Working in Norway after completing a degree

In Norway, PhD candidates are normally considered as employees rather than as students. Hence, PhD opportunities are mainly advertised as jobs.

Most Norwegian universities and other higher educational institutions advertise their positions on Jobbnorge.no*.

You can also find information about finding jobs or doing business in Norway at the official website Workinnorway.no*. In addition to giving details about jobs, the webpage also gives details about applying for residence permits and moving to Norway. 

If you are searching for a job within research, the European webpage Euraxess.no* provides information about research positions and about working in Norway as a researcher.

Please note that the information and conditions given in the above links may differ, depending on your visa status. 

Visa regulations for working in Norway after your studies

The visa requirements depend on your citizenship. There are also different regulations whether you currently have a study permit in Norway and wish to stay on, in search of jobs, or if you already have a job offer upon graduation.

If you have a study permit, you can (under certain conditions) apply for a job seeker permit for up to a year after graduation. 

Read more about rules and regulations that apply to your situation and citizenship at the website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)*

Students from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland

If you are a citizen from outside of EU/EEA/Switzerland and have completed your degree in Norway, you may get a residence permit to stay in Norway while you look for work. If you find a relevant job, you may also apply for a work visa for skilled workers. 

• Read more about applying for job seeker permit for people from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland*
• Read more about applying for skilled worker permit for people from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland*

Students from EU/EEA/Switzerland

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can normally seek work and work in Norway upon completing their degree. 

• Read more about rules and regulation for job seekers from the EU*
• Read more about rules and regulations for employees from the EU*

Students from a Nordic country

Swedish, Danish, Icelandic and Finnish citizens can seek work and work in Norway. 

• Read more about rules and regulation for job seekers from the Nordic countries*

*External links. Studyinnorway.no is not responsible for the content of these external links