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Study in Norway

Mountains. Fjords. Islands. Glaciers. Forests. Nature plays a central role in Norwegian life. As a YFU student, you can enjoy the best of outdoor activities in a society that places high value on globalism and personal growth.

+ More About Norway

Hallo! Are you looking for the adventure of a lifetime? Norway may be just the place for you! With all sorts of natural wonders like fjords, glaciers, mountains, islands and forests, nature plays a central role in Norwegian life.

The public education system in Norway is one of the best in Europe, and you and your new friends will be academically challenged and encouraged. But Norwegians are sure to make time to enjoy the stunning outdoors and celebrate their classic European culture. Norwegian families often head for country cottages or cabins on weekends where they may enjoy skiing in the winter and a variety of outdoor activities during other seasons. The food in Norway comes from a long tradition of the Norwegian people as seafarers – so there will be lots of delicious fish! While you’re enjoying meals with friends, you won’t want to miss out on the Norwegian art and music scene! Norwegian movies, although not widespread outside the country, are not to be missed!

If an outdoorsy culture with an up and coming arts scene sounds like a good fit for you, then apply to study in Norway today!

+ Scholarships Available

YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Norway:

Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Karla Topolka Scholarship Fund
Passport to Equity

+ Application Deadline

Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by September 15 for winter/spring departure programs and March 15 for summer and fall. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a case by case basis depending upon availability.

+ Additional Information

Visa Information

Information about visas will be provided upon enrollment. Students will need to apply for a residence permit before coming to Norway. Students applying for a residence permit who are over the age of 18 must pay an application fee of $700 USD. To learn more about the process, you can refer to the Norwegian Embassy website.

Additional Costs

Students are responsible for covering fees including school-sponsored activities, textbooks, and school supplies. Students may need monthly passes for public transportation and are responsible for their transportation costs to school. Program tuition does not include personal spending money.

Choose Your Program

+ Academic Year Programs

As a YFU student in Norway, you can choose from 15 fields of study in upper secondary school. You will attend a local high school and live with a host family, and part of your experience will be:

School

Education is considered especially important in Norway and many schools have a strict attendance policy. Norwegian schools expect a great deal of independence and responsibility from students. Courses offered in most areas of the country include Norwegian, mathematics, history, geography, philosophy, economics, religion, physical education, sciences, social studies, and languages. Spanish, French, and German language classes are usually offered, and some schools may have Russian and Italian. Optional courses may include music, drama, dance, arts, sports, business and administration, and information technology. All classes will be taught in Norwegian, so students are encouraged to study up on their Norwegian before departure!

Because many schools in Norway use internet-based learning (meaning communication is almost exclusively online and students typically use laptops in class), students are recommended to bring a laptop if they own one. Schools will usually help students borrow or rent a laptop for an additional cost if they do not own one.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

Upon arrival in Norway, all students will attend a 3 day orientation with other YFU students from around the world. Year students also attend a 3 day mid-year orientation, and all students attend a daylong re-entry orientation at the end of their program to reflect on their experiences. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurricular

Norwegian schools generally don’t offer after-school activities. However, there are plenty of music groups, clubs, and organizations to choose from in the community and most of your Norwegian friends will belong to some type of sports club. YFU exchange students are encouraged to get involved in their communities by joining any type of team, group, or club.

Optional Excursions

Year program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost.

Snowcave Skiing Expedition: Students will have the opportunity to explore the amazing Norwegian nature and partake in the Norwegian tradition of Snøhuletur. During this three-day trip, students will be led by guides on a skiing and camping adventure. Students ski into the Norwegian back country to build snow caves which, upon completion, will be slept in overnight.

A Trip to Northern Norway: During this optional trip, students will embark on a trip to the North of Norway and have the opportunity to participate in many exciting events. Students may have a chance to go to a reindeer farm, see huskies, go skiing, and possibly even see the Northern Lights! As the Norwegian’s say: Ut på tur – aldri sur or out in nature—never in a bad mood!

PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2024 Fall Year Early August Late June $14,095

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a host family
  • Enrollment in a local Norwegian high school
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a YFU Norway Area Representative while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Age Requirement

  • 2024 Fall Departure: Students born January 1, 2006 – December 29, 2008.
  • Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will not be considered for admission.
  • Students applying for Folk High School program who do not meet the age requirement are welcome to apply.

Host Family Placement

Host families can be located all over the country in rural or suburban areas. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers.

Language

Norwegian. Previous language study is not required, however, students must be motivated to learn Norwegian. While English is widely spoken in Norway, this is not an English program. YFU Norway can assist students in finding a local course, for an additional cost.

+ Semester Programs

As a YFU student in Norway, you can choose from 15 fields of study in upper secondary school. You will attend a local high school and live with a host family, and part of your experience will be:

School

Education is considered especially important in Norway and many schools have a strict attendance policy. Norwegian schools expect a great deal of independence and responsibility from students. Courses offered in most areas of the country include Norwegian, mathematics, history, geography, philosophy, economics, religion, physical education, sciences, social studies, and languages. Spanish, French, and German language classes are usually offered, and some schools may have Russian and Italian. Optional courses may include music, drama, dance, arts, sports, business and administration, and information technology. All classes will be taught in Norwegian, so students are encouraged to study up on their Norwegian before departure!

Because many schools in Norway use internet-based learning (meaning communication is almost exclusively online and students typically use laptops in class), students are recommended to bring a laptop if they own one. Schools will usually help students borrow or rent a laptop for an additional cost if they do not own one.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

Upon arrival in Norway, all students will attend a 3 day orientation with other YFU students from around the world. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurricular

Norwegian schools generally don’t offer after-school activities. However, there are plenty of music groups, clubs, and organizations to choose from in the community and most of your Norwegian friends will belong to some type of sports club. YFU exchange students are encouraged to get involved in their communities by joining any type of team, group, or club.

PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2025 Spring Semester Early January Late June $13,095
2024 Fall Semester Early August Early January $12,095

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a host family
  • Enrollment in a local Norwegian high school
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a YFU Norway Area Representative while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Age Requirement

  • 2024 Fall Departure: Students born January 1, 2006 – December 29, 2008.
  • 2025 Spring Departure: Students born December 31, 2006 – December 30, 2008.
  • Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will not be considered for admission.
  • Students applying for Folk High School program who do not meet the age requirement are welcome to apply.

Language

Norwegian. Previous language study is not required, however, students must be motivated to learn Norwegian. While English is widely spoken in Norway, this is not an English program. YFU Norway can assist students in finding a local course, for an additional cost.

Host Family Placement

Host families can be located all over the country in rural or suburban areas. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers.