In short
The University of Oslo is Norway's oldest and highest-ranked university, offering over 100 English-taught master's programmes. It is a leading research institution located in the vibrant capital city, with tuition fees applicable for non-EU/EEA/Swiss students since 2023.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1811
- Students
- 27,400
- International students
- 3,000
- Tuition (intl)
- €9–23k/yr
- Languages
- EN, NO
- Location
- Oslo, Norway
The University of Oslo (UiO), founded in 1811, is Norway's oldest and highest-ranked university, consistently placed in the global top 120. It offers over 190 master's programmes, many taught in English, and is a leading European research university with strong clusters in energy, life sciences, democracy, and quantum technology. UiO has five Nobel Prize laureates affiliated with its faculty.
Why study here
- Norway's highest-ranked university, consistently in the global top 120, with five affiliated Nobel laureates.
- Over 100 English-taught master's programmes open to international applicants.
- Strong research culture in energy and environment, life sciences, democracy, and quantum technology.
- Safe, high-quality-of-life country with proximity to stunning Norwegian nature.
- Oslo is a global city with strong job market and innovation ecosystem for graduates.
Student life
The University of Oslo provides a rich student life environment. The International Student Reception (Knutepunktet) serves as a key contact point for international students. Cultural activities are promoted through its museums and art collections. Oslo Student Housing (SiO) provides affordable accommodation options. The Green Office connects students and staff committed to sustainability. Exchange students are given priority for single student housing if they apply within deadlines.
Fees
InternationalStudents with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees since 2023. Annual fees for non-EU international students are approximately NOK 80,000–230,000 (EUR 7,000–20,000) depending on the programme. The exact fee is communicated with the offer of admission.
HomeNorwegian and EU/EEA/Swiss students pay no tuition fees; only a semester fee of approximately NOK 600-700 (~EUR 55).
LivingFinancial ability to cover living expenses is required for a student residence permit. For 2025-2026 this amount is NOK 166,859/year (~EUR 14,500). Oslo is an expensive city; monthly costs average EUR 1,200–1,800 including accommodation, food, and transport.
Students admitted to a study programme prior to 2023, or exchange students from partner universities, are not affected by tuition fees. Refunds are possible if withdrawing before September 1 (autumn) or February 1 (spring).
Admissions
Master's programmesA bachelor's degree equivalent to a Norwegian bachelor's degree; specific subject requirements apply per programme
Bachelor's programmes (Norwegian-taught)Documentation of proficiency in Norwegian language
PhD programmesRelevant master's degree and a research proposal
IELTS Academic6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each component)
TOEFL iBT90
Cambridge C1 AdvancedGrade B or higher
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025119
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025113
Shanghai ARWU 202483
University scholarships
Quota Scheme Scholarship (Kvoteordningen)Full tuition and monthly stipend (~NOK 14,000/month) — Norwegian government funded, for students from developing countries
Erasmus+ ScholarshipsMonthly stipend for exchange students from Erasmus+ partner institutions
NORPART ProgrammeFor students from NORPART partner universities in select countries
Accreditation
The University of Oslo is Norway's oldest university, operating under the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Act (universitets- og hogskoleloven). It is a statutory public university and member of the Coimbra Group and League of European Research Universities (LERU).
