ISS FAQ: Admission requirements
What are the admission requirements for studies at the ISS?
To qualify for undergraduate studies (Bachelor's level studies) at the ISS you must fulfill the basic entrance requirements to Norwegian Universities.
These requirements are divided in (a) academic requirements and (b) language requirements.
For the following countries the academic requirement is a national secondary school leaving certificate that satisfies the basic requirements for admission to higher education institutions in the home country:
Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus (Greek), Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland.
For the following countries the academic requirement is a national secondary school leaving certificate plus one year of studies in academic subjects at university level:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belarus (after 1985), Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Cameroon, China (after 1977), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus (Turkish), Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire), Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Gaza and The West Bank, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea (South), Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Mexico, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Russian Federation (after 1985), Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine (after 1985), Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Admission Requirements for Graduate Courses
Admission to the graduate courses offered through the ISS require an undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree in the area of the course topic. Each graduate course offered at the ISS has its own course description that specifies the academic pre-requisites for admission. Since competition for places in our graduate courses is very tough, most accepted applicants also have specific professional experience. Please study the course description of the graduate course you are interested in. Tailor your application towards the focus of the graduate course, and note that one can only apply to one graduate course at the ISS (find course information of our graduate courses here). To specify one's professional background, we suggest that applicants for graduate courses attach their CV to the application. CVs must be supported by a statement from a current or previous employer.
What are the English language requirements?
A good working knowledge of English is absolutely necessary for all successful applicants to the ISS. Non-native English speakers must document their proficiency in the language according to the regulations developed by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. Applicants to the ISS must document their English proficiency in one of the following ways:
What are the Norwegian language requirements?
Norwegian language requirements only apply to applicants for courses taught in Norwegian beyond Norwegian language course level 1. If you are applying for Norwegian language classes beyond elementary level you should be sure to fill in the section on Norwegian language skills on the application form and to submit documentation of your proficiency in Norwegian. Norwegian language skills can be documented in the following ways:
What are the personal requirements?
You must be in good mental, emotional, and physical health to study abroad. Upon admission, you will be required to document good health by a health certificate issued by a medical doctor. For this purpose a special health certificate form will be mailed to you together with the formal letter of admission.
Students of all ages regularly attend the ISS.
What are the final selection criteria?
What are my chances of being admitted as a self-paying student?
Qualified, self-paying applicants for undergraduate courses are admitted upon completion of their application, provided the chosen courses are not yet fully booked.
Candidates interested in Norwegian language courses should apply as early as possible as these courses usually are fully booked even before the February 1 application deadline. Late applicants may be put on a waiting list.
Competition for graduate courses is very keen. Only the best qualified applicants are considered for admission and a wide geographical, educational, and professional representation of participants is sought for these courses. In the past years, only 15-20% of the graduate course applicants have been admitted. Note that it is only possible to apply for one graduate course, if you list several the ISS will only consider you for the course most clearly linked to your eduactional and professional background. Tailor your application towards the course you wish to study.
What are my chances of being admitted as a scholarship candidate?
Competition for scholarships is extremely tough. Only applicants with outstanding academic and personal qualifications are considered and a mere 5-10 % are chosen. See the information about scholarships at the ISS.
Before applying for a scholarship, check carefully if you are eligible and fulfill the very competitive admission criteria. Applying to the ISS demands time, effort, and also costs (for transcripts, certified copies, postage, etc.), i.e. an investment that should only be undertaken if there is a fair chance of success.
If you decide to apply for a scholarship, be sure to carefully complete both the general application form and the special scholarship application form and submit them together with all the required supporting documents. The application form and scholarhsip application form can be ordered here.
Incomplete applications and/or applications postmarked after the deadline will not be considered.
What kind of scholarships are available at the ISS?
How do I apply for scholarships?
In some cases the Cultural Agreement scholarship applications are to be sent to the ISS, whereas for other countries these applications must be sent to the Norwegian Embassy or General Consulate or Ministry of Education in the home country. See our scholarship table for more information about which countries offer Cultural Agreement Scholarships and where to apply for these. Interested applicants can also visit the website of the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate Generale in your country.
Be aware of early deadlines for Cultural Agreement Scholarships!
