Norway
Norwegians enjoy a good standard of living with welfare and socialist values being high on the political agenda. Find out what it's like to study in this Scandinavian nation
There are 70 public and private higher education institutions throughout Norway and over 12,000 international students. Student mobility and the internationalisation of courses have been the key objectives of the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research . This has been implemented through nearly all courses being delivered in English.
You can study in Norway via exchange programmes, agreements through institutions or by arranging your study, stay and finances independently.
Each course and university will have its own specific admission requirements. However, you will normally be expected to have completed at least an undergraduate Bachelors degree or three-year equivalent course to enrol on a postgraduate course.
International students who want to know whether their foreign qualifications are recognised by institutions can find out more using the GSU-list. This is country-specific information, which is accessible at Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) - Higher Education Entrance Qualifications for Persons with Foreign Education .
For the most part, Norwegian universities and colleges do not charge fees for international students, as they are publicly funded. This goes across all levels of education at state universities and university colleges, from undergraduate through to PhD programmes.
Students will have to pay a semester fee of Norwegian Kroner (NOK) 300 - 600, however. This fee grants you:
Many students are eligible for financial support and can receive funding for a full degree or a specified number of terms through various different schemes, fellowships and student loans. The international office of your UK institution should be able to help you with queries regarding funding options at Norwegian universities.
You will have to consider costs other than tuition fees; living costs will be higher in cities such as Oslo and Bergen, and lower in rural areas of the country.
You can find out which funding options are available to nationals of your country at Norway - Study in Norway .
Students attending a university in the UK can take part in the European Union's (EU) flagship educational exchange programme, Erasmus . This scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year in EU countries.
Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in another EU country. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers the Erasmus scheme in your subject.
Financial support is also available to selected Masters and Doctoral students through the Erasmus Mundus initiative.
It isn't always necessary to speak the language of your host country and you can arrange intensive language courses before you go. Speak to the Erasmus coordinator at your university about available opportunities.
EU citizens are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as they:
Some countries require you to register with the local authority after three months. Find out how to register at Europa - Rights, Conditions and Formalities and get more information on student visas at Study in Norway - Student Residence Permit .
This Scandinavian nation has plenty to offer professionals from around the world - from natural wonders to a high quality of life. Discover more about what it's like to work in Norway
Norway is keen to recruit highly skilled and educated workers in a range of sectors due to its small population and gaps in the workforce. Currently oil, computing and technology and the medical and service industries are the biggest employers of internationals.
The majority of foreign workers will have to apply to live and work in Norway. Skilled workers will find it easier to secure a job, however, and having some knowledge of the Norwegian language will further improve your prospects.
The demand for labour varies throughout the country. Fisheries dominate the North whereas the cities of Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim are largely concerned with the financial and business services. Other prominent industries across the country include building and construction, tourism, petroleum and shipbuilding.
Find out more about the Norwegian job market at Norwegian Employment and Welfare Administration (NAV) - Publications .
Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is probably the most accessible job commonly held by foreign English speakers. You don't need to be fluent in Norwegian to do this, as it is preferable to create a strictly English-speaking classroom environment, but it will be highly beneficial if you have a teaching qualification.
Casual work in hospitality and seasonal jobs are an accessible option for foreign workers, but it is easier to locate jobs when you are already in Norway and can speak some of the language.
For jobs in Norway, search:
For work in the farming and tourism industries, as well as au-pair jobs, visit Atlantis Youth Exchange . You can be a 'working guest' or, if you are enrolled at an Atlantis-partnered university, a 'trainee'.
Internships and summer work placements for students can also be arranged by:
Voluntary work is a great way to build your skill-set and learn a new language. It will help to have some money saved before you set off as the vast majority of voluntary positions are unpaid. Volunteer positions look great on your CV and give you the chance to network and build contacts.
The The European Voluntary Service (EVS) , funded by the European Commission (EC), is a scheme aimed at people aged 18 to 30 wishing to volunteer abroad. It offers young people the chance to volunteer for up to 12 months in a number of European and non-European countries.
Opportunities vary from placements concerned with sport and culture to others focused on social care and the environment. For successful applicants, accommodation, travel, food and insurance are all covered by a European grant and you even receive a personal allowance each month.
Make sure you thoroughly research all volunteering opportunities and always check the terms and conditions before committing yourself to a scheme.
Many well-educated Norwegians have a strong grasp of English and can speak the language fluently. While not all jobs in the country require you to know Norwegian, some knowledge of the language will help you secure a job more easily and quickly, and perhaps lead to a better salary. Developing your spoken and written skills will stand you in good stead, so it is worth learning some before you go.
There are Norwegian language courses in the UK and many good websites exist to help you learn a language or improve your skills. To get the ball rolling and learn the basics visit BBC Languages - Norwegian Essential Phrases .
According to the EC, EU citizens have the right to:
For more information and to check what conditions and restrictions apply see:
Official governmental information on visas can be found at Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) - Work and Residence .