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Well..well, look who’s here! A dreamer. But darlin’ are you one of the risk-takers? Your buddy is so concerned about the fact that Norway can not be an easy way to conquer. Especially people like Sid, who can’t stand living in the summer, and Buck, who can't stand living in the winter. Who are Sid and Buck by the way! Watch Ice Age.
Hey, that’s not the point. Norway is extra special in that it also has a Northern Lights season that lasts from October through to the end of March. The entire coastline is warmed by the Gulf Stream, providing most of southern Norway with a temperate climate with dry and cold winters and comfortably warm summers. Just as the famous Norwegian Proverb goes —
“Bak skyene er himmelen alltid blå” (“Behind the clouds, the sky is always blue”)
But does that even matter? You are just a crazy soul who just wants the degree with the mastery and comes out being a specialist in your field of interest. Buddy, you can not ignore the facts which can influence your study routine and mental health. Let me give you the heads-up of some very frequently asked questions.
I guess we all think of these five questions first. Don’t you agree? Try me...
WHAT ARE THE DEGREES?
Norway provides Master’s and Ph.D. degrees to international students. Universities from this country are not that flexible for giving opportunities to International students seeking bachelor’s degrees.
⦁ Master’s: Norwegian universities and university colleges are now offering Master's and Bachelor's programs where the medium of instruction is English. For students from various nations, at least one year of post-secondary education is necessary.
⦁ Ph.D.: Norwegian Ph.D. programs are post-Bologna, third-cycled. [1] You'll need to undergo research and create a Ph.D. thesis. A full-time Norway Ph.D. study lasts three years. You may be employed by your university for four years in a well-designed Ph.D. program. Norway provides a huge budget for Ph.D. research funding, more than other universities from other countries get. About 380 doctoral degrees get awarded annually (44 % women) from NTNU [13] which costs around 2 billion euros (bigger than the MIT budget).
WHY IS NORWAY THE BEST FOR YOU?
People want what’s best for them and you are no exception. Norway is the best choice because it ensures high-quality education, close student-professor relations, encourages critical thinking, a study in the English language, free education at most universities, and a modern and technologically advanced society
WHAT ARE THE BEST UNIVERSITIES IN NORWAY?
There are four main types of university institutions in Norway. The majority are public and state-run but there is a range of private institutions too. The top 5 universities of Norway in 2021 are:
⦁ University of Oslo
⦁ University of Bergen
⦁ UiT The Arctic University of Norway
⦁ Norwegian University of Science and Technology
⦁ Norwegian University of Life Sciences [1]
These are just statistics that can lie and can be manipulative sometimes. Let’s get a bit real here, what say!
⦁ Master’s: There are a lot of Master’s degrees in Norway — some hilarious clichés like “Viking and Medieval Norse Studies” — but a certain group stands out in terms of popularity among international students. So you should not just apply based on rankings. There are popular degrees, degrees for your study field but they could be from little low-ranked universities. So you never know until you ask.
⦁ Ph.D.: Many doctorate applicants believe that middle-ranked universities are the best to apply to if one does not have a Ph.D. and choosing a highly ranked university with stringent admittance standards may take up two or three years in preparing and applying. However if they had sought a position in a lower-ranked university, the likelihood of applying and finishing in a shorter period of time is higher. So choose after ensuring that you can afford the time. Universities offer attractive welfare benefits and generous pension payments.
CAN YOU AFFORD YOUR EDUCATION?
No doubt my friend! Huh, it’s an easy-peasy answer. Education is totally free in Norway. Norwegian colleges have several exchange partnerships with universities around the world. The most common education programs granting exchange to Norway is the following:
⦁ The Erasmus+ grant
⦁ Nordplus student grant
⦁ Fulbright - Grants for US students and Scholars
⦁ Mobility grants for Norwegian Language and Literature
⦁ EEA/Norway grants
⦁ Norwegian-Russian Scholarship [3]
Enough answering your questions. Huff! Let me breathe a little.
Yeah, I’m cool. But I’m also anxious. No, no.. not about you. I am concerned about people who will give you advice from their experiences and preferences only. Have you read the book, Steal Like an Artist? In this book, Austin said that when people give you advice, they’re really just talking to themselves in the past. But you’re completely different person honey. Now, I would love to give you general ideas, information, and perfect advice so that you can rely on my words. Here are some questions we often ask seniors, professors, the internet, and ghosts...
WHICH ARE THE POPULAR DISCIPLINES?
