Oslo National Academy of the Arts is one of Norway’s most important specialized institutions for higher education within the fields of visual arts, design, theatre, dance, opera, craft and artistic research. KHiO was formed in 1996 by merging several of the leading art education institutions. In Oslo, various creative disciplines are gathered in one academy environment. It is especially suited to students who want intensive studio-based, performance-based and practice-led education in the arts.

KHiO is situated in Oslo, the capital and primary cultural centre of Norway. The city provides students with access to galleries, theatres, museums, opera, dance companies, design studios, festivals, contemporary art spaces, artist-run initiatives, cultural institutions and creative industry networks. This urban environment is important for students of art, design, theatre, opera and dance as professional development depends on exposure, collaboration, exhibitions, performances, critique and artistic communities.

The academy runs programs in departments such as fine art, design, craft, theatre, dance, opera and academy-level artistic research. Students may study medium- and material-based art, graphic design, costume design, theatre, acting, jazz dance, contemporary dance, classical ballet, choreography, opera, visual art and other creative disciplines. Programs are highly selective and usually demand entrance tests, portfolios, auditions, interviews, artistic documentation, or practical assessments.

The teaching model at KHiO is based on artistic practice. Studio projects, workshops, rehearsals, performances, critiques, exhibitions, movement training, design assignments, research seminars, production work and supervision in one-to-one or small groups. The academy is not for students who want to have a traditional lecture based education. It is most suitable for applicants who are already creatively involved and ready for challenging artistic development.

Language requirements are especially important for international students. Some programs are taught in English. Many bachelor’s programs are taught in Norwegian and require proficiency in Norwegian. Admissions requirements vary greatly depending on the department and program. Creative programs may require submission of a portfolio, audition, movement tests, artistic statements, interviews, or project proposals. Because the academy is small and specialized, competition can be stiff.

KHiO also fosters artistic research on an advanced level. Students and researchers can explore practice-led research in visual art, performance, design, theatre, dance, opera, craft and interdisciplinary artistic fields. PhD positions are generally associated with artistic research fellowships, research projects and national artistic research infrastructures.

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland have to pay tuition fees unless exempted. Tuition fees per program for 2026/2027 have been published by KHiO. Bachelor fees are NOK 160,000 per year for Fine Art, NOK 165,000 for Medium- and Material Based Art, NOK 173,000 for Jazz Dance, Contemporary Dance and Classical Ballet and NOK 221,000 for Acting. Tuition fees for master level and advanced programs vary depending on the discipline. Applicants should check the current KHiO tuition fee page before applying.

In conclusion, the Oslo National Academy of the Arts is a good choice for highly motivated creative students who want a serious arts academy in Norway’s capital. It is especially relevant for students considering careers in fine art, performance, design, theatre, dance, opera, craft, choreography, stage production, visual culture and artistic research.