Erasmus guide Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Study abroad at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) means choosing Norway's largest university and its leading institution for engineering and technology, spread across the Gløshaugen and Øya campuses in student-dense Trondheim. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Approx. 43,500 students across all campuses; around 85% (≈37,000) study in Trondheim; international mix: Approx. 3,815 international students (9%), representing 114 countries; academically it fits best around Engineering, Technology, Natural sciences, Architecture. The part to check without romanticising it: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.

Exchange at NTNU runs through your home university's nomination, followed by a direct online application to NTNU's International Office. Deadlines split slightly by nationality for the autumn intake (non-EU/EEA students apply earlier than EU/EEA/Swiss students), while the spring intake has one shared deadline for everyone.

Academics at NTNU are taught mainly in Norwegian, but exchange students build their entire course load from a dedicated English-taught course list — no Norwegian is required. Credits follow ECTS in multiples of 7.5, and grading uses Norway's A–F scale, with written exams and compulsory project work both central, especially in engineering.

Tuition at NTNU is free for exchange students and for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, matching Norwegian students. Since a 2023 policy change, non-EU/EEA full-degree students do pay tuition — NOK 176,300 to 528,650 per year depending on subject area — but this does not apply to exchange students, who remain tuition-free regardless of nationality.

Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page

Student housing at NTNU runs through Sit, which prioritises incoming exchange students for its student villages. Moholt is the largest and most international option; Berg sits closer to the Gløshaugen engineering campus — apply the moment your nomination is confirmed, as both fill up fast.

International students get a dedicated International Office for exchange paperwork, the NTNU Buddy Programme with fadderuke (buddy week) orientation, and Sit Rådgivning's free counselling service. Non-EU/EEA students should plan their residence-permit application alongside the exchange admission calendar.

Student life at NTNU is dense and visible — students make up close to a fifth of Trondheim's population, and NTNUI, Norway's largest student sports association, runs 60+ sports plus free outdoor-gear rental. Samfundet, the century-old student society, anchors the social scene, alongside the biennial ISFiT and UKA festivals that the wider city builds around.