UNIVERSITY OF OSLO · NORWAY
Middle East Studies Master's Programme
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
The Middle East Studies Master's Programme offers an in-depth exploration of the Middle East, focusing on its languages, cultures, and social sciences. The programme requires a strong academic background in either Middle Eastern languages (Arabic, Persian, or Turkish) or relevant social science disciplines. You will engage with complex regional issues through rigorous academic study and analysis.
Curriculum
The programme is designed to be completed over two years (24 months) of full-time study.
- Year 1
- Year 2
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees apply to students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. The exact amount is provided with the offer of admission and is adjusted annually. The University of Oslo does not offer scholarships to cover tuition fees.
- How long is the Middle East Studies Master's Programme?
- The programme is designed to be completed over two years (24 months) of full-time study.
- What are the academic entry requirements?
- You need a bachelor's degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor's degree. You also require at least 80 ECTS credits in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish at BA-level, plus 30 ECTS credits in Middle East area studies. A minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C is also necessary.
- How do I apply for the programme?
- You can find admission requirements and deadlines using the university's online admission guide to access personalized information and the application portal. You will need to prepare documents like transcripts and submit your application through the Søknadsweb portal by the deadline.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students?
- The University of Oslo does not offer any scholarships that cover tuition fees for full degree programmes, as it is legally barred from using its grant for student scholarships. The government is reassessing the issue of national scholarships for future academic years.
- What are the financial requirements for a student residence permit?
- Applicants requiring a student residence permit must document financial ability to cover living expenses. For the 2025/2026 academic year, this amount is NOK 166,859 per year, adjusted annually.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA bachelor's degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor's degree.
Specialization in Middle Eastern LanguagesAt least 80 ECTS credits in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish at BA-level. Applicants are ranked based on academic performance in this specialization.
Area Studies BackgroundIn addition to language specialization, 30 ECTS credits in Middle East area studies are required.
Alternative Entry (Non-Native Speakers)If you don't have a language specialization but possess near-native fluency in spoken and written Arabic, Persian, or Turkish (documented by national secondary school transcripts from a relevant country), you may apply if you also have 80 ECTS credits in a relevant discipline (e.g., anthropology, history, political science, religion, language or literature studies pertaining to the region).
Minimum Grade AverageA minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (generally equivalent to a US B or UK Second Class Upper). Foreign grades are evaluated individually, and no conversion tables are used.
Course DescriptionsFor all completed studies outside the University of Oslo, you must submit detailed course descriptions in English or Norwegian. These should include academic content, prescribed books, teaching hours, and other relevant information. Course names and codes must match your transcript.
Eligible applicants who meet the minimum requirements will compete for a limited number of study places based on academic ranking.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees apply to students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. The exact amount is provided with the offer of admission and is adjusted annually. The University of Oslo does not offer scholarships to cover tuition fees.
Tuition (home)No tuition fees are charged for students from Norway or EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
LivingApplicants requiring a student residence permit must document financial ability to cover living expenses. For the 2025/2026 academic year, this amount is NOK 166,859 per year, adjusted annually.
Payment of tuition fees is required in full before each academic year, and installments are not permitted. Refunds are possible if withdrawal occurs before September 1st (autumn) or February 1st (spring).
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsUse the online admission guide on the University of Oslo website to determine your specific eligibility, application deadline, required documents, and access to the application portal (Søknadsweb).
2. Prepare DocumentsGather all necessary academic transcripts, degree certificates, and detailed course descriptions (in English or Norwegian) for any prior education outside the University of Oslo. If applicable, ensure you have documentation for near-native language fluency.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application through the Søknadsweb portal by the specified deadline.
4. Await OfferApplications are evaluated individually. If successful, you will receive an offer of admission.
5. Pay Tuition Fees (if applicable)If you are from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland and are offered admission, you will receive an invoice for tuition fees. Payment is required in full two weeks after the invoice is issued, before the start of the academic year.
6. Apply for Residence PermitAfter accepting the offer and paying tuition fees (if required), you will need to document your financial ability to cover living expenses when applying for a Norwegian student residence permit.
Scholarships
University ScholarshipsNot specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees apply to students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. The exact amount is provided with the offer of admission and is adjusted annually. The University of Oslo does not offer scholarships to cover tuition fees.
How long is the Middle East Studies Master's Programme?
+
The programme is designed to be completed over two years (24 months) of full-time study.
What are the academic entry requirements?
+
You need a bachelor's degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor's degree. You also require at least 80 ECTS credits in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish at BA-level, plus 30 ECTS credits in Middle East area studies. A minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C is also necessary.
How do I apply for the programme?
+
You can find admission requirements and deadlines using the university's online admission guide to access personalized information and the application portal. You will need to prepare documents like transcripts and submit your application through the Søknadsweb portal by the deadline.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
The University of Oslo does not offer any scholarships that cover tuition fees for full degree programmes, as it is legally barred from using its grant for student scholarships. The government is reassessing the issue of national scholarships for future academic years.
What are the financial requirements for a student residence permit?
+
Applicants requiring a student residence permit must document financial ability to cover living expenses. For the 2025/2026 academic year, this amount is NOK 166,859 per year, adjusted annually.