IELTS Score for Norway: Minimum Band Requirements

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Nov 14, 2025 15:05 IST
Norway is an attractive destination for international students, particularly for those from non-English speaking countries like India. IELTS is a key requirement for admission to most universities in Norway as proof of English language proficiency. Most Norwegian universities typically require a minimum IELTS score ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Planning to study in Norway from India? One big admission rule in Norway is showing your English language proficiency. For most Indian students, the IELTS exam is the most common test that Norwegian universities accept. Many universities ask for an IELTS score between 6.0 to 7.0 depending on the course.

IELTS Score for Norway

Norway is getting popular for Indian students because of its safe environment, beautiful nature, and high-quality education. But to get admission, you must show you can understand and use English well. The IELTS is a very trusted test in Norway.

Most universities in Norway ask for an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 for many programs. For bachelor courses, you should try for 6.0, and for master’s programs, aim for 6.5. Some universities have little different rules, so it changes place to place.

Good thing is, few universities let you study in Norway without IELTS if you studied earlier in English medium or if you can show some other strong proof of your English skills. This depends on the university, so better to check before applying.The details of each Norway universities requirements for IELTS is mentioned in the article below. Candidates can check and prepare accordingly.

Table of contents
  • Minimum IELTS Score for Norway
  • IELTS Requirement for Norway Universities
  • Top Universities in Norway and Their IELTS Requirements
  • Best Courses to Study in Norway for International Students
  • IELTS Score for Norway Student Visa
  • IELTS Score for Norway Work Permit
  • Admission Requirements to Study in Norway
  • Study in Norway Without IELTS
  • Is IELTS Mandatory for Norway?
View More

Minimum IELTS Score for Norway

If you want to study or work in Norway, you need a minimum IELTS score for Norway of 5.5 to 6.5 in most cases. Many bachelor programs ask for IELTS 6.0, while master programs need IELTS 6.5. Some universities accept 5.5 but not all, so always check the course page. Getting a little higher score is better because competition can be strong.

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IELTS Requirement for Norway Universities

Most universities in Norway ask for IELTS Academic. The common IELTS requirement for Norway universities is:

  • 6.0 overall for bachelor
  • 6.5 overall for master
    Some technical programs or medical programs want even higher. Norway uses English a lot, but they still need proof that you can study in English without big problems.

Top Universities in Norway and Their IELTS Requirements

University Name

Minimum IELTS Score

University of Oslo

6.5

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

6.0

University of Bergen

6.0

University of Tromso

6.0

BI Norwegian Business School

6.5

These universities offer a range of programs taught in English, making them accessible to international students.

Best Courses to Study in Norway for International Students

Norway offers a variety of courses across different fields that are popular among international students:

  • Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Business Administration
  • Health Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Architecture 
  • Law 

These courses are important for successful careers.

IELTS Score for Norway Top Courses: MBA, MS

University Name

MS

MBA

University of Oslo

6.5 & Above

6.5 & Above

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

6.5 & Above

6.5 & Above

University of Bergen

6.5 & Above

University of Stavanger

6.5 & Above

6.5 & Above

Norwegian School of Economics

6.5 & Above

IELTS Score for Norway Student Visa

To apply for a student visa, you must show your IELTS score for Norway student visa. The visa office usually accepts the same score as your university. There is no extra higher score needed for visa. Just make sure your IELTS result is valid and not expired (valid only 2 years). If your score is low, the visa may get refused.







IELTS Score for Norway Work Permit

If you want to work in Norway, some jobs need English proof. The IELTS score for Norway work permit depends on your job. Many skilled jobs like IT, engineering, nursing, teaching ask for IELTS 6.0 or 6.5. For healthcare jobs, sometimes they ask for 7.0 because communication is very important. It is always better to have a higher score to get more chances.

Admission Requirements to Study in Norway

  • Completed admission application with fees
  • Statement o purpose (SOP)
  • Admission essays (if required)
  • Letter of recommendation (LOR)
  • Resume (if submitting work experience level)
  • Transcripts or mark sheets for bachelor’s or master’s degree courses (depending upon the level of course applying for)
  • English tests of IELTS, C1 Advanced, TOEFL
  • GMAT or GRE for PG admissions

Study in Norway Without IELTS

There are alternatives available for students who may not have taken it.

  1. If students have completed their previous education in English, they may be exempt from taking the IELTS.
  2. Some universities accept scores from tests like TOEFL or Pearson Test of English (PTE).
  3. Students who attended schools where English was the primary language may also qualify for exemptions.

Students need to check with their chosen university regarding these alternatives.

Check out: How to Get PR in Norway After Studying

Is IELTS Mandatory for Norway?

Many students ask if IELTS for Norway is 100% required. For most people, yes, IELTS or some other English test is needed. But if you studied in an English-medium school or English-speaking country, some universities may give exemption. Still, to be safe, taking IELTS for Norway helps you get admission, visa, and even jobs faster.

Q:   How much percentage is required in 12th for IELTS?
A:

IELTS IDP has not set any 12th score requirements for taking the IELTS. You can take the IELTS irrespective of the marks you scored in the 12th standard. So, one can attempt the IELTS exam without worrying about their class 12th score.

Q:   How many times can I appear for IELTS exam? In which month does this exam take place?
A:

Actually, there is no limit to appear for IELTS exam. You can re-take it as many times you want. But experts say, you should not take the test more than once in a period of two months. Also, you have to pay the fee everytime you take the test, which can be very expensive also. But if you are okay with paying the fee infinite times you can take the test unlimited number of times. Also, it does not make any sense taking the test again and again. After a maximum of 3 attempts, you should know that your scores are not going to change. So, try hard and give your best the first attempt.

Q:   Is there a maximum age limit for IELTS?
A:

No, there is no upper age limit. Even older students can take it. Most say at least 16 years is good to understand topics. Candidates willing to study in English speaking countries should take the test.

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Explore top universities in Norway

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

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11 courses
22.1 L - 22.1 L
Norwegian School of Economics

Bergen, Other - NorwayPublic

1 courses
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University of Oslo

Oslo, Other - NorwayPublic

17 courses
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University of Stavanger

Stavanger, Other - NorwayPublic

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BI Norwegian Business School

Oslo, Other - NorwayPrivate

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Nord University

Bodo, Other - NorwayPublic

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University of Bergen

Bergen, Other - NorwayPublic

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Written by
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new Read Full Bio
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