

Academy of Opera
Ever since its foundation in 1964, the Academy of Opera has served as Norway’s leading institution for opera education. We offer both a one-year programme and a Master’s programme in opera.
Featuring world-class educators and stage facilities, the Academy combines individual, group and project-based training. Stage productions and concerts represent important milestones under way in the programme. At the Academy, students are allowed to work with professional directors and conductors and a full team of stagehands. This provides students with a versatile, practical education and a solid foundation for becoming professional opera singers both in Norway and abroad.
A new Bachelor’s programme in opera is currently being developed and is slated to begin autumn 2020.
One-year programme in opera

The one-year programme in opera is for students who have completed at least two years of music studies at the university college level. The programme provides basic stage and musical training in the field of opera. After completing the programme, you can apply for admission to the Master’s programme in opera.
The programme allows you to work with
- singing and musical rehearsal
- basic acting technique
- opera history and language training
The various subjects are integrated into stage productions, where you as a student are allowed to develop yourself as an artist within a professional setting. All classes are mandatory.
Master’s in opera

The Master’s programme in opera educates opera singers at the highest artistic level. After completing your study, you will be able to professionally master and perform roles within a wide range of genres and styles.
Key elements of the programme include
- singing and musical rehearsal
- stage movement and acting technique
- physical and mental training
- a practical and theoretical Master’s assignment
The programme will allow you to develop your own personal musical and dramatic style. You will also develop good collaborative skills and an understanding of opera as a collective artform. All the subjects are integrated into stage productions, which are therefore entirely central to the programme. All classes are mandatory.
The Academy of Opera collaborates with the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet on annual productions with orchestra at the Norwegian National Opera House. During the programme you will also be given the chance to participate in master classes, audition training, auditions, study trips and entrepreneurship classes, all of which will help you make the transition to working professionally as an opera singer.
Admissions
Useful information about admissions
- How to use the online application portal Søknadsweb
- Frequently asked questions about admissions
- Language policy at KHiO
- Useful information for international applicants
One-year programme in Opera
Application deadline: 1 February 2021 (23:59 CET)
NB! Søknadsweb (the application portal) and information about the admission process will be available two moths before the application deadline.
Entry requirements
Since this programme requires proficiency in Norwegian, please see the Norwegian entry requirements for more information about the application procedure.
Admission is based on formal education and auditions. In order to be called in for an audition, you must document at least two years of music education at the university college level (120 ECTS credits). You must be able to document proficiency in Norwegian and English.
At the auditions you must demonstrate a particular talent for musical and dramatic expression.
Master’s Programme in Opera
Application deadline: 1 February 2021 (23:59 CET)
NB! Søknadsweb (the application portal) and information about the admission process will be available two moths before the application deadline.
Entry requirements
Since this programme requires proficiency in Norwegian, please see the Norwegian entry requirements for more information about the application procedure.
Admission is based on formal education and auditions. In order to be called in for an audition, you must document a Bachelor’s degree in music (180 ECTS credits) or similar. The education must include 80 credits in subjects of relevance to opera, of which 25 credits must be in stage subjects.
You must be able to document proficiency in Norwegian and English. Basic knowledge of phonetics and the Italian language is also required.
In exceptional cases, other documented qualifications that are wholly or partially equivalent to the aforementioned educational qualifications may be approved.
At the auditions you must demonstrate a particular talent for musical and dramatic expression.
Please address any questions about the admissions process to postmottak@khio.no.
Student exchange
If you are interested in becoming an exchange student at Oslo National Academy of the Arts, read more at the Student Exchange page.