UiT The Arctic University of Norway is the only university in Tromsø, and it's the northernmost university in the world according to its own description. If you're an international student considering Norway, it's worth a close look: it has 15,500 students and 3,300 staff, and more than 20 English-taught master's programmes.
Why Tromsø?
Tromsø had a population of 79,943 on 1 January 2026, so it's a decent-sized city with the amenities you'd expect. But it's also far north, which means dark winters and bright summers. If you're after a unique Arctic experience, this is it.
UiT's main campuses are in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik and Harstad. Not all programmes are based in Tromsø, so check where yours is taught. For a full list of institutions in the city, see universities in Tromsø.
Programmes and admission
UiT offers more than 20 English-taught master's degrees. There are also bachelor's degrees, but most English-taught ones are at master's level. Admission to bachelor's degrees taught in English is handled by the institution itself; bachelor's degrees in Norwegian go through NUCAS. Master's programmes are not part of NUCAS, so you apply directly through UiT's website.
For English-taught degrees starting in autumn 2027, UiT lists a deadline of 15 November 2026 for non-EU/EEA applicants and 1 March 2027 for EU/EEA and Swiss applicants. These are the dates as listed by UiT; always confirm them on the university's own pages.
Entry requirements vary by programme. You'll need to document your previous education and English proficiency. Non-EU/EEA applicants must also show proof of financial ability as a formal admission requirement.
Bachelor's degrees take three years (180 ECTS) and master's degrees two years (120 ECTS) after a bachelor's. A full-time year is generally 60 ECTS. For more on the system, see the education system pages on studyinnorway.no.
Tuition fees and costs
Degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition fees at Norwegian institutions. At UiT, fees are divided into three categories, as listed in the Study in Norway register. They include lectures, examinations and semester fees, but exclude course literature and other supplies. The exact fee depends on your programme, so check with UiT directly. One exception: the Master of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies is exempt from tuition fees regardless of when you enrol.
Students from EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at public institutions.
Living costs matter too. UiT's sample student budget is about NOK 61,000 per semester, including NOK 25,000 for housing and NOK 18,000 for food and groceries (page last changed 28 July 2026). UiT also says most students spend about NOK 3,500 to 5,500 per month on food and groceries, and a single bus ticket costs approximately NOK 40 to 50. For a broader picture, see our cost of living guide.
Proof of financial ability is a formal admission requirement at UiT for non-EU/EEA applicants. Self-funded students transfer the required funds to a student deposit account before applying for a study permit. The Norwegian government offers no individual scholarships to degree students, so you'll need to fund your studies yourself or find external funding.
Student housing
Samskipnaden offers student housing in Tromsø, Narvik, Alta, Harstad and Svalbard. You can apply all year round, and no deposit is required. Free electricity and internet are included in the rent. That's a big plus, as it makes budgeting simpler.
Apply early, especially for autumn starts, as demand is high. For more advice, see our student accommodation guide.
Application steps
- Choose your programme: Check UiT's website for the full list. Note that not all are in Tromsø.
- Check deadlines: Non-EU/EEA: 15 November 2026 for autumn 2027. EU/EEA and Swiss: 1 March 2027.
- Prepare documents: Transcripts, English test, proof of funding (if non-EU/EEA), and any programme-specific requirements.
- Apply online: Through UiT's application portal. There's no NUCAS for master's.
- Apply for housing: Through Samskipnaden as soon as you have an offer.
- Apply for a study permit: If you're non-EU/EEA and staying over three months, apply to UDI.
For a full list of institutions, see all universities in Norway. Note that our site lists 27 Norwegian higher education institutions and 353 programmes imported from the Study in Norway register. That register is a good starting point, but always confirm details with the institution.
What to check before you apply
- Programme location: Confirm whether your programme is in Tromsø or another campus.
- Tuition fees: Check the exact amount for your programme on UiT's pages. Fees are set by the institution.
- Living costs: Use UiT's budget as a guide, but your spending may differ.
- Housing: Apply early through Samskipnaden.
- Permit rules: UDI decides on study permits. Check udi.no for current requirements.
Also, remember that admission is decided by the institution, not by any guide. Use studyinnorway.no, hkdir.no and lanekassen.no for official information.
Sources
- Statistics Norway, population figures (via data/facts/ssb__population-2026.txt)
- UiT, about page (via data/facts/uit__about.txt)
- UiT, admission page (via data/facts/uit__admission.txt)
- Samskipnaden, housing page (via data/facts/samskipnaden__housing.txt)
- UiT, cost of living page (via data/facts/uit__cost-of-living.txt)
- Study in Norway register (studyinnorway.no), our catalogue counts
- Study in Norway, education system (via data/facts/studyinnorway__education-system.txt)
- Study in Norway, admission degree programmes (via data/facts/studyinnorway__admission-degree-programmes.txt)
- Samordna opptak, English home (via data/facts/samordnaopptak__english-home.txt)
- Study in Norway, tuition fees (via data/facts/studyinnorway__tuition-fees.txt)
- Study in Norway, cost and requirements (via data/facts/studyinnorway__cost-and-requirements.txt)
- Study in Norway, scholarships for degree students (via data/facts/studyinnorway__scholarships-degree-students.txt)
Frequently asked questions
What is the application deadline for UiT for international students?
For English-taught degrees starting in autumn 2027, non-EU/EEA applicants must apply by 15 November 2026, while EU/EEA and Swiss applicants have until 1 March 2027. Always confirm these dates on UiT's website.
How much does it cost to study at UiT in Tromsø?
Tuition fees apply to non-EU/EEA students at UiT, divided into three categories; check the exact fee for your programme with the university. Living costs are estimated at about NOK 61,000 per semester, according to UiT's sample budget.
Is student housing available in Tromsø?
Yes, Samskipnaden offers student housing in Tromsø with no deposit required and free electricity and internet included in the rent. You can apply all year round, but apply early for autumn starts.
Do I need a study permit to study at UiT?
If you are from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland and will study for three months or longer, you must apply for a residence permit for studies (study permit). Apply through UDI, and check udi.no for current requirements.