Norway provides high-quality Economics education with strong links to international finance, policy institutions, and leading research centres. With 30+ higher education institutions and ~30,000 international students enrolled each year, the country provides a rich academic environment for Economics students at every level — from Bachelor’s through to doctoral research.
Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate degree, a specialised Master’s program, or a research PhD, Norway has options to match your goals and budget. This guide covers the top-ranked universities for Economics in Norway, admission requirements, tuition fees, career prospects, and everything you need to know before applying.
Quick Facts: Economics in Norway
| Subject | Economics |
| Country | Norway |
| Program Duration | 3–4 years (Bachelor’s), 1–2 years (Master’s) |
| Tuition (International) | Free at public universities for all nationalities; semester fee NOK 300 – 800 (~$28 – $75) |
| Language of Instruction | Norwegian & English |
| Leading University | University of Oslo |
Top Universities for Economics in Norway 2026
The following universities in Norway are consistently recognised for excellence in Economics, attracting students from around the globe:
| # | University | City | Type | World Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oslo | Oslo | Public | #113 |
| 2 | Norwegian University of Science and Technology | Trondheim | Public | #199 |
| 3 | University of Bergen | Bergen | Public | #194 |
| 4 | UiT The Arctic University of Norway | Tromsø | Public | #401 |
| 5 | Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) | Bergen | Public | #Top Business School |
Why Study Economics in Norway?
- Free tuition at public universities for ALL nationalities — one of the world’s most generous policies
- NTNU is Norway’s leading technical university with strong engineering and technology programs
- Unique research opportunities in Arctic science, marine technology, oil & gas, and renewable energy
- Norway consistently ranks among the world’s highest for HDI, safety, and quality of life
- Many Master’s programs taught in English — no Norwegian required for graduate study
Admission Requirements for Economics Programs in Norway
Entry requirements vary by institution, but most universities in Norway expect the following for Economics applicants:
- Strong mathematics background (calculus, statistics essential)
- IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+
- GRE score (for US and top European graduate programs)
- Analytical writing sample (for MSc programs)
- Transcripts showing quantitative strength
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Norway
| Public University Tuition | Free at public universities for all nationalities; semester fee NOK 300 – 800 (~$28 – $75) |
| Private University Tuition | NOK 50,000 – 200,000/year (~$4,700 – $18,800) |
| Average Living Costs | NOK 12,000 – 18,000/month (~$1,130 – $1,700)/month |
| Language of Study | Norwegian & English |
Many universities in Norway offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international Economics students. Check each university’s financial aid pages and your home country’s government funding schemes before applying.
Career Prospects After Economics in Norway
Graduates with a Economics degree from a Norway university are in high demand both locally and internationally. Common career paths include:
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Investment Banker
- Data Analyst
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best universities for Economics in Norway?
The leading universities for Economics in Norway include University of Oslo, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and University of Bergen. These institutions offer internationally accredited programs with strong research output and industry connections.
How much does it cost to study Economics in Norway?
Tuition for Economics programs in Norway ranges from Free at public universities for all nationalities; semester fee NOK 300 – 800 (~$28 – $75) at public universities. Average living costs are approximately NOK 12,000 – 18,000/month (~$1,130 – $1,700). Scholarships are available for international students.
Can I study Economics in Norway in English?
Many universities in Norway offer Economics programs taught entirely in English, particularly at Master’s and PhD level. Proficiency is typically demonstrated via IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+.
What are the admission requirements for Economics in Norway?
Most Economics programs in Norway require: Strong mathematics background (calculus, statistics essential), IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+, and GRE score (for US and top European graduate programs). Specific requirements vary by university and level of study.
Related Resources
- Best Universities in Norway 2026 — complete country overview
- Best Universities for Economics Worldwide — global subject rankings
- International Scholarships 2026 — funding your studies abroad
- Best Student Cities in the World 2026