Universitetet i Oslo (University of Oslo), Norway
Set in the vibrant capital city of Norway, the University of Oslo is the country’s oldest and largest university. The University aims to make a significant contribution to the knowledge base that is needed in order to address the major global challenges of today.
Who can go?
Postgraduate research students in the School of History.
This exchange allows for one student to study abroad for one semester per academic year.
How to apply
PhD students interested in applying to studying at the University of Oslo need to submit the following:
- cover letter
- CV
- description of the proposed research (maximum 500 words)
- supporting letter from their supervisor to the School of History study abroad coordinator.
In the event of multiple applicants for this exchange, the School of History’s postgraduate committee will decide which application to prioritise. Further information is also available from the postgraduate secretary in History (pghist@st-andrews.ac.uk).
If you are successful in your application, the University of St Andrews will nominate you to the University of Oslo. You will be required to complete the University of Oslo’s application for admission by their deadline.
Current students can contact study abroad coordinators to find out more.
Your studies
The academic year at the University of Oslo is split into two semesters:
- Autumn semester usually starts in the second week of August and ends in the third week of December.
- Spring semester usually starts in the second week of January and ends in the third week of June.
Passports and visas
If you are a student from the European Economic Area (EU and Swiss citizens), you do not need to apply for a residence permit, however you must register with the police if you are staying in Norway for more than three months. Students from outside the European Economic Area will need to apply for a residence permit and visa if applicable.
Please see the University of Oslo website for more information about permits and visas.
You should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip, and for at least six months after you return to the UK. You should scan your passport and keep a copy for your records.
If you are a European Union national, you will not require a visa and may enter the European Union countries with your passport or national identity card. Please note that you may have to comply with legal obligations, such as registering your address with the local authorities.
If you are an international student who has a visa to study in the UK, and you have any questions about the implications of studying or working abroad whilst matriculated at St Andrews, you should consult Student Services by emailing advint@st-andrews.ac.uk. You can also check the passports and visas page for further information.
About the University
The University of Oslo was founded in 1811 as the first university in Norway. Today, it is located mainly on Blindern Campus in the northern part of Oslo and consists of eight faculties:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Law
- Theology
- Humanities
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Education Sciences.
The University has a strong track record of pioneering research and scientific discovery. The University offers more than 800 courses in English at all levels with around 40 Masters degree programmes taught entirely in English.
Finance
As an exchange student, you will not pay tuition fees to your host university, and will only be liable for your normal St Andrews tuition fees.
Research Council students should make sure that they have their funding body’s permission to study abroad, notifying them particularly for any mobility grants that they may be receiving.
Norway is a relatively expensive country and students should plan their budget accordingly. The University of Oslo recommends a minimum of approximately NOK 11,500 per month in order to cover basic expenses. Find out more about budgeting and the cost of living in Norway.
Accommodation
International students on exchange programmes are guaranteed accommodation in one of five student villages, provided they apply by the deadline set by the University of Oslo. All are easily accessed from the city centre by tram or subway.
Most international students are given housing at Kringsjå student village where there is excellent access to public transport and fantastic opportunities for biking, swimming, skiing and hiking.
All international students are guaranteed a single room provided they apply online by the given deadline, though some may have to share a double room.
Travel and transport
From Oslo Gardermoen Airport the easiest way to get to Oslo is either by the Airport Express Train or the Airport Express Coach. The train takes about 20 minutes to Oslo Central Station. The coach takes about 40 minutes to Oslo Central bus station, Bussterminalen.
The University's buildings are spread out over four parts of Oslo with the main campus located on the western outskirts – a few minutes from the city centre. From the city centre you can easily get to the main campus, Blindern, by subway or by tram.
The University of Oslo provides further information about public transport in Oslo.
Student support
The Student Welfare Organisation in Oslo (SiO) works to enhance the overall educational experience by providing a wide range of affordable student services. Students pay a small fee each semester for this, although generally, exchange students are exempt from paying this registration fee.
The services offered by SiO include support on housing, health, financial, academic and personal matters.
Contact
Global Office
University of St Andrews
A11
Bute Building
Westburn Lane
St Andrews
KY16 9TS
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2245
Email: studyabroad@st-andrews.ac.uk