As a rule, in order to be granted a residence permit, you must have a place on a full-time course at an officially recognised educational institution at university level. However, there are certain exemptions from this requirement.
As a general rule, residence permits are not granted for attending upper secondary schools. Exceptions may be made in the following cases:
- In connection with the internationalisation of schools under the auspices of county municipalities or international student exchange programmes under the auspices of non-profit organisations (exchange students). In such case, there must be documentation of a cooperation agreement/friendship agreement relating to the mutual cultural exchange of students between the county/non-profit organisation in question and the regions/counties in the applicant’s country of origin
- For students at the Red Cross Nordic United World College, Skagerak International School and other schools offering an IB study programme (IB = International Baccalaureate)
- For foreign nationals permanently residing in another Nordic country in accordance with the “Agreement on Nordic educational cooperation at upper secondary level between Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden” dated 4 March 1992
- For a Russian citizen from the target area (Barents region and Baltic), who will be studying at an upper secondary school (but not a vocational school). (Citizens from the latter area may be granted a permit under the EEA rules)
Residence permits for studying at upper secondary schools may also be granted provided that the school in question bases the admission of students on specific abilities/skills on the part of the individual applicant, and that the student has been admitted based on his/her possession of such abilities/skills. These must be abilities/skills other than purely theoretical knowledge. In accordance with this rule, residence permits may be granted for studies at:
- Norges Toppidrettsgymnas (NTG) (Norwegian upper secondary school for top-level sports)
- Barratt Dues Musikkinstitutt (Barratt Due’s Institute of Music)
- Bårdarakademiet (Bådar Dance Academy)
A residence permit is not required for attending a summer school lasting up to three months. In such a case, students can stay in Norway on the basis of a valid visa or with no visa requirement, whichever is applicable.
Residence permits may be granted for courses (including Norwegian language courses) or other training necessary to obtain a licence or authorisation to work in the Norwegian healthcare system. This means that – for all types of health personnel except doctors – a permit may only be granted for courses that, according to a statement from the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAFH), you lack in order to obtain such a licence/ authorisation.
Before they apply to SAFH for authorisation/a licence, doctors wishing to practice in Norway must complete a separate programme under the auspices of the University of Oslo. Among other things, the programme requires a qualifying medical exam to be taken. A residence permit may be granted in order to follow this programme. If an application for a permit is submitted for practical training/internship, the application will be considered in accordance with the rules relating to work permits.
Any questions?
For more information, see the UDI’s circular on students. If you are still unsure about anything relating to residence permit for students, you can contact your nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate, or the Information Service (OTS).