Norway has a large number of programs and high-quality universities that you can study. Norway is the best for Marine Education. Norwegian University of Science and Technology: this is one of the world’s best marine engineering institutions in the world[12]. For students, however, the most popular areas are:
⦁ Environmental Studies
⦁ Social Sciences
⦁ Art, Design, and Architecture
⦁ Business and Management
HOW CAN YOU BE PREPARED?
⦁ Master’s:
The Application timeline for the Master’s starts from October to November and there’s also an exception for the University of Stavanger because they prefer collecting applications from January each year.
First, you need to arrange papers like, certificates, letters of recommendation, transcripts, work experience certificates, etc. If you are going to graduate in December/ January/ February, you can apply by using your partial transcript.
Second, you have to have a passport for obvious reasons and it should be renewed for 2 years to be on the safe side, you know.
Third, of course, IELTS is required like your ride or die. Take the exam asap or check the 3 years limit terms if you’ve already taken the IELTS exam. [1]
⦁ Ph.D.:
The academic year starts from August to June. To be admitted for Ph.D. studies, you'll need to write a good research proposal to show that you are the right candidate for the doctoral position.
First, you need certified copies of all documents relevant to your educational background.
Second, you have to have a funding plan for your studies (for the full 3-4 years of full-time study, plus information about the funding source and type). [1]
Third, a statement describing any significant scholarly or material resource requirements is needed too. Last, the name of at least one proposed academic supervisor (unless stipulated otherwise) is vital.
CAN I BE FINANCIALLY SECURED THERE?
If you are reading this part, that means you’ve known far enough about free tuition fees. But there are other liabilities too. Once the semester begins, your total investment will depend on your study habits. Secondhand books are plentiful, and especially so on college campuses where recent graduates can be seen searching for more. Public transit is expensive even with a student discount, so the best option to save money is to get a bicycle. Norway allows one-hour passes on all routes, including the tram line. One-day tickets and long-term membership cards are also available. Food is another challenge to add to your already tight student budget. You should go to small food stores. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available year-round within walking distance of major residential areas, including student villages.
WILL I BE ABLE TO DO A JOB ALONGSIDE MY STUDIES?
Students often are not permitted to work while studying in Norway. In addition, you will be allowed to work part-time if you are given a study visa. Non-EU/EEA students may work 20 hours per week while studying their first year. Don't forget to renew your study permit when you renew your employment permit. [9] It is easy to get part-time jobs because local people know English. Almost every Norwegian speaks English so it's easy to live here and communicate with them even when you don't speak Norwegian.
The base tax rate is 24 percent of net income, with a social security payment of 8.2% of gross income. To put it another way, you will pay the government more than 30% of your gross income in taxes and social security contributions. As a Ph.D. student, you will earn 450000 NOK each year. Then you'll have a monthly income of roughly 26000 NOK. If you work as a postdoc and earn 530000 NOK per year, you will take home roughly 31000 NOK each month depending on your qualifications and seniority as Ph.D. Research Fellow (position code 1017). [11]
WHERE WILL I BE LIVING?
Many universities and big student populations are found in various Norwegian cities. Wherever your university is located, that's the greatest spot for you. I don't know which one will be your pressure chamber. A student residence permit may also be required if you are studying for a Ph.D. in Norway for longer than three months. You can check out the details below:
⦁ Oslo: Norway's top student city is Oslo. In 2018, Oslo was voted the 59th best city in the world for international students to study. Oslo has family-friendly surroundings with rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities.
⦁ Bergen: Bergen has numerous good higher educational institutions. Bergen is on the shore. Offshore finance, shipping, and petroleum activities help to boost employment and business prospects for students and professionals.
⦁ Trondheim: Trondheim has regularly been rated the 4th best student city in Norway. One of its universities is ranked internationally by QS for overseas students. 25% of the population is college students. It is one of the best places for technical research. [10]
On that note, it takes almost 8k to 9k Norwegian Krone to live in these cities per month. It varies and also students shared that they could manage to live by 5.5k to 6k NOK swiftly and comfortably.
Ugh... Now I don’t want to chat about others. Time for my concerns now. You know, today I’m making no honey because you are special. Let’s dig in. Hey! Not in my honeycomb, I meant information only.
