If you've just finished a degree in Norway, you can stay and look for work for up to one year. You need to apply for a job seeker permit before your student permit expires. And yes, you can work while you search, full time or part time.
What the job seeker permit actually lets you do
The permit is for finding skilled work. You can take any job in the meantime, including one that doesn't require skilled workers, and you can work full time or part time. The one thing you can't do is work as a self-employed person.
It's granted for a maximum of one year. That's the ceiling, not a promise, UDI decides the case. And there's a catch worth knowing now: the time you spend on this permit doesn't count if you later apply for permanent residence.
If you're an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you normally don't need this permit at all. You can seek work and work in Norway after your degree on the same basis as other EU/EEA citizens. PhD candidates are normally treated as employees rather than students, which also changes your situation.
Who can apply, and when
You need two things. First, a valid student residence permit, you must apply for the job seeker permit before it expires. UDI says preferably at least one month before. Second, you must have completed your degree or education in Norway.
If your diploma hasn't arrived yet, you can still apply. You document the completed degree with a confirmation from your institution that you've submitted your final thesis and finished all other credits. Ask your student office for that letter early; it's the sort of thing that takes a few days when you're in a hurry.
If you're still choosing where to study, it's worth planning this from the start. Our list of all universities in Norway covers 27 institutions and 353 programmes from the Study in Norway register, so you can see what's on offer before you commit.
The money requirement, in plain numbers
You have to show you can support yourself while you look for work. The figure is at least NOK 28,448 per month, which is NOK 341,373 per year. Income from a relevant job offer can be included in that calculation.
Budget for the application fee too. UDI lists the fee for residence permits for work at NOK 6,300 for applicants over 18. Fees and amounts change, so check the current figures on udi.no before you pay anything.
Moving from job seeker to skilled worker
This is the part people miss. If you get a job offer before your job seeker application is processed, you can change it to a skilled worker application in the application portal, free of charge. You don't start again from zero.
A skilled worker permit needs two things: a completed vocational training programme or a degree from a university or university college, and a concrete job offer from one specific employer. Not a hint of a job, not a recruitment conversation. One named employer, one offer.
UDI is clear that it can't help you find that job. That's on you, through internships, thesis contacts, and the network you built during your studies. If you're weighing up where to start, our residence permit guide lays out the permit types side by side so you can see how the pieces fit.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Applying too late. If your student permit lapses, you lose the route. Aim for at least a month before expiry.
- Waiting for the diploma. Don't. Get the institutional confirmation instead.
- Forgetting the maintenance figure. Have the documentation ready before you apply, not after.
- Assuming the year counts towards permanent residence. It doesn't.
- Trying to freelance. Self-employment isn't allowed on this permit.
Funding, fees and the bigger picture
Degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition fees at Norwegian institutions, and those fees vary by institution and programme. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland staying three months or longer need a residence permit for studies in the first place. The Norwegian government offers no individual scholarships to degree students, so plan the money side early, our scholarship directory is a good place to see what else exists.
Tuition fees, deadlines and programme details on this site are shown as listed in the Study in Norway register. Confirm them with the institution before you rely on them.
Sources
- Study in Norway, why Norway (staying after graduation)
- Study in Norway, work after your degree
- UDI, job seekers (residence permit to look for work)
- UDI, skilled workers
- UDI, application fees
- Study in Norway, education system
- Study in Norway, admission to degree programmes
- Samordna opptak, English home page
- Study in Norway, tuition fees
- Study in Norway, cost and requirements
- Study in Norway, scholarships for degree students
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Norway after graduating to look for work?
Up to one year on a job seeker permit. You must apply before your student residence permit expires, UDI says preferably at least one month before, and you must have completed your degree in Norway. The permit is granted for a maximum of one year, and UDI decides the case.
Can I work while on a job seeker permit in Norway?
Yes. You can work full time or part time while you look for skilled work, including in jobs that don't require skilled workers. The exception is self-employment, you can't be self-employed on this permit.
How much money do I need for a Norwegian job seeker permit?
You must show you can support yourself with at least NOK 28,448 per month, which is NOK 341,373 per year. Income from a relevant job offer can be included. Check the current figure on udi.no, as amounts change.
Can I switch from a job seeker permit to a skilled worker permit?
Yes. If you get a job offer before your job seeker application is processed, you can change it to a skilled worker application in the application portal free of charge. A skilled worker permit needs a completed degree or vocational training plus a concrete job offer from one specific employer.