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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 . 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 Read more: International Air Flights with Connecting Flights: Beginner’s Guide for Transfer-transit Passengers 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. Read more: How to Use ChatGPT and Other AI Tools to Improve Your IELTS Writing and Speaking Preparation 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. Read more: Top 10 Countries Offering Post-Study Work Visas for International Students 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. Read more: How Bangladeshi Students Can Attest Certificates Online Before Going Overseas 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. Read more: How To Prepare For Higher Studies Abroad After HSC 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. Read more: Higher Studies in Italy: Application Process, Costs, Student Visa, Scholarships, and Benefits 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.  Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s in Romania: Application Process, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students 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. Read more: Staying Safe When Studying Abroad: Essential Considerations 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. Read more: Top 10 International Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad 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. Read more: Study in Ireland: Application process, cost for international students

Cristiano Ronaldo once again found himself at the heart of global football headlines during the ongoing international break. Portugal edged past Hungary in a tense World Cup qualifier, thanks to a late winner from João Cancelo. Yet, as so often, it was Ronaldo who stole the limelight not only for his performance but for another landmark goal that added weight to his legendary career. In the 58th minute, the Al Nassr striker calmly converted a penalty, putting Portugal ahead and etching his name into history yet again. With that strike, Ronaldo became the joint-highest scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 39 goals, standing shoulder to shoulder with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. The milestone came just five days after Lionel Messi presumably played the last match of his career in the World Cup qualifiers on home soil with Argentina. Ronaldo’s penalty not only extended his personal tally but also widened the gap over his eternal rival. He now sits three goals ahead of Messi in qualifiers, underlining how the duel between the two greats continues to shape football’s narrative even in its twilight. With this latest addition, Ronaldo’s international goal count swelled to 141 in 223 appearances, the highest in men’s football. Messi, with 114 goals in 194 caps, trails by a significant margin, though still far ahead of Iran’s Ali Daei, who retired with 108 goals from 148 matches. But while Messi and Ronaldo remain the gold standard of international goal-scoring, a new generation has already started rewriting record books. France’s Kylian Mbappé, at just 26, surpassed Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 to become his country’s second-highest scorer with 52 goals. Now just five behind Olivier Giroud, Mbappé seems destined to become France’s all-time top scorer before long. With his pace, consistency, and age on his side, many believe he could eventually challenge Ronaldo’s monumental record. Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, still only 17, has already shown flashes of brilliance for La Roja. If his talent matures and injuries stay at bay, Yamal could well join the pantheon of international greats in the decades to come. Yet, amid this shifting landscape, one name stands out as a genuine threat to Ronaldo’s seemingly unbreakable record: Erling Haaland. The 25-year-old Norwegian forward, already a household name thanks to his club Manchester City, is rapidly building an international legacy of his own. Last night, Haaland spearheaded Norway’s extraordinary 11–1 demolition of Moldova, netting five goals in a single match. The performance elevated his international tally to 48 goals in just 45 appearances, giving him a jaw-dropping strike rate of 1.07 goals per game. To put that in perspective, Ronaldo averages 0.63, Messi 0.59, and Mbappé 0.57 goals per match. Haaland, in other words, is scoring at nearly double the rate of the two greatest of all time. Haaland’s meteoric rise is even more remarkable when you consider the timeline. Since debuting for Norway on September 5, 2019, he has amassed 48 goals in just six years. Ronaldo, by comparison, had scored 22 international goals at the same point in his career. Age is another factor tilting the balance. Ronaldo, who has hinted multiple times that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will likely be his last dance, is expected to retire at 41. Messi, at 38, remains undecided about extending his international journey that far. Haaland, however, has at least 13–15 prime years ahead. If his current scoring rate holds—even allowing for dips in form or injury breaks—he could end his career eclipsing Ronaldo’s all-time record. Of course, the caveat lies in Norway’s fortunes. Unlike Portugal or Argentina, the Norwegians are not perennial favorites at major tournaments. The fewer games his team plays in continental championships and World Cups, the fewer chances Haaland will have to add to his tally. Still, his efficiency is so staggering that even with limited opportunities, his pursuit of Ronaldo’s record feels inevitable rather than speculative. As football’s torch gradually passes from Ronaldo and Messi to the next generation, the question now lingers: will Haaland’s ruthless efficiency make him the new benchmark in international football? For now, Ronaldo’s crown remains intact. But with every Haaland hat-trick and brace, that once-untouchable record looks just a little more fragile.

