About this programme
One-year programme in Norwegian language and civilization for international students (NIS) is a One-year Programme programme at Volda University College in Volda, taught in English. It runs for 1 year and carries 60 ECTS credits. The register gives Volda as the campus town. It lists the degree as One-year programme. Volda University College is a university college in Møre og Romsdal.
What you will study
What you study
The programme has two subject areas: Norwegian language and Norwegian civilization. Most of the time goes to the language, with an emphasis on practical skills. You work on Norwegian phonetics, vocabulary and grammar, and the goal is language proficiency at B2 level on the CEFR scale by the end. Civilization teaching is built on reading texts and is coordinated with the language teaching wherever possible. You also cover Norwegian geography, governance, the educational system, industries and welfare, plus important periods in Norwegian history, the history of the language, literature and art history. The programme includes 78 hours of lectures in social studies. Teaching is in bokmål.
How the programme is organised
This is a full time one-year programme over two semesters, 60 ECTS in total. The courses are NIS101 in the autumn and NIS102 in the spring, 30 ECTS each. You must pass the NIS101 exam to go on to NIS102. Teaching runs about 10 to 14 periods per week each term. Attendance is obligatory, and if you attend less than 80 per cent you will not be allowed to sit the exams. The programme has 25 places.
Who it suits
It suits international students who want to build Norwegian language skills and learn how Norwegian society works, either before vocational studies or as preparation for studying at a Norwegian college or university. The course aims to give you the knowledge and skills you need for studies at Norwegian institutions, and to make it easier to adapt to Norwegian society. You do not need prior knowledge of Norwegian to be admitted. If you apply for a student visa, you must also be eligible for further studies according to your further study plans.
Admission, language and next steps
You must meet the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU) in Norway, which means a completed Norwegian secondary school diploma or equivalent. The GSU-list shows what counts as equivalent from other countries. You must also meet the English language requirement for higher education in Norway. The regular application deadlines are 15 January for applicants with citizenship and education from visa-required countries, and 15 April for applicants residing in Norway with a Norwegian ID number and for citizens of EU/EEA countries. Check the programme page for the full admission details. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition fees unless they meet an exemption criterion; the institution sets the fee. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions. Contact the student service or the academic contact if you have questions about admission.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Further studies at Norwegian colleges and universities
- Vocational studies in Norway
- Work that requires Norwegian language skills
- Roles in Norwegian society where insight into social structures and welfare is useful
Before you apply
Volda University College sets the entry requirements and the application route for this programme, so follow the steps on its programme page. 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 One-year programme in Norwegian language and civilization for international students (NIS) taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at Volda University College. Only English-taught degree programmes are included here.
How long does it take?
The register records 1 year of study and 60 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Volda as the campus town for this programme at Volda University College.
How do I apply?
Volda University College sets the entry requirements and the application route for this one-year programme. Read the steps on the programme page before you apply.
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 Volda University College.
What does it cost?
No annual fee is listed for this programme. Degree students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition at Norwegian institutions, and the fees vary by institution and programme, so ask Volda University College what applies to you. 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 Volda University College is linked from this page so you can compare.