Erasmus guide University of Oslo
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Oslo in Oslo, Norway.
Study abroad at University of Oslo: overview
UiO is a research university in Oslo with study options across social sciences, humanities, medicine and natural sciences. Exchange students should match their course choices to the host faculty, confirm teaching language and availability, and check current application and housing rules before committing.
Enrollment
Check UiO's current official figures
International Mix
Check UiO's current official figures
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Social Sciences, Humanities, Medicine, Natural Sciences in Oslo, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Language of instruction: English, Norwegian
Exchange & application at University of Oslo
The exchange process begins with nomination by a partner institution, followed by UiO's current application steps. Ask your home institution and UiO for the applicable dates; do not rely on dates from a previous intake.
✅Requirements
Must be enrolled at a partner university and nominated.
📨Nomination Process
Your home university must nominate you before the deadline via the online portal.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | 1 May (same deadline for nomination and application). | 1 May. |
| Spring semester | 15 October (same deadline for nomination and application). | 15 October. |
Arrival Checklist
- Activate your IT account and register on Studentweb
- If you receive a SiO room offer, coordinate key collection and arrival instructions with SiO.
- Check UiO's current orientation schedule and attend the sessions relevant to your faculty.
Academics & courses at University of Oslo
UiO uses ECTS, with a standard full-time workload of 30 credits per semester. Course language, prerequisites, attendance and assessment rules vary, so check current course descriptions and faculty guidance.
📝Course Registration
Use UiO's current arrival and Studentweb guidance for course registration dates and procedures; availability and rules can vary by course and faculty.
🎓Credit System
UiO uses the ECTS system. A standard full-time workload is 30 ECTS per semester.
💯Grading System
A to F scale, where A is the highest passing grade and F is a fail.
✍️Exam Culture
Attendance and assessment rules vary by course and faculty. Check each course description for compulsory activities, assessment format, and examination dates.
Tuition & fees at University of Oslo
Exchange students do not pay tuition to UiO, but confirm whether a semester fee or other charges apply. Full-degree tuition is governed by separate current rules that depend on the programme and applicant status.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | Usually no host tuition under exchange agreements; approx. NOK 1,000 semester fee may apply | Institutional exchange students are normally exempt from tuition, but the exchange agreement may set different terms. Study in Norway lists a semester fee of… |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | 0 NOK tuition at public institutions for EU/EEA students; approx. NOK 1,000 semester fee may apply | Students from EU/EEA countries are exempt from tuition at public higher-education institutions. Study in Norway lists a semester fee of about NOK 1,000; conf… |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Programme- and status-specific; check UiO's current official information | Full-degree tuition rules depend on current regulations, programme and applicant status; verify the applicable fee with UiO. This is separate from exchange a… |
Usually no host tuition under exchange agreements; approx. NOK 1,000 semester fee may apply
Institutional exchange students are normally exempt from tuition, but the exchange agreement may set different terms. Study in Norway lists a semester fee of…
0 NOK tuition at public institutions for EU/EEA students; approx. NOK 1,000 semester fee may apply
Students from EU/EEA countries are exempt from tuition at public higher-education institutions. Study in Norway lists a semester fee of about NOK 1,000; conf…
Programme- and status-specific; check UiO's current official information
Full-degree tuition rules depend on current regulations, programme and applicant status; verify the applicable fee with UiO. This is separate from exchange a…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University of Oslo
SiO manages student housing in Oslo, but a place is not guaranteed to every exchange student. Ask your home institution whether your agreement includes a housing guarantee or priority, then check SiO's current eligibility, deadlines and availability.
University of Oslo offers official housing
Full housing guide
Find housing in Oslo
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at University of Oslo
The support system is one of UiO's strengths: SiO services, student health, counselling, gyms, cafeterias and orientation help turn the paperwork into a usable campus routine. Use those services early rather than waiting until small issues pile up.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), where applicable
Student life at University of Oslo
Student life around UiO is calmer than in party-heavy cities, but it has a strong rhythm through buddy week, ESN, sports, student societies and easy access to forests and the fjord. The campus works best if you join organised groups during the first two weeks.
Student Clubs
- International Students' Union (ISU)
- ESN Oslo
- Chateau Neuf (The Norwegian Students' Society)
Buddy Program
Fadderuka (Buddy Week) - an intensive introduction week at the start of the semester. Do not miss it!
Sports & Recreation
- SiO Athletica offers hundreds of group classes weekly.
Public Groups & Communities
UiO Exchange Students Facebook Group
Your First 2 Weeks
- Participate fully in the Buddy Week (Fadderuka)
- Register with the Police (if applicable) at SUA
- Pick up your key from the SiO Centre at Blindern
- Buy a Ruter monthly transport pass in the app
Key exchange dates at University of Oslo
UiO's semester and exchange dates can vary by faculty and agreement. Confirm the current nomination and application deadlines with your partner institution and UiO, then plan housing, course registration and arrival around the confirmed calendar.
-
1
Autumn semester
August - December
Check UiO's current orientation and faculty schedule.
-
2
Course registration and arrival tasks
June-August / December-January
Use Studentweb and UiO arrival guidance early so course registration, housing handover and faculty orientation do not collide in the first week.
-
3
Spring semester
January - June
Check UiO's current orientation and faculty schedule.