University of Oslo, Norway

As a student at the University of Oslo you will learn from the best academic staff the country has to offer and be a part of a modern research-intensive university where opportunities are abundant. Expect fellow students who are highly motivated and engaged, and who will become part of your social and professional network for life. 

UiO is the highest ranked institution of education and research in Norway. With five Nobel Prize winners, UiO has a strong track record of pioneering research and scientific discovery. 

With its broad range of courses taught in English, the University of Oslo has become an attractive destination for a growing number of international students. Currently 13 percent of the student population is from foreign countries, and 26 percent of the PhD candidates. At the UiO campus you will meet students from all over the world.  

With its old campus downtown and the modern campus at Blindern, UiO is centrally located and easily accessible, with modern buildings in lush, green surroundings.  

The University of Oslo’s original campus is located in the city centre, adjacent to the Royal Palace and the Parliament. The main campus of Blindern, just minutes by subway, tram, or bicycle from the heart of Oslo, offers proximity to the forests and hills surrounding the city and affords wonderful views of the Oslo Fjord.

About the University of Oslo

The University of Oslo (UiO) was established in 1811 as Norway’s first university and continues to be Norway’s highest ranked institution of education and research. We have shaped society for over 200 years and are a leading European university. Through knowledge, responsibility and commitment, the University of Oslo will contribute to a sustainable future.

UiO is the highest ranked institution of education and research in Norway - and one of the World's Top 100 universities, according to the Shanghai World Ranking. With five Nobel Prize winners, UiO has a strong track record of pioneering research and scientific discovery.

The University of Oslo offers research-based education and attracts highly qualified students from all over the world. Students at UiO learn from Norway’s leading researchers, with excellent facilities in the beautiful city of Oslo, Norway’s capital.

UiO currently has nine National Centres of Excellence and a strategic focus on interdisciplinary research in the field of energy and life sciences in particular. As a broadly based, non-profit research university, UiO has access to good public funding schemes. Lab and office facilities, libraries and technical support are at the high end.

Similar to our Circle U. partners, the University of Oslo is a flagship institution in our country where we play an important societal role through our comprehensive nature.

UiO has a special national responsibility for basic research and researcher training, and for managing research libraries and museums with scientific collections and public exhibitions. As a comprehensive university, we believe that our breadth is our strength.

The University of Oslo has established three major interdisciplinary priority areas aimed at fostering collaborative research and education within the fields of Energy, Life Science and the Nordic model (the Nordic model will switch to a Democracy focus in 2023), addressing the three dimensions of sustainability: Biosphere, Economy and Societal.

The climate crisis defines our time, and how we respond to it will define us. The University of Oslo will address environmental and climate-related challenges through both research, education, innovation and through sustainable operations.

The University of Oslo has ambitious goals for increasing its contribution to academic developments internationally, and addressing societal challenges of our time.

The capital university is also home to the Viking Ship Museum, the Historical Museum and the Natural History Museum, a Main Library with 3.6 million holdings and a wide range of associated units and centres.

Academic information & offers

The Circle U. course catalogue showcases a selection of course within the Circle U. thematic areas available for exchange students. Please refer to our course catalogue for a full list of courses available to exchange students.

​​​​​​​Language of instruction

  • Norwegian, English 

Language learning

  • At the University of Oslo incoming students can take a course in Norwegian Language, levels A1 to C2. 
Language requirements for incoming students
Language Required Level Official Certificate(s)
English B2 Official certificates are not required
Academic calendar
Mobility in the Autumn term Mobility in the Spring term

Teaching and exam period
From: 10/08
To: 20/12

Teaching and exam period
From: 02/01
To: 20/06

Nomination for mobility
Nomination deadline: 01/05

Applications by nominated students must reach the receiving institution by: 01/05

Nomination for mobility
Nomination deadline: 15/10 

Applications by nominated students must reach the receiving institution by: 15/10

How to apply for mobility at the University of Oslo

Incoming Students - Admission

Admission for Erasmus+ students

Nomination: Incoming exchange students must be nominated by their home institution in the UiO system before they can apply.  

Nominated students: Students who have been nominated will receive an email with password and instructions on how to complete their application in the UiO application service 'Søknadsweb'.

Contact

International Student Reception

international@admin.uio.no

For students travelling to Oslo

The International Student Reception supports exchange and degree students studying at UiO.