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
Study abroad at University of Oslo means choosing Norway's oldest university, offering an excellent academic environment and a vibrant campus life at Blindern. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: 28,000; international mix: 15%; academically it fits best around Social Sciences, Humanities, Medicine, Natural Sciences. The part to check without romanticising it: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Enrollment
28,000
International Mix
15%
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 route starts with nomination from your home university, then UiO's online application and arrival tasks. Keep the April and May deadlines visible, because housing, courses and orientation all become easier when the paperwork is finished early.
✅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 | April 15 | May 1 |
Arrival Checklist
- Activate your IT account and register on Studentweb
- Pick up your keys from SiO Housing
- Attend the mandatory orientation meeting
Academics & courses at University of Oslo
UiO uses ECTS, a normal 30-credit semester and a course-registration system that rewards early planning. Lectures may be flexible, but seminars and exams can be strict, so choose English-taught courses only after checking faculty rules and assessment formats.
📝Course Registration
Course registration opens on Studentweb in June (Autumn) or December (Spring). Registration is strictly first-come, first-served.
🎓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
Lectures are generally not mandatory, but seminars often are. The final grade is usually 100% based on a single final exam.
Tuition & fees at University of Oslo
Exchange students do not pay UiO tuition, but Oslo living costs are the real budget challenge. Full-degree tuition is a separate case, especially for non-EU/EEA applicants, so do not confuse an exchange semester with a degree programme.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | 0 NOK tuition; semester fee around 900 NOK | Exchange students do not pay tuition to UiO, but must budget the semester fee and normal Oslo living costs. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | 0 NOK tuition for most EU/EEA degree students; semester fee applies | EU/EEA degree applicants are treated separately from exchange students; confirm the current programme rule before applying. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Approx. 130,000-170,000 NOK/year | Non-EU/EEA full-degree applicants pay programme tuition; this is not the same as an exchange semester. |
0 NOK tuition; semester fee around 900 NOK
Exchange students do not pay tuition to UiO, but must budget the semester fee and normal Oslo living costs.
0 NOK tuition for most EU/EEA degree students; semester fee applies
EU/EEA degree applicants are treated separately from exchange students; confirm the current programme rule before applying.
Approx. 130,000-170,000 NOK/year
Non-EU/EEA full-degree applicants pay programme tuition; this is not the same as an exchange semester.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University of Oslo
SiO housing is the practical first choice for most exchange students at University of Oslo. Apply early, because affordable rooms near Blindern, Kringsja or Sogn reduce commuting stress and make the first weeks much easier.
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)
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
Autumn normally runs from August to December and spring from January to June. For exchange, the listed nomination and application windows are the key planning points; after that, focus on housing, course registration and arrival week.
-
1
Autumn semester
August - December
Buddy week starts mid-August
-
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
Orientation in early January