campuses and in private apartments. Here are some of the average monthly costs for housing in Norway:

• Students who live alone: 639 EUR
• Students who live with their partner/children: 787 EUR
• Students who live in residence halls: 564 EUR

Transportation costs

In Norway, 41% of the students use public transportation and use their discounts provided by the university card. The total cost of a monthly transport pass is between 55 and 72 EUR, and additional transportation can have:

• A starting price of 10 EUR and 1.6 EUR/kilometre, for taxis;
• A rate of around 55 EUR for 7 months, for bike rentals

Extra costs

During your studies, you will need books, magazines, and other supplies for your courses and research. These usually reach around 530 EUR per semester, but you can also buy used books from libraries and save some money.

For social activities, you should prepare an estimate of 70 EUR/month.

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