Academic Qualifications
For Undergraduate (UG):
- SEE + 10+2 (min GPA/percentage)
- Minimum GPA: Typically, a 2.5 GPA or a 60% in the final exams is required for most universities.
For Postgraduate (PG):
- Recognized Bachelor’s degree (min GPA)
- Minimum GPA: Generally, a 2.5 GPA or a second-class degree is required for postgraduate programs.
- Undergraduate (UG): Gap years of up to 2 years are generally accepted.
- Postgraduate (PG): Gap years of up to 5 years are accepted for most programs.
Backlogs:
- Backlogs are accepted in moderation, depending on the university’s policy. Typically, a maximum of 3-4 backlogs are allowed for most universities.
English Language Proficiency
Test | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
IELTS | Minimum 6.0 overall, with no band less than 5.5 | Minimum 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0 |
TOEFL | Minimum 80 (IBT) | Minimum 90 (IBT) |
PTE | Minimum 50 overall | Minimum 58 overall |
Duolingo | Minimum 100 | Minimum 115 |
Minimum Score Requirements:
- For Undergraduate programs, a 6.0 IELTS or equivalent score is typically the minimum requirement.
- For Postgraduate programs, a 6.5 IELTS or higher is usually needed.
Preferred Test Options:
- The IELTS and TOEFL are the most commonly accepted tests for studying in Norway.
- IELTS is particularly favored by Norwegian universities, and TOEFL is a good alternative for students applying to universities that specifically require it.
Standardized Tests
Undergraduate Programs
- SAT: Not commonly required for admission to Norwegian universities. However, some institutions may accept SAT scores as part of the application process.
- ACT: Generally not required.
- Other Tests: Some programs may accept other standardized tests; it’s essential to check specific program requirements.
Postgraduate Programs
- GMAT/GRE: Required for certain master’s programs, especially in business and management fields. For instance, BI Norwegian Business School mandates GMAT/GRE scores for applicants whose bachelor’s degrees are from outside Norway or the Nordic countries.
Exemptions: Some programs may waive the GMAT/GRE requirement based on professional experience or academic background.
Test Score Expectations
University Tier | GMAT Score Range | GRE Score Range |
Top-tier | 650–750 | 320–330 |
Mid-tier | 600–650 | 300–320 |
Note: These ranges are indicative and can vary based on the specific program and university.
Test Waivers During COVID-19
Many Norwegian universities offered test waivers or relaxed requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as of now, most institutions have reinstated standard testing requirements. It’s advisable to check the specific program’s current admission criteria for the most accurate information.
Financial Eligibility
Germany is renowned for its affordable education system, especially at public universities. However, understanding the financial requirements is crucial for Nepali students planning to study in Germany.
Tuition Fees
Program Level | Public Universities | Private Universities |
Undergraduate (UG) | Typically free; semester fees of €100–€300 | Up to €26,000/year |
Postgraduate (PG) | Generally free; semester fees apply | Up to €40,000/year |
Note: Some states, like Baden-Württemberg, charge non-EU students €1,500 per semester at public universities.
Living Costs
Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (€) | Estimated Annual Cost (€) |
Accommodation | 300 – 500 | 3,600 – 6,000 |
Food | 150 – 250 | 1,800 – 3,000 |
Transportation | 100 – 150 | 1,200 – 1,800 |
Health Insurance | 80 – 120 | 960 – 1,440 |
Miscellaneous | 100 – 200 | 1,200 – 2,400 |
Total | 730 – 1,220 | 8,760 – 14,640 |
Average monthly living expenses for students are approximately €850 – €1,200.
Proof of Funds for Visa
To obtain a German student visa, you must demonstrate sufficient financial resources. As of 2025, the required amount is:
- €11,904 per year (equivalent to €992 per month)
This amount is typically deposited into a blocked account before applying for the visa.
