Student budget & cost of living

From the autumn semester of 2023 full degree students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must be prepared to pay tuition fees.

Applicants from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland/EFTA applying for a degree in Norway starting autumn 2023, must be prepared to pay tuition fees.

You will not have to pay tuition fees if:

• You are an exchange student.
• You started your degree studies in Norway before 2023 - meaning if you are in your second year autumn 2023, you will not pay fees.
• You are a student from the EU/EEA or Switzerland.

You can find more information regarding level of fees on this website: Tuition fee for programmes of study

Scholarships

UiT The Arctic University of Norway does not offer scholarships to cover living expenses for international students, unless students are participating in specific exchange or cooperation programmes between UiT and their home institution.

Funding may be available through the following programmes:

• Erasmus+
• Nordplus / Nordlys
• EEA and Norway Grants
• Norwegian-Russian Scholarship Scheme

In most cases, grants or scholarships connected to these programmes are arranged through the student’s home university and are awarded automatically to students admitted through the exchange agreement.

Students may also explore other external funding opportunities. Please note that scholarships for international students in Norway are limited and will often not cover the full cost of living during your stay.

For more information about external funding opportunities, please visit: Study in Norway.

Would you like to live surrounded by nature and forest or a view over beautiful Norwegian mountains and valleys? Or do you prefer to live in the city centre with cafés, shops and theatres at your doorstep?

Our partner, the Housing Department at the Arctic Student Organisation of Norway (Samskipnaden) offers rental of student housing for students at UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, Alta, Hammerfest, Harstad and Longyearbyen where you ou can quickly build your social network and make new friends by living exactly where so many other students choose to live.

For more information about rent prices, please go to Student housing.

Public transport in Northern Norway can be relatively expensive, especially compared with many other European countries. A taxi journey from the airport to student housing may cost approximately NOK 250–500, depending on the city and distance travelled.

Bus fares vary slightly between Tromsø, Alta, Harstad, and Narvik. A single ticket usually costs around NOK 40–50 when purchased through the local travel app, while onboard tickets may cost more. Students and young adults are often eligible for discounted fares.

Monthly travel passes are available and are usually the most affordable option for students who travel regularly. Prices are typically around NOK 450–700 per month, depending on age, location, and ticket type.

Further practical information about public transport, ticket apps, and student discounts will be provided during Debut WEEK International.

Food can be expensive in Norway, but careful planning and smart shopping can help you reduce your costs significantly. Most students spend approximately NOK 3,500–5,500 per month on groceries and food, depending on their lifestyle and eating habits.

Cigarettes and alcohol are particularly expensive due to high taxes. Restaurant prices also vary considerably, and eating out regularly can become costly.

Tips for Saving Money on Groceries

• Make a shopping list — and try to stick to it.
• Prepare your own packed lunches instead of buying food on campus or in cafés.
• Reusable lunch boxes can be purchased cheaply in shops such as Clas Ohlson, IKEA, or supermarkets.
• Compare prices between different grocery stores, as special offers can vary greatly.
• Look out for weekly discounts and supermarket campaigns in shops and supermarket apps.
• Plan meals around seasonal products and discounted items.
• Check what you already have at home before going shopping to avoid food waste.
• Reduce expensive meat purchases by including more vegetarian meals, beans, lentils, and other affordable protein sources.
• Cook larger portions and freeze leftovers for later meals.

Approximate Food Prices in Norway

Prices may vary depending on location and store.

For more information, please visit NUMBEO

Please plan to spend approximately NOK 1,000–2,000 on essential items such as bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, and other basic household supplies when you arrive.

The International Students’ Union often organises second-hand markets on Campus Tromsø after Debut WEEK International, where students can buy affordable household items, kitchen utensils, and other essentials. You may also find that previous tenants have left behind useful items in your accommodation.

In addition, several second-hand markets and flea markets are typically organised in Tromsø and Alta during August and September. These can be a good opportunity to purchase affordable furniture, kitchenware, winter clothing, and other necessities.

We recommend asking fellow students, buddies, or local residents for tips about second-hand shops and local markets after your arrival.

An estimation of a student's cost of living is made and revised yearly by the the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) and Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Their recommendation is that you need approximately NOK 128 887 for the study year 2022-2023 (10 months) or NOK 58 585 for the autumn semester in 2022 (5 months) to cover your expenses as a student and to obtain a student visa (Study Permit) for students coming from outisde the EU/EFTA area.

All figures are stated in Norwegian kroner (NOK).

If you are an international student looking for part-time work in Norway, you may find the following information useful.

This section provides an introduction to finding temporary and part-time job opportunities in Norway, as well as links to useful resources and websites.

Please note that regulations regarding part-time work for international students may vary depending on your citizenship and residence permit. We strongly recommend checking the regulations and conditions provided by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

For more information, please visit:

• UDI – Part-time Work for International Students

Part-time Work, Study Permit and Progress Requirements

Students with a study permit in Norway are normally allowed to work part-time alongside their studies. However, students are expected to maintain satisfactory study progress and comply with the conditions of their residence permit.