Applying for a Study Permit
Applying from Norway
Some applicants have the option of handing in the application for a residence permit for a student at a university college or university after they have already entered Norway. To check if this is an option for you, please enter your correct information on the Norwegian Directorate for Immigration (UDI) website. Contact the International Office (international@hiof.no) if you are unsure if this option is available to you.
Applying from Abroad
We recommend that you begin the application process as soon as you receive your offer of admission. Most applicants will have to submit their application to a designated Norwegian embassy or consulate. To find out where you must submit your application, please enter your correct information on UDI's website. Contact the International Office (international@hiof.no) if you are unsure about where to find the correct embassy or consulate.
Requirements
- You must pay the application fee
- You need a letter of admission to a university college or university
- You must show that you will be a full-time student
- You must document that you have enough money to live on, at least NOK 170 368 per year (updated 23 June 2026). If you are going to be a student for only one semester in Norway, you must document NOK 77 440 for the fall semester 2026 and NOK 92 928 for the spring semester 2027.
Østfold University of Applied Sciences's temporary deposit account can be useful for students without the possibility of opening a Norwegian bank account.
- You must show that you have a place to live
- The circumstances in your home country must indicate that it is likely that you can return home at the end of your studies
How to Apply*
- Go to Want to apply: Study permit
- Fill in what country you are a citizen of, then select 'Study permit' and answer that you will be studying at 'University college or university'
- Click on 'How to apply'
- Select where you wish to apply from (Norway or abroad) and answer follow up questions until you come to the page with information about how to apply
- Print out the checklist and collect the necessary documents
- Complete the online application form
- Hand in the application and documents in person at the designated place as specified by UDI
*The International Office encourages all international students to familiarize themselves with UDI's website and use it as the main source of information during the application process. It is quite easy to use and ensures that students are receiving the most up-to-date and correct information.