University of Oslo | Rankings, subjects, and admission

University of Oslo

The University of Oslo, founded in 1811, is one of the oldest universities in Norway. Since its inception, the university has grown to a student population of over 26,000 and 5 Nobel Prize winners. As Norway’s leading university, UiO (University of Oslo) attracts a sizable international student and researcher population. Research is a core component of the University’s international reputation. Keep reading to learn more.

Why does the University of Oslo hold importance?

The University of Oslo is a member of the European University Initiative Circle U. It also belongs to the Network of Universities from Europe’s Capitals (UNICA) and the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities. According to Reuters, the University of Oslo is among Europe’s top 100 most innovative universities. It’s quite an achievement for the university.

The university offers a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate programs. It offers more than 30 bachelor’s degree programs in Norwegian and 50 master’s degree programs in English. With an average of 20,000 students on campus, approximately 30% pursue undergraduate degrees, and about 70% pursue postgraduate degrees.

Why study at the University of Oslo?

Have a look at the below reasons why one should study at the university-

• The Viking Ship Museum is one of several important museums at the university.
• Various field trips and activities are also organized at the university for students to learn more about Norway’s breathtaking scenery.
• English is the standard communication language.
• Buddy Week at the university encourages students to collaborate and adjust to their new surroundings.
• The University of Oslo Faculty of Medicine has a large EU Project Portfolio and is currently running its second Marie Curie COFUND postdoctoral program.
• Summer schools at the university offer six-week courses on various topics and social issues.

Ranking

Below are a few University of Oslo rankings

Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University

2022	2021	2020
67	61	60

World University Rankings by Times Higher Education

2022	2021	2020
119	129	137

QS World University Rankings

2023	2022	2021
101	102	113

Subjects

Subjects	What you will learn
Clinical, pre-clinical & health	Medicine & DentistryOther Health
Business & economics	Economics & Econometrics
Psychology	Psychology
Social sciences	Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)Communication & Media StudiesSociologyGeography
Arts & humanities	Languages, Literature & LinguisticsArt, Performing Arts & DesignHistory, Philosophy & TheologyArchaeology
Physical sciences	Physics & AstronomyGeology, Environmental, Earth & Marine SciencesChemistryMathematics & Statistics
Life sciences	Biological Sciences
Law	Law
Computer science	Computer science

How to apply?

Here’s how you can apply to the University of Oslo-

• Give the entrance exam.
• Comply with the Norwegian and English language requirements.
• Submit the necessary documents.
• Complete the application.
• Await the admissions decision.

Documents

Below are the list of documents you might need-

• Transcripts from senior high school
• Scores for English language proficiency
• Scores for Norwegian language proficiency
• CV/resume 
• Recommendation letter
• Statement of purpose

English proficiency requirements

TOEFL iBT	60
TOEFL PBT	500
IELTS	5.0
PTE Academic	51
Cambridge ESOL Examinations	Certificate in Advanced English
TELC	C1

Norweigan language requirements

Norwegian for international students	Level 3
Norwegian language test for adult immigrants	B2/C1

Services

Below are some of the services offered by the University of Oslo-

• The university has 13 cutting-edge libraries.
• On-campus lecture rooms, modern sports facilities, and health services are available.
• Six trendy sports clubs are available to students.
• On campus, students will find over 40 cafes and restaurants.
• Students on campus have access to health services and emergency medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• The university has two museums and a beautiful botanical garden.

Student clubs

Many people in Norway are active members of volunteer organizations. The organizations serve as meeting places, and the practice of volunteering is widespread in Norwegian society.

Joining a student organization allows you to get involved and meet new people during your time in Oslo. As an exchange student, you can work as part of a team and gain valuable experience for your personal development. All student organizations are founded and run by students.

Faculty

Here are some stats about the university-

The entire university has around 3000 professors faculty, with approximately 33% being international faculty and 100% having international exposure. About 1400 scientists work at the UiO Faculty of Medicine.

Opportunities

Over 100 Horizon 2020 Projects and 46 ERC Grant Holders are part of the university’s impressive collection. Furthermore, the European Commission has recognized the institute with the HR Excellence in Research Logo. The university’s strategic research areas of focus are as follows-

• Life Sciences
• Energy
• Nordic
• Global Governance 
• Faculty of Theology Research
• Faculty of Law Research, and many more. 

At the university, there are 9 Centers of Excellence. Some of them are as follows-

• Center for Cancer Cell
• Center of Simulating Molecular Systems
• Rosseland Center for Solar Physics, and more.

Internship

Internships are essential for pursuing an academic career at the university. At the university, approximately 80% of students are enrolled in apprenticeships. Internships at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, the Norwegian Red Cross, Amnesty International, and other organizations are available through Career Services. Norsk Hydro, Telenor ASA, Yara International ASA, and many other companies are among the top recruiters. University of Oslo graduates earn an average annual salary of USD 103,000.

Placement

The Career Services Office assists students at the University of Oslo in assessing their professional interests and goals. The department hosts a variety of workshops, webinars, career fairs, and job fairs for students to attend. The department also assists with CV creation, mock interviews, and cover letters.

Key takeaways

• The University of Oslo is Norway’s largest and oldest higher education institution. It was established in 1811 when Norway was still under Danish control.
• The University of Oslo is one of Norway’s top public universities. The QS World University Rankings 2023 place it at #101.
• The university has many things to offer. It has excellent student clubs, internships, research opportunities, and placements.

Did you find this blog informative? Do let us know your thoughts and views in the comments below. Click here to contact us for more information on the University of Oslo. We would be happy to oblige with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. Is the University of Oslo good for international students?

Answer- The University of Oslo ranks 67 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and has an overall score of 3.9 stars. Hence, it is pretty good for international students.

Q2. What is the University of Oslo’s acceptance rate?

Answer- The University of Oslo’s acceptance rate is 5-10%.

Q3. Is Oslo expensive for international students?

Answer- In Norway, you can expect to pay between 800 to 1,400 EUR per month on average. In large cities, expenses can be much higher.