Who cannot apply for a scholarship?
In the cases where the ISS administers the scholarship, we do not award any scholarships to the following categories of applicants:
ISS FAQ: Application procedure
Where can I find the application form?
The ISS Catalog and General Application Form can be ordered through our on-line inquiry form here.
Your request for an application form should provide information about your academic background and list the course(s) you wish to attend at the ISS.
Applicants who have already have the ISS catalog and general application form, but who do not have the scholarship application form can send an e-mail to iss@admin.uio.no.
Applicants may also obtain the ISS 2007 catalog and application forms through the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
Find your nearest Norwegian Embassy/Consulate here.
What documents do I have to submit together with the application form?
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is February 1.
The application deadline is met if the application is postmarked at the latest February 1.
If you plan on taking a language course we recommend that you send in your application as early as possible as these courses are often fully booked prior to the deadline. Late applicants may be put on a waiting list.
Is it possible to apply after the application deadline?
Scholarship applications postmarked later than February 1 cannot be considered.
Late applications from qualified self-paying students will be considered as long as there are study places available.
Late applicants for Norwegian language courses may be put on a waiting list.
When will I be notified about the final decision?
You may expect to be notified about the final decision by the end of April at the very latest. Applicants to graduate courses and scholarship applicants will be notified later than self-paying applicants since the selection of these types of applications are to be decided upon by a commission.
The ISS administration makes every effort to provide applicants with a final decision on their application as early as possible. However, the complicated nature of the admission process (large number of applications, separate admission procedures for scholarships and graduate courses, etc.) does not, in most cases, allow for immediate review for admission.
Is it possible to cancel my application/admission to the ISS?
You may cancel your application/admission to the ISS at any time. However, we would appreciate it if you notified us immediately about such a decision as this might effect applicants still waiting to be considered for admission.
The fee for cancellations made prior to June 1 is NOK 500/USD 80. After June 1, no fees are refundable.
This also applies to additional course fees if a student decides to withdraw from a course with such fees.
Please also be aware that fees paid for one summer session cannot be transferred to another year.
The course fees are listed on the financial aid pages, in the ISS Catalog, and on page 4 of the general application form.
When do I have to pay the course fee?
Payment of course fees must be received by April 15. Fees for students accepted after April 15 are due upon formal notification of acceptance.
North Americans applying through the ISS North American Branch Office are required to pay a deposit of US $ 200 upon admission, which will be deducted from your total course fee.
Payment instructions will be given in the formal letter of admission.
The fee for cancellations made prior to June 1 is NOK 500 (USD 80). After June 1 no fees are refundable. (This also applies to additional course fees if a student decides to withdraw from a course with such fees.) Fees paid for one summer session cannot be transferred to another year.
How do I pay the application fee?
The application fee (NOK 150) can be paid online with a Visa- or a Mastercard, or directly to our bank account (if to our bank account you may also pay in the following currencies USD 25/GBP 15/EUR 20):
7694 05 11050 (if paying from Norway)
NO30 7694 0511 050 (if paying from outside Norway)
Bank address: DnB NOR, Oslo
SWIFT address: DNBANOKK
* North Americans applying through the ISS North American Branch Office should make their payment by check or certified check in US Dollars and mail it to:
Oslo International Summer School
North American Branch Office
c/o St. Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057-1098
USA
ISS FAQ: Certificates & Credits
Which certificates will I receive?
The University of Oslo will issue an official transcript of individual records showing the number of ECTS credits of the course(s) and results of examinations taken. Grades are A-F with E as the minimum passing grade. Grades are given in accordance with the ECTS grading system. North American students receive, in addition, a student copy of the transcript.
The ISS Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students for the courses they complete with a passing grade. This certficate, however does not specify grades or credits earned and is not an official transcript.
Students failing a course or not taking the exam in a course will receive a Certificate of Attendance.Do course credits transfer back to my home institution?
Generally, most US and Canadian institutions will and do accept credits earned at the ISS, but acceptance of transfer credits is always up to the home institution. We suggest that you check with your home institution prior to leaving for Norway for pre-approval of the transferring of credits.
