Higher education in Norway means universities, university colleges and, in a different track, vocational colleges. Apply in the right admission system, check the requirements early and plan your finances before you accept a place.
Education paths
Universities and university colleges offer bachelor, master, professional degrees and continuing education. Most applicants need general university admission certification, and some programmes require specific subjects. Adults without a standard diploma may be assessed through prior learning. Vocational colleges are higher vocational education, usually more practical and job-oriented. They often build on a trade certificate, vocational upper secondary education, general admission certification or prior learning. For the wider system, see the Norwegian school system.
Applying
Samordna opptak is the main portal for many first-degree university, university college and vocational college programmes. For 2026, the ordinary university and university college deadline was 15 April at 23:59. Some applicants, including prior-learning applicants, had a 1 March deadline. 1 July was important for documentation and reprioritising choices, and main admission answers came around 20 July. If you apply to both vocational college and university/university college, you must submit two separate applications.
Lånekassen
Lånekassen provides public student loans and grants. For 2026-2027, the basic support for full-time students with 11 months of support is NOK 170,368. The basic loan is a loan first. Up to 40 percent can be converted to a grant if you live away from your parents, pass your education and stay below income and wealth limits. The 2026 income limit for support through the whole calendar year is NOK 234,821. Deadlines are 15 November 2026 for the full year or autumn 2026, and 15 March 2027 for spring 2027.
Adults and newcomers
Adult and immigrant students should check language requirements, residence-based rules for support and whether the programme is full time or part time. Norwegian courses may help before applying: free Norwegian courses in Norway. Language levels can also matter for residence and citizenship: Norwegian levels for residence and citizenship.
Foreign education
HK-dir handles recognition and guidance for foreign education; this responsibility moved from NOKUT on 1 January 2023. Recognition for study admission, recognition for work and authorization for regulated professions are not the same. Start early and read recognition of foreign education.
