Steeped in Viking history and home to the most beautiful fjords in the world, the Kingdom of Norway continues to rank high on lists of the most prosperous and happiest countries in the world. Norway is a constitutional monarchy bordered land-wise by Sweden, Finland, Russia and Denmark. It also shares maritime borders with Greenland, Iceland, Russia, the United Kingdom and Sweden via the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea. Norway is fourth in the world regarding per capita income and recently held top ranking on the Human Development Index. Additionally, Norway has been designated by the Democracy Index to be the most democratic country globally.

Useful Facts About Norway

• Established in 1000 AD, Oslo is the capital of Norway and the economic/government capital as well.

• Norway is rich in natural gas, petroleum, seafood, minerals and fresh water reserves, all contributing factors to its ability to offer subsidized higher education, universal health care, an excellent social security system and consistently low unemployment rates.

• Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, it maintains close ties with the EU. Norway is also a founding member of NATO, the WTO, the Council of Europe and the EEA (European Economic Area).

• Norway has two official languages: Bokmal Norwegian and Nynorsk Norwegian. Bokmal is spoken by the majority of Norwegians while Nynorsk is spoken by Finnish and Sami-speaking minorities.

• The Norwegian Krone (plural Kroner) is the country's currency unit. Six Kroner equals $1 USD and one euro equals eight Kroner.

What is the Law system in the Country?

Norway's court system is similar to the U.S. court system. District courts have the least power, followed by the Appeals Court and t he Supreme Court. Judges presiding over appeal and district courts can be one of three types of judges: professional judges, lay judges or co-judges. Professional judges are qualified lawyers who have gained legal experience through years of defending or prosecuting individuals in Norway courts. Lay and co-judges are non-lawyers who have been appointed to a position as judge in a district or appeals court.

Higher Education in Norway
Norwegian higher education conforms to the Bologna Process of European higher education, including bachelor’

s, master’

s and PhD degrees.

Why Study in Norway?
Norway offers the highest standard of living in the world along with world-class institutions of higher education that offer advanced research and computer facilities. More than 200 master’

s degree programs are taught in English in a wide variety of subject areas. International students will find a very welcoming environment in Norway –

the country is eager to increase the more than 14,000 international students that currently study there each year.

Universities in Norway
Norway has about 70 institutes of higher education, both public and private. Master’

s degrees are awarded by universities, specialized university institutions, some university colleges and some private institutions. Despite its small size, Norway has two schools among the top 400 as rated by the 2012-2013 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Tuition and Program Duration
Norwegian universities and state colleges generally

do not charge tuition, even for international students. However, there are usually fees associated with various student organizations that cost about €

40 to €

80 per semester. Private institutions charge tuition that varies by school and program, so students should check with the specific institution. Students requiring assistance with living expenses may find that they are eligible for scholarships.

Master’

s degree programs generally require 1.5 to 2 years to complete and most require a research thesis, although some programs can be completed in one year.

Academic Year
The academic year is based on semesters and normally runs from mid-August to mid-June.

Post-Graduate Opportunities
International students studying in Norway on a student residence are normally expected to return to their home country after completing their studies. However, students eligible to work in Norway will find opportunities in the major industries, including petroleum, copper, natural gas, fishing, timber and hydropower.

Visa Requirements
Students from Nordic countries (Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland)

do not need a student residence permit or visa.

Visas are generally good for only 90 days, so students from all other countries planning to stay longer must have a student residence permit. The rules for permits depend on the student’

s home country of residence.

Students from EU/EEA/EFTA countries

do not have to pay a processing fee but must submit an application for a student residence permit to a Norwegian Foreign Mission in their home country or a police station in Norway where their school is located. The application must be submitted in person.

Students from all other countries should apply for a student residence permit to the Norwegian Foreign Mission within their home country. Applications must be submitted in person.

All students must present proof of health insurance and proof of living expenses (NOK 95,000 per year) along with their residence and/or visa applications. Non-EU/EEA/EFTA students must also demonstrate that they have obtained housing and that they have sufficient funds for tuition if they are required to pay tuition.

Health Insurance
Students from Nordic countries are members of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme and are entitled to health services under the Norwegian National Insurance Act;

these students do not have to verify their eligibility with a European Health Insurance Card.

Students from the EEA or Switzerland who are covered in their home countries are entitled to emergency treatment and essential health services covered under their European Health Insurance Card. Students without this card should obtain private insurance to cover other medical expenses.

Other students are automatically insured under the Norwegian Health Insurance Scheme if their studies will last for more than one year. Students planning to study for less than one year must apply for membership in the scheme. Students without membership in the scheme should obtain health insurance from their home country.

In addition, some institutions provide health care, so students should be sure to

check these options.