Norway is a hub for some of the most prestigious business, science, marketing, and finance universities. The Bergen University, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the University of Oslo, among the top 100 institutes in the world, are situated in Norway. 

So, being among the topmost destinations for higher education and exceptional academic standards, Norway welcomes thousands of Indian and other international students annually. But, many students have difficulty calculating the living cost in Norway because there are many factors to consider with a greater perspective on living expenses in Norway. 

We’ve put together a wholesome guide about the cost of living in Norway for Indian students and other international students to help you manage your expenditure wisely. We have considered shedding light on all the necessary factors along with the miscellaneous section that will give you an in-depth idea of how much studying and living in Norway will cost you. 

An Overview of Cost of Living in Norway for Indian Students

If you get into a public university in Norway, you don’t need to pay any fee as they are free for all international students. 

The estimated living expenses in Norway are around €14,000 per month, with accommodation and private university fees. 

However, you should keep in mind that the estimated cost of Norway study abroad varies depending on several other aspects.  The lifestyle in Norway will depend on your accommodation, essential expenses, and many more.  

Before diving deep into discussing each factor in detail, take a sneak peek at the estimated living cost in Norway for Indian and International students. 

The Tuition-Fee Structure in Public Universities in Norway 

As mentioned earlier, all public universities in Norway are free for all international students. Plus, you no longer need to worry about paying tuition fees if you study at a Norwegian Public University. Free education applies to both European and non-European students. Here’s a list of all highly ranked public universities in Norway that provide free education to all international students

• University of Stavanger
• University of Oslo
• OsloMet
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• University of Bergen

However, private universities in Norway do have a transparent fee structure. You should also be aware that The Norwegian government is considering introducing tuition fees for non-EEA (European Economic Area) students who wish to pursue a full degree in Norway as early as the fall semester of 2023. Norway’s living cost for students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland is free. But, it does not apply to exchange students.

The only tax compulsory in Norway is the student union fee, which is approximately €30-60 per semester. However, the price comes with perks such as discounts on transportation and cultural events.

● Tuition fees at private universities and business schools

Students enrolled in private Norwegian universities and business schools (such as BI Norwegian Business School) generally need to pay tuition fees. 

Students from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland typically pay between €7,000 and €10,000 a year for bachelor’s programs and around €12,000 for master’s programs.

However, non-EEA students must pay more fees than EU/EEA students. It can be anything between €7,000 to €12,000 per year for bachelor’s and around €15,000 for a master’s.

● Accommodation

Accommodation is undoubtedly one of the most significant aspects you must consider if you plan to study in Norway. It often single-handedly gives rise to Norway’s entire cost of living.

Living in Norway is very expensive. Accommodation costs more than your monthly living expenses and your semester tuition combined. Accommodation costs vary depending on the location and type of city you stay in. You can rent an apartment or stay in a student residence hall in Norway. 

The university offers dormitories for students, and the dormitory fee is approximately €550 per month. Another option is to rent an apartment, and the cost depends on the type of apartment you choose. 

For example, in Oslo, monthly rent ranges from €700 to €1,500, including all necessary utilities. In Stavanger, Trondheim, and Bergen you will need to pay around €12,000. So, in a nutshell, the living cost in Norway is generally higher than in other European countries. 

●    Food and Groceries

Norwegian students typically require €200-300 per month for groceries. Although food and groceries are daily essentials, you can cut these costs by buying groceries and cooking at home. It will cost you more if you eat out in restaurants or like to have your meal home delivered frequently. Here’s a list of some of the essential food items Indians need to give you an overview of the lifestyle in Norway. 

● Transportation

Using public transport in Norway will cost you around €50 to €70 per month. Of course, the estimated cost may go higher or lower depending on how far away you stay from your university. 

● Study Materials 

Study materials are an irreplaceable aspect for a student. On average, set aside €150 to €300 for books, notebooks, pens, and other requirements each semester. The cost of books also depends on the course you are pursuing. 

● Entertainment

Norway provides easy access to quality education and helps students adjust to a peaceful, nature-friendly environment. Additionally, this country’s education system encourages students to leverage their interests and hobbies.

So, almost all Norwegian higher education institutions have student clubs and hundreds of different associations where you can pursue your interests in your free time. Whether it’s drama, music, art, physical education, social work, or language learning, these colleges have a lot to offer to improve your skills in your desired field. Apart from these options, you can also go to movies, concerts, and several amusement parks in Norway. Here’s what the different entertainment options will cost you.

