University
With the exception of some private university colleges, all higher education institutions are state-run; public funding secures free education for both Norwegian and international students.
Since 2003 Norway has been following the objectives of the Bologna process in the European higher education.
To further support the principle of equal opportunities, all Norwegian students are entitled to financial support (grants and loans) to cover their living costs through the State Educational Loan Fund. Foreign citizens may also, upon certain conditions, receive support for education in Norway from the State Education Loan Fund.
Receiving international students, either as a part of an exchange agreement or students seeking a full degree, is considered both an asset for the institution itself, and a tool for increasing the quality of the Norwegian institutions and education.
Norway currently has 9 universities, 8 university colleges and 5 scientific colleges owned by the state. A wide variety of courses and study programmes are taught in English.
The academic year normally runs from mid-August to mid-June.