About this programme
Master in Astrophysics is a Master's Degree programme at University of Oslo in Oslo, taught in English. It runs for 2 years and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Oslo as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master. University of Oslo is a state university in Oslo.
How it compares
Master in Astrophysics is one of 6 English-taught Physics programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 4 institutions. 3 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland; this programme lists NOK 295,000 a year. 6 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.
What you will study
What you study
This is the only master's programme in astrophysics in Norway, and it is taught in English at the University of Oslo. The programme is 120 ECTS over two years and focuses on the theoretical understanding of astrophysics and astronomy.
You learn to run simulations of everything from the sun to the entire universe, and to analyse large amounts of data. The questions the programme works with are big ones: what makes the universe expand faster, how supermassive black holes formed, and why the sun's atmosphere is so hot. You apply and develop your skills in physics, mathematics, computer science and statistics along the way.
The master's thesis is where you carry out practical research, working closely with a research environment at the institute.
Admission, language and next steps
Teaching is in English. The programme is a master's degree at the University of Oslo, a state university, and entry requirements are set out on the programme page. Check that page for the admission rules, application system and deadlines, since the institution sets these.
Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions. Other degree students normally pay a fee that the institution sets.
There is room to shape the degree. You can go on exchange through the University of Oslo's joint agreements, and the recommended time to travel is the second semester. The exchange is arranged with your advisor so the courses you take fit the programme. It is also possible to study abroad while working only on the thesis.
If you are academically ambitious, you can add an honours certificate of 20 credits, taken alongside the master's. The institute has a private master's reading hall with computers and a kitchen, and the astrophysics student council (AFU) runs social activities, exam preparation and peer review workshops. Master's students with good academic results can go on to a PhD.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Climate and sustainability consultant
- Data science consultant
- Analyst
- Project manager
- Systems engineer
- Researcher
- Director
- PhD candidate
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to University of Oslo, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme. Deadlines are set by each institution for each programme, so confirm yours. Entry requirements and language tests are also set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, study permits and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Study in Norway register, the official English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and deadlines with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in Astrophysics taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at University of Oslo. Only English-taught degree programmes are included here.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Oslo as the campus town for this programme at University of Oslo.
How do I apply?
Master’s applications go straight to the institution, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme, and some programmes require a minimum grade average. University of Oslo publishes its requirements on the programme page.
When is the application deadline?
Each institution sets and publishes its own deadline for each programme, and the dates can differ between applicants from outside the EU/EEA, EU/EEA applicants and Nordic applicants. Confirm the date for your own situation on the programme page at University of Oslo.
What does it cost?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland pay NOK 295,000 a year, as University of Oslo lists it. For students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland the record shows no tuition fee. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. Every student also pays a semester fee of about NOK 1,000 to the student welfare organisation linked to the institution.
Do I need a permit to study there?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need a study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). UDI asks for proof of admission, housing and funds of NOK 15,488 a month or NOK 170,368 a year (2026/27), on top of any tuition fee. A study permit allows work of up to 20 hours a week during term and full time in the holidays. Students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland register with the police within three months of arrival instead.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Study in Norway register at studyinnorway.no, the English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. The programme page at University of Oslo is linked from this page so you can compare.