Norway, a leading European country, offers an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue higher education. What sets Norway apart is its openness to students from all over the world, which makes it relatively easy to gain admission to Norwegian institutions without the need for an IELTS test. In this article, we will examine how you can study in Norway without IELTS and benefit from tuition-free education in one of the most beautiful European countries.
Norway’s Exceptional Education System
Norwegian institutions offer a variety of scholarships to regional and international students attending undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Norway is attractive because it is among the few European countries that offer free education and eliminate tuition fees for students regardless of their country of origin. This unique opportunity allows students to pursue a high-quality degree without financial burden.
List of Tuition-Free Institutions in Norway
Many institutions exempt from the English language proficiency requirement for those wishing to study in Norway without taking the IELTS test.
- University of Tromsø (UiT)
- University of Stavanger (UiS)
- University of Oslo (UiO)
- University of Agder (UiA)
- The University Centre in Svalbard
- Stord/Haugesund University College
- Østfold University College
- Oslo and Akershus University (HiOA)
- Oslo School of Architecture and Design
- NTNU
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science
- Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
- NLA University College
- Nesna University College
- Narvik University College
- Bergen Academy of Art & Design, Norway
- Molde University College
- MF Norwegian School of Theology
- Lillehammer University College
- Hedmark University of Applied Science
- The Arctic University of Norway
- BI Norwegian Business School
- Bergen University College
- University of Bergen
- University of Nordland
- Oslo and Akershus University
Top Unuversity Scholarships in Norway
Some of the Worldwide scholarship opportunities in Norway include:
- University of Stavanger Scholarships
- BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
- NTNU Scholarships
- University of Oslo Scholarships
- Nord University Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Oslo Metropolitan University Scholarships
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- NORAM Scholarship
- Lakselaget Foundation Scholarship
- Leiv Eriksson mobility program
- Sons of Norway Student Residence Permit
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
- University of Bergen
- Norwegian-Russian Scholarship Scheme
- University of Oslo
- Erasmus+ Program
- High North Fellowship Program
How to Get Exempted from Submitting IELTS/TOEFL Scores
If your last qualification was from an English preparatory university/college, IELTS or TOEFL is not required.
Those who have completed their previous education in an English language educational institution are exempted from taking the IELTS test.
Applying for Exemption
If you wish to study in Norway without taking the IELTS exam, you can:
Step 1: Take the Online English Proficiency Test or attend the Video Interview.
Some organizations may conduct electronic question-and-answer sessions or video interviews over the Internet. After your application for admission to the university has been approved, you will be required to participate in an electronic interview with your institution.
The Purpose of the Interview
Getting a good score in this interview is very important if you want to study in a Norwegian institution without IELTS.
Step 2: Exemptions Based on Secondary School Exams
People who have passed one of the following high school exams with sufficient English in the curriculum can study in Norway without taking the IELTS exam.
Exemptions for Specific Countries
The Gambia
- General Certificate of Education O-level
- West African Examinations Council Certificate of most Senior School
- General Certificate of Education A-level
Botswana
- General Certificate of Education O-level
- Botswana Secondary Education (IUA) General Certificate
- General Certificate of Education A-level
- Cambridge Overseas School Certificate
Cameroon (English speaking part)
- General Certificate of Education A-level
- General Certificate of Education O-level
Ghana
- West African Senior School Certificate
- Senior Secondary School Certificate
- The West African Tests Council General Education of O-level Certificate
- The West African Tests Council General Education of A-level Certificate
Malawi
- Malawi School Certificate of Education
Kenya
- Kenya Certificate of Education
- The Secondary of Education Certificate of Kenya (from 1989)
- The Certificate of Kenya Education (up till 1989)
Nigeria
- Senior School Certificate (from 1988)
- General Certificate of Education A-level
- General Certificate of Education O-level
- West African Examinations Council
- The West African School Certification (from 1999)
Eswatini, Swaziland
- Cambridge Overseas School Certificate
- General Certificate of Education O-level
Sierra Leone
- Senior School Certificate (from 2000)
- General Certificate of Education O-level
- West African Examinations Council
- Cambridge Overseas School Certificate O-level
- General Certificate of Education A-level
South Africa
- Matriculation Certificate Senior Certificate
Tanzania
- Certificate of Secondary Education East Africa
- Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education
- General Certificate of Education O-level
- Zanzibar O-level
Zambia
- Zambian School Certificate
Uganda
- Ugandan Certificate of Education
- East African Certificate of Education
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education
- East African Advanced Certificate of Education
Zimbabwe
- General Certificate of Education O-level
- Cambridge School Certificate
- General Certificate of Education A-level
- Cambridge Higher School Certificate
Alternative English Proficiency Tests
If IELTS is not an option, applicants may be required to take an online English proficiency test or participate in a video interview with the Institute.
Countries With English Curriculim Based Exemptions
Students who have completed their secondary education in countries with specific English curriculum can study in Norway without taking the IELTS test. These countries are:
- The Gambia
- Botswana
- Cameroon (English speaking part)
- Ghana
- Malawi
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Eswatini, Swaziland
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
English Proficiency Certificate For Other Countries
Students from other countries whose final degree was in English can obtain an English Language Proficiency Certificate from their university/college and use it to enter Norwegian institutions.
Studying in Norway without IELTS is a remarkable opportunity for students from all over the world. So, if you dream of studying globally without the IELTS barrier, consider Norway as your gateway to academic success.