Overview:
The University of Southeast Norway (USN) is the country’s second largest state-owned university, measured in the total number of students, and larger than several of Norway’s universities. It is approximately 18,000 students and 1,500 staff, spread over eight campuses. Porsgrunn (nursing), Bø, and Drammen being some of the main campuses for Augustana students.
The University of Southeast Norway aims to have a regional foundation, and with eight campuses, have a strong and clear presence in one of Norway’s most exciting and dynamic regions. The University of Southeast Norway was established on 1 January 2016, when Buskerud and Vestfold University College merged with Telemark University College. The University of Southeast Norway is an accredited higher education institution.
Academics: USN offers a variety of undergraduate programs that are taught in English, as well as Norwegian language and culture course options. Visit the exchange program site for more details. A cost effective summer program specific to Business is available here.
Student Exchange: USN welcomes students from partner institutions worldwide for semester and short-term exchange through our bilateral agreements. All exchange students must be nominated by Augustana before applying.
Available Terms: The school year is divided into two semesters. Each semester usually consists of 17 weeks, with an additional orientation week. The fall semester starts in late August and lasts until late December. The spring semester usually begins in early January and lasts until late June. Final examinations are held in December for the fall semester, and in May/June for the spring semester. **Please note: Start date for Spring semester might vary: from early January to mid-January. Please check the program description for details.
Housing: USN guarantees accommodation to all international students, except at campus Kongsberg, where student accommodation is extremely difficult. Prices will differ, depending on the size, the standard, and the location. USN will pre-book the most affordable flats for international students.
Cost: The semester fee varies from between $100 – 200. The cost of living in Norway is quite expensive and although it is possible to live for less. It is possible to have a part-time job in Norway while studying, but there are a limited number of jobs available for students who do not speak Norwegian. While studying in Norway, one should expect to spend at least $600 on rent per month. There are cafeterias on campus, but it is most common to cook your own food and eat at home since eating out is fairly expensive in Norway. Students say they spend about $400 on groceries per month.
Additional Information:
A student may be accepted if the following requirements are met:
• The student is from a partner institution (Augustana is a partner institution).
• There is an agreement in a relevant subject area.
• The student has attended at least one year of higher education in their home country.
• The student meets the language requirements (if taking a program outside English).
• The application deadlines are met.
After being accepted to the school of your choice, you need to apply for a residence permit to live and study in Norway. You will need to present the following at an in-person interview (closest Consulate is in Chicago):
- Application form
- A letter of acceptance or an invitation from a Norwegian institution
- A study plan
- A financing plan
- Proof of accommodation, such as a deed or tenancy agreement
- Proof of subsistence
You will also need:
- 2 print copies of your passport
- 2 passport photos
- An application fee in the form of a money order
For more information, check out www.norway.org
