Application strategy
Bachelor programmes are mostly taught in Norwegian and require documented Norwegian proficiency (Bergenstest, or Norskprøve B2-C1 in all parts) on top of the academic entrance qualification; the full IB Diploma qualifies on its own, A-Levels require three subjects, and US applicants need a high-school diploma plus three AP exams scored 3+ (AP alone is a top-up, not a standalone qualification) — all mapped via Norway's national GSU list through Samordna opptak. English-taught master's programmes need TOEFL iBT 90 / IELTS 6.5 (each band). Budget for the new non-EEA tuition (≈ NOK 205,600/year for engineering) since NTNU offers no fee scholarships; the only routes are competitive external schemes such as Erasmus Mundus. Engineering admission to the sivilingeniør programmes is competitive on prior maths/science grades.
Who fits
- Students targeting elite marine/ocean, energy, cybernetics or autonomous-systems engineering with direct access to industry research.
- EU/EEA/Swiss students who can study tuition-free and want a high-quality, low-cost STEM degree.
- Applicants willing to learn Norwegian to access the full bachelor curriculum and the domestic job market.
- Master's-level students seeking English-taught, research-led technology or science programmes.
- Students who value an exceptional, community-driven student-city experience over a big global brand name.
Who should think twice
- Non-EEA undergraduates seeking free tuition — that era ended in autumn 2023, and there are no offsetting NTNU scholarships.
- International students unwilling to learn Norwegian who want a fully English-taught bachelor's degree.
- Applicants chasing a top-100 global ranking or a globally famous brand for prestige signalling.
- Students who want warm weather, a large metropolis or a highly international peer mix.
- Those whose target careers are concentrated outside Norway/Scandinavia and who lack Norwegian-language plans.
Visa and application system in Norway
- Student visa / post-study work: Student residence permit; 1-year job-seeker permit for non-EU graduates
- Application system: Direct to each university / Samordna opptak; growing English-taught master's offer