Benefits and Challenges of Studying in Norway

It is safe to say that a country can be very successful or particularly special in something like higher education. However, it would be wrong to say that it is perfect. There is always room for improvement no matter how good or best a system is. Likewise, no matter how great of a study abroad destination a country is, one can always point some imperfections that don’t exactly fulfill the requirements of every student.

Norway is a great study abroad destination that also offers a very high quality of lifestyle. Still, we can’t assume that it is perfect destination for all international students. They would get some extra perks and benefits in Norway that are not found in most other study abroad destinations but they will also have to face some unfavorable issues. In this page, you will find all the benefits and challenges of studying in Norway for international students.

Challenge: Limited English Taught Bachelor Programs

Norway is not a very big country with a small number of higher educational institutes. It is also a known fact that Norway is not an English speaking country. Their first and official language is Norwegian. Most of the Norwegian population can understand and speak English however it is not their first choice. Most of the study programs and courses are taught in Norwegian language. They offer English taught courses specially for international students.

As most people around the world don’t know Norwegian they get admission in English taught programs. It is good for Masters students as most of these programs are taught in English in Norwegian universities. But when it comes to Bachelor studies, Norway offers a very limited number of study programs. It is uncertain that a student would find the program of his/ her choice taught in English here.

Benefit: Very Beautiful Country

Nordic countries are globally popular for their beauty and high standards of living. Norway is one of the Nordic countries and a popular destination for tourists attracted by its natural breathtaking beauty not found in any other part of the world. Norway has islands, mountains, beaches, skiing in winter, hiking and swimming in summer and a number of most famous fjord. If you don’t know what fjord means, I suggest you Google it now.

In addition to its natural beauty, you would find the people and administration that made Norway what it is. People are nice and educated making Norway one of the most peaceful countries in the world. It is the administration that maintained everything as it is Norway with a perfect balance of law and order and plenty of opportunities.

Challenge: High Living Cost

A beautiful country Norway is but not very easy to afford. Norway is one of the countries with highest of the living cost. According to Numbeo.com, Cost of living in Norway is almost 337% higher compared to Pakistan. The rents in Norway are even higher than general living cost. Average accommodation rent in Norway is over 680% higher than in Pakistan. It is a challenge for international students to cover this high cost of living. However, if they work part time, they can afford their living in this country as they don’t have to worry about the tuition fees in Norwegian universities.

SEE ALSO: Study and Living Cost in Norway

Benefit: No Tuition Fees in Public Institutes

Norway is a developed country with a strong administration that has made Norway a great nation. These educated good men know the importance of education and do everything for its development. That is why they have made education free for not only their domestic students but also for all international students. All public universities in Norway don’t charge any tuition fees from anyone for almost all courses. Students only have to pay a small union or administration fees of about 80 Euro each semester and nothing else.

SEE ALSO: Best Student Cities in Norway

Challenge: Very Few Ranked Universities

Norway is a small country and there are very few universities here. There are only about 40 public universities in Norway. Hardly 5 universities are ranked globally by organizations like QS and Times higher education. The top institute, University of Oslo, was ranked 142^nd best to study in 2018 by QS Ranking. But not all students can get admission in English taught programs of this university. It is said that education and teaching quality is extraordinary in Norwegian universities but their ranking opposes the notion.

HERE SEE: Complete Guide to Study in Norway

Benefit: Become a Citizen of Europe

Norway is a part of European Economic Area (EEA). This allows Norwegian citizens to freely visit almost all countries of Europe for tourism, work or business. All these European countries have given each other special rights. If you become a citizen of Norway, it’s like you become a citizen of whole Europe. This opens more opportunities for not only citizens but also all foreigners and students in Norway. Because of EEA, Norway has more resources thus more jobs for international students as well.

Challenge: No Jobs for English

English is second language of Norway but if you want a proper job in this country, Norwegian language is a must to learn. It is difficult even for students to find part time work that doesn’t require speaking in Norwegian language. Students may find some restaurants or hotels for work where only English is fine and they may not need to speak Norwegian language. However, if one plans to stay and work in Norway after completing studies, he/ she should be able to speak Norwegian.