Norway is indeed a ravishing nation with iconic and elegant landscapes and exquisite lifestyles. While Norway might not be the first preference for many students, it has definitely maintained its position in the top 10 countries where Indian students wish to study. The reason behind this is the winsome higher education structure in Norway and state-of-the-art universities. These universities have been victorious in providing bewitching educational opportunities to students. Well, for those who are planning their higher education in Norway, you need to obtain a study visa. Here is the guide to acquiring a study visa for Norway:
When and where to apply for a Norwegian Study Visa?
The ideal time to apply for a Norwegian study visa is 2-3 months before the scheduled date of commencement of the course. It is to save yourself from committing errors in application from the last-minute hassle of obtaining a visa. To apply for a Norwegian study visa, you need to register yourself on the UDI application portal.
Study Visa processing time
You should start your visa application as soon as you receive an acceptance letter from any of the universities you have applied because there are many visa refusals as well. So, you have to give your application extra time. Moreover, the general processing time for Norwegian is a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days.
Documents required for Study Visa
The following is the list of documents that you will need while filing for a Norwegian visa:
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A completed application form
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Receipt of the visa application fees that you have paid (NOK 5,900)
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Eligible passport with an expiry date 1 month more than the duration of your course.
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Two latest passport-sized colored photographs with a white background
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Acceptance letter from an approved full-time course in a Norwegian university
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Proof of required funds for the whole duration of the program, i.e. around NOK 116,369 for each academic year (10 months).
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Accommodation evidence in Norway
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Proof of return ticket after the expiry of your residence permit
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UDI document – completed and signed.
Norweigan Study Visa process
The brief process of obtaining a study visa in Norweigan is as follows:
Step 1 – Obtain an acceptance letter from Norwegian University
The primary requirement of applying for a Norwegian visa is getting admitted by an approved Norwegian university and in a full-time course. Only then you will be eligible for a Norwegian study visa. So, to begin, obtain the acceptance letter from the Norwegian university.
Step 2 – Collect all the documents
It is better to arrange all your documents in one file and check it twice or thrice so that no document is left. Sometimes, the visa is refused only because of missing documents or unauthorized documents submitted by a student. This can lead to a waste of your time and you won’t be able to focus on other crucial things.
Step 3 – Fill up the application form and submit it
Now, you need to navigate to the website of UDI and fill out the application online carefully. Always check the details that you have written twice to ensure that everything is accurate.
Step 4 – Submit the documents and biometrics
After filling out the online visa application, a student has to visit the nearby embassy or consulate of Norway and submit the documents physically. They also have to submit biometrics like a signature, photograph, and fingerprints for security reasons.
Step 5 – Schedule your visa interview
To get selected for a Norwegian study visa, students need to appear for an interview and crack it down. Schedule it at the nearby embassy or consulate of Norway.
Step 6 – Ready for your departure
Once you receive a positive response from the visa committee, you can book your tickets and rush to pack the essential things for your journey.
Visa obtaining processes are always hasty and stressful but if you follow all the steps on time, you can make your way easily.