Practical Information

Study Permit

See which immigration rules apply to you.

Immigration rules differ according to your citizenship and what type of student you are. The information below is intended for full-time degree seeking students. Exchange students will receive information about immigration procedures to Norway after their admission to BI.

Overview

  • No national cap on study permits: Norway is open to international students who meet the immigration criteria – and (currently) there are no limits set on the number issued.
  • Clear, standardised process: The application for a study permit process is clearly laid out on the Norwegian Directorate for Immigration (UDI) webpage, with details for each country specified.
  • EU/EEA procedures: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens register after arrival; Nordic citizens are exempt from the registration scheme.

 Procedures for Citizens from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland:

  • Secure account for financial deposit via SiO: Deposit accounts for funds required for study permit applicants are managed by the Student Welfare Organization of Oslo (SiO) which issues the confirmation required for study permit application.
  • Guaranteed housing: An address in Norway is required for the application for a study permit. Apply for student housing via BI to get a guarantee for student accommodation.
  • Processing time: Approval of study permits can take 8-10 weeks, and the final deadline for submission is published on the UDI website (1July ).
  • Guidance: BI provides step-by-step directions of what you need to do before you submit your application for a study permit to UDI.

Requirements by applicant group

1) Study permit application:

  • Begin the application process as soon as you receive your offer of admission from BI. Do not delay. Important: 1 July is the application deadline set by UDI in order to receive a decision on your application in time for the start of the academic year.
  • Review the steps on the UDI website relevant to your citizenship.
  • Pay particular attention to UDI notices related to your study level and the likelihood of a study permit being granted based on your citizenship.
  • Pay the application fee (NOK 5,400, subject to change and non-refundable).
  • Take note of the final deadline set by UDI so you can receive a decision on your application in time to start your studies in August.
  • Renew your study permit each academic year. You will be required to show a year of tuition fees and living expenses in your Norwegian bank account when you apply.

2) Proof of finance (SiO Residence Permit Deposit Account):

  • Deposit accounts are managed by SiO (Student Welfare Organisation of Oslo) on behalf of BI.
  • Deposit one year of tuition fees + one year of living expenses.
  • Exact amount will be noted on your invoice from SiO but you can expect to deposit around NOK 315,000 for bachelor or NOK 353 000 for MSc studies.
  • Deadline for money to be deposited in your UDI Residence Permit Deposit Account: 15 June.
  • Only degree-seeking students with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who have signed a study contract with BI may use the Residence Permit Deposit Account (not exchange students).

How to set up the SiO deposit account

  • Register as a SiO user.
  • Navigate to My Page → Residence Permit Deposit Account and follow the instructions.
  • BI verifies your enrolment status.
  • SiO issues an invoice for the required amount and transfer instructions.
  • Transfer the funds in accordance with the invoice.
  • Upon receipt, SiO issues a confirmation letter for your study permit application (allow up to 10 working days).

Detailed guidance is available to enrolled students on the Student Portal.

Campus Bergen: Students enrolled at Campus Bergen will receive separate instructions.

Degree seeking EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

  •  A study permit is not required.
  • You must register online after arrival in Norway at selfservice.udi.no.
  • Please await instructions from your BI programme administration before registering.

Degree seeking Nordic citizens

Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden are exempt from the registration scheme.

Exchange students

Exchange students admitted via BI’s partner universities receive separate immigration guidance after admission, tailored to your exchange status.