Norwegian language requirements - non-Nordic applicants

The information on this page is intended for the following applicants:

• You intend to apply for Norwegian-taught study programmes.
• You intend to apply  for English-taught programmes within the deadline 15 April.
• You intend to apply for English-taught Singular Courses (Enkeltemner).

The Norwegian language requirement can be met in different ways, depending on your education background:

1- Is Norwegian language requirement the only entry requirement left for you to meet in order to qualify for admission?

Norwegian language proficiency must be documented by passing one of the following examinations:

• Examination in Norwegian from a Norwegian upper secondary school on the “Vg3-level” (393 hours, third-year level): Norwegian (exam) or Norwegian as a second language (exam).
• Norwegian for International Students, Level 3: examination in Norwegian for foreign students at Norwegian universities, such as (NOR-0030 Norsk for internasjonale studenter, Trinn III 3 - 15 ECTS 
• Examination from the 1-year (60 ECTS) course in Norwegian language and culture for foreign students, taken at a university or a university college in Norway
• Test in Norwegian - advanced level, written test ( Test i norsk - høyere nivå, skriftlig known as ” Bergenstesten”) with a score of at least 450 points, or with “Pass” (Bestått) mark if you took the test before 2009. From 2021 you also need Test in Norwegian – advanced level, oral test, (Test i norsk – høyere nivå, muntlig) with a minimum score of “pass” (bestått) or 500 points if you took the test before 2009.
• Norwegian test for adult immigrants from Kompetanse Norge (VOX) with result B2 in all four parts

The Norwegian language requirement can also be satisfied if you have completed a 9- or 10-year primary and lower secondary school education in Norwegian or another Nordic language as the language of instruction. This must be documented with the corresponding school diploma and in addition with a confirmation stating that you attended each grade of the Norwegian or Nordic language primary and lower secondary school education.

2- Are you required to complete a year of higher education in order to qualify for admission?

There is only one way for you to meet the Norwegian language requirement:

• Examination in Norwegian from a Norwegian upper secondary school on the “Vg3-level” (393 hours, third-year level): Norwegian (exam) or Norwegian as a second language (exam).

Useful links

• The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS, also known as Samordnaopptak)
• Requirements for proficiency in Norwegian and english (NOKUT)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification for Persons with Foreign Education - The GSU-list
• Study programmes taught in Norwegian (studiekatalogen)
• How to apply for admission (søking og opptak - in Norwegian)