Visa Requirements
Norway Student Visa Process for Nepali Students
- Secure Admission
Obtain an offer from a recognized Norwegian university or university college. - Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Valid passport
- Letter of admission from a recognized institution
- Proof of sufficient funds (approximately NOK 166,859 per year)
- Proof of accommodation in Norway
- Police clearance certificate
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-size photographs
- Receipt of visa application fee payment
- Submit Application
Apply online through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) portal or at the nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate. - Attend Visa Interview
If required, attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. - Await Decision
Wait for the processing of your application. Processing times may vary. - Receive Visa
If approved, receive your student visa (study permit). - Travel to Norway
Travel to Norway and complete any additional registration requirements upon arrival.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:
- Insufficient proof of funds
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Lack of genuine intent to return to Nepal after studies
- Admission to a non-accredited institution
- Previous immigration violations
Documentation Checklist
To ensure a smooth application process for your Norwegian student residence permit, prepare the following documents:
Academic Documents
- Transcripts and Certificates: Official academic transcripts and certificates from your SEE and +2 levels (or equivalent).
- Degree Certificates: For postgraduate applicants, include Bachelor’s degree certificates.
Test Scores
- English Proficiency Test Results: Valid scores from IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (depending on your university’s requirements).
- Standardized Test Scores: If required by your program, include SAT, GRE, or GMAT scores.
Financial Proof
- Bank Statements: Recent statements showing sufficient funds (at least NOK 137,907 for one year) to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Scholarship Letters: If applicable, provide official scholarship award letters.
- Income Clarification: Documents showing the source of your funds, such as employment letters, tax documents, or sponsor affidavits.
Additional Documents
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A written statement explaining your academic goals and why you chose Norway.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Typically two letters from academic or professional references.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated CV detailing your academic and professional history.
- Valid Passport: A passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay, with at least two blank pages.
- Passport-size Photographs: Two recent color photos meeting Norwegian visa specifications.
- Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance (especially if you’re staying less than a year).
Acceptance Letter: Official Letter of Admission from a Norwegian university or college.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Explore funding opportunities to make your education in Norway more affordable.
Types of Scholarships
- Merit-Based Scholarships
Awarded for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, or extracurricular excellence.
Example: Erasmus+ or university-specific merit awards. - Need-Based Scholarships
Based on financial circumstances to support students from lower-income backgrounds.
Often offered by international organizations and some universities. - University-Specific Scholarships
Many Norwegian universities offer partial or full tuition waivers to international students.
Example: BI Presidential Scholarship (BI Norwegian Business School)
Popular Scholarships for Nepali Students
Erasmus+ – For joint programs with Norwegian universities.
University Scholarships – Offered by institutions like:
- University of Oslo
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
- BI Norwegian Business School
How Goreto Helps
Goreto provides:
Personalized scholarship matching based on your profile
Application support, from essay editing to document preparation
Alerts for upcoming deadlines and exclusive scholarship updates
Let us help you turn financial challenges into opportunities.
Application Deadlines & Intakes
Plan ahead — Applying early increases your chances of admission and scholarships!
Intake Seasons in Norway
Intake | Start Month | Application Deadline |
Fall Intake (Primary) | August / September | October – December (previous year) |
Spring Intake (Limited programs) | January | May – August (previous year) |
Summer Intake (Short courses only) | June – July | January – March (same year) |
When to Apply
- Start preparing 6–8 months before your intended intake.
- Fall intake is highly recommended for most programs and offers the widest availability of English-taught courses.
- Spring intake is available at select universities, mainly for postgraduate or specialized programs.
FAQ Section
Can I study in Norway without IELTS?
Yes, some Norwegian universities accept alternative proofs of English proficiency, such as TOEFL, PTE, or medium of instruction (MOI) letters — especially if your prior education was in English. However, IELTS/TOEFL is strongly preferred for most programs.
What is the minimum GPA to study in Norway from Nepal?
Most universities require at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for undergraduate programs and a minimum of 3.0 GPA for postgraduate programs. Competitive programs may have higher requirements.
Can I apply with a study gap?
Yes, study gaps are acceptable if you can justify them with valid reasons such as work experience, training, or personal circumstances. Documentation or a gap explanation letter may be required.
What are the chances of getting a Norwegian student visa?
Visa success largely depends on meeting academic requirements, financial sufficiency, and genuine intent to study. If your documentation is strong, Norway has a favorable visa approval rate for students.
Still unsure about your eligibility?
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