Cost of Studying in Norway: Tuition Fees and UDI Proof of Funds

Are public universities in Norway tuition-free for Indian students?

Not generally. Public higher education institutions in Norway are not automatically tuition-free for students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Degree-seeking students from these countries normally pay tuition fees, although exemptions apply to specific groups and arrangements. Examples include eligible exchange students, doctoral candidates and students participating in certain funded schemes such as Erasmus Mundus, NORPART, NORHED, Fulbright or Students at Risk, subject to the programme’s rules.

The university decides and publishes its tuition fees. The exact fee can vary by institution, programme, academic year and applicant category. Do not use an old article that says all public universities are tuition-free as the basis for a 2026 or 2027 budget.

What is the UDI proof-of-funds amount for 2026–2027?

For the 2026–2027 academic year, the official Study in Norway guidance and UDI study-permit page state that a student must document at least NOK 15,488 per month, or NOK 170,368 for a full academic year. This is intended to demonstrate that the student can support themselves while in Norway.

The required amount can be documented through accepted sources such as own funds, student loans, grants or a combination, subject to UDI’s rules. The money normally needs to be in a Norwegian bank account or the educational institution’s deposit account. If you have already been offered a part-time job in Norway, UDI says income from this work may be included in the relevant assessment. Confirm the precise acceptable documentation and deposit arrangement with the institution.

Proof of funds is separate from tuition fees

If tuition fees apply, you must also show that you can cover them. UDI’s study-permit requirements say that tuition must be paid or otherwise documented as required for the relevant academic year. University of Oslo, for example, explains that tuition invoices are separate from the SiO deposit account used for living funds. Its 2026–2027 page lists NOK 170,368 for two semesters and gives semester-specific amounts for shorter stays.

This distinction is essential when planning an education loan. A student who can demonstrate NOK 170,368 for living expenses may still need to pay a separate tuition invoice before the permit application can be finalised.

Examples of tuition fees: why programme-level research matters

There is no single national tuition price for Indian students. The following examples illustrate the variation and should not be treated as a universal price list:

The examples show why “Norway costs NOK X” is not a useful answer without naming the university, programme and intake. Tuition may change for a new cohort. Some programmes may be closed to non-EU applicants or have specific funding arrangements.

Semester fee, insurance and other expenses

Students normally pay a semester fee to the student welfare organisation linked to their institution. Study in Norway gives an indicative amount of approximately NOK 1,000 per semester. This is separate from tuition and living funds. Students may also need to budget for insurance, travel, visa/residence permit fees, books, equipment, deposits and local transport.

Study permit requirements for Indian students

Indian citizens who plan to study in Norway for more than three months generally need a study residence permit. UDI’s requirements for university or university-college students include:

• Admission to an approved Norwegian university or university college.
• Full-time study.
• Payment of the UDI application fee.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses for the relevant period.
• Funds to cover tuition fees if the programme charges tuition.
• A place to live in Norway.
• A valid passport and the required supporting documents.

A study permit allows a student to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during official holidays, subject to the permit conditions. Do not rely on future part-time income as the main source of funding unless UDI accepts the documented job income in the application.

How to budget the total first-year cost

A practical first-year estimate should include the following formula:

First-year budget = tuition fee + NOK 170,368 living-cost funds (for a full 2026–2027 academic year) + semester fee + permit fee + insurance where required + travel + accommodation deposit + study materials + contingency.

The amount of NOK 170,368 is the published living-funds requirement, not a guarantee that every student can live comfortably on that amount. Students in Oslo and other higher-cost locations should compare actual rents, transport and food expenses. Add a buffer for exchange-rate changes between INR and NOK.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming public universities in Norway remain tuition-free for all nationalities.
• Using the UDI living-funds amount as if it also includes tuition.
• Using a fee from a previous academic year or another programme.
• Assuming an exchange-student exemption applies to a full-degree applicant.
• Transferring money to an account that is not accepted by the university or UDI.
• Underestimating housing deposits, insurance, travel and initial setup costs.
• Assuming part-time work is guaranteed or sufficient to fund the degree.