The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is the public agency responsible for processing all applications for a student residence permit in Norway. The student intending to study in any educational institutions of Norway for longer than 3 months period must have a residence permit. But this doesn't apply to students from Nordic countries.

The requirement of visa and residence permit for students depends upon their nationality.

International Students from Non-Nordic and Non-EU/EEA Countries
For International Students from Non-Nordic and Non-EU/EEA Countries, before applying for visa and residence permit, student must have been admitted to full time accredited university studies in Norway.  Generally, length undergraduate and post graduate courses are more than 3 months, it is therefore essential to apply and obtain residence permit before entering Norway. Student must  submit their application to a Norwegian Foreign Mission in their own country in person. Applications sent by mail or email will not be processed. In some cases the applicant may expect to be called in for an interview. For certain courses whose length is less than 3 month, then the student does not need a residence permit. However, students need a visa before entering into Norway.

International students will be granted a residence permit for study purposes if they have been enrolled for full time study at any recognized educational institutions in Norway. Besides, students need to present the proof that they could support their study and life during their stay in Norway. Also, students must be show that they have made health insurance. The application fee to apply for the visa is NOK 1100 (about USD 180).

Documentation Required to Submit the Application for Non-Nordic and Non-EU/EEA students

1. Completely filled application form with a photograph attached.
2. Copy of valid passport showing the identity of the student.
3. Certificate showing that the student is enrolled for the full time study in Norwegian educational institute. This is also known as letter of acceptance and it must contain information regarding program for which the applicant is admitted, the duration of the program.
4. Plan of study stating the progress on studies.
5. Detail documentation of accommodation.
6. Certificates showing that the student have comprehensive health insurance that is valid in Norway.
7. Certificate from a bank confirming that student have enough fund to support their stay in Norway or the necessary documents that show that student have received a scholarship, study grant or any other type of financial aid.

International Students from Non-Nordic EU/EEA Countries
Visa is not required for international students from Non-Nordic EU/EEA countries who is intending to stay for less than 3 months. But if student's studies take longer than 3 month, then they require to apply for the residence permit within three months of their arrival in Norway. However, they may also apply for residence permit in the embassy or consulate of their own home country before entering Norway. Permits are issued by Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

International students will be granted a residence permit for study purposes if they have been enrolled for full time study at any recognized educational institutions in Norway. Besides, students need to present the proof that they could support their study and life during their stay in Norway. Also, students must be show that they have made health insurance. The application fee to apply for the visa is NOK 1100 (about USD 180).

Documentation Required to Submit the Application for Non-Nordic EU-EEA Students

1. Completely filled application form with a photograph attached.
2. Copy of valid passport showing the identity of the student.
3. Certificate showing that the student is enrolled for the full time study in Norwegian educational institute. This is also known as letter of acceptance and it must contain information regarding program for which the applicant is admitted, the duration of the program.
4. Certificates showing that the student have comprehensive health insurance that is valid in Norway.
5. Certificate from a bank confirming that student have enough fund to support their stay in Norway or the necessary documents that show that student have received a scholarship, study grant or any other type of financial aid.

Even though, education is free in Norway by law, living cost in Norway is quite expensive in comparison to other popular study abroad destinations. It depends upon the living standard of student how much will it cost to live in Norway. But most of the international students feel it too high to afford goods and services in Norway. It costs at least Norwegian Krone (NOK) 8000, i.e. around US Dollar (USD) 1300 per month to maintain the basic living standard in Norway for foreign students.

The estimated expenses for services in Norway are:

International Students under the age of 30 and with a Valid Student Identity (ID) card are entitled to get reduced fares on public transports. The Student ID card also help foreign student to get certain discounts on theatre, museum and opera tickets. University restaurants and cafeteria also provides foods to international students on the subsidized rate. However, if student manage to cook themselves, then they can expect more savings or less expenses on cafeterias.