NIS - How to apply

Applicants who meet the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU) for Norway can apply to the Norwegian language course (NIS).

Note that acceptance to the NIS course alone is not considered sufficient to be awarded a study permit (student visa). Non-EU/EEA applicants must read the information at the bottom of this page before applying.

Admission requirements

1. Academic requirements
Applicants must meet the requirements of the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU) in Norway, which is a completed Norwegian secondary school diploma or equivalent. The GSU-list shows the equivalent educational certificates for applicants with education from other countries.

2. Language requirements
Applicants must meet the English language requirement for higher education in Norway.
Prior knowledge of Norwegian language is not required for admission to the NIS course.

Application procedure

1. Download and fill in the Application Form for NIS 2026/27 (PDF-file)

2. Gather supporting documents that you need to upload in support of your application

  • The Application Form for NIS (PDF).
  • Original diplomas and academic transcripts from senior secondary school and university.
    If issued in other languages than English or Norwegian, you must also upload official translations (in English or Norwegian).
  • Documentation of English language proficiency (for example an IELTS or TOEFL test).
  • Copy of passport or national ID-card (the page with your photo and personal information).
  • Copy of residence card or permit (only applicable for applicants with residence permit in Norway).

All these documents must be uploaded in the application portal (Soknadsweb) by the deadline. Documents submitted after the deadline will only be reviewed at capacity and may qualify applicants for the waiting list.

3. Submit your application in the Online application portal (Soknadsweb)
Applicants must create a user in the application portal Soknadsweb, submit an application and upload the required supporting documents.

Note that applications and supporting documents sent by email will not be considered.

Go to the Application Portal (Soknadsweb)

Application deadlines and timeline

October 15, 2025 - the application portal (Soknadsweb) opens.
First-time applicants must register and create a user profile in the application portal.

January 15, 2026- Application deadline for citizens from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
This group of applicants will receive the result of their application in April/May.

April 15, 2026 - Application deadline for EU/EEA citizens and applicants residing in Norway.
This group of applicants will receive the result of their application in May/June.

August 18, 2026 - Official opening of the 2026/27 academic year.
New international students are encouraged to arrive the week before the opening ceremony.

Notification of results

Applicants will receive notification of the result of their application by e-mail. The status of the application will then also be visible inside the application portal (Soknadsweb).

Successful applicants will be given a short deadline to respond to the offer of admission.

The NIS course starts up in mid-August and runs until early June the following year.

NIS for incoming exchange students

If you are already studying Norwegian language at one of our partner universities abroad, you can apply to the second half of the NIS course (NIS 102) as an exchange student. See admission process for exchange students.

Study permit for the NIS course (non-EU/EEA applicants)

Study permit and need for further study plan

The Norwegian Immigration Authorities (UDI) has stated that acceptance to a Norwegian language course alone is not enough to be awarded a study permit. Citizens from outside the EU/EEA-countries therefore need to have a plan for further studies at Volda University College in order to be granted a study permit.

This means that applicants from non-EU/EEA countries must note in the application form what study programme they want to take after the NIS course and also document that they meet all admission requirements to this study programme (apart from Norwegian language proficiency).

For students who need a study permit, VUC will issue an Admission Letter stating that the student is accepted to the NIS course and also cleared for the further study plan.

The applicant can then upload this Admission Letter to the UDI in support of the application for a study permit (student residence permit).

Applicants already studying in Norway

Applicants to the NIS course who are already studying in Norway, may apply for a renewal of their study permit. However, admission to the NIS course alone is not considered sufficient grounds for a renewal of the study permit so the student would need to document a further study plan after the NIS course.

For a renewal of the study permit, the Norwegian Immigration Authorities (UDI) require that the further study is a continuation of the previous studies on a higher level. That is, an international student who has completed a Bachelor's degree, will most likely only be awarded a renewed study permit for plans to study at the Master's level.

The following excerpt is from UDI's website, under section 2.2: If the applicant has previously held a residence permit for study in Norway, it is a condition for applications for a new first-time study permit that the applicant has had adequate study progress in his or her previous studies in Norway, and that the education pertaining to the new residence permit is a continuation of his or her previous studies in the country.

Tuition fees

Citizens of non-EU/EEA-countries, will have to pay tuition fees for studies in Norway unless they meet one of the criteria to be exempt. Read more about tuition fees and exemptions at VUC.

Practical information

There are many practical details that international students must consider before moving to Norway for studies. We have therefore developed a website with practical information about visa, insurance, housing, finances, travel and much more.

Read more about practical information for new international students.

Contact

Questions regarding international admissions at VUC? Email us at admissions@hivolda.no.