Requirements for proficiency in Norwegian

The Norwegian language is the primary language of instruction at Norwegian institutions of higher education. Some foreign students learn Norwegian before they continue with further studies in Norway. Below is an overview of the language requirements for foreign students applying for courses where the language of instruction is Norwegian.

If applying for a course taught in Norwegian, or for general acceptance into an institution, applicants outside of the Nordic countries must meet one of the following requirements:

• Successfully passed 'Norwegian as a second language' from upper secondary school.
• Sucessfully passed Level 3 in Norwegian at a university.
• Successfully passed one-year study in Norwegian language and society for foreign students from a university college.
• Successfully passed test in Norwegian at higher level, 'Bergenstesten', with a minimum score of 450.

In certain cases, institutions may accept other types of documentation. Please contact the institutions directly for details.