Why Consider a Five-Year Path in Norway?

A master’s degree can open more doors 

Master’s level education is highly valued in the Norwegian business sector, particularly in areas such as finance, consulting, analytics and management. Taking both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree gives you five years to strengthen your qualifications, gain practical experience, learn Norwegian and build the network and local knowledge that can help you enter the Norwegian job market. 

BI’s master’s programmes help students develop advanced analytical, strategic and leadership skills. Over the past three years (2023-2025), BI’s international master’s graduates have achieved an average employment rate of 76%. Furthermore, 83% report being satisfied with their jobs, while 89% feel optimistic about their future career opportunities. 

Advantages of taking both your bachelor’s and master’s at BI 

Choosing BI for both degrees can offer several practical and financial advantages and make the transition from bachelor’s to master’s smoother. 

• Simpler admission process: A bachelor’s degree from BI means that GMAT/GRE is normally not required. Graduates from BI’s English-taught programmes may also qualify for an English test waiver. 
• Reduced tuition: Students with at least 120 ECTS from BI qualify for BI’s reduced tuition fee for internal applicants. 
• Potential access to “Lånekassen”: International students who complete three years of continuous full-time study in Norway may qualify for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, subject to eligibility requirements. 
• Tuition fee differential waived: citizens from outside the EU/EEA get domestic tuition fees for the master’s degree. 
• More continuity: Taking both degrees at BI can make it easier to continue your student life, including student housing, Norwegian language learning and access to the BI community. 
    

Five years to build your career in Norway 

A five-year study journey gives you more time to gain relevant experience through internships and part-time work, participate in student organisations and extracurricular activities, meet employers and build professional relationships.

It also gives you more time to understand Norwegian workplace culture and improve your Norwegian language skills. Together, this can strengthen your profile when applying to both Norwegian and international employers. 

A stronger foundation for staying in Norway 

For students who want to remain in Norway after graduation, a master’s degree can also help prepare you for qualified employment. 

After graduation, students who move from a student permit to a qualifying work residence permit may be able to apply for permanent residence after three years on a qualifying permit, provided they meet UDI’s requirements. 

Think long-term 

A five-year path is about more than earning two degrees. It gives you more time to develop your expertise, work experience, language skills and network, and a stronger foundation for building a career in Norway.