29/02/2008 :: As a general rule, a residence permit for study must have been granted prior to the foreign national’s entry into Norway, cf. section 10 first paragraph of the Immigration Regulations. Consequently, an application for residence permit must be submitted from abroad.
There are some exceptions for NORAD fellowship students in order to pursue a study programme in Norway. They can be granted 7 days entry visa after approval from the Directorate of Immigration and can report to the police within seven days in order to file an application for study and residence permit. For more information see: “7 days entry visa”.
If you have been admitted to a university in Norway, there are certain requirements to be met before a residence permit for studying can be granted. Admission to a university does not automatically guarantee that you will be granted a permit.
Please be aware that the universities are not responsible for students who have entered Norway without a valid residence permit.
Granting a first time residence permit for studying takes 2-6 months, if all the required documents are enclosed and accepted by the Directorate of Immigration. Applications must be submitted through the Embassy.
Students are required to document the possession of approximately NOK 80.000 per year to cover living expenses. This amount must be transferred to an account in a Norwegian bank in your own name. Stating that you will find a part time job will not be accepted as documentation for first time residence permit.
A student residence permit is generally granted for one year at a time and is renewable upon satisfactory, full-time study progress.
How to apply residence permit for students:
As a general rule, personal appearance of the applicant is required. Days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 0800 hrs. to 1400 hrs (by appointment only).
All applicants have to meet in person. Appointment for interview is necessary, which can be arranged on phone, through letter or in person. Without appointment interview will not take place. The purpose of the interview is to clarify your identity, your education plans and if you have money/income to pay for your stay in Norway.
Application for a student permit will be sent to the Directorate of Immigration in Norway for decision. As soon as the Embassy receives a decision from Norway, the applicant will be informed in writing. A decision may take some months.
Fee:
A fee must be paid when (or before) applying for a study permit. The fee is 12.400 rupees. The fee cannot be paid after applying. For more information see “Fee – work and residence permit”
What kind of documents you need to bring:
- 2 forms of "Application for a first time residence permit for educational purposes". These forms must be filled in or typed in English.
- Family tree form (see “Application Forms” “Family tree”)
- Two fresh photographs.
- Original passport together with 2 sets of photocopies of first 2 pages. (Also bring along old passports if any). Please also note that your passport must normally be valid for at least two months beyond the period for which the permit is granted.
- Original identity card along with 2 photocopies of both sides
- Original + one copy of birth certificate. Birth certificates are issued by the Union Council/Town Committee/Municipal Committee or DHO.
- Your father´s B-form issued by the ID-card Office (Registration Office). Please present the original + one copy.
- Original + one copy of both Primary and Matric school certificates
- Other relevant documents showing the applicant's education.
- Letter of admission or invitation from an educational institution in Norway.
- Study plan. See ””Application Forms”
- Financial plan. See ””Application Forms”
- A copy of the loan application if the studies are to be funded through the State Educational Loan Fund.
- Subsistence. Applicant must, for school year 2007/2008 per study year in a Norwegian Bank, deposit NOK 80,000 for higher education.
- Documentation of housing. Deed or tenancy agreement is approved as documentation.
Please note that the Directorate of Immigration requires that the presented certificates are translated into English or Norwegian.