Norway is an increasingly appealing destination for international students who want to study engineering in a technologically advanced and environmentally conscious country. With strong expertise in renewable energy, maritime technology, petroleum and energy systems, telecommunications, automation, robotics, civil engineering, and sustainable development, Norway offers engineering education closely connected to real-world challenges.
For international students, the country combines high academic standards with a practical learning environment and strong links between universities and industry. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is the country's most prominent specialist institution in engineering and technology, but universities such as the University of Stavanger, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the University of Agder, and OsloMet also offer valuable engineering pathways.
This guide explores the best engineering universities in Norway, popular courses, English-taught options, admission requirements, tuition fees, living costs, and other factors international students should consider before applying.
Why Study Engineering in Norway?
Norway's engineering sector is closely connected to the country's geography and natural resources. Its long coastline has supported world-leading expertise in maritime industries and offshore technology, while its energy sector has driven research into hydropower, petroleum, wind energy, hydrogen, and other technologies.
Norwegian universities also place significant emphasis on independent learning, collaboration, research, and practical problem-solving. This can be particularly valuable for engineering students who want to develop skills that can be applied outside the classroom.
Another major advantage is the range of English-taught programmes available. The official Study in Norway database currently lists dozens of English-taught programmes in engineering, manufacturing, and construction, including programmes at master's level in civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, energy, materials, and automation.
Top Engineering Universities in Norway
1. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, commonly known as NTNU, is the first university international students should investigate when considering engineering in Norway.
Based primarily in Trondheim, with additional campuses in Gjøvik and Ålesund, NTNU has an exceptionally broad portfolio in engineering, science, and technology.
Students can explore fields including mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, electronic systems, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental engineering, marine technology, mechatronics, robotics, and energy systems.
Its English-taught master's portfolio includes programmes such as Cold Climate Engineering, Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Electronic Systems Design, Mechatronics and Automation, and several specialised energy and technology programmes.
NTNU is particularly attractive for students interested in research-intensive engineering and industries such as energy, maritime technology, manufacturing, construction, and digital technology.
Best for: Mechanical, electrical, civil, marine, chemical, materials, energy, automation, and electronic engineering.
2. University of Stavanger
The University of Stavanger (UiS) is an excellent choice for students interested in engineering connected to energy, petroleum, offshore industries, mechanical systems, and industrial technology.
Its engineering portfolio includes programmes such as Structural and Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Computational Engineering, and Environmental Engineering.
The university's MSc in Structural and Mechanical Engineering is taught in English, lasts two years, and offers specialisations in structural engineering and mechanical engineering.
Stavanger's position as a major Norwegian energy centre also gives the university a distinctive industrial context. Students interested in energy technology and offshore-related engineering can benefit from studying in a region where these industries have a significant presence.
Best for: Mechanical, structural, petroleum, computational, environmental, and energy-related engineering.
3. UiT The Arctic University of Norway
UiT is particularly interesting for students who want to combine engineering with Arctic technology, aerospace, safety, maritime systems, and challenging environmental conditions.
Its engineering offerings include Electrical Engineering, Engineering Design, Industrial Engineering, Technology and Safety, and Aerospace Engineering.
One distinctive option is the English-taught master's degree in Aerospace Engineering at UiT's Narvik campus. The programme is available as a two-year full-time degree and focuses on advanced engineering applications in areas such as aerospace and satellite-related technology.
For students interested in engineering for extreme environments, Arctic infrastructure, safety systems, or aerospace, UiT can offer a particularly distinctive academic experience.
Best for: Aerospace, electrical, industrial, safety, engineering design, and Arctic technology.
4. University of Agder
The University of Agder (UiA) offers engineering and technology programmes with a strong connection to practical applications and innovation.
Its English-taught offerings include a Master's Programme in Renewable Energy, making it an attractive option for students interested in the transition toward cleaner energy systems. The national Study in Norway database lists the programme as a two-year, 120-ECTS master's degree.
Students interested in renewable energy, electrical systems, sustainability, and technology innovation should consider UiA alongside the larger technical universities.
Best for: Renewable energy, electrical systems, sustainability, and technology.
5. OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University
OsloMet provides another route into engineering, particularly for students interested in professionally oriented education in an urban environment.
Its English-taught engineering offerings include a two-year Civil Engineering master's programme.
Studying in Oslo can also provide access to Norway's largest urban economy and a broad range of companies, organisations, research environments, and public-sector employers.
Best for: Civil engineering and urban, infrastructure-related fields.
Popular Engineering Courses in Norway
International students can choose from a diverse range of engineering specialisations. Popular areas include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Engineering
- Marine and Maritime Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Automation and Robotics
- Materials Science
- Industrial Engineering
- Electronics
- Computational Engineering
- Energy Systems
Norway is especially strong in fields connected to energy, maritime industries, sustainability, and cold-climate technology. For example, NTNU offers programmes related to cold-climate engineering, hydrogen systems, wind energy, hydropower, and materials science.