Former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday that he is returning to government in his native Norway as finance minister. Stoltenberg led NATO from 2014, until he handed over to current Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the beginning of October. Before taking over at NATO, Stoltenberg served as Norway's prime minister from 2000 to 2001, and 2005 to 2013, reports AP. His term at NATO was repeatedly extended to keep a steady hand at the helm after Russian launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thwarting plans for Stoltenberg to take over as head of Norway’s central bank. He is returning to government after Norway’s governing coalition split last week with the junior partner, the Center Party, announcing its departure, in a dispute over European Union energy market regulations. Joe Biden signs with talent agency to shape post-presidency career That left current Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, the leader of Stoltenberg’s center-left Labor Party, with several Cabinet posts to fill, among them that of outgoing Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, the leader of the Center Party. Stoltenberg and Gahr Støre appeared together at an event in Oslo on Tuesday, where the prime minister was presenting his new team, but Gahr Støre didn't explicitly mention Stoltenberg's new job. But in a statement released by the Munich Security Conference in Germany, which Stoltenberg was due to take over as chairman after its annual meeting later this month, Stoltenberg said he was “deeply honored to have been asked to help my country at this critical stage.” “Having carefully considered the current challenges we face, I have decided to accept Prime Minister Støre’s request to serve as his Minister of Finance,” he said. “I will return to the Munich Security Conference and to my other responsibilities when my tenure is over. I am grateful for the decision to temporarily release me from my duties while I serve my country once again.” Stoltenberg previously served as Norwegian finance minister from 1996 to 1997. Norway is due to hold a parliamentary election on Sept. 8. The Labor Party has been trailing in recent polls.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday asked Norway to make Bangladesh a regional distribution hub of their products and invest more in the country to take the benefits of Bangladesh’s youth force. “Use Bangladesh as a base for distributing Norwegian products in Asia so that you don’t need to bring your people from Norway and can use our young people,” Dr Yunus told Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen, Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, when the latter met him. The Chief Adviser cited the example of Grameenphone, the first overseas entity of Norwegian telecom giant Telenor, which has over the years turned into the most profitable venture in the Telenor family. Congressmen invite BNP's top leaders to join ‘National Prayer Breakfast’ Ambassador Gulbrandsen handed over a letter from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, expressing strong support of the country for Bangladesh’s interim government. “The Prime Minister has strong support for your efforts to initiate much-needed reforms and conduct free and fair democratic elections,” the ambassador said. The ambassador conveyed the Norwegian Prime Minister’s appreciation of Bangladesh’s interim government’s commitment to protecting human rights and promoting environmental sustainability. Ambassador Gulbrandsen said that Norway was keen to work closely with Bangladesh in the ship recycling industry and in the green energy transition. The Chief Adviser also sought Norway’s support in resolving the Rohingya crisis amid the changed political situation in Myanmar. “Norway played a big role in peacekeeping. So, we need your help in resolving the Rohingya crisis,” he said. The Chief Adviser told the ambassador that the government was planning to make the next general election in Bangladesh “the best ever and historic.” Visa issue doesn’t exist once passport revoked: Govt “We want to make it an example, a historical example,” he told the ambassador. Ambassador Gulbrandsen said Norway was keen to work closely with Bangladesh in international forums on the Palestinian issue, international tax and plastic pollution. Marrianne Rabe Knaevelsrud, Norway’s Deputy Head of Mission in Dhaka, expressed her country’s gratitude to Bangladesh for sponsoring the Norwegian-led UN resolution on humanitarian access in Palestine. Dr Yunus urges Türkiye to invest, relocate factories in Bangladesh  

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has called for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh. He said this when the newly appointed Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbransen, paid his first courtesy call on the foreign adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday morning. The focus of the discussion centered around the strengthening of bilateral ties and increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh. During the meeting, the foreign adviser highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and welcomed Norwegian support to Bangladesh’s Interim Government. He underscored the significant reform initiatives currently underway in the country, particularly in the areas of democracy, governance, and the economy. The economy of Bangladesh is resilient, said Touhid. He encouraged more Norwegian investment in Bangladesh, particularly in prospective