Norway is becoming a popular choice for Canadian students interested in good education, different cultures, and job chances after school. Its universities are ranked well across the world and focus on coming up with new ideas. Studying in Norway may lead to great school and job opportunities.
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Norway is an ideal place for students to get a higher education. The country is known for good schools, new ideas, and a high quality of life. Universities there are known around the world and have many programs in English. Students can get a great education and be in a safe, welcoming, and green place. Norway lets foreign students work some while in school and has ways for them to get jobs after they graduate, which makes it a good choice for people who want to work anywhere in the world.
The popular types of Norway student visas are:
International students who want to study in Norway for longer than 90 days need to get a student residence permit. This is a must for degree programs like bachelor's, master's, or doctoral studies, and any other courses that last over three months. To apply, you'll need an acceptance letter from a Norwegian school that's recognized. You also need to show you have enough money to live on—at least NOK 137,907 per year as of 2025. Plus, you'll have to provide proof of where you're staying and that you have health insurance that is good to go. This permit lets students work up to 20 hours a week while studying and full-time during breaks.
Foreign students going to Norway for short programs, like summer schools or language courses lasting up to 90 days, might need a short-stay Schengen visa. This visa allows entry into Norway and other Schengen countries for study during that time. Even though Canadians can visit Norway without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days, students in academic programs may still need to show certain documents. These could include proof of acceptance, where they will be staying, travel insurance, and proof that they have enough money for their visit. It’s important to check these needs ahead of time to follow Norwegian immigration rules.
In Norway, international students holding a valid residence permit can work part-time, gaining global work experience as they study.
Students need to keep up their grades to keep their work privileges, ensuring they focus on both their studies and their jobs.
To be eligible for a student residence permit in Norway, Canadian students have these requirements:
When applying for a Norway Student Visa, candidates need to provide the items listed below:
The process to apply for a Norway Student visa is given below.
Step 1: Secure admission in an accredited Norwegian university.
Step 2: Compile all the required documents for a Norway student visa.
Step 3: Submit your student visa application on the UDI website.
Step 4: Schedule a meeting to give your fingerprints and photo at the closest visa center.
Step 5: Receive your Norway Student Visa.
The cost of studying in Norway is given below.
| Expense Type | Cost (NOK) | Approximate Cost in CAD (2025) |
| Tuition Fees | 130,000 – 180,000 per year | CAD 16,000 – 22,000 |
| Living Expenses | 12,000 – 14,000 per month | CAD 1,450 – 1,700 |
| Visa Fees | 5,300 (one-time) | CAD 620 |
Detailed information about the processing times for the Norway Student Visa is given below.
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
| Study Permit for Long-Term Programs (Over 90 Days) | 30 – 60 days (may take up to 90 days during peak season) |
| Short-Stay Visa (For Programs Less Than 90 Days) | 15 – 30 days (depending on application volume) |
Some of the scholarships offered by Norway are given below.
| Scholarship/Funding Option | Details |
| Norwegian Government Quota Scheme | Provides financial support for international students from select countries; limited seats available for Canadians. |
| ERASMUS+ Mobility Grants | Available for exchange students at participating Norwegian institutions; covers travel and living costs. |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Many Norwegian universities offer scholarships for international master’s and PhD students; eligibility varies. |
| Research Council of Norway Grants | Funding for students pursuing research-based programs in Norway. |
| Private and Institutional Grants | Additional funding opportunities are offered by private organizations and Canadian institutions partnering with Norway. |
Graduates from foreign countries who complete degrees at Norwegian higher education institutions are able to apply for a Job Seeker Residence Permit. This permit allows them to remain in Norway for up to a year to find relevant work. It aids the move from being a student to working in Norway and gaining an international work background.
The Norwegian job market needs skilled people in tech, sustainable energy, healthcare, and engineering. After graduates get a job, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, which may lead to permanent residency.
Y-Axis offers guidance to students in Canada who want to study overseas. Our experience and global network allows us to give complete support, so your move to Norway is smooth and worry-free.
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Yes, Canadian students can study in Norway without knowing the Norwegian language. Many universities provide bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in English. Learning basic Norwegian is suggested for daily interactions and might help with part-time jobs and jobs after graduation. If you intend to stay in Norway for a long time, knowing Norwegian is very useful, as many employers need it for full-time positions. Universities might also have free Norwegian courses for foreign students.
Yes, Canadian students need a visa to study in Norway. International students planning to study in Norway for more than 90 days will need a student residence permit. If the program is shorter, Canadians may not need a visa because of the Schengen visa-waiver program. Still, students in formal academic courses should confirm the exact needs with Norwegian immigration (UDI). The student residence permit covers full-time study and lets students work up to 20 hours a week during school semesters.
The cost of studying in Norway is given below.
| Expense Type | Cost (NOK) | Approximate Cost in CAD (2025) |
| Tuition Fees | 130,000 – 180,000 per year | CAD 16,000 – 22,000 |
| Living Expenses | 12,000 – 14,000 per month | CAD 1,450 – 1,700 |
| Visa Fees | 5,300 (one-time) | CAD 620 |
Yes, Canadian students can work while studying in Norway. Students with a student residence permit are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during school and full-time during breaks. This lets them get job experience and help pay for living costs. Many find work in restaurants, stores, or as research assistants at their schools. To keep these work privileges, students need to maintain good grades. After graduating, students can also ask for a permit to look for work in Norway.
To be eligible for a student visa in Norway, international students need to:
Applicants should send in all documents correctly to make sure their application is processed without problems.
The processing time for a Norway student residence permit is typically 30–60 days but may extend to 90 days during peak application periods (May–August). It is recommended to apply at least three months before the intended start date to avoid delays. Submitting complete and accurate documentation helps ensure faster processing. Students should also account for additional time to arrange biometrics and visa center appointments in Canada.
Yes, students from Canada have multiple options for scholarships and funding when studying in Norway. These options include the Norwegian Government Quota Scheme, ERASMUS+ mobility grants, and specific university scholarships for master’s and doctoral programs. Research grants from the Research Council of Norway are also an option for those who are eligible. It's best to check details about eligibility and deadlines with the university and funding groups directly.
Yes, you can stay in Norway after completing your studies. International students have the option to apply for a Job Seeker Residence Permit post-graduation. This permit allows a stay of up to 12 months in Norway to find work tied to their field of study. After securing a job, graduates are able to apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, potentially leading to permanent residency. The Norwegian job market has a high need for experts in tech, engineering, healthcare, and renewable energy.
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for international students in Norway. Students who plan to stay in Norway for over a year are automatically part of the national health insurance program. If a student's stay is shorter than a year, they have to get private health insurance that covers their whole time in the country. You'll need to show proof of this insurance when you apply for your visa.
Canadian students should apply for a Norway student residence permit right after they get their acceptance letter from a Norwegian school. It’s best to apply at least three months before the program starts, just in case there are delays with the visa. Applying early gives you enough time to get your biometrics done, collect all the papers you need, and plan your trip.