Are Engineering Degrees in Norway Taught in English?
Yes, but international students need to pay attention to the study level.
Norway has many English-taught master's programmes, while bachelor's programmes taught entirely in English are less common. The official Study in Norway database is a useful starting point because it allows prospective students to search specifically for full-degree programmes taught in English.
Students should also check the exact language requirements of each programme. A university may offer several engineering degrees in English while others are taught in Norwegian.
Learning basic Norwegian is not normally necessary for an English-taught degree, but it can be useful for daily life and may improve access to some employment opportunities.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Norwegian universities use the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU) as the general basis for admission. Applicants with foreign qualifications are assessed according to requirements associated with their country and educational background. Individual programmes may also have additional academic and language requirements.
For engineering master's programmes, applicants normally need a relevant bachelor's degree with sufficient coursework in areas such as mathematics, statistics, physics, and engineering.
For example, NTNU's Materials Science and Chemical Engineering master's programme specifies particular mathematics, physics, and related academic requirements.
Applicants should therefore examine the programme-specific admission page carefully rather than assuming that any engineering bachelor's degree will qualify.
Tuition Fees for Engineering in Norway
Norway's tuition-fee system has changed for international students.
Students from Norway, EU/EEA countries, and Switzerland are generally exempt from tuition fees at public higher education institutions. Degree-seeking students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally have to pay tuition fees, with the amount varying by institution and programme.
At NTNU, for example, the 2026–2027 tuition category covering natural sciences and technology is NOK 205,600 per academic year for 60 ECTS. Specific programmes can have different fees.
Students should always check the current fee published by their chosen university because tuition rates can change.
Living Costs in Norway
Norway is known for relatively high living costs, so financial planning is essential.
For 2026–2027, Study in Norway estimates student living costs at approximately NOK 15,488 per month, or NOK 170,368 per year. This estimate covers basic living expenses but does not necessarily include tuition, travel, visa fees, or other additional costs.
Accommodation is often one of the largest expenses. Student welfare organisations, known as Samskipnad, provide student housing and other services, although demand can be high in major cities.
Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland also need to demonstrate sufficient funding when applying for a study permit.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Norway does not offer a universal government scholarship for all international degree students. Study in Norway notes that there are some specific scholarship schemes and funding opportunities, but students generally need to arrange their own financing.
Some programmes connected to international initiatives, such as Erasmus Mundus, may provide scholarships to selected students. Individual universities can also have programme-specific funding opportunities.
Because engineering tuition can be substantial for non-EU/EEA students, scholarship research should begin well before the application deadline.
How to Choose the Right Engineering University in Norway
Match your specialisation to the university
Choose based on your intended field rather than university name alone. NTNU is a broad engineering powerhouse, while UiS is particularly relevant to energy and petroleum-related fields and UiT offers distinctive options such as aerospace engineering.
Compare programme requirements
Look carefully at mathematics, physics, statistics, programming, and previous engineering requirements. Some master's programmes are highly specific about the credits you must have completed.
Consider industry connections
Research internships, laboratory facilities, industry projects, and employer links. These experiences can make a major difference when transitioning from university to professional engineering work.
Budget realistically
Calculate tuition, accommodation, food, transport, insurance, travel, and immigration-related expenses before accepting an offer. Norway's high living costs mean that a realistic financial plan is essential.
FAQ About Engineering Universities in Norway
Which is the best engineering university in Norway?
NTNU is generally the country's leading specialist university for engineering and technology. However, the best university for an individual student depends on the specialisation. UiS is particularly relevant to energy and petroleum, while UiT offers distinctive opportunities in aerospace and Arctic engineering.
Can international students study engineering in Norway in English?
Yes. Norway offers numerous English-taught engineering programmes, particularly at master's level. The official Study in Norway database currently lists dozens of English-taught programmes in engineering, manufacturing, and construction.
Is university free in Norway for international students?
Not necessarily. Students from Norway, EU/EEA countries, and Switzerland are generally exempt from tuition at public institutions, while students from outside these areas normally pay tuition fees.
How much does an engineering master's cost in Norway?
The amount depends on the university and programme. At NTNU, the 2026–2027 technology and natural sciences tuition category is NOK 205,600 per academic year for 60 ECTS. Other institutions and programmes can charge different amounts.
Is Norway good for engineering careers?
Yes. Norway has major industries in energy, maritime technology, construction, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and environmental solutions. Engineering students can benefit from studying in a country where universities and industry collaborate on practical technological challenges.
Conclusion
The engineering universities in Norway offer international students a strong combination of technical education, research, innovation, and industry exposure. NTNU is the leading all-round choice for engineering, while the University of Stavanger stands out for energy and mechanical fields, UiT offers distinctive Arctic and aerospace opportunities, and universities such as UiA and OsloMet provide additional specialised pathways.