The decline comes after the Norwegian government’s decision to introduce tuition fees for international students from outside Europe.
The decline comes after the Norwegian government’s decision to introduce tuition fees for international students from outside Europe.
Norwegian universities are witnessing a substantial decline in the enrollment of students from non-European Economic Area countries.
Recent data obtained from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration by the public service broadcaster NRK via Erudera revealed a staggering 45-percent decrease in the number of non-EEA students applying for study visas in Norway.
Factor
This decline comes in the wake of the Norwegian government’s decision to introduce tuition fees for international students from outside Europe.
As part of its 2023 budget, the proposal to charge university fees for non-EEA students received approval on March 24. The move aims to put an end to Norway’s long-standing practice of offering free education to international students and is expected to save the country around a billion kroner annually.
State Secretary for Research and Higher Education, Oddmund Løkensgard Hoel, commented on the situation, stating that the drop in student numbers was anticipated.
The national budget for this year had factored in a 70-percent decrease in non-EEA student enrollment. However, the exact figures will only be known closer to Christmas, once studies have commenced, and tuition fee payment deadlines have passed.
Change
The introduction of tuition fees has sparked debates, with proponents emphasizing the need to redirect funds toward other areas in education and research. Nevertheless, critics are concerned that the policy change may deter international students from choosing Norway as their study destination.
Under the new policy, non-EEA students will be required to pay tuition fees to study in Norway, whereas previously, they were exempt from college fees. However, certain categories remain exempted from this rule, including refugees, students from Ukraine, exchange students, PhD candidates, foreign citizens eligible for Lånekassen loans and grants, and foreigners with equal rights as Norwegian citizens.
Over the years, Norway has been a popular and cost-effective choice for international students. In 2022, the country hosted 26,403 immigrant students enrolled in universities and colleges, compared to 25,961 students in 2021, according to Statista. However, with the implementation of tuition fees, the higher education landscape for non-EEA students in Norway is expected to witness significant changes.
