Norway Student Visa Requirements, IELTS & Academics

Studying in Norway has become an increasingly popular choice for Nepali students seeking world-class education, a peaceful environment, and beautiful natural surroundings.

The country offers a high-quality education system, especially in fields such as engineering, technology, and environmental sciences.

With its strong focus on research, innovation, and sustainable development, Norway attracts students from across the globe.

Before applying to study in Norway, understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth process.

The Norwegian authorities have specific guidelines for Nepali students, covering academic qualifications, financial capacity, and visa requirements.

At Goreto education consultancy, we assist Nepali students in meeting the necessary eligibility criteria to pursue their academic dreams in Norway.

We guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all academic, financial, and visa prerequisites to maximize your chances of success.

You are welcome to talk with our counselors in Nepal or Fill the form below we will get back to you ASAP.

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.
Gap Years: Gap years of up to 2 years are generally accepted.
Backlogs: Accepted in moderation, depending on the university’s policy. Typically, a maximum of 3-4 backlogs are allowed 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.
Gap Years: Gap years of up to 5 years are accepted for most programs.
Backlogs: 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

Norway 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 Norway.

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), and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Let Goreto help you make confident decisions for your future in Norway.
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