Miscellaneous

Finally, other expenses include shopping, leisure activities, toiletries, stationery, household items, and other extra expenses. You need to keep aside €150 to €200 in this category. Please note that other costs vary from person to person and depend entirely on your personal preference and lifestyle in Norway. 

6 Money-saving tips and hacks to cut down the living cost in Norway

Managing finances is a primary concern for all students when considering studying abroad. The substantial tuition fees, accommodation, visa and travel costs, and ultimately the Norway living cost for students need careful planning. However, there are some interesting hacks to manage your expenditure and lower it significantly. If you are willing to pursue your academic career in Norway, use these hacks to save more money.

● Working Part-time 

International students can work part-time in Norway. There are no restrictions for EU/EEA and Switzerland students, but other international students are required to follow some rules. A study permit automatically entitles you to work part-time, but you can work up to 20 hours a week during vacations.

● Use Student Discounts

Student discounts are another way to save money and to lower the cost of living in Norway for Indian students. However, always carry your student ID card , it can save you money on everything from transportation to movies. Do not hesitate to ask retailers and cashiers if they offer student discounts. You are a student wanting a student discount, and your request is not unreasonable. Another easy way to get student discounts is to ask your university office or library about discounts available on specific facilities and services.

● Search for Scholarships

Scholarships are the best option to cover a student’s living expenses in Norway. Studying abroad comes with its worries, so let the worry of finance be a little lesser with scholarships. Various scholarships in Norway can cover full tuition or living expenses. Research and apply for scholarships that best suit you.

● Find Affordable Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the top concerns of all international students in Norway. It is your most significant expense apart from tuition fees, so you must find the best accommodation. Living off campus is cheaper than living on campus if you find the right place. You can even live with multiple roommates and lower your rent considerably.

● Be your Chef 

Ordering food and devouring a takeout is not the solution when you want to live on a budget. You can consider planning your meals for the entire week. You can easily cover your lunch and dinner for a week by cooking a few meals in bulk over the weekend. If you dislike meal planning, you should still learn how to cook. This way, you can save a lot of money on eating out. Additionally, it allows you to adjust your diet and live healthier.

● Create A Budget Plan

Budgeting has two benefits. It helps you stay organized and saves you a lot of money. We recommend making a budget list and considering the most significant expenses like rent, food, and travel. Also, be careful to use only some of your budget and have a little extra headroom.

● Use Public Transport

You must use public transport as much as possible in Norway if you are an Indian or international student. Forget convenience and think only of price. In some places, buses are cheaper than trains and vice versa. Evaluate all these plans up front so you can make timely cost-saving decisions. Also, book a cheaper night flight if you plan to fly across borders. 

• Get an international Travel card

Before heading out to join a college in Norway, get yourself an international travel card such as the Niyo Global card. It offers zero forex markup on all international spends, meaning there are no extra charges for the convenience of using it for making payments in a foreign currency. What’s more? It’s an INR-based card so adding money to it is effortless. Moreover, it works in more than 150 countries worldwide. Also, you get complimentary airport lounge access in India so you can rest in luxury before a long flight.

Wrapping Up

In Norway, everyone can receive a quality education without paying tuition fees. This is a huge benefit for those studying abroad or those who cannot afford to pay hefty tuition fees.However, note that it is still the student’s responsibility to cover living and other miscellaneous expenses. Hope you are now better equipped to plan your cost of living in Norway before applying to universities in Norway.  

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living in Norway for Indian Students

•   Is Norway cheap for Indian and other international students?

Norway is one of the best European countries to pursue higher education. As of now, all public universities are free for international students. The cost of living in Norway is comparatively higher because the accommodation is higher than in other European countries. 

•   How much does it cost for an international student to live in Norway? 

The cost of living in Norway is around €14,000 monthly. However, if you study in a public university and are able to find cheaper accommodation, it will cost you around €10,000. 

•   How much will it cost to live in Oslo?

Living in Oslo will cost you much more than living in other cities in Norway. If you rent a decent apartment in Oslo, be ready to spend monthly from €700 to €1,500. 

•   Are Public Universities Free in Norway?

Yes. However, the Norwegian government is now considering announcing tuition fees from the 2023 semester.