sectors such as ICT, renewable energy, and electronics. Read: Norway sees “great potential” in Bangladesh He further pointed to the ongoing government efforts in improving the business environment, including the introduction of the effective ‘One Stop Service’ to facilitate foreign investments. Ambassador Gulbransen, echoed the positive sentiment, stating that the relationship between the two nations has evolved from a development partnership to a more trade-centric one. "Norway sees great potential in Bangladesh," he said. He pointed out the significant presence of Telenor in the country, expressing a desire for enhanced business-to-business ties moving forward. On the issue of human rights, Foreign Adviser Touhid reaffirmed the Interim Government’s commitment to improving protection. He said Bangladesh acceded to the ‘International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances’ in August and shared the news that Bangladesh had recently been elected Vice President of the UN Human Rights Council. The Foreign Adviser assured the Norwegian Ambassador of the full support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in carrying out his duties and wished him a productive and successful tenure ahead.

In Bangladesh, the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector faces a financing gap of $2.8 billion, according to IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. With nearly 10 million SMEs contributing to about 25 percent of the country's GDP, enhancing SME financing is key to boosting economic growth, it said on Tuesday (November 28, 2023). To explore the various aspects of financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh, IFC, in association with Bangladesh Bank and the government of Norway, organized a conference in Dhaka. Read: BTCCI to promote Bangladesh as 'gateway to South Asia' for Thailand Experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the world shared their insights to help foster a resilient and inclusive environment for SME financing in the country.   The event touched upon the partnership between IFC and Bangladesh Bank, results of an impact assessment study carried out on women-owned SMEs, next-generation SME financing trends, and global best practices in SME financing. It also addressed the challenges and opportunities in SME financing, identifying solutions and innovations in light of global SME finance developments. Highlighting the joint efforts of IFC and Bangladesh Bank in SME financing, the conference showcased initiatives, including developing the country’s first Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS), reforming an SME finance policy, and strengthening the sector’s capacity. IFC’s impact study on CGS, supported by the Norwegian Embassy, revealed that the number of first-time borrowers receiving loans in cottage, micro, and small enterprises and the average ticket size of the loans for women-owned micro and small enterprises was statistically significantly higher after the launch of CGS than ever before. Women entrepreneurs who received CGS-backed loans reported that it helped their businesses survive amid crises and provided new impetus to thrive. Speaking at the conference as the chief guest, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Abdur Rouf Talukder, said that recognizing that cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs) are the backbone of society, Bangladesh Bank is spearheading several initiatives to mainstream medium and small businesses into the financial landscape. "This includes establishing a new and dedicated Credit Guarantee Department that has already piloted an online platform—the Credit Guarantee Information Management System—to help lodge applications seamlessly. We are at an important crossroads of economic development and must ensure that everyone, especially those who often get left out, can be part of the financial picture," he said. Read: BGMEA chief for stepping up economic diplomacy to boost Bangladesh-US trade Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Abu Farah Md. Nasser, said a strong SME sector is akin to a superpower for creating jobs, export earnings, and productive proficiency. "Now more than ever, we need to work together to enhance credit guarantee schemes, tap into alternative databases for SME lending, and ultimately fast-track CMSME finance in Bangladesh. We want to bridge the gap between rich and poor, make sure men and women have equal opportunities, and boost economic growth across the country," he said. Martin Holtmann, IFC Country Manager for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, said Bangladesh is rapidly accelerating its economic development, and creating more and better jobs is a priority they share with the country as long-term partners since 1985. "IFC’s collaboration with Bangladesh Bank to develop SME solutions highlights a milestone in achieving financial inclusion and economic advancement and underscores the transformative power of partnerships, innovation, and our collective commitment to progress. We aim to increase access to financial products that are affordable, sustainable, and responsive to risks while developing institutional, operational, and policy frameworks to ensure the benefits of economic growth permeate every facet of this dynamic nation,” he said. Espen Rikter-Svendsen, Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangladesh, said, “Lack of access to finance is the biggest impediment to the growth of SMEs in Bangladesh, particularly for the women-headed