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.
Program Model
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.
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 Exchange in Oslo 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
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.
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).
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.
2025 Courses Offered
Undergraduate Elective Courses
The following courses all follow the same time schedule (9 a.m.–12 p.m.). 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.
- Norwegian Architecture, Urban Planning and Design
- Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries
- The Vikings and Medieval Norway
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)
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
| Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | Elective Track: Jun 30–Jul 25 Language Track: Jun 23-Aug 1 | Feb 1, 2025 |
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:
| Term Abroad | Orientation Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | TBD |
Fees
Summer 2024 Cost of Participation
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.
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.
Students studying at the University of Oslo are 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.
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 2024
Summer in NorwayDormitory 1—Program Dorms - Without Norwegian LanguageSummer 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costsIf taking Norwegian Language, add $490 for either housing option | $2,026 |
| International health insurance | $94 |
| Housing and/or mealsIncludes 3 meals per day | $3,710 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $6,230 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $6,230 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| 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 siteEstimated roundtrip flight from MSP to Oslo | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsU.S. Citizens do not need a Visa or Resident Permit for stays of less than 90 days | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,150 |
| 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 | $900 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $1,000 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $9,380 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $500 |
| 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 NorwayDormitory 2—Program Dorms - With Norwegian LanguageSummer 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costsIf taking Norwegian Language, add $490 for either housing option | $2,026 |
| International health insurance | $94 |
| Housing and/or mealsIncludes 3 meals per day | $4,770 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $7,290 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $7,290 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| 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 siteEstimated roundtrip flight from MSP to Oslo | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsU.S. Citizens do not need a Visa or Resident Permit for stays of less than 90 days | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,150 |
| 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 | $900 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $1,000 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $10,440 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $500 |
| 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 NorwayIndependent Housing—Independent Housing - With or Without Norwegian LanguageSummer 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costsIf taking Norwegian Language, add $490 for either housing option | $2,026 |
| International health insurance | $94 |
| Housing and/or meals | $0 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $2,520 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $2,520 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| 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 siteEstimated roundtrip flight from MSP to Oslo | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsU.S. Citizens do not need a Visa or Resident Permit for stays of less than 90 days | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,150 |
| 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 | $900 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $5,500 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $10,170 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $500 |
| 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
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
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.