Budget and cost of living
Norway is an expensive country and it takes a while getting used to the high cost of living. As a student you will need a minimum of approximately NOK 9 000 per month in order to cover basic expenses.
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 12 400
- Books & Supplies: NOK 4 700
- Transportation: NOK 1 700 (students under 30)
- Other expences: NOK 10 750
Total for 5 months: NOK 44 500
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
Students from the EU/EEA area can work up to 20 hours pr. week after they have registered with the police.
See further information about part time work from the Career Centre (pdf). See also the Career Centre webpage.
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 Oslo airport - Gardermoen. You will need to have money to pay for the airport 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 with you 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.