SMEs." Recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by SMEs and women entrepreneurs is not just a matter of economic significance but also a step towards fostering gender equality, he said. "It is essential to create an environment that facilitates easier access to finance for SMEs, encourages more women to take on entrepreneurial roles, and provides them with the necessary financial resources to succeed," said the ambassador. Other participants included Qamar Saleem, CEO of the SME Finance Forum; Abdoulaye Seck, Country Director of the World Bank for Bangladesh and Bhutan; and managing directors and CEOs of leading banking and non-banking financial institutions in Bangladesh. The event also included technical sessions and panel discussions focusing on global best practices and a future roadmap to accelerate the SME financing market in Bangladesh. Read more: BGMEA urges Proparco to provide SMEs with the low-cost fund, grant

Norway has a long history of providing free university education to students from all over the world. They didn't make any distinctions between foreigners, Norwegians, or EU citizens, but this will all change soon. The Government of Norway has been advised to impose university fees on students from nations outside the EU or EEA. In presenting its recommendations for the nation's 2023 budget, Norway’s Ministry of Education emphasized that Norway continues to be one of the very few nations in the world that does not mandate that international students pay university fees, and it insisted that starting in the 2023 fall semester, universities should introduce fees to at least cover their costs per international student. Ola Borten Moe, the minister of education, responded to the suggestion by stating that since most Norwegian students studying abroad pay university fees, foreign students studying in Norway should also be required to do so. Read Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies She also emphasized that Norwegian citizens from other EU and Schengen Area nations will continue to be able to study there for free, even if taxes are implemented for international students. Rather, only nationals of third-party countries will be subject to the costs. However, the change would only be applicable to students who finished their entire education in Norway, not to those who were enrolled in exchange programs. According to Statistics Norway, there are presently 242,606 resident students in the country between the ages of 19 and 34, with 142,141 being women and 100,465 being males. Of them, over 13,000 were born in Norway to immigrant parents. Read Study in Belgium: Bachelor's, Masters and PhD options for Bangladeshi Students The Ministry of Education insists that universities should be well-equipped to attract international students because the quality of the education is good and not because it is free. The ministry claims that millions of kroner have been spent in an effort to improve the quality of education at the nation's universities. Minister Borten Moe further asserts that if the introduction of fees results in a decrease in the number of foreign students attending Norwegian universities, this will result in more open spots at universities and housing for Norwegian students. In the country's budget for 2023, the government has suggested providing framework funding for universities and colleges in the amount of NOK 42.8 billion. The Ministry plans to expand the funding for education even more through the proposed introduction of new fees in order to create a better and higher-quality system of higher education. Read Student Loans in Bangladesh: Banks Offering Education Loans for Higher Studies Estimated Tuition Fees Beginning in 2023, all universities are required to collect tuition from all students who are not citizens of the EU or EEA. Although estimates suggest that a single semester might cost as much as 150,000 Norwegian kroner (about $15,000 USD or BDT 14, 12000), colleges determine rates depending on real expenditures. Accordingly, a three-year bachelor's degree at a Norwegian institution can wind up costing as much as 900,000 NOK ($90,000 or BDT 82,72,000 ), which is obviously a large sum of money for the majority of us. Although it appears likely that most courses will cost significantly less than this amount, this will depend on the real expenses associated with offering the courses. Less crowded classes with a single professor will cost more than those with many students and several professors. Read How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education   Exceptions to the tuition payment requirement The new regulations for paying tuition at Norwegian colleges are aimed at immigrants from all of the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Africa who have no familial ties to Norway or the EU. Some groups will, however, no longer be expected to pay tuition at Norwegian universities in the future. The following groups will continue to receive free tuition at Norwegian universities: Norwegian nationals individuals from EU or EEA nations students who take part in programs for international exchange students every person who participates in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. Therefore, it will mostly need tuition for foreigners seeking a free university education who have no connection to Norway. The government presently pays the equivalent of one student's tuition to the institutions, as they clearly could not function without it. Read Best Countries for Bachelor's Degree in 2023 Will this modification