First-time Study Permit

Department of Academic Affairs

New international students (only non-EEA nationals) should apply for a Norwegian study permit (also called a residence permit) as soon as possible after admission is granted.

Posthuset ved Andedammen, sept 2008 Photo: Kjersti Sørlie Rimer

Study permits are not required for citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries, instead they should complete a registration process after arrival in Norway.

All other foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit to study in Norway. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration(UDI) processes all new applications regardless of where the application has been submitted.

Where can I apply?
Normally a person living abroad should apply at the nearest Norwegian embassy or in some cases the Danish or Swedish embassy. To find out where you should apply, please visit the UDI pages.

In a few instances, international students can apply from within Norway. If you are not required to have a visa to travel to Norway and meet certain criteria you might be able to apply for your residence permit after arrival in Norway.

What is the difference between a study permit (residence permit) and a visa?
A residence permit allows you to live in Norway for periods over three months. A visa allows you to travel to Norway for shorter periods of time or a maximum of up to three months. An entrance visa is automatically granted to students who receive a residence permit. It is normally only valid for 7 days and students must report to the police as soon as possible after arrival in Norway.

How can I apply for a study permit?
Depending on where you live, you can either submit a paper application or use the Application Portal Norway. Whether you submit a paper application or through the portal, all supporting documents must be submitted in person to the embassy.

What do I need to submit with the application?
This is a brief overview of the documents you will need to submit with your application:
copies of passport
   * passport photos
   * admission letter confirming study programme and length of studies
   * documentation of financing
      - funds must normally be a Norwegian bank account
      - upon admission the university account information is provided
      - for the academic year 2001/2012 the amount required is NOK 90.800
   * documentation of housing
      - new students receive instructions on how to apply for student housing
      - the signed housing contract should be attached to the application
   * application fee (or documentation that you have paid the fee)
   * translation of all submitted document to either Norwegian or English

For a more detailed list of documents please see the UDI pages.

What does a student permit entitle me to?
A first-time student permit entitles you to study in Norway for the specified programme. The permit varies depending on the length of the study programme. Most study permits must be renewed annually to ensure that students have normal study progression and students still have housing and financing.
First-time permits allow students to take part-time work during the semester (maximum 20 hours per week) and full-time work in the normal holiday periods.

Published: 14.12.11
Updated: 15.12.11
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