Norway, a leading European country, presents a remarkable opportunity for international students to pursue higher education. What sets Norway apart is its openness to students from around the world, making it relatively easy to gain admission to Norwegian institutions without the need for the IELTS exam. In this article, we explore how you can study in Norway without IELTS and take advantage of tuition-free education in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
Norway’s Exceptional Education System
Norwegian institutions offer a diverse range of scholarships to both regional and global learners seeking bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Norway is appealing because it is among the European nations that offer free education, eliminating tuition fees for students regardless of their country of origin. This unique opportunity allows students to obtain a high-quality degree without financial burdens.
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List of Tuition-Free Institutions in Norway
Several institutions waive the English proficiency requirement for those interested in studying in Norway without taking the IELTS exam. Here is a list of some tuition-free universities in Norway:
- 1- University of Tromsø (UiT)
- 2- University of Stavanger (UiS)
- 3- University of Oslo (UiO)
- 4- University of Agder (UiA)
- 5- The University Centre in Svalbard
- 6- Stord/Haugesund University College
- 7- Østfold University College
- 8- Oslo and Akershus University (HiOA)
- 9- Oslo School of Architecture and Design
- 10- NTNU
- 11- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science
- 12- Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
- 13- NLA University College
- 14- Nesna University College
- 15- Narvik University College
- 16- Bergen Academy of Art & Design, Norway
- 17- Molde University College
- 18- MF Norwegian School of Theology
- 19- Lillehammer University College
- 20- Hedmark University of Applied Science
- 21- The Arctic University of Norway
- 22- BI Norwegian Business School
- 23- Bergen University College
- 24- University of Bergen
- 25- University of Nordland
- 26- Oslo and Akershus University
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Top University Scholarships in Norway
Some of the international scholarship opportunities in Norway include:
- 1- University of Stavanger Scholarships
- 2- BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
- 3- NTNU Scholarships
- 4- University of Oslo Scholarships
- 5- Nord University Postdoctoral Fellowship
- 6- Oslo Metropolitan University Scholarships
- 7- Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- 8- NORAM Scholarship
- 9- Lakselaget Foundation Scholarship
- 10- Leiv Eriksson mobility program
- 11- Sons of Norway Student Residence Permit
- 12- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
- 13- University of Bergen
- 14- Norwegian-Russian Scholarship Scheme
- 15- University of Oslo
- 16- Erasmus+ Program
- 17- High North Fellowship Program
How to Get Exempted from Submitting IELTS/TOEFL Scores
If Your Last Degree was from an English Preparatory University/College, No IELTS or TOEFL Required
Individuals who have completed their previous studies at an English Language Educational Institution are exempted from taking the IELTS exam.
Applying for Exemption
If you want to study in Norway without taking the IELTS test, you can either:
Step 1: Take an Online English Proficiency Test or Participate in a Video Interview
Some institutions may conduct an electronic question and answer session or a video interview over the Internet. Once your application has been approved for university admission, you will be required to participate in an electronic interview with your institution.
The Purpose of the Interview
The objective of the interview will be to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. Scoring well in this interview is crucial if you wish to study in a Norwegian institution without taking the IELTS.
Step 2: Exemptions Based on Secondary School Tests
Individuals who have passed one of the following secondary school tests with proper English in the curriculum can study in Norway without taking the IELTS test:
Exemptions for Specific Countries
The Gambia
- – General Certificate of Education O-level
- – West African Examinations Council Certificate of 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 Examinations Council General Education of O-level Certificate
- – The West African Examinations 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 Advanced 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 Senior 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
Benefits of Exemptions
Studying in Norway without the need for IELTS or TOEFL scores can save you time and money while still providing quality education.
Alternative English Proficiency Tests
If the IELTS exam is not an option, applicants may be required to take an online English proficiency test or participate in a video interview with the institution. The interview’s purpose is to assess the applicant’s ability to communicate effectively in English.
Countries with English-Curriculum-Based Exemptions
Students who have completed their secondary education in specific English-curriculum-based countries can study in Norway without taking the IELTS test. These countries include:
- 1- The Gambia
- 2- Botswana
- 3- Cameroon (English speaking part)
- 4- Ghana
- 5- Malawi
- 6- Kenya
- 7- Nigeria
- 8- Eswatini, Swaziland
- 9- Sierra Leone
- 10- South Africa
- 11- Tanzania
- 12- Zambia
- 13- Uganda
- 14- Zimbabwe
English Proficiency Certificate for Other Countries
Students from other countries whose last degree was in English can obtain an English Proficiency Certificate from their home university/college and use it for admission to Norwegian institutions.
Studying in Norway without IELTS offers a remarkable opportunity for students worldwide. With its exceptional education system, tuition-free institutions, and diverse scholarship options, Norway stands as an attractive destination for those seeking quality education in Europe. So, if you dream of a world-class education without the IELTS hurdle, consider Norway as your gateway to academic success.
Good luck with your admission journey!
