Study in Norway
Norway Study 2026: 10 Affordable Universities for Non-EU, Bangladeshi Students
Norwegian universities have quietly built a global reputation for academic depth and research excellence that extends even to foreign students. What draws non-EU and non-EEA students to Norway is the rare affordability of public and state universities that few other nations offer. Most undergraduate programmes are taught in Norwegian, encouraging immersion in the local culture. However, the real gateway for incoming students lies in the country’s extensive scope of English-taught postgraduate degrees, particularly at the master’s level. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 comparatively low-cost Norwegian universities for Bangladeshi and other non-EU international students in 2026.
10 Affordable Norwegian Universities for Bangladeshi & Non-EU Students in 2026
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University of Bergen
In the heart of Norway’s coastal city life stands the University of Bergen – an institution whose campuses stretch across two main districts, Arstadvollen and Nygardshoyden.
Tuition fees are set between NOK 190,000 and 387,745, which translates to BDT 23,30,270 and 47,55,529 (NOK 1 = BDT 12.21), subject to the program. The application portal for bachelor’s and master’s degrees opens from November 1 to December 1, 2025. PhD deadlines vary across disciplines and are set to roll out over the coming months.
University Web Portal: https://www.uib.no/en
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University of Oslo
At the centre of Norway’s academic legacy lies the University of Oslo, the country’s oldest and largest institution of higher learning.
Annual tuition ranges from NOK 136,000 to 295,000 (BDT 16,67,983 - 36,18,050), depending on the level of study. For bachelor’s programmes, applications close on April 15, 2026, while master’s applicants may submit their forms between October 15, 2025, and December 1, 2025. PhD candidates are called for registration based on the vacant positions, which are frequently announced through the academic portal.
University Website: https://www.uio.no/english/
UiT The Arctic University of Norway
A public research institution located in Tromsø, UiT The Arctic University of Norway is widely recognised as the world’s northernmost university.
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The application portal for international degree students beginning in autumn 2026 will open on October 15, 2025, with submissions due by November 15, 2025. Tuition fees range widely – from NOK 48,200 to 373,500 (BDT 5,91,152 - 45,80,820) per year – for bachelor’s and master’s programmes alike. Meanwhile, PhD opportunities remain available throughout the year, with deadlines based on the field of research.
University Digital Platform: https://en.uit.no/
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Shaped by the merger of several former colleges, the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences sits amid the scenic surroundings of Bergen. The public institute is spread across five campuses: Bergen, Forde, Haugesund, Sogndal, and Stord.
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Beyond its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the institution also offers pathways to doctoral research. All in all, the tuition costs around NOK 130,000 and 500,000 (BDT 15,94,395 - 61,32,289). The application period runs from October 1 to December 1, 2025, with December 1 marking the final deadline for all study programmes.
University Site: https://www.hvl.no/en/
University of South-Eastern Norway
Anchored in Notodden, the University of South-Eastern Norway extends its presence through campuses in Bo in Telemark, Porsgrunn, Rauland, Drammen, Honefoss, Kongsberg, and Horten.
The state university offers a broad selection of study options, ranging from short professional courses to full-length bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes.
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The admission phase runs from October 1 and closes on December 1, 2025. Tuition fees fall within NOK 140,000 to 260,000 (BDT 17,17,041 - 31,88,790), depending on the program.
University Web Portal: https://www.usn.no/english/
Oslo Metropolitan University
Situated across Oslo and Kjeller, Oslo Metropolitan University operates as a state-run institution that blends research and applied learning. It opens its application window on January 1, 2026, running through mid-April for most programmes.
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Annual tuition charges from NOK 190,000 to 418,000 (BDT 23,30,270 - 51,26,594). For those pursuing doctoral studies, applications remain open every month with different deadlines for multiple disciplines.
University Website: https://www.oslomet.no/en/
Ostfold University College
In the southeastern county of Ostfold, Ostfold University College maintains campuses in both Fredrikstad and Halden, fostering a close-knit yet vibrant academic community.
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The public university college offers an array of programmes at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, with tuition expenses between NOK 141,000 and 538,000 (BDT 17,29,305 - 65,98,343). The enrolment window for the coming intake opens from February 1 to March 1, 2026. PhD positions are announced periodically and listed alongside other institutional vacancies on the institute’s official portal.
University Portal: https://www.hiof.no
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Situated in Trondheim, with campuses in Gjovik and Alesund, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology stands as one of Norway’s most research-intensive institutions.
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Tuition expenses extend from NOK 170,500 to 510,600 (BDT 20,91,110 - 62,62,293) per academic year, applicable to both bachelor’s and master’s students. The incoming students outside the EU/EEA can apply from November 1 to December 1, 2025. PhD programme deadlines vary according to individual research vacancies, details of which are available on the university's official website.
University Online Platform: https://www.ntnu.edu/
University of Inland Norway
Nestled across the Innlandet county, the University of Inland Norway operates multiple campuses, including Blaestad, Elverum, Evenstad, Hamar, Lillehammer, Rena, Oslo, Tynset, and Kongsvinger.
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Annual tuition costs range from NOK 65,500 to 531,000 (BDT 8,03,330 - 65,12,491), covering programmes at all academic levels. The application window opens on November 1, 2025, with a final deadline of January 15, 2026. Doctoral programme applications are discipline-specific and follow separate timelines throughout the year.
University Portal: https://www.inn.no/english/
Volda University College
Set in the quiet town of Volda in More og Romsdal county, Volda University College has earned a reputation for its close academic community.