Credits earned at the International Summer School are identical with the ECTS-credits (European Community Course Credit Transfer System-credits). They are certified and transcripted by the University of Oslo.
What are the alternatives for accommodation?
You may choose to apply as an on-campus or off-campus student.
As an on-campus student you apply for room and board as well as for admission to courses. The basic on-campus fee is NOK 18750/USD 2975. On-campus students are housed at Blindern Dormitories located in a park-like garden adjacent to the University campus.
As an off-campus student you apply for admission to courses only. The basic off-campus fee is NOK 5950/USD 950. Off-campus students must make their own accommodation arrangements. Unfortunately, the ISS is not in a position to assist students in seeking private housing. Inexpensive student housing is provided by the University Foundation for Student Life (SiO), however, the capacity is limited. Contact the ISS Administration Office for house contract application forms. SiO Housing Prices
At Blindern Dormitories very few single rooms are available; these are reserved for students with specific needs who require a separate room (students aged 50 and above are given preference).
Can I arrive early and/or stay late in the dormitories?
Blindern Dormitories will open on Friday, June 22. You cannot move in prior to this date. The dormitories will close on Friday, August 3. You must be moved out by noon.
Information on inexpensive, short-term accommodation in Oslo that may be available before and after the ISS is provided in the Pre-Arrival Information Bulletin sent out to accepted students. The Pre-Arrival Information will also be available on-line on our Studen Life section by mid December 2007.Pre-Arrival Information Bulletin.
ISS FAQ: Visa & Travel Preparations
Do I need a visa to travel to Norway?
Check with the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate General in your country concerning visa requirements for travel to Norway. At the present time no visa for Norway is required for a stay in Norway up to 90 days of North American, Central American, and most- South American or European citizens. Several other countries, mainly in East Asia, are also exempted from this requirement.
Remember that you always need a passport valid for six months beyond your travel period to travel abroad.
If you are in need for a visa to attend the ISS, remember to apply for a tourist visa!
Since the ISS session only lasts 6 weeks, the three month tourist visa is enough unless you are planning to continue studies in Norway after the ISS session.
Visa applications must be made on a special form available at and addressable to the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate General in your country of residence. Applications procedures vary but in all cases a copy of the formal letter of admission to the ISS must be submitted. The Visa application should also include a proof of the health insurance provided by the ISS to successful applicants. Visa application procedures take up to several months and therefore should be started immediately upon admission to the ISS.
If there is no Norwegian Embassy or Consulate General in the country you live in, it may be that you are to apply for Schengen Visa through the embassy of another Schengen country or apply through a Norwegian Embassy in a neighboring country.
Remember to apply for a tourist Visa and not a student Visa since the ISS session only last 6 weeks and the tourist Visa lasts three months.
Unfortunately, the ISS administration is not in a position to assist you with your visa application. For more comprehensive information please check the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration - Visa Information
What airline/travel agency would your recommend?
We suggest that as soon as you have been admitted to the ISS, you start making your travel arrangements. Flights to and from Norway during the summer fill up quickly. Be sure to check different airlines or travel agencies for the best prices and student discounts!
How many students attend the ISS and where do they come from?
Each summer the ISS brings together some 550 students aged 18 to 80 from 90-100 different countries. Since its beginning in 1947 22,500 students representing more than 150 nations have attended the ISS.
Oslo, as Norway in general, is considered to be fairly safe, and students who attend the University experience little or no crime year round. However, it is important to note that Oslo is a fairly large city, where like in any other major metropolitan area, crime does exist. Every year one or more of the ISS students report theft from pick-pocketers in the Oslo city centre. Therefore, we recommend that students take the normal precautions with their valuables.
The summers in Oslo tend to be mild, with temperatures ranging form 15 to 25 degrees centigrade/65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While we always hope for beautiful sunny weather during the ISS, it is almost impossible to go through a Norwegian summer without using an umbrella!
See these links for the summer in Oslo
What type of clothes should I bring? What is the dress code like?
The dress at the ISS is generally casual, but one nice outfit for special occasions is needed. The Opening Ceremony of the ISS is formal and is followed by a reception by the Mayor of Oslo in the City Hall. Informal summer clothes are usually suitable for Oslo. However, do bring a good pair of walking shoes, a jacket, a warm sweater, and rain gear. You will be happy you did! Remember to bring!