last forever? The government presented its proposed annual national budget for 2023 on October 6, along with the news of the new additional foreign student tuition. Even though it's still not final and can still be subject to discussion and negotiation through December 15, it appears doubtful that this will alter before the announcement of the nation's ultimate budget. Currently, there are a lot of uncertainties about this new policy, and many overseas students who are pursuing degrees are worried. Read Studying Abroad: Major Pros and Cons You Need to Consider We don't yet know whether or not the move will have an impact on students who have already started their studies in Norway. Although it hasn't been confirmed, there are reports that foreign students who have already been admitted to the university would be able to complete their degrees without paying. We currently only have to wait and watch how everything turns out. In the months to come, especially as college applications season approaches in the summer of 2023, we will undoubtedly learn more. Read SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose  

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. Read Top European Countries Offering Free Education for International Students 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. Read Free Education in Germany for International Students in Bachelor, Masters, PhD 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. Read Overcoming Study Gap: How to Start Studying after a Long Break 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. Read Higher Study in China: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students 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. Read Study in the Netherlands: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students 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. Read Study in France: Scholarship Opportunities and Overview for Bangladeshi Students 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. Read Study in Australia: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students 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! Read What should Bangladeshi students pack and bring with them to Western Countries?

Nordic ambassadors to Bangladesh have acknowledged the impressive development journey and growth of Bangladesh that they have witnessed throughout their steadfast relationships. "We are proud to have contributed to it," Ambassador of Denmark Winnie Estrup Petersen, Ambassador of Norway Espen Rikter-Svendsen, and Ambassador of Sweden Alex Berg von Linde, said in their joint speech at a reception Thursday. The Nordic countries arranged the reception to celebrate 50 years of their ties with Bangladesh. Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun who attended the event as the chief guest appreciated Nordic countries' contributions to Bangladesh. Read: Nordic countries hold business promotion event He said Bangladesh wants peace and stability around the world and emphasised strengthening the ties on all frontiers. The Nordic ambassadors said they started their relations with humanitarian aid that moved into development cooperation that "has had multifaceted impacts in so many areas." "Now, we are glad to see that our relations are transforming with an increased focus on expanding trade relations for a sustainable future in this vibrant nation," they said. On February 4, 1972, the three countries were among the first to recognise Bangladesh as a new, independent and sovereign state. "This marked the start of long and strong friendships not only between our countries but also our people – a partnership, which has continuously evolved over the years. Nordic countries have stood side by side with our Bangladeshi partners in their efforts for this nation to develop and progress," the ambassadors said. Denmark, Norway and Sweden – the Nordic countries represented in Bangladesh – are celebrating 50 years of their ties with Bangladesh. Read: Denmark, Norway, Sweden celebrate 'NordicWeek,' 50 years of ties with Bangladesh The 50th anniversary celebrations began on March 23, 2022, on International Nordic Day when the three Nordic ambassadors met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin to share their reflections on the ties and discuss its future outlook. The Nordic countries celebrated the "Nordic Week," which included a business seminar on May 24. The overarching theme of the week was "sustainability" which is also a defining feature of the relations between the Nordics and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Norway have expressed interest in broadening economic partnership through trade, investment and maritime sector cooperation. The two countries also discussed in particular the potentials for investments in offshore renewable energy. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen​ has briefed his Norwegian counterpart Annekin Huitfeldt about measures taken in building safety and green production facilities in the RMG sector. Also read:Crown Princess of Denmark Mary Elizabeth in Dhaka on a 3-day visit The Norwegian Minister showed interest in the ship breaking industry and enquired about Bangladesh’s plans concerning ratifying the Hong Kong Convention. Momen held the meeting with the visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister in Dhaka on Sunday. The newly appointed Norwegian Foreign Minister is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh as both countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.