Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) Summary
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.
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.
