University of South-Eastern Norway

The University of South-Eastern Norway (Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge, usually just USN) is a state university with campuses in Bø in Telemark, Porsgrunn, Notodden, Rauland, Drammen, Hønefoss, Kongsberg and Horten. It is one of Norway's newest full universities, and it grew out of three former university colleges: Telemark University College, Buskerud University College and Vestfold University College. Those institutions merged to form the University College of South-Eastern Norway, and the institution was granted full university status by the King-in-Council on 4 May 2018.

That background shapes the place. USN is a broad institution spread over eight campuses, with 88 undergraduate programmes, 44 master's programmes and 8 PhD programmes. It is the fourth largest university in Norway by student numbers, with around 17,000 students and 1,900 staff. Teaching is organised into four faculties: Health and Social Sciences; Humanities, Sports and Educational Science; the USN School of Business; and Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences. USN is the only Norwegian institution offering optician education, and it also teaches subjects such as folk music and traditional arts.

The Study in Norway list (run by HK-dir) shows 20 English-taught degree programmes here, all at master's level. The subjects span science, maritime management, mechanical engineering, computer science and IT, ecology, electrical and electronic engineering, social sciences and psychology, project management, automation and control engineering, energy and renewable engineering, sustainable development and industrial engineering. The NOKUT register lists the institution as a university, owned by the Ministry of Education and Research.

For an international student, the practical side matters as much as the academic one. Applications go through the institution's own system, so check its website for deadlines and document requirements. Students from outside the EU/EEA normally need a study permit from UDI before arrival. EU/EEA and Swiss students are normally exempt from tuition at state institutions, while other degree students pay an institutional fee. With eight campuses, it is worth checking which one teaches your programme before you apply.