Visa and immigration matters for international degree students

1 – Deposit Your Funds - Master, Bachelor & Onsite One-Year Programme Students (Proof of Financial Ability)

You must transfer the required funds (proof of financial ability) to the holding deposit account at the Arctic Student Welfare Organization in order to apply for a study permit (visa).

Deadline: 1 June

Link to the deposit account: Student deposit account for international students | UiT

Please note: After the transfer, you will receive:

• Confirmation of deposit
• Letter for visa purposes
• Housing guarantee for your student visa application

2 – Apply for a Student Visa

The Letter for Visa Purposes also serves as your housing guarantee when applying for a student visa (study permit).

1. Apply for housing: Samskipnaden | Housing
2. Apply for Study Permit: Want to apply: Study permit - UDI

Required details for visa applications

• UiT Organisation Number: 970 422 528
• UiT Contact Email: mobility@uit.no
• Norwegian Address:
  C/O: The Arctic Student Welfare Organisation of Norway
  Teorifagbygget House 2, 9010 Tromsø, Norway
• Date of Arrival: Refer to your Admission Letter

If you are going to study in Norway for more than 3 months:

• Visa to enter Norway for exchange: ❌ not required.
• Registration after arrival: ✅ required if staying for more than 3 months.
• ✅ Create a "User Registration" account: Students who are EU/EEA nationals - UDI.
• ✅ Identify your municipality: city/campus.
• ✅ Gather documents: ID Card or Passport, Letter of Acceptance, European Health Insurance Card or private health insurance and personal declaration funds (Downloadable  Template).
• ✅ Book an appointment: Booking and attending - Politiet.no.

If you are a citizen of these countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, or Sweden:

• Visa to enter Norway for exchange: ❌ Not required.
• ❌ No need to register with the police.
• ✅ Report your address if staying more than 6 months: 🔗 Report your move: Tax/Population Registry offices in Norway

Students Already Living in Norway (Student Visa)

If you are already in Norway with a student residence permit, you usually only need to provide a financial statement from your Norwegian bank account as proof of sufficient funds when applying for renewal of your permit.

If you have already completed a degree in Norway, you may also be asked to submit a personal statement explaining why you wish to start a new study programme.

For more detailed requirements, please contact your local police or immigration office.

If you already have a degree from Norway

If you have completed a previous degree in Norway, you may be required to submit:

• A personal statement explaining your academic plans
• Documentation of your previous studies

Starting a New Study Programme at a Higher Level

If you are admitted to a higher-level programme (for example, from Bachelor to Master), this is normally considered a continuation of your studies.

You must provide:

• Your admission letter
• Your complete transcript of records from your previous programme

Starting a Second Master’s Degree

If you are admitted to a new programme at the same level (e.g., a second Master’s degree), this is generally not considered a continuation by UDI.

In such cases, renewal of your residence permit may only be granted in exceptional situations. You must demonstrate that:

• The new programme provides deeper specialization in your field
• It will significantly improve your chances of working as a researcher or continuing to a PhD

You must also not have been significantly delayed in your previous studies (more than 6 months’ delay is considered significant).

Required documentation:

• Admission letter to the new programme
• Complete transcript of your previous degree
• A written statement explaining how the new programme builds on your academic background and improves your career prospects

Students with other residence permits in Norway: (Work visa, refugee/protection status, permanent residence, or family immigration)

You do not need to transfer funds to the student deposit account at UiT.

You only need to:

• Report your move to your new municipality
• Register your address with the Tax Office or the National Population Register