The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU for short, is a public research university situated in Ås, Norway. It is one of the nation’s leading institutions for life sciences, sustainability, environmental studies, veterinary medicine, agriculture, food science, biotechnology, economics, international development, landscape architecture, data science, renewable energy, ecology and natural resource management. NMBU became a university in its current modern form after institutional development and restructuring, but its roots go back to 1859, which makes it one of Norway’s historically important education centers in agriculture, land use and applied sciences.

NMBU has a unique academic profile within sustainability, life sciences, environment and society. It is particularly good for students who want to know how humans, animals, nature, technology, food systems and economies work together. The university’s programs link scientific knowledge to real-world issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, food security, sustainable agriculture, animal health, water management, urban development, global development, environmental governance and renewable energy.

The main campus in Ås gives students a quiet and research-oriented environment, close to Oslo. Ås is a smaller student town that could be attractive for students who want a campus experience with access to green areas, laboratories, farms, field stations, research facilities, student housing and academic communities. Oslo is nearby, and students have access to internships, employers, public agencies, NGOs, research networks and cultural life.

NMBU has English-taught master’s programs for international students in areas such as applied economics and sustainability, global development studies, international relations, international environmental studies, data science, agroecology, animal science, aquaculture, ecology, intelligent water technology, landscape architecture for global sustainability, nuclear and environmental sciences, plant sciences, photonics and sustainable food systems. NMBU also offers the Bachelor of Science in International Environment and Development Studies . This is one of the important English-friendly international study options at bachelor level.

NMBU’s research is closely linked to global sustainability challenges. Students may learn about food systems, climate, animals, plants, natural resources, biotechnology, environmental policy, landscape planning, energy, economics and development. It is also linked to veterinary education and animal health, being a key institution for students interested in veterinary sciences, animal welfare, biological research and public health.

Tuition fees are usually waived for students from Norway, the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students are subject to tuition fees, unless they qualify for an exemption. NMBU has three categories of annual tuition fee for 2026/2027 – Category 1 (NOK 80,000), Category 2 (NOK 150,000) and Category 3 (NOK 275,000) (study related to veterinary medicine, etc.) NMBU does not provide scholarships to cover tuition fees and students should secure funding before applying.

Overall, NMBU is a good option for students wanting a Norwegian university with a focus on sustainability and a strong specialization in life sciences, environment, food, animals, development, economics and natural resources. It is particularly suitable for students who want to study research-based education on global challenges and practical solutions.

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences is a public university in Ås, just outside Oslo. It is one of Norway’s leading universities for sustainability, life sciences, environmental research, veterinary medicine, agriculture, food systems, economics, biotechnology and natural resources management. The academic identity of NMBU is closely related to the relationship between people, animals, plants, landscape, technology, and society.

The campus environment of the university supports research-based education and experiential learning. Students enjoy laboratories, field study, farms, research facilities, study areas, student communities and green environments. Ås campus is well known for its academic environment and student community, and the university’s proximity to Oslo opens up opportunities for wider professional and cultural experiences.

NMBU has both bachelor programs in Norwegian and international programs in English. Its master’s degrees in sustainability, economics, environment, development, data science, ecology, food systems, animal science, water technology, landscape architecture and biotechnology-related areas are particularly appealing to international students. Another important option for students looking for in international studies at the bachelor level at NMBU is the BSc in International Environment and Development Studies.

The style of teaching in the university is often research projects, field work, laboratory practice, case studies, group work, applied problem solving and thesis writing. Students learn to tackle sustainability challenges from a scientific and societal perspective. This makes NMBU relevant for students with interest in environmental policy, agriculture, food production, animal health, conservation, global development and climate related careers.

NMBU is the right choice for students who want an academically serious but practical university experience. Graduates can find career opportunities in fields such as research, environmental consulting, international organizations, agriculture, biotechnologies, veterinary fields, government agencies, NGOs, development work, food industries, data science, renewable energy and sustainability-driven companies.

• Choose the preferred program from NMBU’s study list. • Confirm whether the program is taught in English or Norwegian. • Review general and program-specific admission requirements. • Prepare academic transcripts, degree certificates, English language proof, passport details, CV, motivation letter, and other documents if required. • Apply through the relevant NMBU admission route before the deadline. • Upload all documents according to NMBU instructions. • Wait for admission results. • If admitted, accept the offer and follow enrollment instructions. • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students should pay tuition fees, document living funds, apply for a residence permit, and arrange housing. • PhD applicants should apply to advertised doctoral positions or follow faculty-specific doctoral admission steps. Admission Details • Main Intake: Autumn • Bachelor’s Language: English option available for BSc International Environment and Development Studies; many other bachelor’s programs are Norwegian-taught • Master’s Language: Several 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 research admission • English Requirement: Required for English-taught programs • Norwegian Requirement: Required for most Norwegian-taught programs • Tuition Fee Rule: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students usually pay tuition fees • Scholarship Availability: NMBU does not offer scholarships covering tuition fees • Residence Permit: Required for many non-EU/EEA/Swiss students