💰 Cost of living in Norway for international students at UiT

Norway offers a high quality of life, excellent public services, modern campuses, and easy access to nature. While living costs can be higher than in many countries, thousands of international students successfully study in Norway every year by budgeting carefully and taking advantage of student discounts.

🎓 Tuition Fees

Since autumn 2023, most full-degree students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees at Norwegian universities.

You do not pay tuition fees if:

• ✅ You are an exchange student.
• ✅ You are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
• ✅ You began your degree studies in Norway before the tuition fee regulations were introduced.

🔗 Tuition fees for programmes of study

💸 Scholarships and funding

UiT does not normally offer scholarships that cover living expenses for international students.

However, incoming exchange students participating in exchange and cooperation programmes may receive financial support through their home institution.

Common funding programmes for incoming exchange stduents include:

• Erasmus+
• Nordplus / Nordlys
• EEA and Norway Grants
• Other institution-specific mobility programmes

Scholarships in Norway are limited and often cover only part of your expenses, so it is important to plan your finances carefully before arriving.

🔗 Study in Norway

🏠 Student housing

One of the easiest ways to settle in and meet fellow students is to live in student housing.

The Arctic Student Welfare Organisation (Samskipnaden) offers student accommodation in Tromsø, Alta, Harstad, Hammerfest, and Longyearbyen.

Student housing is often one of the most affordable accommodation options and gives you the opportunity to build your social network from day one.

🔗 Student housing offered by Samskipnaden

🚌 Transportation

Most students use public transportation to travel between campus, housing, and the city centre.

• Single bus ticket: approximately NOK 40-50.
• Student discounts may be available depending on age and region.
• Monthly travel passes are usually the most economical option.
• Taxi fares can be expensive, especially from airports.

🍽️ Food and groceries

Most students spend approximately NOK 3,500-5,500 per month on groceries and food.

Eating at restaurants regularly can be expensive, while preparing meals at home can significantly reduce your costs.

✅ Tips for saving money

• Make a shopping list and stick to it.
• Prepare your own lunches.
• Compare prices between supermarkets.
• Use supermarket apps for discounts and offers.
• Cook larger portions and freeze leftovers.
• Plan meals before shopping.
• Consider more vegetarian meals to reduce costs.
• For more information, please visit NUMBEO

Approximate food prices

🛏️ Household essentials

When you arrive, you should budget approximately NOK 1,000-2,000 for items such as:

• Bedding and duvets
• Towels
• Kitchen utensils
• Cleaning supplies
• Other everyday household items

Many students save money by purchasing second-hand items through local markets, student groups, and charity shops.

📊 Example budget per semester

The figures below are estimates and will vary depending on your lifestyle and housing situation.

💼 Part-Time Work

Many international students work part-time while studying in Norway.

Having a part-time job can help you gain work experience, improve your language skills, and supplement your income.

Students with a study permit are normally allowed to work part-time alongside their studies, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress.

🔗 UDI – Part-time Work for International Students