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Oslo · Norway
Assessing the Reliability of PenTestGPT: A Comparative Case Study Between LLMs in AI-Driven Web Application Testing
This PhD project focuses on evaluating the reliability and effectiveness of PenTestGPT, an AI tool for web application penetration testing. The research will compare its performance against traditional human penetration testers and other AI models. The goal is to understand the capabilities and limitations of Large Language Models (LLMs) in identifying web application vulnerabilities, suggesting fixes, and detecting threats. The study will involve a case study where both human testers and AI systems, including PenTestGPT, test a set of web applications. Key metrics will include the rate of vulnerability detection, accuracy of findings (minimizing false positives and negatives), and the quality of recommended solutions. The research will also identify challenges LLMs face, such as handling complex attacks or situations requiring human intuition. The methodology includes setting up vulnerable environments (e.g., specific web applications or capture-the-flag platforms) for testing. PenTestGPT will be used with various AI models for tasks like reconnaissance, scanning, and reporting. Human penetration testers will simultaneously assess the same environments using standard tools like Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
60 mo
Duration
University of Oslo · Norway
Data Science (Master of Science)
Data Science is the interdisciplinary field focused on extracting knowledge and insights from various forms of data. This Master's programme combines mathematics, statistics, and informatics, equipping you with the skills needed to navigate the modern data revolution. You will learn to analyze complex datasets and develop innovative solutions using computational methods and statistical reasoning. The programme prepares you for a career in a field that is increasingly vital across all sectors of industry and research.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Oslo · Norway
Economics (Master's)
The Master's programme in Economics at the University of Oslo provides a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and their application to real-world issues. The programme is designed for students with a strong interest in mathematics and a desire to analyze societal and political phenomena through an economic lens. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in fields such as financial analysis, economic consulting, and policy advising. The university emphasizes a strong foundation in economic theory, econometrics, and quantitative methods, enabling students to conduct rigorous analysis and contribute to economic discourse.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
120 mo
Duration
University of Oslo · Norway
Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (PECOS)
The Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies (PECOS) offers advanced training in research methods and theory, combined with practical perspectives, to understand global peace and conflict. This program is designed for students who want to analyze complex conflict-related challenges in an international context using rigorous analytical tools and empirical insights. It equips graduates with the skills needed for a variety of career paths.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Oslo · Norway
Middle East Studies Master's Programme
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.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Oslo · Norway
Middle East Studies, MA
The Master in Middle East Studies is an interdisciplinary two-year programme offered as a specialization within the MA in Asia and Middle East Studies. It provides a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of contemporary issues in the Middle East across a range of fields. The programme covers disciplines such as language, politics, societies, anthropology, history, and literature. You will develop specialized knowledge and analytical skills to engage critically with the complexities of the region. This master's option is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced academic study or careers related to the Middle East.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Norway
full fundingUiT The Arctic University of Norway - Department of Technology and Safety (Faculty of Science and Technology)
PhD Fellowship in Societal Security and Disaster Research at UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Applicants must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as societal security and risk management, geography, environmental studies, anthropology, sociology, science and technology studies, philosophy of technology or global development studies, with a minimum GPA of C (3.0 equivalent) including an independent research project. Strong written and spoken English is required.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Oct 23, 2026
Deadline
full fundingBI Norwegian Business School
BI Presidential Scholarship
Open to Norwegian and international applicants admitted to a Master of Science programme at BI's Oslo or Bergen campus (the BI-Luiss joint MSc is excluded). Candidates must hold a top grade average (minimum 'A' on the ECTS scale or the equivalent top mark). For international applicants the award covers tuition plus a living stipend; nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are not eligible. Final terms are set by BI each cycle.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Mar 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Oslo?
+
Since 2023, non-EU/EEA/Swiss students must pay tuition fees. Annual fees range from approximately NOK 80,000–230,000 (EUR 7,000–20,000) depending on the program. Norwegian and EU/EEA/Swiss students only pay a semester fee.
What are the English language requirements for master's programmes?
+
Applicants typically need to demonstrate proficiency in English through tests like IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component), TOEFL iBT (minimum 90), or Cambridge C1 Advanced (minimum Grade B).
How does the University of Oslo rank globally?
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The University of Oslo is consistently ranked among the world's top universities, placed at 119 by QS World University Rankings 2025, 113 by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, and 83 by Shanghai ARWU 2024.
What financial support is available for international students?
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Scholarships like the Quota Scheme offer full tuition and a monthly stipend for students from developing countries. Erasmus+ and NORPART programmes provide stipends for exchange students from partner institutions.
What is the cost of living in Oslo for students?
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Oslo is an expensive city, with average monthly living costs estimated at EUR 1,200–1,800, covering accommodation, food, and transport. Proof of financial ability to cover living expenses is required for a student residence permit.
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