Nord University is a public university with main administrative base in Bodø and several study locations in northern and central Norway. Nord University was established in 2016 as a merger of previous higher education institutions, and has a strong regional mission. The university specializes in education, research, innovation, public service, business, health, social sciences, teacher education, biosciences, aquaculture, blue growth, sustainable development, and professional studies. It is especially suited to students seeking a Norwegian university with strong regional ties and practical academic programs.
Nord University has study places in Bodø, Levanger, Steinkjer, Mo i Rana, Namsos, Nesna, Stjørdal, Vesterålen and other regional centers. Nord's multi-campus structure is unlike universities with campuses in a single city. The academic activity is closely connected to regional development, coastal communities, public services, schools, businesses, health organisations and industries in northern and central Norway. Nord University is especially relevant for students who are interested in regional development, entrepreneurship, work in the public sector, education, aquaculture, ecology, business and social welfare.

The university is organized into faculties, including biosciences and aquaculture, business, education and arts, nursing and health sciences, and social sciences. Nord is especially recognized for its strong areas in business education, blue growth, aquaculture, marine ecology, biology, animal science, entrepreneurship, health sciences, teacher education, social work, public administration and regional studies. Its location on the coast and in the north has academic implications in aquaculture, fisheries, biodiversity, climate, sustainability and local community development.

Nord University offers a range of selected bachelor’s and master’s programs in English for international students. These may include bachelor options in English, business, biology, games and entertainment technology and other selected areas depending on the year. At master’s level, international options could be in business, biosciences, aquaculture, ecology, global management, social sciences and related subjects. Availability of programs changes, so applicants should always double-check the official study list for the latest.

Nord's teaching method is practical and student centered. Programs may include case studies, fieldwork, laboratory practice, group projects, internships, simulations, and thesis work. Digital learning and close contact with regional employers are also included. The university is a good fit for students who want a smaller, more community-based learning environment vs. a very large urban university.

Students from Norway, the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally do not pay tuition fees at public universities. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students are generally charged tuition fees unless they are eligible for an exemption. Nord University will cut fees for 2026/2027: NOK 60,000 a year for humanities, social sciences, economics and administrative subjects and NOK 85,000 a year for natural sciences, technology, health, social work and sports, teacher education, performing arts and media studies. Nord does not offer scholarships or grants, so students should budget their finances before applying.
In short, Nord University is a good choice for students interested in a public Norwegian university with practical programs, regional relevance, smaller study environments, and academic strengths in business, biosciences, aquaculture, health, education, social sciences, and sustainable northern development.

Nord University is a Norwegian regional and professional university of applied sciences. It was established in 2016 as a merger of previous institutions, and serves students on multiple campuses and study locations in northern and central Norway. Its administrative centre is Bodø.
The university’s academic profile is linked to regional development, coastal industries, public welfare, business, education, health and sustainable communities. Nord is well positioned in biosciences, aquaculture, business, teacher education, social sciences, nursing, health sciences and public administration. Its location provides students access to such themes as blue growth, coastal economy, regional innovation, Arctic and northern communities, and sustainable development.

Nord offers selected English-taught programs for international students at Bachelor’s and Master’s level. Many other programmes are taught in Norwegian and require Norwegian proficiency. The admission is based on languages proof, academic background, documentation and program specific requirements. PhD opportunities are often associated with research areas and advertised doctoral positions.
The learning environment at the university is often more intimate and less extensive than at the larger universities in Norway. Students benefit from close academic contact, applied learning, regional projects, laboratory work, fieldwork, internships, simulations and thesis-based learning. This makes Nord useful for students who want practical education tied to real communities and industries.

Nord University is best for students interested in business, biology, aquaculture, sustainability, health, education, social sciences, public administration and regional development. Graduates can work in public services, companies, schools, healthcare, research, aquaculture industries, NGOs, consulting, and local or international organizations.

• Choose the preferred Nord University program from the official study list. • Check whether the program is taught in English or Norwegian. • Review program-specific admission requirements and documentation rules. • Prepare transcripts, degree certificates, passport details, English language proof, CV, motivation letter, and additional documents if required. • Apply through Nord’s admission process before the deadline. • Upload all documents correctly. • Wait for admission results. • If admitted, accept the offer and follow enrollment instructions. • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students should pay tuition fees by the required deadline, document living funds, apply for a study permit, and arrange housing. • PhD applicants should apply to advertised doctoral positions or faculty research vacancies. Admission Details • Main Intake: Autumn • Bachelor’s Language: English options available in selected programs; many programs are Norwegian-taught • Master’s Language: Selected programs available in English • Application Type: Program-specific admission • Bachelor’s Requirement: Upper secondary education equivalent to Norwegian standards • Master’s Requirement: Relevant bachelor’s degree • PhD Requirement: Relevant master’s degree and advertised doctoral opportunity • English Requirement: Required for English-taught programs • Norwegian Requirement: Required for Norwegian-taught programs • Tuition Fee Rule: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students usually pay tuition fees unless exempt • Payment Rule: Tuition fees must be paid in full before each academic year • Scholarship Availability: Nord University does not offer scholarships or grants