If you want to study a degree taught in Norwegian, you need to prove your Norwegian. The classic route was Bergenstesten, but that test was discontinued in October 2022. Today the most common route is the Norwegian Language Test (Norskprøve) from the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), with B2 or C1 in all four parts. The exact rules depend on whether you apply through NUCAS or directly to an institution.
What counts as proof of Norwegian
For courses where the language of instruction is Norwegian, proficiency in a Nordic language is required and must be documented. The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS) lists several ways to meet the requirement for undergraduate study. You can meet it with:
- Norwegian from Norwegian upper secondary school (393 hours, written and oral);
- the Test in Norwegian Advanced Level (Bergenstesten) with a result of Pass in each part, but this test was discontinued by Folkeuniversitetet in October 2022;
- Level 3 in Norwegian for International Students from a Norwegian university or university college;
- 60 ECTS in Norwegian language and social science for international students;
- the Norwegian Language Test A1 to B2 from HK-dir, where you must document a result of B2 or C1 in all four disciplines.
Because Bergenstesten is gone, the Norwegian Language Test is now the main option for most people who did not learn Norwegian at school in Norway. One bridging rule remains: from 2023, a pass in one part of the old Bergenstesten can be combined with B2 or C1 in the other parts of the Norwegian Language Test.
Who needs to document Norwegian
The Higher Education Entrance Qualification list says that applicants with education from outside the Nordic countries must document proficiency in the Norwegian language for programmes taught in Norwegian. If you have education from a neighbouring Scandinavian country, you may be able to document skills in your own language instead. The country list at Samordna opptak shows what applies to you.
This is separate from English requirements. Applicants for undergraduate programmes taught in Norwegian apply through NUCAS and must meet both Norwegian and English language requirements. So even if your Norwegian is excellent, check the English side too.
How to apply, and when you can skip NUCAS
Admission to bachelor's degrees taught in Norwegian goes through NUCAS. If you are applying to a Norwegian-taught bachelor's, that is the route. Admission to bachelor's degrees taught in English is handled through the institutions' own systems, and master's programmes are not part of NUCAS at all, you apply through the institution's website.
This matters for language proof. If you are applying through NUCAS, you need to meet their documented list. If you are applying directly to a master's, the institution sets its own rule. Always check the programme page, because it is the institution that decides on admission. You can get an overview of options on our page for international students and browse English-taught programmes if you want to avoid the Norwegian requirement altogether.
One programme can surprise you
At NMBU, Norwegian at B2 level is an admission requirement for the bachelor's programme in International Environment and Development Studies when you apply through Samordna opptak, even though the programme is taught in English. The lesson is simple: do not assume that an English-taught label means no Norwegian requirement. Check the specific programme and the application route.
Where to take the test, and what it costs
HK-dir runs Norwegian language tests for people who are already in Norway. If you are outside Norway, you will need to look at what is available where you are; the test is not something you can simply book from anywhere. Fees and test dates are set by HK-dir, so check hkdir.no for current information. We do not list a test fee here because we do not have a verified figure.
If you are already in Norway and need to plan your finances, remember that degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition fees at Norwegian institutions, and the fees vary between institutions and programmes. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who wish to study in Norway for three months or longer must apply for a residence permit for studies. The Norwegian government offers no individual scholarships to degree students.
How this fits the degree system
Bachelor's degrees take three years (180 ECTS), master's degrees two years (120 ECTS) after a bachelor's degree, and doctoral degrees three or four years. A year of full-time study is generally worth 60 ECTS. The 60 ECTS Norwegian language and social science course that can meet the language requirement is therefore a full year of study, worth planning for.
To compare institutions, see our list of all universities in Norway. Our catalogue currently lists 27 Norwegian higher education institutions and 353 programmes imported from the Study in Norway register. Tuition fees, application deadlines and programme details on this site are shown as listed in the Study in Norway register; you must confirm them with the institution.
Your checklist
- Decide whether you are applying through NUCAS (Norwegian-taught bachelor's) or directly to the institution (English-taught bachelor's or any master's).
- Check the programme page for the language requirement, it may be Norwegian even for an English-taught programme, as at NMBU.
- If you need the Norwegian Language Test, plan for B2 or C1 in all four parts. If you have a partial Bergenstesten pass, ask the institution whether the combination rule applies to you.
- Confirm deadlines, fees and document formats with the institution and with NUCAS or HK-dir. Rules can change, and the institution decides on admission.
Sources
- Study in Norway, cost and requirements
- Samordna opptak, language requirements
- HK-dir, Higher Education Entrance Qualification list
- Study in Norway, admission to degree programmes
- NMBU, application procedures
- Study in Norway, education system
- Samordna opptak, English home page
- Study in Norway, tuition fees
- Study in Norway, scholarships for degree students
- This site's catalogue, imported from the Study in Norway register
Frequently asked questions
Is Bergenstesten still accepted for Norwegian university admission?
The Test in Norwegian Advanced Level (Bergenstesten) was discontinued by Folkeuniversitetet in October 2022. From 2023, a pass in one part of that test can be combined with B2 or C1 in the other parts of the Norwegian Language Test from HK-dir. Otherwise, you should plan to take the Norwegian Language Test.
What score do I need on the Norwegian Language Test for a Norwegian-taught degree?
Through NUCAS, you must document a result of B2 or C1 in all four disciplines on the Norwegian Language Test A1 to B2 from the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Other routes include Level 3 in Norwegian for International Students or 60 ECTS in Norwegian language and social science for international students.
Can I apply to a Norwegian-taught bachelor's without Norwegian?
NUCAS requires documented Norwegian proficiency for programmes taught in Norwegian, and the Higher Education Entrance Qualification list says applicants with education from outside the Nordic countries must document Norwegian for such programmes. If you do not have it, look at English-taught programmes instead, which are applied for directly to the institution.
Do I need Norwegian for an English-taught programme in Norway?
Usually not, but check the specific programme. At NMBU, Norwegian at B2 level is an admission requirement for the bachelor's programme in International Environment and Development Studies when you apply through Samordna opptak, even though the programme is taught in English. The institution decides on admission.