COURSE PATTERN:
⦁ Master’s: Norwegian master's degrees last two years and contain 120 ECTS credits. Second cycle programs may have only 90 ECTS credits of formal study but these are only applicable to applicants with training and job experience in the relevant sector. [7]
⦁ Ph.D.: PhDs in Norway follow a structured format. This typically involves a training component prior to commencing your doctoral research and thesis writing. Doctoral students will have a senior researcher as a supervisor. They will regularly oversee and evaluate your research work, project progression, and thesis writing. You may also have additional supervisors with specific responsibilities. [1]
MEDICAL HEALTH:
Norway’s healthcare services are of exceptionally high quality. As a student in Norway, you are entitled to professional medical treatment, regardless of where you are located in the country. If the specific requirements are completed, in most cases, the treatment is provided at no charge. These requirements differ based on your present nationality and the length of time you intend to spend in Norway. Here, a health check-up is a must-have. You will get a check-up appointment date from your university after you report. You can assume their strictness on health issues so any kind of disease like tuberculosis and so on will cost you months of quarantine.
REQUIREMENTS:
Norway doesn’t have a central application portal. Instead, applications are submitted to
individual schools. This means that requirements vary from school to school and program to
program. You’ll need to check university websites before applying.
⦁ Master’s:
A completed application form from the school’s portal, a copy of your passport, a copy of your grade transcripts, your CV. and you might also need to submit a professional CV for postgraduate study, proof of your English abilities. (At least score 6.5 in IELTS), letter of motivation, two letters of recommendation. [6]
⦁ Ph.D.:
Must have a Master's degree in a relevant subject area., required to write a good research proposal or project description, need a complete relevant application form, certified copies of all documents relevant to your educational background, a funding plan for your studies, a statement describing any significant scholarly or material resource requirements, the name of at least one proposed academic supervisor (unless stipulated otherwise). [5]
WEATHER:
It is extremely dark and cold during the winter months across Norway, and from the middle of November to the end of January, the sun does not rise at all in regions of Northern Norway. Summer is defined as the period between June and August when stable weather conditions prevail. Days are bright and sunny, with temperatures reaching into the upper 70s F.
LANGUAGE:
⦁ Master’s: In Norway, all applications for English taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are processed by the institutions themselves.
⦁ Ph.D.: There are 18 universities that offer 104 Ph.D. programs in Norway. [4] Most Ph.D. programs in Norway are taught in English. Some Ph.D. programs may be taught in Norwegian.
Universities accept these official English exams:
⦁ PTE Academic
⦁ IELTS
⦁ TOEFL
⦁ C1 Advanced [2]
SETTLING AFTER STUDY:
In Norway, you can experience a vibrant international academic environment and a tremendous amount of Career Development Programs. International students may stay in Norway until one year after graduating from a Norwegian university or university college in order to look for work. Beware that you must apply for a residence permit as a job seeker before your current permit expires and after completing your degree.
VISA:
Norway is a welcoming country for Ph.D. students. This is reflected by the relatively simple immigration process.
⦁ Master’s: To enter the country, international students will be required to obtain a visa. Visas in Norway are only valid for up to 30 days at a time and are not renewable. Instead, you'll need a student residence permit, health insurance, and a Norwegian identification number to live in Norway.
⦁ Ph.D.: To non-EU/EEA Ph.D. applicants, you will need to apply for a student residence permit. You will require around €12,062 to pay your living expenses. If you are going to be paying tuition fees, you will also need money to cover these costs. This money is normally deposited into a Norwegian bank account. The processing charge is roughly €545 for each application.
To live in Norway for more than six months, you will also be required to report your movement from one place to another to gain a Norwegian identity number. Required documents will enable you to open a Norwegian bank account and receive a student card.
REQUIREMENTS:
The students need to prove that they can support themselves during their study program. They won’t have to prove they speak English well enough to study in an international university in Norway. They don’t need to take a medical test before arriving in Norway. No need to set up a Restricted Bank Account.
SOCIETY:
Equality is a key feature of modern Norwegian society to consider making it a safe, forward-thinking study place. Norway is consistently ranked as the world's best quality of life. Norway is a modernized, clean environment-friendly society. [8]
ENTERTAINMENT:
You can include outdoor experimentation with the Aurora Borealis, midnight sun, fjords, mountains, and more. I must appreciate open space, pure water, and fresh air. In Norway, pupils will never lack outdoor choices. So, make the most of it, probably your only chance! [8]
ROUTINE:
You can study with part-time work and have a healthy lifestyle if you want to. Polar nights only occur when the sun doesn't rise for over 24 hours. The midnight sun is seen continuously for six months at the Arctic Circle. You should change your sleeping routine as necessary. By the way, you ask a lot of questions and I love to talk. I love you already. Grab this information and buckle up! You are about to get into a mesmerizing university, to know more about your subject, to network with lots of buddies. Do not forget your Buddy Bee, all right? Go North!
Now babye, um feelin’ sleepy. zzzzz…