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International student handbook

This guide is for international students coming to study at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts. We hope it will answer many of the questions you may have prior to arrival and provide useful practical information about coming to live and study in Oslo from an international student perspective.

Also, have a look at our Intranet pages for students.

Before you leave home

Residence permit, visa and registration with the police

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is responsible for processing applications from foreign nationals who wish to visit or live in Norway. The requirements depend on your citizenship and whether you hold a residence permit in a Schengen country, and the points below is only meant as a guide. Always consult UDI about questions regarding residence permit and visa.

Nordic citizens

Swedish, Danish, Icelandic and Finnish citizens do not need to apply for a residence permit or register with the police to live in Norway

Students staying in Norway for more than six months must go to a tax office for an ID check and submit a notification of change of address, no later than eight days after arrival in Norway.

Further information: ID checks and notification of change of address for Nordic nationals

EU/EEA citizens

Students from the European Economic Area (EU- and Swiss citizens) do not need to apply for a residence permit; however, you are required to register in The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) Application Portal, if you are staying for more than 3 months. When registering you must book an appointment with the police in order to receive a residence card.

Further information: How do I book an appointment with the police? Select Oslo, Service Centre for Foreign Workers.

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Students from outside the European Economic Area must register in The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s (UDI) Application Portal. When registering you must book an appointment with the police in order to receive a residence card.

Further information: How do I book an appointment with the police? Select Oslo, Service Centre for Foreign Workers.

Some students must also apply for a visa. For visa requirements, contact the Norwegian embassy/consulate in your home country.

Erasmus students with a visa or residence permit in Norway or another Schengen country can follow the instructions for EU/EEA citizens.

Residence permit renewal

Applies to students who already reside in Norway. For relevant information, please visit: Extend your stay in Norway

Documentation of finances

Students that need to apply for a student residence permit to Norway has to show documentation of financing in order to be granted a student residence permit/visa. This does not apply to bilateral students from visa free countries.

According to The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), you must be able to document at least NOK 121 220 per year (2019). This amount is updated regularly, so please consult UDI to be certain.

Deposit account

Oslo National Academy of the Arts has a bank account for international students to deposit the amount required by UDI. The money will be returned as soon as you have opened a Norwegian bank account.

Bank information

Oslo National Academy of the Arts
DNB Bank ASA
IBAN: NO51 8276 0100 265
Swift code: DNBANOKK

Accommodation

Students should organize housing as soon as possible after accepting the offer to study in Oslo.

Student accommodation

Students at The Oslo National Academy of the Arts can apply for reasonably priced student accommodation through the Student Welfare Association – SiO.

All questions regarding the application form and housing in general must be directed to SiO Housing.

Private accommodation

For students who prefer private accommodation these links might be useful:

Insurance

It is important to think about all insurance needs and make sure you have the necessary coverages before coming to Norway.

General information about insurance

Health Insurance when you are a citizen of:

The Nordic countries

You are a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme if you are registered in the National Population Register in Norway. If you are not a member, you are nevertheless entitled to health services under the National Insurance Act and you do not have to verify it with a European Health Insurance Card.

EU/EEA

Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) countries, including Switzerland, should bring their European Health Insurance Card

Non-EU/EEA

Students staying for 3 months or less must have health insurance from their home country. If you are staying in Norway between 3 and 12 months, you can apply for a membership in The National Insurance Scheme (nav.no). If the duration of your stay in Norway is more than one year, you automatically become a member of the National Insurance Scheme when you register as a resident in Norway with the National Registry.

Exchange students

Some practical information is only relevant for incoming exchange students, like the Erasmus+ Online Learning Agreement that should be completed before you arrive.

Further information

Moving to Norway

After registering in StudentWeb, your will have access to health services through the student welfare organisation - SiO. You will find more information about SiO in the section On Arrival.

Transport to Oslo

We advise all International students to arrive in Oslo at least a few days prior to semester start.

Visit Oslo is the Norwegian Official Travel guide to Oslo and will provide information you regarding transport to Norway, whether you travel by plane, train buss, ferry or car.

The closest airport is Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL). There are frequent train services from the airport. Be aware that taxies from the airport are very expensive, and should be avoided.

Checklist before your departure
  • Valid passport and any other documentation required by your home country
  • Residence Permit/visa
  • European Health Insurance Card and proof of medical insurance
  • Other forms of insurance
  • Finance/Banking arrangements
  • Tickets
  • Accommodation
  • Arrival date
  • Registration time and semester start
  • Appropriate clothing for the cold winter months
  • Relevant equipment for your department. For more information, contact the coordinator in your department.
  • Exchange students: Documentation related to your exchange

Student life

How much does it cost to study and live in Oslo? How can you find a place to live and a job? Practical questions concerning your student life are answered here.

Welfare

The Student Welfare association - SiO works to enhance the overall educational experience by providing a wide range of affordable services.

SiO offer health services, student housing, fitness centers and more. The services are either free or offered at a student-friendly price.

Budget and cost of living

Norway is an expensive country and it takes a while getting used to the high cost of living. As a student you will need a minimum of approximately NOK 11 500 per month in order to cover basic expenses.

Material fees vary depending on the needs of your course. For further information, please contact your department.

Part-time work and work permit

Information regarding part time work:

In order to work in Norway you need an ID number and a bank account.

Further information in the section: On Arrival

How to find a job

Internet resources:

Some part time jobs are never advertised, so it is advisable to contact the employers directly.

Call, or/and send your CV and a short cover letter by e-mail to potential workplaces. Other students might also have contacts or information that might be helpful.