If you plan a master in Norway, first check whether you come from the EU, the EEA or a non-EU country. That decides tuition, visa and health insurance. Many master programmes are taught in English, which makes the start easier. This guide covers costs, funding and health insurance, each with date and source.
Short answer: According to the European Commission, master programmes at public universities in Norway charge no tuition to EU and EEA students. Everyone pays a semester fee of about 600 Norwegian kroner. Non-EU students pay between 130,000 and 390,000 kroner per year (11,000 to 33,000 euros), depending on university and subject. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- Tuition is mainly charged to students from outside the EU and the EEA.
- EU and EEA students pay no tuition at public universities, but a semester fee of about 600 kroner applies.
- Non-EU students pay between 130,000 and 390,000 kroner per year, depending on university and programme.
- Most master programmes are taught in English. Norwegian is usually not required for the course itself.
- EU nationals can rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU students need proof of insurance for the visa.
How much is tuition for a master in Norway?
The answer depends on your nationality. The European Commission country profile for Norway states that EU and EEA students pay no tuition at public universities. Non-EU and non-EEA students pay for most programmes. The page gives no separate figures for master programmes, so the range applies to programmes in general. Exact fees are listed on your university’s website.
| Group | Tuition at public universities | Semester fee | Date and source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU and EEA students | none | about 600 NOK (50 to 60 euros) | European Commission, last updated 1 October 2026 |
| Non-EU and non-EEA students | 130,000 to 390,000 NOK per year (11,000 to 33,000 euros) | about 600 NOK | European Commission, last updated 1 October 2026 |
What does a master in Norway cost in total?
Tuition is only part of the bill. Housing, living costs, insurance and travel come on top. The following calculation uses our own assumptions and is not a university requirement.
- Assumption: tuition of 130,000 NOK per year, the lower end of the range for non-EU students.
- Assumption: a standard length of two years for the master, which gives 260,000 NOK in tuition.
- Assumption: two semester fees of 600 NOK each, which makes 1,200 NOK.
- Result: 261,200 NOK in tuition and fees. Living costs are extra and are often high in Norway.
How can you fund a master in Norway?
Non-EU students usually have to prove sufficient funds for their visa. The Norwegian immigration authority UDI sets the amount. Check the current figure there and on your university’s website, because amounts change. An overview of options is in our guide Auslandsstudium finanzieren (in German).
Whether German students receive support under the BAföG (German student financing act) for a master abroad is decided case by case by the responsible BAföG office. Our guide BAföG 2026 (in German) summarises the basics. Scholarships from universities and EU programmes such as Erasmus Mundus can also be an option. Selection criteria differ a lot, so read the programme description carefully.
Which health insurance do you need in Norway?
EU and EEA nationals generally rely on the European Health Insurance Card. The European Commission lists Norway as a country where it applies. Your German health insurer issues the card free of charge. It covers necessary treatment under the same conditions and costs as for residents of the country you are in. Private services and a return flight to Germany are not included.
Non-EU students need proof of health insurance for the visa. How long you must register in Norway and whether you become part of the Norwegian national insurance depends on your stay. The university and UDI give binding answers. If you are insured as a student in Germany, also ask your health insurer whether your cover continues during a study period abroad. More on this in our guide Health insurance during study abroad (in German).
When is a master in Norway a good fit, and when is it not?
A master in Norway suits you if you want an English-taught programme, are interested in research in a well-funded system and can plan your costs. It is less suitable if you are a non-EU student without enough funds or if living costs in Norway do not fit your budget. Comparing countries and application steps helps: Master abroad: countries, applications and costs (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a master in Norway without knowing Norwegian?
Many master programmes are taught entirely in English, and the European Commission names English as the usual language of instruction for most master programmes. Still, check the language requirements of your programme, because some ask for an English test. Norwegian classes help in daily life but are often not required for the degree.
Do I have to pay the semester fee as an EU student?
Yes. According to the European Commission, all students pay a small semester fee of about 600 Norwegian kroner. It is not tuition, and it still applies when tuition is waived for EU students.
Does my German health insurance work in Norway?
Not directly. The European Health Insurance Card covers necessary treatment under the conditions that apply in the country. A comprehensive travel or expatriate policy is not replaced by it. Whether your German health insurer continues to collect contributions during a master abroad, your insurer can tell you on request.
Where can I find binding tuition figures?
Universities publish their fees for each programme. The European Commission country profile gives a general overview and was last updated on 1 October 2026. For binding figures, the page of your programme is the reference.
So proceed like this
- Check whether your target programme is taught in English and which language tests it requires.
- Clarify your nationality, because it decides tuition and visa rules.
- Clarify your health insurance in writing with your health insurer and the university.
- Calculate total costs with your own assumptions, including housing and living costs.
- Clarify funding with the BAföG office or the scholarship provider before you commit.
Related reading
- Master abroad: countries, applications and costs (in German)
- Health insurance during study abroad (in German)
- Health insurance during a semester abroad (in German)
- Financing study abroad (in German)
- BAföG 2026 (in German)
Sources: European Commission, country profile Norway (last updated 1 October 2026); UDI, residence for EU/EEA students (responsible authority, date not checked)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
