Bangladeshi applicants · Kingdom of Norway
Student Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse for studier) for Bangladeshi citizens
Residence permit for international students at Norwegian universities — tuition-free at public institutions, with part-time work rights.
This page covers the Student Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse for studier) specifically for Bangladeshi applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Bangladesh. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 1–3 months.
- Government fees
- NOK 6,300.
- Typical duration
- 1 year; renewable for duration of studies.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a Kingdom of Norway consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Bangladeshi nationals are set by UDI and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Student Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse for studier) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Visa overview
Norway offers student residence permits for international students accepted at Norwegian higher-education institutions. A unique feature: tuition at all public Norwegian universities is free for international students (one of the last countries in Europe to maintain this policy — Sweden and Denmark charge non-EU students). Students must cover living costs (approximately NOK 137,000/year — verify on udi.no). Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. After graduation, a 1-year job-seeking extension is available. Note: time on a student permit does NOT count toward the 3-year PR requirement.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Full-time acceptance at a Norwegian higher-education institution.Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) ↗
- ✓Financial resources: approximately NOK 137,000 per year (this amount is set by Laanekassen — the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund — and adjusted annually, verify on udi.no).
- ✓Health insurance coverage (EU/EEA students: EHIC; others: comprehensive insurance).
- ✓Accommodation plan.Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) ↗
Common blockers
- !Insufficient financial evidence — the NOK 137,000/year must be documented as available funds.
- !Part-time programme (must be full-time).Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Acceptance letter from the institution.
- ·Bank statement or scholarship letter proving NOK 137,000 available.
- ·Health insurance confirmation.
Application pathway
Secure admission
Apply through the institution or studyinnorway.no. Public university tuition is free — you only pay a nominal semester fee (approximately NOK 600–800) covering student-union membership.
Apply for student residence permit
Apply online through UDI. Attend biometric appointment.
Study and work part-time
Work up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays.
Post-graduation job search
After graduation, apply for a 1-year job-seeking residence permit. If you find qualifying employment, apply for a skilled-worker permit. Note: student-permit time does NOT count toward the 3-year PR requirement — the PR clock starts when you receive a work permit.
Not sure Kingdom of Norway is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Bangladeshi nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Bangladeshi citizens eligible for the Student Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse for studier)?+
Eligibility for the Student Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse for studier) is set by UDI and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Bangladeshi applicants typically file the Student Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse for studier)?+
a Kingdom of Norway consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by UDI — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Bangladeshi applicants need a tourist visa for Kingdom of Norway as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Bangladeshi nationals are set by UDI and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Student Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse for studier) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Is tuition really free at Norwegian public universities?+
Yes. Norway is one of the last countries in Europe to offer free tuition at public universities for all students, including international students from outside the EU/EEA. You only pay a nominal semester fee of approximately NOK 600–800 (about EUR 55–75) covering student-union membership. This applies to all public universities including the University of Oslo, NTNU (Trondheim), University of Bergen, UiT (Tromsoe), and others. Private institutions do charge tuition.
Does student-permit time count toward permanent residence?+
No. Time on a student residence permit does NOT count toward the 3-year continuous-residence requirement for permanent residence. The PR clock only starts when you transition to a work permit (e.g. skilled-worker permit). This means if you study for 2 years and then work for 3 years, your total time in Norway is 5 years but you become PR-eligible only at the 3-year work-permit mark.
Can I work while studying in Norway?+
Yes — up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during official holidays. No separate work permit is needed — the right is included in the student permit. Working beyond the limit can lead to permit revocation.