Is there access to computers/Internet?
There will be access to a computer lab on campus, but with limited hours. Internet access is also available in the dorms for those who bring their own portable computer. More information on computer access is provided in the in the Pre-Arrival Information (will be updated for ISS 2007 in mid December 2006.
Is health insurance covered by the course fee?
Yes, with the exception of participants aged 67 and above.
The ISS Group Insurance Policy covers actual expenses incurred in the Schengen area for sickness or accident up to a maximum amount of EUR 30,000 during the six week Summer School session.
Make sure to have adequate health insurance while traveling before and after the ISS!
For more information on health insurance please see the here.
ISS FAQ: Requested supporting documents
Certified academic credentials
These are authenticated (stamped and signed) copies of your college or university transcript and, if available, your final degree diploma. Official credentials can be sent directly to the ISS by the issuing school/university or certified copies can be sent by the applicant. A certified copy is stamped and signed by the issuing school/university or a public notary. The stamp and signature must be original so that it proves that the copy is authentic.
If you have taken more than one university degree, submit the credentials for the highest degree or the degree that is most relevant for the course you are applying for at the ISS. For undergraduate admission, you only need to provide evidence for that you meet the basic entrance requirements
European students who are in their first year at university, should submit an certified copy of their Secondary School Leaving Certificate.
If the original language of the record is English, German, French, Spanish or a Scandinavian language, no translation of the academic credentials is needed. The translated record must be signed and stamped by a officially recognized translator or the issuing school/university
The original language document must always accompany the application, even if an official translation is submitted.
This is 1/2 - 1 page-long essay stating your reasons for wanting to attend the ISS and what you hope to gain from the course(s) you have chosen. It may be written in English or Norwegian, preferably typed.
We recommend that you invest a fair amount of time and effort in writing this statement as it weighs heavily in the admissions decision process, especially with regard to graduate courses and scholarship awards.
These should be written by persons not related to you by blood or marriage and should give information regarding your character, intellectual ability, and seriousness of purpose.
One of these letters should come from one of your professors, lecturers, principal, or headmaster, or if employed, from your current employer.
The letters should preferably be written with a specific view of your anticipated participation in the ISS and should definitely not date back more than two years.
We recommend that you select your references carefully as their recommendations weigh heavily in the admissions decision process, especially with regard to graduate courses and scholarship awards.
Documentation of proficiency in English
A good working knowledge of English is absolutely necessary for all successful applicants to the ISS. If you are a non-native English speaker you must document your proficiency in the language according to the regulations developed by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. Applicants to the ISS must document their English proficiency in one of the following ways:
Documentation of proficiency in Norwegian
What are the Norwegian language requirements?
If you are applying for Norwegian language classes beyond elementary level you should be sure to fill in the section on Norwegian language skills on the application form and to submit documentation of your proficiency in Norwegian. Norwegian language skills can be documented in the following ways:
Applicants for classes beyond elementary level may be required to take a test to ensure placement at the appropriate level.
2 recent passport-sized photograph
Size: approx. 4 x 5cm or 1,5 x 2 inches
Color or black & white.
NOK 150, US$ 25, EUR 20
The fee is due upon submission of the application and is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of the application.
Exemption: Applicants from developing countries, Eastern Europe, and former Soviet Union living in their home country do not have to pay the Application Fee.
Payments should be made online using a credit card or master card, or via money transfer to our bank account:
7694 05 11050 (if paying from Norway)
NO30 7694 0511 050 (if paying from outside Norway)
DnB NOR, Oslo
SWIFT address: DNBANOKK
This payment should be marked ISS application fee-2007. The postal address for the payment is:
University of Oslo, Account Section, P. O. Box 1073 Blindern, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway
Note that no private checks or Eurochecks can be accepted.
North Americans applying through the ISS North American Branch Office should make their payment by check or certified check in US Dollars and mail it to:
Oslo International Summer School
North American Branch Office
c/o St. Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield MN 55057-1098
Get in touch with the University of Oslo