ABOUT THE COURSE The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) offers courses in Norwegian as a Second Language (also called "Norwegian for foreigners") at the Dragvoll Campus (PDF guide ). Courses are offered on four different levels, depending on the applicants previous knowledge of Norwegian. New participants are accepted on all levels Autumn and Spring. The courses have a total of 210 places divided among 13 different groups.
The competition for admission into the courses is very tough. It is therefore crucial that the documentation submitted with the application is thorough and that all transcripts and diplomas are certified. Applications that are incomplete may be rejected.
CONTENT Students learn to speak, read, write and listen to Norwegian through conversation, dictation, text studies, essay writing, grammar exercises etc. [ Additional details (in Norwegian)]
WHO CAN APPLY? The courses are aimed primarily at two groups of applicants:
Applicants that are either employed or exchange students at NTNU. [additional information ]
Applicants that are immigrants or refugees and fulfill the general entrance requirements for university studies in Norway, but who lack the necessary Norwegian language skills to study or work in Norway. (Must have a permanent Norwegian residence permit.) [ additional information ]
LEVELS NTNU offers four different levels of Norwegian courses. Each course lasts one semester.
Level I: Beginners’ Course (81 hrs)
Level II: Intermediate Course (81 hrs)
Level III: Advanced Course (81 hrs)*
Level IV: Advanced Course 2 (81 hrs)*
Applicants for level II and III who have not previously attended one of the courses must sit for a placement test. New students are accepted every Autumn and Spring on all levels. A passing grade of E or better in level III fulfills the Norwegian language requirement at Norwegian universities and colleges. Participation in the course does not entail matriculation at NTNU.
*CREDITS: Students who pass both level III and IV may be eligible to receive 30 credits. The student must fulfill the general entrance requirements, including the English language requirement, and be accepted into a studyprogram at NTNU.
DURATION: Courses start in January and August. Lectures are held twice a week with three hours per session for fourteen weeks.
EXAM & ATTENDANCE: Attendance is compulsory on all levels. Particpants must have attended at least 80% of the lectures in order to take the exam. All courses end with a final written and oral exam. The exams must be passed with a grade of at least E in order to enter the next level the following semester.
FEE Participants are required to pay the semester fee, currently 400,- Nkr. Participants receive a study permit limited to the course and the current semester. Participants can get a student identity card if they so desire. The semester card is sufficient for access to the library and computer rooms. The semester card can also be used to obtain discounts where these are available to students.
