If you want to study in Norway in English, you will need to prove your English level, but there is no single national score. Each institution sets its own requirements, and they can differ from programme to programme. So the first thing to do is check the exact English requirement on the page of the programme you want to apply for.
Why requirements differ between institutions
The Norwegian universities and university colleges decide their own English language requirements for programmes taught in English. That means the tests they accept and the scores they ask for can vary. Some may accept IELTS, TOEFL and PTE; others may accept only one or two of them. The same applies to exemptions, for example, if you have studied in English before or hold certain qualifications.
You can use our guide for international students to get an overview of the application process, but always confirm the English requirement directly with the institution.
University of Oslo: a concrete example
The University of Oslo (UiO) publishes detailed English requirements for its master's programmes. For most master's programmes, UiO requires one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT: total score of 90, with at least 19 in reading, 20 in listening, 20 in speaking and 24 in writing.
- IELTS Academic: overall band of 6.5, with at least 6.5 in each component.
- PTE Academic: overall score of 62, with at least 58 in each component.
UiO also sets higher minimum scores for some specific programmes, English Language and Linguistics, English Literature, and American and British Studies. For these, the IELTS requirement is an overall band of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each component. If you are applying to one of these, check the programme page for the exact TOEFL and PTE equivalents.
The university states that its English requirement for programmes taught in English is higher than the one on the GSU list (the Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research's guide for foreign education), and that the requirement for master's studies differs from the requirement for bachelor's studies. So do not assume that a score that works for a bachelor's programme will also work for a master's.
Test validity, retakes and exemptions
UiO requires that your test result is valid on the date of the application deadline, meaning it must be no more than two years old. The university does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores or IELTS One Skill Retake scores to meet its English requirement. You need to submit a single test result that meets the minimum in one sitting.
There are some exemptions. UiO exempts applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate with English A at a minimum score of 3, or English B at Higher Level with a minimum score of 4, or at Standard Level with a minimum score of 6. If you have another qualification, check with the institution whether it qualifies for an exemption.
Undergraduate programmes taught in Norwegian
If you are applying to a bachelor's programme taught in Norwegian, the English requirement may be lower, but you will also need to document Norwegian language skills. For English, the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS, known in Norwegian as Samordna opptak) accepts:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum of 60 points (a minimum score of 3.5 for tests taken after 21 January 2026).
- IELTS Academic: minimum of 5.0.
- PTE Academic: minimum of 51.
- Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.
NUCAS also accepts a master's degree taught in English, with a diploma and transcript that state English as the language of instruction. Note that admission to bachelor's degrees taught in English is handled by the institutions themselves, not through NUCAS. Admission to bachelor's degrees taught in Norwegian goes through NUCAS.
Which test should you take?
First, check the programme page for the tests the institution accepts. If you have a free choice, pick the test you are most comfortable with. IELTS and TOEFL are widely available, and PTE Academic is computer-based. If you are applying to UiO, the scores above give you a target. For other institutions, you will need to check their requirements.
Test results are not the only part of your application. You also need to meet the academic entry requirements, and for some programmes there may be additional requirements like portfolio or work experience. You can browse our list of English-taught programmes to see what is available.
What if your score is too low?
If your score is below the requirement, you have a few options. You can retake the test and aim for a higher score. You can also look for programmes with lower requirements, but remember that each institution sets its own. Some institutions may offer conditional admission if you take an English course before starting, but that is up to the institution.
You should also consider whether you need to document English at all. If you have completed a degree taught in English, you might be exempt. Check the institution's exemption rules.
Practical steps and deadlines
Application deadlines vary by institution and programme, so check the programme page. For master's programmes, you apply directly to the institution, not through NUCAS. For bachelor's programmes taught in Norwegian, the deadline is set by NUCAS. You can find a list of institutions on our all universities in Norway page.
Make sure you leave enough time to take the test and receive your results before the deadline. Test results can take several days to arrive, so plan ahead. Also check the validity period, at UiO, results must be no older than two years on the application deadline.
Fees and permits
If you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you normally have to pay tuition fees at Norwegian institutions. The fees vary, and you should confirm them with the institution. You may also need a residence permit for studies if you plan to stay for three months or longer. The Norwegian government does not offer individual scholarships to degree students, so you need to budget for tuition and living costs.
Sources
- Study in Norway, admission to degree programmes
- University of Oslo, English proficiency requirements for master's programmes
- Samordna opptak, language requirements
- Study in Norway, education system
- Samordna opptak, English home page
- Study in Norway, tuition fees
- Study in Norway, cost and requirements
- Study in Norway, scholarships for degree students
- This site's catalogue, imported from the Study in Norway register
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do I need for a master's at the University of Oslo?
For most master's programmes, UiO requires IELTS Academic with an overall band of 6.5 and at least 6.5 in each component. For English Language and Linguistics, English Literature, and American and British Studies, the requirement is higher: an overall band of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each component. Always check the programme page for the exact requirement.
Does UiO accept TOEFL MyBest Scores?
No, UiO does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores to meet its English language requirement. You need to submit a single TOEFL iBT result that meets the minimum section scores in one sitting.
What English test does Samordna opptak accept for Norwegian-taught bachelor's programmes?
Samordna opptak accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum of 60 points (or 3.5 for tests taken after 21 January 2026), IELTS Academic with a minimum of 5.0, PTE Academic with a minimum of 51, or Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. Note that you also need to document Norwegian language skills for programmes taught in Norwegian.
How long are English test results valid for Norwegian university applications?
Validity periods vary by institution. At the University of Oslo, your test result must be no older than two years on the date of the application deadline. Check the institution's rules for the programme you are applying to.