Starting from the fall of 2023, non-EU/EEA students will face brand new tuition fees in Norway, marking a significant shift for international students who once enjoyed free university education. It is now a reality that the tuition fees will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Consequently, it is necessary to familiarize ourselves with the details of the new fees. This article will delve into the specifics, including the amount of fees, payment procedures, the groups required to pay, and how to study in Norway tuition-free.
How Much Are The New Tuition Fees?
While universities have the freedom to establish their own tuition fees, they must set a genuine amount, preventing them from assigning a nominal fee of 10 NOK to create the impression of being free. The fees vary depending on several factors, with some degrees being more costly than others. Degrees that necessitate smaller student groups, such as lab-based courses, are more expensive due to the higher staff and equipment costs. Although not all universities have released their prices, the new yearly tuition fees in Norway range from 80,000 NOK ($8,000) for the least expensive bachelor's degrees to as much as 490,000 NOK ($49,000) for the most expensive ones. However, the majority of degrees fall within the 80,000 NOK to 150,000 NOK range, with only a few requiring significant specialized equipment. Keep in mind that these prices are per academic year, which includes two semesters. Therefore, multiply the price by two for regular master's degrees and three for bachelor's degrees.
So, Who Has to Pay Tuition Fees?
The new tuition fees are only applicable to particular nationalities, with the following group being exempt from paying tuition fees:
Norwegian citizens
Citizens of EU countries
Citizens of other countries in the EEA (European Economic Area), including Iceland and Liechtenstein
Citizens of Switzerland
If you do not hold a passport or citizenship from any of the aforementioned countries, you are required to pay tuition fees. This means that individuals from North America (including the US), South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia must pay full tuition fees to study in Norway.
For those who fall within the exempted groups, the cost of education at a Norwegian university is nearly free, similar to the situation before the implementation of tuition fees in 2023.
How to Study in Norway Without Paying Tuition Fees
There are several ways for non-EU/EEA students to study in Norway without paying tuition fees.
Sign up as a foreign exchange student
If you apply for a student exchange program that sends you to Norway for a half or full year, you can study in Norway for free. This is because you will still be paying for your regular university during this time. To do this, you need to apply to a university in another country that offers a student exchange program with a Norwegian university. There are hundreds of these programs worldwide, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find one near you.
Be enrolled in a Norwegian university before 2023
If you were already studying in Norway before the implementation of the new tuition fees, you are allowed to finish your degree without paying tuition fees. If you have studied in Norway for one year, you might be entitled to finish another one or two more years before you need to pay tuition fees. However, it is uncertain whether you can finish "old" degrees that have been abandoned for a few years.
Be married to a Norwegian citizen
If you are married to a Norwegian citizen, you can also study for free without paying any tuition fees. However, you will need to prove that your marriage is not one of convenience. Therefore, this option is not recommended if you're just after free education.
Is Tuition Required for PhD Positions in Norway?
PhD positions in Norway are treated as paid employment opportunities, therefore, tuition fees are not required. In fact, successful candidates can expect to earn an annual salary of approximately 450,000 NOK to 500,000 NOK. This is a favorable arrangement compared to many other countries.
However, there are some trade-offs. In addition to conducting research, PhD students in Norway are also required to spend about one year teaching bachelor's and master's students. Additionally, the program typically takes four years to complete, instead of the usual three.
The Future of Tuition Fees: Will They be Reversed?
The recent implementation of tuition fees in the national budget of 2023 has been met with opposition from various groups, including student organizations and universities.
Despite this, it appears unlikely that the tuition fees will be reversed. The government responsible for the implementation has historically been against such fees, making it highly unlikely that a change in government will lead to a reversal.
Although smaller parties like Socialist Left and Red are attempting to reverse the decision, they currently hold limited power. Therefore, it may not be wise to expect the fees to be reversed.
There are also concerns about the legality of such a significant change in a national budget without an accompanying law, which may require further investigation by legal experts.