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Annual education fees vary between NOK 84,000 and 156,000 (BDT 10,30,224 - 19,13,274), applicable to bachelor’s, master’s, and other modes of study. The application period begins on October 15, 2025, and closes on January 15, 2026.
University Website: https://www.hivolda.no/en
Final Words
The cheapest Norwegian universities for Bangladeshi and other non-EU international students in 2026 represent Norway's liberal approach to education. Among them, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, University of Inland Norway, and Volda University College emerge as the most budget-friendly choices. Meanwhile, Oslo Metropolitan University, Ostfold University College, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology belong to the higher-cost bracket. Falling somewhere in between are the University of Bergen, University of Oslo, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, and University of South-Eastern Norway. Together, these institutions reflect an opportunity that continues to attract ambitious non-EU/EEA students seeking quality higher education in a globally respected system.
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Free Education Scopes in Norway for International Students at Masters, PhD Programs
Norway is one of the more picturesque countries nestled within the Nordic region of Europe. Being a part of the welfare economies of the world, this small yet populous country of northern Europe boasts a robust higher education system and scope for aspiring foreign students.
Just like its European counterparts, higher education is free in Norway making it one of the preferred destinations. And not to mention the work opportunities that come with it. In this article, we take a detailed look into the requirements and admission process to land a higher study opportunity in Norway.
Why Should You Study in Norway?
Since 2003, the government of Norway has focused on reforming the entire education system to make it in line with the Bologna system. The move was made as part of making Norway a global education hub as the country required more and more skilled labor in its diverse economic sectors.
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As a result, the 49 state and private-run universities have seen a massive overhaul over the last two decades which has prompted Norway to emerge as one of the top higher education destinations in northern Europe. Among its universities, the University of Oslo broke into the global top 100 ranks for best universities and currently holds the 90th position as the best higher study destination according to QS ranking.
Does that grab your attention? Because now we will take step-by-step requirements for different higher study options like bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. in Norway.
How Can International Students Do Post Graduation in Norway without Tuitions
Educational Requirements
The minimum standard to get into a Norwegian university is set by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education NOKUT every year. The agency works directly under the ministry of education and has been a regulatory authority for international and domestic higher education since the reform in 2003.
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The website itself won’t be of much help to you if you can’t understand Norwegian. But the consensus is pretty standard across the board.
If you are looking to apply for a bachelor's, you will need to show 13 years of completed formal education in your home country. Yes, the requirements are a year more where you actually need to enroll at a university in your home country and then apply for a bachelor's in Norway anew.
For a master's, students need to complete either a 3 year or 4 year’s accredited bachelor's program and are allowed to pursue the core stream of bachelor's in masters only. For a Ph.D., the requirements are standard with a completed master's and concentration in academia.
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Language Requirements
Higher study in Norway is available in both English and Norwegian. But most international students opt to study English for their higher education. An exception can be seen for students who pursue Norwegian linguistics as a higher study subject.
Generally, students need to clear a 5-band score on the IELTS academic test. The score roughly equates to a 60 point scale for TOEFL IBT.
Most international students look for part-time jobs and we’ll talk about it in detail in the cost of living section. But to get any type of job in Norway, you will need to clear level 3 of Norwegian for International students. This specific course varies between institutes, but the general curriculum is the same.
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Application Documents
Just like most European universities, there’s a checklist of documents you need to submit for admission to any of the three higher study levels. The first thing to note here is that SAT isn’t required for admission to a bachelor’s degree. Neither is GRE or GMAT a mandatory requirement for masters. Norway only checks for educational transcripts and language proficiency. Additional requirements include –
1. Transcripts verifying years of schooling
2. 2 LORs
3. CV
4. Statement of Purpose
5. Financial Statements
As long as you can manage these documents, you’re good to apply to any higher study institution in Norway.
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Financial Requirements
Students wishing to study in Norway can do so for free. Other than a select few private institutes, all the national universities are completely free without any tuition requirements. But it also comes with a few caveats.
Even though there are no tuition fees, students are still required to show that they can support their stay and living expenses in Norway with an annual amount of around 13,600 USD which roughly translates to 12,88,464 BDT (1 USD = 94.74 BDT)
Like other European countries, this amount needs to be shown in a blocked account created by the university for the student. So while education itself is free in Norway, the cost of living is definitely something to take note of.
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Students can get part-time jobs in Norway as opportunities are abundant. but as mentioned earlier, they will need to cover at least level 3 of Norwegian to be able to land most jobs.
Now the question is, is a part-time job sustainable in Norway? There are a lot of scholarships and grants available in universities. Students can apply to them if they want to minimize part-time jobs and stay focused on their studies. To be honest, money management is the key here. And as for whether it is enough to sustain living in Norway with part-time jobs, it's definitely possible.
Academic Calendar
Sessions in Norway are usually for 10 months divided between two semesters in each academic year. Students can apply in both the semesters. But historically, the intake is always high for the fall semester as it provides better scholarship and grant opportunities.
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For fall intake, students need to apply to prospective universities around November – December of the previous year when the application opens. There’s no centralized application system in Norway, so you will have to apply to each university individually following their respective guidelines.
To know more about selection, scholarships, and application deadlines, visit Study in Norway created by the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education.
Final Words
With its breathtaking mountain range and picturesque cities, Norway is a country straight out of storybooks. As a welfare nation, the demand for skilled labor is higher than ever with the government showing intent to make the country a global education hub. Now is a better time than ever to consider higher education opportunities in Norway at free of cost. So far, we have discussed how to get admission in the tuition-free universities in Norway at masters and PhD programs. The international students from Bangladesh or any other country can take this opportunity to shape their future. Hope it helps!
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