List of Norwegian Higher Education InstitutionsUniversities in Norway

Norway's oldest university, ranked 2026 globally by QS (and 83 in the ARWU rankings). With approximately 27,400 students and 6,900 staff across 8 faculties and 226 disciplines, it has produced 5 Nobel laureates. Traditional strengths include humanities, social sciences, law, medicine, theology, mathematics, and physics. It is Norway's top-ranked research university.

Ranked 2026 in THE World University Rankings, one of Norway's most-cited universities. Enrolls approximately 18,000-19,700 students, employs 4,200+ staff, and comprises 7 colleges. Strong programs in marine science, climate and environment, earth sciences, biomedical research, and humanities and linguistics. Bergen is Norway's second-largest city and the gateway to the fjords.

The world's northernmost comprehensive university, with approximately 15,500 students across 8 colleges. Ranked 242 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Campuses are located in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik, Harstad, and other areas. Key strengths include polar environments/climate change, space physics and aurora research, fisheries and marine biology, Arctic medicine and telemedicine, conflict and peace studies, and Sámi indigenous research.

Based in Stavanger, the "Energy Capital of Europe," SSB enrolled 2025 students in 13,501, with a QS World Ranking between 2026 and 851-900. Key strengths include Petroleum & Earth Energy Engineering, Computing/Process Engineering, Risk Assessment & Safety, Communication Studies, and Education & Languages. The university maintains deep partnerships with energy and marine engineering firms such as Equinor and Aker Solutions, offering excellent internship and employment opportunities. Tuition fees were significantly reduced by over 50% starting in 2026 (8).

Founded as a university college in 1994 through the merger of six institutions, it was granted university status in 2007 (the 7-th university in Norway). According to SSB's 2025 statistics, it enrolled 14,496 students and ranks between 601 and 650 globally in THE rankings. Key strengths include ICT, mechanical engineering and renewable energy, international business (with AACSB-accredited business school), development studies, music, and performing arts. The campus is split between Kristiansand and Grimstad, where living costs are the lowest among 9.

Established in 2016 through the merger of Nordland University College, North Trøndelag University College, and Nesna Business School. Main campus located in Bodø within the Arctic Circle; operates 9 sites province-wide. Enrollment: approximately 11,000–12,000 students. THE World University Ranking: tier 801–1000. Key strengths: Aquaculture & Marine Biological Resources, Renewable Energy & Energy Management, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Business (Nord Business School holds AACSB/EQUIS accreditation). Significant tuition reduction in 2026, month 8.