NIS - how to apply

Who can apply

It is possible for everyone who meet the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU) to apply to our 1-year Norwegian language course. However, there are important aspects to consider for applicants in need of a residence permit for studies (student visa/study permit). Citizens from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland without a residence permit in Norway are advised to read the information at the bottom of this page before applying to NIS.

How - the application process

1. Academic requirements.

Applicants must meet the general Higher Education Entrance Qualification requirement for admission to Norwegian universities and university colleges. This means education equivalent to the completed Norwegian secondary school diploma. The Norwegian Directorate for Quality in Higher Education (HK Dir) administer the GSU-list which shows this entrance requirement for applicants from various countries.

2. Language requirements. 

Applicants must meet the English language requirement for studies at Norwegian universities and university colleges. Prior knowledge of Norwegian language is not required. See the English language requirements for admission to university-level education in Norway.

3. Online application portal

You must submit an application in our application portal, Søknadsweb. Any application or documentation sent by email will not be considered.

4. Dates to remember

December 1^st - the application portal opens. First time applicants must register their profile in Søknadsweb.

for applicants with citizenship and education from visa-required countries

March 1^st - Application deadline for applicants with citizenship and education from visa-required countries

April 15^th - Application deadline for applicants residing in Norway with a Norwegian ID number and citizens of EU/EEA countries.

• The application portal may reopen June 1^st for this group of applicants if there are any available slots left after the first round of admissions have been processed.

You will receive the results within May 25^th

• You will be notified through your registered e-mail address once the results are ready. You will be given a short deadline to respond if you are offered admission. The updated status of your application will always be available in the application portal.
• Please note that the date of results can be changed.

Mid-August - The academic year begins.

4. Documentation to be uploaded with your application

• Original diplomas and academic transcripts from secondary school and university.
• Translated version of any documents in other languages than English or Norwegian (translated to English or Norwegian).
• Documentation of English language profiency (for example IELTS or TOEFL test).
• Further study plan - either comment this in your application or upload a PDF stating which course you wish to continue onto after NIS.
  • Applicants who need to apply for a study visa must be qualified for further studies to be considered for admission to NIS. The programme you intend to study after completing NIS must be at Volda University College. You must qualify by meeting all admission requirements other than Norwegian language proficiency, as a completion of NIS will grant this.
• Copy of passport (the page with your photo and personal information).
• Applicants with residence permit in Norway, must submit a copy of this.

The documents in support of your application should be uploaded in Søknadsweb no later than the application deadlineDocumentation received after this will only be reviewed at capacity, and may qualify applicants for the waiting list. Never send documents by e-mail.

Note: If you are already studying Norwegian language at one of our partner universities abroad, you can apply to the second half of the Norwegian course (NIS 102) as an exchange student. See admission process for exchange students.