How To Apply For A Norway Student Visa From Nigeria
Norway is one of the most affordable study destinations for Nigerian international students in Europe because its state universities and colleges offer free tuition to its students, including international students from outside the European Union.
The country which is quite beautiful offers a unique student experience, high-quality education, and various exciting outdoor activities.
Its outstanding tourist attractions include the northern lights, the midnight sun, north of the Arctic Circle, the famous Norwegian fjords, spectacular mountains, and glaciers.
Norway Student Fees
Students will need to pay an administrative fee of about 100 – 350 EUR every semester, this fee grants you access to student welfare organizations, health services, counseling, student card, sports facilities, and examinations. However, some master’s degree programs do require a fee of about €15,000.
Norway Student Visa
If you plan to study in Norway, you will need a student residence permit or student visa. Visas are issued for stays up to 90 days and up to 3 years, depending on your study duration. The student residence permit to Norway is granted under the precondition that the student will return to his/her country of legal permanent residence upon completion of their studies.
You should submit your application to a Norwegian Foreign Mission. In some cases, the applicant may expect to be called in for an interview.
There is a processing fee for each application made from abroad payable to the Norwegian Foreign Mission. Due to exchange rates and local administrative conditions, this fee may vary. Please check with the Norwegian Foreign Mission for the exact fee prior to submission of the application.
What are the Required Documents to Apply for a Norway student Visa?
When you apply for a student residence permit/Visa, you must submit the following documents:
- The cover letter sent to your email after completing your application on the application portal.
- A Nigerian international passport that is valid for at least 3 months after your intended stay in the country, it must have at least two blank pages. You can also submit previous passports with visas and stamps; this can help assess your travel history.
- A copy of your international passport biodata page.
- Documentation of admission to an approved educational institution.
- The letter of acceptance from the institution must contain the following information: The applicant’s full name, the name of the institution, What course/ programme the applicant has been admitted to, the duration of the course/ programme.
- The course/ programme must be full-time and approved for financial support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.
- Documentation of housing.
- Approved documentation includes a lease copy for a house, an apartment, or a room issued by a private person or company. Apartments/rooms provided by the institution’s own Student Housing organization must also be documented with a lease copy.
- Travel medical insurance certificate. It is required that the insurance covers all days you are planning to stay in the Schengen area.
- Documentation of subsistence.
- Students bio information like birth and marriage certificates
- This subsistence proof is your financial statement; it is required in order to ensure that you can afford NOK 103, 950 (N4, 096,769) for the school year.
NOTE: If you plan to attend an institution/programme/course that has tuition fees, you must also document that you are able to finance this extra cost.
As a general rule, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration requires the money to be deposited in a Norwegian bank account, and this account must be in the applicant’s name.
If the educational institution has set up an account for the students, the student may transfer his/her funds to this account.
Documentation in this case should include a statement from the institution confirming that the correct amount is deposited to the account in question, or a bank statement showing a balance for the correct amount.
The applicant may apply for part-time work in Norway and submit this as part of the grounds for subsistence but then the amount will be higher. Financial guarantees from a third person are not accepted.
How much is Norway Visa Application Fee?
The approved standard visa application fees for the Norway student visa is NOK 4,900 (N218,512) and payment is made online using a credit/debit card (Mastercard or Visa) in the application portal.
Take note that you might be charged extra fee for biometric data collection for The Visa Information System and visa application center extra services.
Note that there is no exemption for the VFS Global Service charge; this is paid in cash at Bank Implant inside the VFS Global center. Make sure that you carry your international Passport biodata page photocopy while paying the service fee at the bank.
Norway Visa Application Process
Before proceeding to apply for your Norway student visa, you must complete your online registration, this is mandatory for all visa applications. Visit the application portal for the registration; ensure that you choose the student residence permit when you are applying.
The visa applications are submitted at the visa application centers in Lagos and Abuja. Applications submitted will be assessed by the Norwegian Embassy in Abuja which is then forwarded to the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) in Norway for consideration.
To complete your visa application process, you must bring along all your supporting documents in original, the application cover letter, and a clear photocopy of all your supporting documents as well. Norway visa application submission times are between 08:00 AM to 15:00PM on Mondays – Fridays except on Nigerian and Norway public holidays.
Collection of passports back from the VFS Visa Application Centre is from 11:00 AM to 16:00PM on Mondays – Fridays as well. If you want a representative to collect your passport on your behalf, you must include a letter of authority at the submission counter while submitting your visa application documents.
Biometric Data Collection
Biometric details will be collected from you at the visa application center for the visa information system; this helps to ascertain your identity and travel status.
This is done in a quick, discreet process that captures a facial image with a digital camera and a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.
Your face must be clearly visible for a photograph to be taken. If you wear a head or neck covering for religious reasons you must ensure your face is clearly visible, from the bottom of your chin to above your eyebrows including both cheeks. You may also need to remove your glasses when the photograph is taken.
Covid 19 Requirements to Travel to Norway
As of the time of writing, there are no specific requirements for testing, quarantine, or registration upon arrival in Norway. However, it is important to note that the situation regarding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, and restrictions and guidelines may change at any time.
To stay up-to-date with the latest information, it is recommended to regularly check the Norwegian government website for updates on testing, isolation, workplace guidance, and other relevant information.
It is also advisable to follow any additional guidelines or regulations that may be in place at the local level, such as restrictions on gatherings or the use of face masks in public spaces. By staying informed and following the latest guidance, you can help to protect yourself and others during your travel to Norway.
What is Norway Visa Processing Time?
The Norwegian student visa application process takes a duration of 30 working days. You can track your visa application with your visa application reference number and date of birth via this link or visit here for information on processing times.
Norway Visa Application Centre, Lagos
Manor Hall,
Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way,
Opposite Treasure Garden Estate,
Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I
Lagos, Nigeria.
Norway Visa Application Centre, Abuja
Centre Sterling Bank Plaza,
3rd Floor,
Plot 1083 Mohammadu Buhari Way,
Central Business District, Abuja-Nigeria.
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