Apply for a visa (for non-EU/EEA students)
Visa and residence permits
All students from outside the EU/EEA must apply for a residence permit to stay in Norway for more than 90 days. Submit your documents early to have a better chance at getting your study permit in time for semester start.
How to apply for visa and residence permit
Tuition fees
Full-degree students from outside EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. The tuition fee must be paid before you can apply for visa and residence permit.
More information about tuition fees
Apply for housing
SiA student housing
The official student accommodations are offered by SiA Housing.
A pre-booking code is required to apply for student housing through SiA. You will receive the code and information on how to apply after you have accepted your offer to UiA. This means you will receive the pre-booking code in May if you start your studies in August and in November if you start you studies in January.
Due to visa regulations, UiA can only guarantee housing for non-EU/EEA nationals, but we are hopeful all our new students will find student housing. The allocation of rooms is the sole responsibility of SiA Housing.
Note that guaranteed housing for non-EU/EEA nationals applies to the student only and does not include accompanying family. Students who plan to bring family are encouraged to explore private housing.
Find rooms and prices at SiA Housing
Remember to notify SiA if you require housing adaptations due to accessibility or other needs.
Private housing
It is also possible to rent a room or apartment, or find shared accommodation privately.
The following websites are commonly used by Norwegian students (in Norwegian only).
Book your travel
By air
Kristiansand Airport, Kjevik (KRS) is the closest airport to both Campus Kristiansand (12 km distance) and Campus Grimstad (40 km distance).
See more information about connected flights and schedules at Avinor
From Kjevik to campus
Take the Bus 35 from the airport to Campus Kristiansand (Universitetet) or Kristiansand Bus Station (Rutebilstasjonen).
From Kristiansand Bus Station (rutebilstasjonen) Grimstad students must change to Bus 100 (Arendal/Grimstad/Lillesand).
AKT travel and ticket information
Taxi services are always available, but please note that taxi services can be quite expensive in Norway.
From another airport in Norway
If you arrive at another airport in Norway, please make sure to check alternatives for your onward journey to Kristiansand or Grimstad.
NOR-WAY express bus between Oslo - Grimstad - Kristiansand - Stavanger
Go-Ahead train line between Oslo - Kristiansand - Stavanger
By ferry
Travelling by boat may be less expensive than travelling by air, and you have a larger luggage allowance. The ferry departs from the Port of Hirtshals in Denmark. Students usually take the train through Denmark, or drive their own car.
Color Line from Hirtshals to Kristiansand
Fjordline from Hirtshals to Kristiansand
For student discounts on transport, you can show your Letter of Acceptance.
From Kristiansand Port to campus
The Port of Kristiansand is located the same place as Kristiansand Bus Station with many bus connections.
AKT travel planner and ticket information
By road or rail
If you arrive from another place in Norway, you can check one of the many route planners. You can also use public transport such as express bus and train. Many route planners have the option to choose 'public transport' with suggestions for transport companies and good places to shift stops for your onward journey.
NOR-WAY express bus between Oslo - Grimstad - Kristiansand - Stavanger
Go-Ahead train line between Oslo - Kristiansand - Stavanger
If you bring your own car, remember to check parking opportunities where you live.
Start packing
Insurance
You need to purchase private insurance in your home country covering health, travel and personal belongings. It is the student’s responsibility to make insurance arrangements for any accident, illness, injury, loss or damage to persons or property resulting from, or in any way connected with, the study period in Norway. Please make sure you are insured during your entire stay in Norway.
EU/EEA nationals
Students from EU/EEA countries must bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), obtainable in your own home country. The EHIC entitles you to medical care under the Norwegian National Health Scheme. Expenses related to dental care and illnesses contracted before arrival in Norway are not covered.
Non-EU/EEA nationals
Students from countries outside of EU/EEA will need proof of health insurance, obtained from your home country, in order to register with the police and to apply for reimbursement after receiving Norwegian health services.
Students staying more than one year
If the duration of your stay in Norway is more than one year, you will automatically become a member of the National Insurance Scheme when you register as a resident in Norway.
This only includes health insurance and is only valid in Norway (not in other European countries). We still recommend travel insurance and insurance for personal belongings.
Important documents
UDI checklist
All students (except Nordic nationals) are required to register with the police upon arrival to Norway. What documents you must bring with you to the appointment depends on your nationality.
Visit udi.no to see what documents you need to bring
Please do not book your own appointment with the police. UiA organise group appointments for all our new students.
Passport or valid ID
It is important to always have a passport or valid ID with you.
It is also recommended to bring a certified copy of your passport or valid ID card. This should be kept separately from the original throughout your stay in Norway in case you should lose your passport or ID card.
European Health Insurance Card
Students from EU/EEA countries must bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), obtainable in your own home country. If you do not have one, you need to order it before coming to Norway.
Vaccination card
It can be useful to bring your vaccination card in case you need it in Norway or while travelling.
Inspection of original documents
Full degree students have to bring the original educational documents to Norway. You are required to present your original diplomas and transcripts for inspection. You will receive details about the inspection from the Admissions office. Students are required to submit the original documents upon request. Document forgery is subject to the Penal Code § 361 and will be reported to the police.
Money
Norway is a cashless society, so make sure to bring your debit or credit card. Remember to remove the region block in your bank if you have it activated. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and contactless payment is very common.
Do not bring cash, it can be very difficult to convert foreign currency in Norway.
Packing tips
Check out our packing guide for international students
Prepare for your studies
UiA username and password
A few weeks before Semester Start you will be notified about receiving your log in details. Follow the directions to active your student account.
Some international students do not receive the SMS with log in details. If you did not receive the SMS, please contact help@uia.no to arrange a digital meeting to show your ID and get your password. You can also wait until you arrive at campus.
Students with special needs
Do you have special needs that require additional accommodation as a student? Then there are possibilities available concerning accessible facilities, teaching, learning materials, and exams.
Semester start
Orientation programme for international students
Buddy programme
All new international students will be assigned a buddy. Your buddy will get in contact with you around one week before semester start.
Exchange students and master students belong to the ESN buddy programme.
Bachelor students belong to the UiA buddy programme
You can also get in touch with your fellow students in the WhatsApp community. The link is shared in the welcome letter you received by email.