Norway is a premier destination for higher education, distinguished by an academic system that prioritizes flexibility and an egalitarian, informal culture. The exceptional quality of instruction, combined with the availability of tuition-free public universities, makes Norway an increasingly popular choice for international students seeking a world-class education.
If you’re interested in a business degree, you can choose from diverse specializations offered by Norway's prestigious business schools and universities. Most business programmes are available on a full-time or part-time basis, enabling you to advance your professional career while you continue your studies.
The range of subjects is vast, spanning specialized fields like Organisational Psychology, Logistics, and International Fisheries Management, in addition to core disciplines such as Finance, Economics, and Business Administration.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2021, three Norwegian institutions have earned international acclaim, establishing themselves as top-tier destinations for students pursuing degrees in Business and Management:
1. BI Norwegian Business School
The BI Norwegian Business School is a premier private institution and the largest business school in the country. It holds the prestigious "Triple Crown" accreditation, granted by the European EQUIS, the American AACSB, and the British AMBA.
These global accreditations underscore the high academic standards and excellence students encounter at BI. As a private institution, all international students are required to pay tuition. Master’s degrees in Business typically range from 10,330 to 30,050 EUR per academic year, applicable to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA applicants.
These programmes focus on preparing students for the global workforce, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge that have immediate real-world applications.
2. NHH - Norwegian School of Economics
The NHH Norwegian School of Economics is a distinguished public university and one of Europe’s leading business schools. Every year, over 3,400 students enroll in their highly regarded undergraduate and graduate business programmes.
Because it is a public institution, NHH offers tuition-free study programmes, including various business degrees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of nationality. You are only responsible for covering your living costs in Norway, such as housing, food, and course materials.
Over 50% of NHH students participate in international exchange programmes, providing a valuable opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain global exposure during your studies.
3. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology
While the name of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) highlights its focus on technical fields, the institution offers a diverse curriculum. You can pursue degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, Architecture, and various Business Management disciplines.
Like NHH, NTNU is a public university, meaning international students do not pay tuition fees for their studies. This benefit applies equally to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens.
With an annual enrollment exceeding 40,000 students, NTNU is one of the largest and most influential universities in Norway.
Read the study experience of Gabriel, an international student who pursued a Management degree in Norway.
Employment potential for Norwegian Business students
These business universities have been recognized not just for academic rigor but for their strong employment outcomes. For instance, NHH reports that approximately 76% of their students secure employment before graduation.
In reality, graduate placement is driven largely by individual student achievements and proactive networking rather than campus recruitment events. Studying at a highly selective, reputable institution provides a significant competitive advantage in a demanding labour market.
While universities provide networking opportunities, competing for jobs abroad is a different challenge. Campus recruitment often serves only as a starting point, and your career success will ultimately depend on your individual initiative, regardless of the school you attend.
Many graduates aspire to secure roles in global financial hubs, banking, or consulting. Selecting a business school and study programme should align with these long-term career ambitions, even if your specific path is still evolving.
By specializing in high-demand subjects like Petroleum Economics, Energy Markets, and Commodities Trading, you can significantly boost your employability and distinguish yourself from graduates of more theoretical programmes.
The benefits of studying Business in Scandinavia
While these top business schools offer great prestige, it is wise to consider your broader career goals. If you plan to work in the Americas or Asia-Pacific, the specific skills and knowledge you acquire often outweigh the global recognition of your alma mater, especially if the university is less known in those regions.
However, given that the high standard of living, quality of education, and career opportunities remain consistently strong across Scandinavian institutions, choosing a business school here is a straightforward and rewarding decision.
As an ambitious and socially conscious student looking to learn from the best, the most important questions you should be asking yourself are:
- Why not Norway?
- Why not go to the country that is world-renowned for its innovation in sustainability and economic policy?
- Why not go to the country with the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, which serves as the most visible metric of these successful policies and management?
You can also explore the Online Result Scholarship for potential financial assistance to help fund your Business studies in Norway.
Seeking more flexibility in your studies? Consider enrolling in an online degree or a part-time programme.
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