Budget and cost of living

To give you an idea of the living expenses for a student in Norway, we have put together a modest budget for one semester (all numbers are approximate):

• Housing: NOK 15 000
• Food: NOK 15 000
• Books & Supplies: NOK 5 000
• Transportation: NOK 1 900
• Other expences: NOK 12 000

Total for 5 months: NOK 50 000

During your first semester, you must be prepared to use a substantial amount of money for setting up your household and for buying suitable clothing for the Norwegian climate.

Student discounts

International students are guaranteed student housing through the the student`s welfare organisation, SiO. Students under the age of 30 with a valid semester card are also entitled to reduced fares on public transport, including the airport train. Your student card also entitles you to certain discounts on opera, theatre and museum tickets.

Part-time work and work permit

• EU/EEA students do not need a work permit, and can work in Norway after they have registered with the police. EU/EEA students must register with the police within 3 months after arrival in Norway. 
   
• Non-EU/EEA students can work 20 hours pr week during their first year of study. When granted the first student residence permit in Norway, students are granted a permit to work 20 hours pr week, and full-time work during the holidays. The part-time work permit has the same duration as the study permit.
  
  When renewing the study permit, the part-time work permit is not automatically renewed, and students must document satisfactory progress in their studies in order to continue to work part-time.

See further information about part time work from the Career Centre (pdf).

What to bring for new students

You are advised to bring some Norwegian currency with you when you arrive in Norway or change money at the airport whenyou arrive. You will need to have money to pay for the airport express train to Oslo. It will also make it easier for you during your first few days, especially if you happen to arrive during the weekend when banks and post offices are closed. It is also advisable to bring along money in the form of traveller's cheques, or to have an international credit card.

Please note that personal expenses like clothes, medicines, dental care, leisure activities etc. are not included in the budget. If you are not able to bring along warm clothes from your home country, it is important to have enough money to buy suitable clothing for the different seasons. We suggest that you bring along/buy: waterproof/windproof jacket, woollen sweater, scarves, gloves, hats, warm long underwear (wool)/tights and warm and waterproof shoes/boots.