Summer in Norway

Europe

LAC Program

Exchange

University Study

Study at the University of Oslo's International Summer School program and integrate into Norwegian life on this highly affordable program.

Apply to Program

Program Details

Location

Oslo, Norway

Term

Summer Session

Housing

Dormitory

Languages Taught In

English

Program Eligibility

Student Type

UofM Students

Student Year

Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors

GPA

2.75

About

With approximately 30,000 students, the University of Oslo is Norway’s largest and oldest university. Oslo is a vibrant city surrounded by fjords, lakes, and forests. It also has a mix of old and new architecture, museums, parks, and hills, and offers a variety of cultural, shopping, and sporting activities.

Housing & Meals

You can choose to live in program sponsored housing (about 30 minutes from campus) with other international students or find a place on your own. The ISS housing includes three meals per day and a local transportation pass.

Excursions

The International Summer School staff organize a number of social and cultural events throughout the six-week program. Events change from year to year, check the ISS Social Activities page for details about upcoming events and programs.

Accessibility

If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.

Flight

You are responsible for booking your own roundtrip ticket once officially accepted into the program. Refer to the arrival and departure dates provided by the host university and plan travel accordingly.

Learning Outcomes

Participating in the Summer in Norway program will help you:

Develop a stronger sense of confidence by engaging in a highly independent study abroad program,
Learn to appreciate diverse world views, accept complexity, and embrace ambiguity,
Experience a new culturally specific academic system and incorporate different academic perspectives,
Develop awareness of and challenge assumptions about Norwegian culture, your own culture, and how your culture is viewed by others,
Learn to function as an effective team member by appreciating and interacting with individuals different from yourself.

Faculty & Staff

International Summer School staff provides onsite support before, during, and after the time you are in Oslo. There are also international student advisers who help you settle in and adjust to life in Oslo.

Program Structure

Program Level

Various levels

Courseload

Each elective/content course is worth 10 ECTS (5 UofM credits). The Norwegian language courses are worth either 15 ECTS (7.5 UofM credits) or 20 ECTS (10 UofM credits).

You have the option of taking an elective/content course or an intensive Norwegian language course during the ISS program. All ISS summer elective/content courses are 4-weeks long, and the Norwegian language courses are 6-weeks long.

Coursework

Grade & Credit Conversion Scale (PDF)

Unless otherwise noted, you receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades factor into your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript with an A/F grade. Consult the Learning Abroad Center's Academic Policies page for more information.

Summer Courses

The University of Oslo International Summer School offers a broad range of summer courses available to international students.

For more detailed course information, visit the University of Oslo's Summer School website.

Note that Oslo uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which translate to UofM credits at a 2:1 ration. A class worth 10 ECTS would return as 5 UofM credits.

2026 Courses Offered

Undergraduate Elective Courses

You will only be able to take one course for the duration of the 4-week program. Each course is worth 10 ECTS (5 UofM credits) and will be graded A–F.

Art in Norway: From the Viking Age to the Present (9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)
The Vikings and Medieval Norway (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)
Voices of Norway: A Tour of Norwegian Literature (9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)
Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

Norwegian Language Courses

If you take either Level I or II language courses, you will receive a S/N (pass/fail) grade. Level III will be graded A/F. Language courses are 6-weeks long.

Intensive Elementary Norwegian, Level I—15 ECTS (7.5 UofM credits)
Intensive Intermediate Norwegian, Level II—15 ECTS (7.5 UofM credits)
Intensivt mellomkurs i norsk, trinn III—20 ECTS (10 UofM credits)
Intensivt kurs i norsk for viderekomne, trinn IV—15 ECTS (7.5 UofM credits)

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.

Program Dates

Track	Program Dates	Application Deadline
Elective Track	June 29–July 24, 2026	Feb 1, 2026
Language Track	June 22–July 31, 2026	Feb 1, 2026

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Orientation Dates & Locations

The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.

Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:

Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
LAC Program Orientation: Program-specific and important UofM registration information will be covered (academic registration, finances, arrival, housing etc.). Details will be sent to you via email.

The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

Summer 2026

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Studying at the University of Oslo makes you eligible to apply for the Norwegian Centennial Travel Scholarships for Study Abroad. For more information about the scholarship, including application details and deadlines, visit the Norwegian Centennial Chair website.

The Oslo International Summer School offers five full-tuition awards annually. The deadline to apply is February 1. Other details about these awards are available on the ISS page.

