Erasmus in Norway: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

Hallo! Are you planning your Erasmus in Norway? Then this article is for you! Here we tell you a variety of important details about the country that will interest you, including the best cities to study in, different options and requirements for international students, what to do during the exchange to make the most of it, information about the different accommodation alternatives you can choose from and about the best Universities in the country.

Popular Erasmus Cities in Norway

Norway is home to several cities that are popular destinations for Erasmus students. One of the most distinguished is Oslo, the country's capital and largest city. It offers a wide range of renowned academic institutions, combining urban life with proximity to stunning Norwegian nature. There’s also Bergen, known for its historic charm and location on the west coast. It has a quieter atmosphere, surrounded by mountains and fjords. Meanwhile, Trondheim is a mediaeval city, with picturesque architecture and a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s home to one of the oldest universities in Norway.

These are some of the most popular cities as an Erasmus destination in Norway:

OSLO The capital of Norway, Oslo, is a small city perfect for students who want to easily get around on foot or by public transport. If you want to immerse yourself in Nordic culture, Oslo is a fantastic Erasmus destination. Here, you can meet friendly locals, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy a variety of leisure activities. Oslo has many sites of interest, num

TRONDHEIM Are you looking for student accommodation in Trondheim? It’s a fairly small city, actually more like a village, but it still has quite a lot of accommodation available. This is because it’s a university town, and many of its inhabitants come during the year to study mainly at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Trondheim is a picturesq

BERGEN Are you looking for a student apartment for rent in Bergen? In this article you’ll find everything you need to know to find the ideal one for you easily! The first thing we recommend is that you start your search as soon as possible, since the cost of rent is quite high and finding a cheap apartment usually takes some time and patience. Bergen is a charming

Study in Norway: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in Norway

Some universities require a language certificate of a certain level of English (when studying in English). If it’s not mandatory, either way it’s recommended to have a B2 level to be able to follow the classes well.
Within the application, you’re required to submit the academic transcript (usually translated into English) and even a motivation letter of your reasons for choosing Norway and the university as your destination.
You have to fill out and sign the Learning Agreement, both online and on paper.
EU/EEA citizens don’t have to apply for a residence permit. However, if the stay is going to be longer than three months, you have to register with the Police within the first three months of the exchange.
If your origin is from a third country, not contemplated in the communities named in the previous point, you have to get a residence permit and you may also need a visa. In addition, you’re going to have to register with the Police once you’ve arrived in Norway.
On several occasions you’ll need to show valid health insurance for the length of your stay or the European Health Insurance Card.
In some cases, you’ll have to present proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of the exchange. This can be done through a bank statement, a guarantor, a scholarship, or a combination of any of these.

Why study in Norway?

The Kingdom of the Fjords has a rich cultural heritage, from its ancient Viking traditions to its modern contributions to literature, music and design. You're going to be able to delve into a unique and fascinating culture.

Norwegian universities are known for their high academic quality and innovative study programs. This is going to allow you to access world-class education and immerse yourself in a stimulating academic environment.

Norway is known for being a progressive society, with a strong commitment to gender equality, sustainability and social justice. Living in this environment will allow you to experience and learn about these values first-hand. In addition, the country tends to have one of the best qualities of life in the world, so living there for a while will allow you to enjoy a safe environment, efficient public services and a welfare-oriented society.

Although Norwegian is the official language, many institutions offer programs in English, and it’s the language that international students use to communicate with each other. Thanks to this, you’ll be able to gain fluency daily during your exchange.

And, of course, we can't forget to mention the incredible nature that Norway has to offer. It’s famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including fjords, mountains, northern lights and the famous midnight sunlight in summer. It's incredible!

Best things to do in Norway as a student

From exploring the majesty of nature to participating in cultural and sporting events, the country offers an array of exciting activities to do during your exchange.

If you enjoy nature, you can begin your adventure by exploring the iconic Norwegian fjords, such as the Geirangerfjordor and the Nærøyfjord. These offer hiking opportunities with scenic views, while skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the slopes in winter. In addition, Tromsø, in the north, is the perfect starting point for activities such as watching northern lights, dog-sledding or exploring the Arctic tundra.

If you're an urbanite, Oslo and Bergen offer a vibrant mix of culture, art and city life. In Oslo you can stroll through the trendy Grünerløkka district, filled with independent stores, cafes and art murals, explore the Viking Ship Museum or even visit the Akershus Fortress. Meanwhile, in Bergen, you have to explore the bohemian charm of Bryggen, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colourful houses.

Cultural festivals also mark the Norwegian calendar. During the summer, the Bergen Music Festival attracts internationally renowned musicians, while the Tromsø International Film Festival lights up the polar nights with film screenings.

Finally, we wanted to dedicate a space to Norwegian gastronomy, something you have to try as part of the local culture. You’ll find diverse gastronomic experiences, from tasting fresh salmon or artisanal cheeses in the city markets to enjoying Norwegian cod or even "rakfisk" in inexpensive or haute cuisine restaurants.