The University of South-Eastern Norway is a public university with multiple campuses across south-eastern Norway. USN was founded as a university in 2018 and the new university was created through the development and merging of earlier university college institutions, giving USN a strong regional, professional and applied education identity. The university has campuses in Bø, Drammen, Kongsberg, Notodden, Porsgrunn, Rauland, Ringerike and Vestfold. The multi-campus structure makes USN among the most regionally connected universities in Norway, with education and research linked to local industry, public services, technology environments, culture, business, education, health and sustainability.

USN is especially well suited for students seeking applied and career-oriented higher education rather than a purely traditional university model. The university has strong academic fields in business and management, technology, engineering, computer science, maritime studies, ecology, environmental management, human rights, multiculturalism and sustainability, industrial IT, automation, energy, sensor systems, nursing, education, arts, music, design and social sciences. Its programs are often aligned with regional employers, public agencies, professional practice and real world challenges.

English-taught masters programs for international students at USN. These are: computer science, digital transformation, electrical power engineering, ecology and environmental management, human rights and multiculturalism, innovation and technology management, industrial IT and automation, maritime management, process, energy and environmental technology, sensor systems and innovation and sustainability management. These programs are for students who have a bachelor’s degree and want to gain applied master-level education in Norway.

Most bachelor’s programs at the University of South-Eastern Norway are taught in Norwegian, so international bachelor applicants generally need Norwegian proficiency unless a program is specifically offered in English. However, bachelor level fee status continues to be important as non-EU/EEA/Swiss students admitted to tuition liable programmes may be required to pay tuition fees. The official USN tuition page does not contain every bachelor program separately. Students are asked to contact the university if the program is not listed. So confirm bachelor fees program wise before sending final application.

The research profile of USN is practical and regionally relevant. It is applied in fields such as industrial technology, energy, environmental science, maritime operations, educational research, health and welfare, entrepreneurship, culture, social development, sustainability and digital transformation. The Kongsberg connection is particularly relevant to the university’s subjects of engineering, technology, industry and systems. It also provides support to health, business, teacher education, the culture, environmental studies and regional development on its other campuses.

Students from Norway, the EU/EEA and Switzerland are generally not charged tuition fees. Generally, students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland pay fees unless they qualify for an exemption. USN presents some examples of selected tuition fees for studies starting in 2026. For instance, several master's programs in management and social sciences will cost NOK 60,000 annually, whereas selected master's programs in technology and science will cost NOK 90,000 annually. Some arts programmes of 1 year are listed at NOK 50 000 a year. Accurate bachelor or unlisted program fees should be confirmed directly with USN as not all programs are listed.

All in all, USN is a good option for students who want a practical public university in Norway, with regional campuses, applied learning, strengths in technology and business, a focus on sustainability, and some master’s programs taught in English.

The University of South-Eastern Norway is a public university that has a broad regional footprint in south-eastern Norway. Founded as a university in 2018, it has rapidly developed into an important institution for applied education, professional training and research linked to working life. The multi-campus system offers students the opportunity to study in different regional environments, depending on the program.

USN is known for combining academic learning and practical relevance. Technology, computer science, engineering, business, management, maritime studies, education, health, environmental science, arts, culture, social sciences and sustainability are all studied. The programs offered by the university often involve projects, case studies, laboratory work, field learning, thesis work, connection with industry, or professional training.

The majority of international students at USN study for English-language master’s degrees. These programs are for students who wish to study computer science, digital transformation, industrial IT, electrical power, environmental management, innovation, maritime management, sustainability, human rights and multiculturalism. The applied academic model of the university is relevant for students who want to bridge theory and practical problem-solving.
USN campuses give students access to different local strengths. Kongsberg is related to technology and industry, Porsgrunn to engineering and process-related fields, Bø to environmental and social sciences, Rauland to folk culture and arts, and other campuses to health, education, business and public service areas. This creates a varied student experience across regions.

USN is a great fit for students who want a public university that provides flexible campus options, applied learning, and strong regional industry relevance. Graduates can find employment in technology, business, environmental management, public administration, education, health, maritime industries, innovation, research and sustainability oriented organizations.

• Choose the preferred USN program from the official study list. • Check whether the program is taught in English or Norwegian. • Review program-specific academic and language requirements. • Prepare transcripts, degree certificates, passport details, English language proof, CV, motivation letter, portfolio, or other required documents. • Apply through USN’s admission process before the deadline. • Upload all required documents correctly. • Wait for admission results. • If admitted, accept the offer and follow enrollment instructions. • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students should confirm tuition amount, pay required fees, document living funds, apply for a residence permit, and arrange housing. • PhD applicants should apply to advertised doctoral positions or faculty research vacancies. Admission Details • Main Intake: Autumn • Bachelor’s Language: Mostly Norwegian • 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 most bachelor’s programs • Tuition Fee Rule: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students usually pay tuition fees unless exempt • Fee Confirmation: Required for unlisted programs • Residence Permit: Required for many non-EU/EEA/Swiss students