Flight & Deposit Advance

The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Summer 2026

Summer in Norway: Elective Courses

Independent Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$2,815
International health insurance	$65
Housing and/or meals This option is for students that want to opt out of program accommodations and find their own.	$0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$3,280
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$3,280

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$2,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents	$0
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$2,175
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$100
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee $3000 estimated for housing, $1500 estimated for food	$4,500
Essential daily living expenses	$1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$5,600

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$11,055
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$1,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Program Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$2,815
International health insurance	$65
Housing and/or meals	$2,760
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$6,040
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$6,040

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$2,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents	$0
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$2,175
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$100
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee	$0
Essential daily living expenses	$1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$1,100

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$9,315
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$1,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Summer in Norway: Norwegian Language

Independent Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$2,595
International health insurance	$100
Housing and/or meals This option is for students that want to opt out of program accommodations and find their own.	$0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$3,095
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$3,095

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$2,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents	$0
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$2,175
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$100
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee $3000 estimated for housing, $1500 estimated for food	$4,500
Essential daily living expenses	$1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$5,600

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$10,870
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$1,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Program Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$2,595
International health insurance	$100
Housing and/or meals Accommodation also includes 3 meals per day	$4,220
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$7,315
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$7,315

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$2,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents	$0
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$2,175
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$100
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee	$0
Essential daily living expenses	$1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$1,100

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$10,590
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$1,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

Apply

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

University of Oslo Application
Proof of Financial Support
Application Essay—preference will be given to students who can clearly identify why the University of Oslo is a good academic match
Academic Recommendation (1)
Official Transcript
You will also need to obtain an official High School Transcript (this will be submitted to ISS)
Passport Copy

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

Next Steps

Follow the instructions on your application checklist to submit all of the items. Your application is not considered complete until all items on your application checklist are either received or waived.
Once your application is complete and you have been officially nominated by the Learning Abroad Center you will be prompted via email to complete an application with the U of Oslo—make sure to follow instructions for both applications when they're sent to you.
You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email from the host university.

Affiliate organizations and partner universities will not accept applications from UMTC students without the endorsement of the Learning Abroad Center. Students must participate in affiliate organization and partner university programs through the standard Learning Abroad Center application process.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Visa

All US passport holders on semester or academic year programs in Norway must apply for a residence permit. It is now required for all students to travel to Chicago to submit their materials, and to have biometric readings taken. You cannot start this process until you are officially accepted by the university in Norway, and have your acceptance letter. Below are the instructions, tips, and things to keep in mind for the application process.

All questions about the residence permit application process should be directed to Travisa/VFS at [email protected] or by calling 516.234.7789.

If you are not a U.S. passport holder, contact the Honorary Consulate General Minneapolis and ask about your specific requirements. The staff at the honorary consulate can be reached at 612.332.3338 or [email protected].

Step by Step Instructions

To apply for the residence permit, you must follow these steps in order:

Log onto www.udi.no to submit your application and pay the application fee. Select to submit the online application with New York. See the "Tips for Your Application" section below for specific information to include in your application.
When step 1 is completed log onto the Travisa/VFS web site to book an appointment to submit your documents and biometry in Chicago (or one of the other drop-off sites in Houston, New York, San Francisco, or Washington DC).
Go to your appointment to submit your documents and to have biometric readings taken. Remember to bring all documents listed in the online document list. Note: your acceptance letter from the university in Norway will serve as your full-time admission letter, proof of housing, and proof of sufficient funds.

Tips for Your Application

Several of the items on the application can be confusing. Below are some tips that we have found helpful:

For your address in Norway, list one of the following:

Oslo

SiOsenteret Blindern
Kristian Ottosens hus
Problemveien 9
0313 Oslo

Bergen

Studentsenteret
Parkveien 1
5007 Bergen

NMBU

Studentsamskipnaden i Ås, SiÅs Housing
Fredrik A. Dahls vei 9
1432 Ås

Main Education Level: List first stage of tertiary (14th-17th)
Year (completed education): List the date you completed high school
Criminal offenses: List anything that required an appearance in court
Where do you want to receive the response? List Norway
Which type of permit should you apply for? "Utdanning, ordinær student" (= Education, regular student)
School fees each semester: leave blank
Organization that arranged your studies in Norway: leave blank
Part of the application will reference the Schengen Area. Read more about the Schengen Area.

Keep in Mind

Applications require approximately 2 months to be processed, so start the process as soon as you receive official notification of acceptance from the university in Norway.
You will start the application process before departing for Norway but will most likely not receive your residence permit until you actually arrive in Norway. At your orientation in Norway, they will cover the process for going to the local government office to complete your residence permit process.
Keep a copy of your residence permit application materials for your records and bring it with you to Norway.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Christina Dunbar at [email protected], or call at 612.624.3949.

Contact Program Alum

Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.