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Norway
Recommended Match
Global Rank: #Top 1%
The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO)
Norway
Public Research University
Why This University?
- • Internationally recognized institution
- • Degrees recognized by HEC Pakistan
- • Part of European Higher Education Area
- • Growing Pakistani student community
- • Pakistani student associations available
- • Cultural and religious facilities nearby
- • 3 opportunities available
- • Need-based financial aid
- • Industry partnerships
- • Career counseling services
Financials & Costs
Tuition Fees
€12,900
Check program list for exact fees
Living Costs
€900 - €1,200
Monthly average
Available Scholarships
- No Tuition Waivers: Non-EU students must pay full tuition fees.
- No Living Stipends: AHO does not offer scholarships for living expenses.
- Note: PhD positions are fully salaried jobs (approx. €50k/year) but are extremely rare and vacancy-based.
Requirements
Academic Requirements
Min. CGPA
Required
Varies by Program
IELTS Score
Minimum
6.5
Note: Requirements may vary by program. Always check the specific program page for exact requirements.
Required Documents
- CV / Resume
- Motivation Letter
- Transcripts
Personalized Match Analysis
Challenging but Possible - Portfolio quality will determine everything
Your Strengths for This University
- Your IELTS 7.0 exceeds the 6.5 minimum requirement
- Your 3.66 CGPA from NUST is strong for portfolio-focused admission
- Your architecture background aligns perfectly with AHO's design programs
- No GRE/GMAT requirement eliminates additional testing burden
Areas to Improve
- No GRE/GMAT score means portfolio carries 100% weight
- Your NUST engineering-heavy curriculum may not align with AHO's studio-based expectations
- No work experience mentioned reduces practical design maturity evidence
- AHO's February 1 deadline with April 30 results creates extreme visa timeline risk
Recommended Actions
- Create portfolio showing design process (sketches, prototypes, not just final renders)
- Start visa preparation now assuming admission to meet August arrival deadline
- Secure NOK 316,859 (~€27,200) financial proof for visa application
Your Roadmap to Europe
Step-by-step guide to securing your visa for Norway
Critical Warning / Action Required
CRITICAL LOGISTICS ALERT: Public universities in Norway now charge tuition fees for non-EU students (averaging NOK 150,000 - 250,000 per year). Additionally, VFS Global in Pakistan sends applications to the Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi for processing. You must deposit your living expenses (approx. NOK 166,859) into a special 'Deposit Account' provided by your Norwegian university before applying for your residence permit.
1. Research & English Proficiency
Month 1-3 (Oct - Dec)
Duration: 8-12 Weeks
Status: Preparation
- Search for English-taught programs on 'Study in Norway' portal.
- Check specific admission requirements: Masters usually require 16 years of education (4-year Bachelor).
- Appear for IELTS Academic (Requirement: Generally 6.5, though some allow 6.0).
- Note: Public universities are no longer free; calculate the new tuition fee costs into your budget.
Critical Points:
- ielts requirement: 6.0 - 6.5 Overall.
- tuition fees: NOK 140,000 - 250,000 per year (for non-EU students).
2. University Application Submission
Month 3-5 (Dec - Feb)
Duration: 8 Weeks
Status: Selection
- Apply directly to the university via their online portal (e.g., Søknadsweb).
- Upload HEC and MOFA attested academic documents.
- Check deadlines: Most universities close applications for non-EU students between December 1st and February 1st.
Critical Points:
- deadlines: Usually Dec 1st - Feb 1st for the August intake.
- application fee: Many Norwegian universities do not charge an application fee.
3. Admission & The 'Financial Deposit'
Month 6 (April - May)
Duration: 4 Weeks
Status: Financial Requirement
- Receive your 'Admission Offer'.
- Transfer the living expense funds (NOK 166,859 for 2026/27) to the university's deposit account.
- Transfer the first-year tuition fee (if applicable).
- Receive a 'Financial Statement' from the university confirming they hold your funds for the UDI.
Critical Points:
- living expenses amount: NOK 166,859 (Approx. €14,500) per year.
- deposit safety: This money is returned to you monthly once you arrive and open a Norwegian bank account.
4. Residence Permit Application (UDI Portal)
Month 7 (June)
Duration: 2 Weeks
Status: Online Submission
- Create an account on the UDI (Directorate of Immigration) Application Portal.
- Complete the 'Study Permit' application form.
- Pay the application fee (NOK 5,300) online using a credit/debit card.
Critical Points:
- application fee: NOK 5,300 (Approx. PKR 140,000 - 150,000).
- visa type: Residence Permit for Students (7-day D-entry visa granted upon approval).
5. VFS Submission & Biometrics (Pakistan)
Month 7-8 (June - July)
Duration: 1 Week
Status: Physical Submission
- Book an appointment at VFS Global in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi.
- Submit your physical file: Passport, UDI Cover Letter, Admission Letter, University Deposit Receipt, and HEC-attested degrees.
- VFS will forward your passport and documents to the Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Critical Points:
- vfs service fee: Approx. €15 (payable in PKR).
- document standard: All documents must be in A4 format, no staples.
6. Visa Decision & Police Registration
Month 8-9 (July - August)
Duration: 4-12 Weeks
Status: Finalization
- Track your application on the UDI website.
- Once granted, collect your passport with the entry visa sticker.
- Travel to Norway and book an appointment with the Norwegian Police (Politiet) within 7 days of arrival to order your Residence Card.
Critical Points:
- processing time: Standard is approx. 2 months, but can vary by season.
- work rights: 20 hours per week during studies; full-time during holidays.