Norwegian language courses for international students

Are you an international student at the University of Bergen? Then you can also take Norwegian language courses. Here you can find out who is eligible, how to apply, and the relevant application deadlines.

Who can apply?

Most international students admitted to a study programme at the University of Bergen can apply for admission to Norwegian courses or register for courses through Studentweb. This also applies to PhD candidates who are admitted to a doctoral programme, but not employed by the University of Bergen.

If you are a PhD candidate employed by the University of Bergen, you must apply for admission through Søknadsweb. Read more on the page for employees and partners.

You are not eligible for admission to Norwegian courses if you are enrolled in a Norwegian study programme or if Norwegian is your first language.

How to apply

Level 1

International students admitted to a study programme at the University of Bergen may apply for a place in NOR-INTRO, NOR-U1 (Groups A, B, C and E) or NOR-U1/2. No previous knowledge of Norwegian is required.

Application period, autumn semester: 1 July to 1 August
Application period, spring semester: 15 December to 5 January

Level 2 and above

International students admitted to a study programme at the University of Bergen may register for NOR-U2 (Groups A and C), NOR-U3 (Groups A and C), NOR-U4 and NOR-NYN (Nynorsk), provided they meet the prerequisite requirements.

Registration period, autumn semester: 10 August, 12:00 noon to 1 September
Registration period, spring semester: 10 January, 12:00 noon to 1 February

Applications and registration are completed through Studentweb (external link)

You may apply for admission to several Norwegian language courses, but you may only take one course per semester. The exception is NOR-NYN, which may be taken alongside NOR-U3 or NOR-U4.

Admission to Courses Requiring Previous Knowledge

Before you can register for courses with prerequisite requirements in Studentweb, you must complete a placement test. This does not apply if you have already passed a relevant Norwegian course at the University of Bergen or another Norwegian university.

Documentation of a completed Norwegian course from another Norwegian university must be sent to norskkurs@uib.no before the registration deadline.

If you are planning to take the placement test but are unsure whether you will qualify for NOR-U2, you should also apply for admission to a Level 1 course before the registration deadline.

Spring 2027 Deadlines

Level 1: Apply for admission between 15 December and 5 January.

Level 2 and above: Register for courses between 10 January and 1 February.

Already know some Norwegian? Remember to register for the placement test by 4 January.

Last updated: 10.09.2026