Studying medicine in Norway

Advantages of studying medicine in Norway

Studying medicine is also very popular in Norway and is characterised by various special features.

High quality teaching

Norway's medical training programmes are among the best in Europe. In particular, the strong focus on research and practical experience ensures that students are excellently prepared for the medical profession after completing their studies.

Numerous exchange opportunities around the world

The medical universities in Norway offer their students the opportunity to complete internships or semesters abroad. Thanks to numerous collaborations with other countries such as Australia, Uganda, India or Thailand, but also Germany, the doors are open for you to familiarise yourself with the study and healthcare system in other countries.

No tuition fees

You do not have to pay tuition fees at Norwegian universities. Studying is free for students from Norway and the EU.

Studying medicine in Norway - The universities

There are six medical universities in Norway where you can start your studies. However, lectures are held exclusively in Norwegian at all universities. If you have an affinity for the language, the only thing standing in your way is a language course.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Faculty of Medicine

NTNU medical students have three options: They can either study the full six years in Trondheim or transfer to Alesund or Levanger after the second year. Everyday study consists of lectures, group work and tutorials. Much of the learning takes place in small groups in hospitals and in the municipal healthcare system. There is a wide range of student organisations to make the time after lectures exciting. You can join a choir, work out in a sports club or get involved in humanitarian projects.

University of Bergen (Universitetet i Bergen Medisinske Fakultet, UiB)

The Faculty of Medicine is one of the seven faculties at the University of Bergen. Here you can expect a varied study programme with outstanding theoretical teaching and long internships in hospitals and medical practices.

There is a wide range of organisations for medical students to get involved in. For example, you can join the Academic Committee for Medicine or become a member of a student group in the area of "Culture and Society" or "Outdoor Activities and Sport".

Universitetet i Oslo Medisinske Fakultet, Oslo

When you start your medical studies at the University of Oslo, you can benefit from the modern teaching facilities and highly qualified staff at the Faculty of Medicine. Life at UiO is more than just studying. There is room in your student budget for nice accommodation, cosy places to spend time with your fellow students and numerous sports facilities. There are gyms, a swimming pool, a climbing wall, ball sports fields and several sports clubs.

Universitetet i Tromsø Helsevitenskapelige Fakultet, Tromso

The Faculty of Health Sciences, also known as Helsefak, is the largest of the six faculties at UiT. The medical degree programme there is characterised by a high proportion of practical work and students work with patients from the outset. The university's medical research is recognised both nationally and internationally.

Studying medicine in Norway - The requirements

To be accepted at a medical university in Norway, you need a university entrance qualification. It is therefore not possible to start your studies without a high school diploma. Not surprising? There are countries where you can Medical studies with a specialist baccalaureate can complete.

Places to study medicine in Norway are popular. You can score points with good A-level grades, good grades in science subjects and a long period of study in these subjects.

As a student from the EU, you do not need a student visa to study in Norway. If you fulfil the Norwegian language requirements, which are obligatory for studying medicine, you can apply in the same way as domestic students.

The language requirements are fulfilled if you pass "The Bergen Test" at a higher level and achieve a B2 or better in oral communication. A good command of English is also desirable. You should have a minimum score of 60 points in the TOEFL iBT test and 5.0 in the IELTS.

How is the medical degree programme structured in Norway?

How long does it take to study medicine in Norway? The structure of the medical degree programme in Norway varies slightly depending on the medical university. At all universities, the medical degree programme lasts six years. It is roughly divided into three phases:

In the first two years of the programme, you will receive an introduction to the basic sciences and basic medical concepts. You will also spend three hours every fortnight with your small group in a GP practice to learn how to communicate properly with patients. In the skills labs at the university, you will receive systematic training in clinical examination techniques under the guidance of doctors.

In the subsequent second stage of your studies, the focus is on clinical subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology or anaesthesia. During these years, you and your small group will work weekly in the hospital and meet patients on wards, in outpatient clinics or surgeries. As a rule, you will work for a fortnight in each department. In the fifth year of the programme, you will complete a four-month full-time internship at the hospital and a three-month internship at a somatic practice.

In the final year, you will write your Master's thesis and spend an internship semester in various medical facilities, such as hospitals, psychiatric clinics and municipal health services.

During your degree programme, knowledge is tested in the form of written and oral examinations. While in the first three years the examinations take place exclusively in the summer semester, from the fourth year onwards there are examinations in both spring and autumn.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Norway?

To give you your Financing medical studies abroad to be able to do so, thorough consideration needs to be given to the costs incurred

Studying medicine in Norway is free of tuition fees for students from the EU.

The costs of studying medicine that you have to plan for consist mainly of your living costs. These are somewhat higher in Norway than in Germany. Rents can range from 500 euros to 1,000 euros and the cost of food is also somewhat higher. Total expenses can therefore amount to around 1,000 to 1,500 euros per month.

Before you start your degree programme, you should think about financing and a possible Scholarship that can take the pressure off you during your time at university.

Country and people: What you didn't know about Norway

1. Scenic superlatives: In addition to the sixth highest waterfall (Vinnufossen) and the deepest fjord in the world (Sognefjord), Norway is also home to the largest mountain plateau in Europe, which is also home to the continent's largest herd of reindeer.
2. Norway is one of the best-educated countries in Europe, because 46.5% of Norwegians have a university degree as of 2022. The Norwegian population also reads a lot: on average 15 books a year.
3. Water march! Almost 99 per cent of Norway's electricity is generated from hydropower, which is more than in any other country in the world.

What should I bear in mind when applying to study medicine in Norway?

You can apply via the website of the Admissions Service for Norwegian Universities and Colleges (Samordna opptak). To apply there, you need a permanent or renewable residence permit in Norway. In addition, you must apply within the Application deadlines provide proof of all your relevant education with officially certified copies of certificates and diplomas in the original language and a certified translation.

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Norway? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

Would you like to complete your studies in another northern country? Then take a look at the following countries: Medical studies Estonia, Medical studies Finland, Medical studies Latvia, Medical studies Sweden, Medical studies Lithuania, Medical studies Denmark.