Norwegian University of Science and Technology

About Norwegian University of Science and Technology

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, known as NTNU, is the largest university in Norway with over 40,000 students across campuses in Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund. Established in its current form through a 1996 merger, NTNU traces its roots to the Norwegian Institute of Technology founded in 1910. The university's main campus in Trondheim has been Norway's center for engineering and technical education for over a century, producing graduates who have built the country's industries and infrastructure. While engineering and natural sciences remain core strengths, NTNU has expanded to include humanities, social sciences, medicine, architecture, arts, and teacher education, creating a comprehensive university with technical DNA. The main campus at Gløshaugen features a distinctive castle-like main building overlooking Trondheim, housing laboratories, lecture halls, and the engineering faculties that define the university's identity. Additional Trondheim locations include the Dragvoll campus for humanities and social sciences. NTNU emphasizes research-based education, problem-based learning, and close collaboration with Norwegian industry and international partners.

Admission to NTNU follows Norwegian higher education procedures, which differ by program level and applicant background. Norwegian bachelor's programs admit students through the centralized Samordna opptak system, with selection based on secondary school grades and sometimes additional tests. Competition varies by program, with engineering programs typically requiring strong mathematics and science grades. Master's programs require relevant bachelor's degrees, with specific prerequisites depending on the field. International master's applicants apply through the university's online system, with deadlines typically in December for programs starting the following August. English proficiency must be documented through TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted tests for applicants whose first language is not English. Norwegian language proficiency may be required for some programs taught in Norwegian. Doctoral positions are applied for individually rather than through centralized admissions, with candidates responding to advertised positions and undergoing selection processes specific to each research group. EU/EEA students do not pay tuition at Norwegian public universities, while students from other countries now face tuition fees implemented in 2023. The university assists international students with practical matters including residence permits and arrival logistics.

NTNU offers the full range of degrees from bachelor's through doctoral levels, with particular strength in engineering and technology. The traditional sivilingeniør (Master of Science in Engineering) programs produce graduates for Norway's petroleum, maritime, construction, and technology industries. Engineering specializations cover civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic, computer, chemical, marine, petroleum, and materials engineering, among others. Computer science and information technology programs address growing industry demand. Natural sciences programs include physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and geosciences. Architecture and design programs benefit from Scandinavia's strong design traditions. Medical and health sciences programs train doctors, nurses, and health professionals. Humanities and social sciences span history, languages, philosophy, psychology, sociology, economics, and political science. Teacher education programs prepare educators for Norwegian schools. Many master's programs are taught in English, attracting international students, while bachelor's programs are primarily in Norwegian. Teaching combines lectures with problem-based projects, laboratory work, and thesis research. Industry collaboration brings real-world challenges into the curriculum through project assignments and thesis partnerships. Research activities span all disciplines, with particular concentration in energy, materials, information technology, health, and marine sciences.

Key Highlights

• Public research university with state support
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at NTNU is famously active, with strong traditions of voluntary organizations, sports, and social activities. The student society Studentersamfundet operates one of Europe's largest student-run cultural organizations, managing a building with bars, concert venues, and meeting spaces that hosts events nearly every night. Student-run organizations cover every imaginable interest, from radio and TV stations to theater groups to special interest clubs. Sports facilities and athletic opportunities abound, with competitive teams and recreational options for all fitness levels. Student housing through Sit (the student welfare organization) provides affordable accommodation options, critical in Norway's expensive housing market. Student pubs and social venues create gathering places throughout the semester. Traditional celebrations punctuate the academic year, with notable events including the fall festival (UKA) that transforms campus every two years. The engineering culture brings distinctive traditions including student organizations for each engineering discipline. International students find a welcoming community with dedicated support services and organized activities. The Trondheim setting provides outdoor recreation opportunities in all seasons, from hiking and cycling in summer to skiing in winter. Student councils and organizations give students voice in university governance.

Location & Surroundings

NTNU's main campus occupies several sites in Trondheim, Norway's third-largest city with approximately 200,000 residents including a large student population. Trondheim sits on the Trondheimsfjord in central Norway, a historic city that served as the country's first capital and remains an important cultural center. The city retains substantial wooden architecture in the colorful Bakklandet neighborhood, while the medieval Nidaros Cathedral draws pilgrims and visitors. The climate brings cold, snowy winters and mild summers, with dramatic variation in daylight from near-24-hour darkness in December to the white nights of June. Outdoor recreation opportunities include excellent skiing in nearby mountains, summer hiking, and water activities on the fjord. The student population gives Trondheim a youthful energy disproportionate to its size, supporting a lively café, restaurant, and nightlife scene. Norwegian living costs are high by international standards, with groceries, dining, and entertainment all carrying premium prices. However, student discounts help, and the high-wage economy means part-time work pays well. Public transportation includes buses and the single-line tramway. Trondheim's technology industry includes research institutes and technology companies that hire NTNU graduates. The city feels manageable in scale while offering urban amenities, cultural events, and good connectivity to Oslo and the rest of Norway.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at NTNU has traditionally been free for all students, though Norway introduced fees for non-EU/EEA students beginning in 2023, with rates varying by program. EU/EEA students continue to study without tuition fees. All students pay a modest semester fee covering student welfare services. Living costs in Norway are high, with students needing approximately 12,000-15,000 NOK monthly (roughly $1,100-1,400 USD) for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Trondheim is somewhat more affordable than Oslo but still expensive by international standards. Student housing through Sit provides more affordable options than the private market. Part-time work helps offset costs, with student jobs paying well by international standards. Scholarships from the university and external sources support some students. Career prospects for NTNU graduates are generally strong, particularly in engineering and technology fields. Norwegian industry actively recruits from NTNU, with petroleum, maritime, construction, and technology companies seeking technically trained graduates. The technology industry in Trondheim and throughout Norway absorbs many graduates. Teachers are in demand in Norwegian schools. International students may remain in Norway to work after graduation if they find positions, with the skilled worker visa system supporting qualified professionals. Career services connect students with employers through job fairs, company presentations, and individual guidance.