Student handbook for incoming students
Norwegian Teacher Academy (Norsk Lærerakademi) was founded in 1966. Its roots are in the Norwegian Christian movement, which developed during the 19th century. NLA is one of the few private university colleges in Norway. In 2010, the name of the institution was changed to NLA University College (NLA Høgskolen).
In 2013, NLA University College merged with Gimlekollen School of Journalism and Communication in Kristiansand, and University College Staffeldtsgate in Oslo. Today, NLA University College has about 2800 students in total. NLA University College is owned by 7 christian organizations.
NLA University college is committed to highly qualified teaching and research, and the exams are approved by the Ministry of Education and Research in Norway as equivalent to those of the state universities. The curricula and the teaching methods of NLA reflect a strong commitment to the education of people who are able to assess both the academic studies and the current trends and developments in society as a whole.
NLA University College is founded on Christian values, but students are not required to have any religious affiliation, nor are they asked about their religious views.
A nationwide Christian university college
NLA consists of four campuses. Two of them are located in Bergen, western Norway, while one campus is in Kristiansand, in the very South of Norway, and one campus in capital, Oslo, eastern Norway. Please follow the menu on the left side to read more about NLA's Campuses.
Read more about NLAs history here.
Immigration
All non-EU/EEA students who are planning to stay in Norway for more than 3 months, must apply for a study permit (residence permit) before arriving to Norway. If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country, you do not have to apply for a residence permit, but you have to get registered at the police station after arrival. Nordic citizens (from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland) do not have to go to the police station – they only need to report their moving to the National Registry (Folkeregisteret). For more information please see UDI’s website for Study Permit
For students staying for less than 3 months, you might have to apply for a visitor’s visa, depending on your citizenship. See UDI’s website for more information.
Norwegian ID number
If you are going to stay in Norway for more than 6 months, you will get a Norwegian ID number some weeks after arriving to Norway. An ID number will allow you to open a bank account and get a personal doctor (GP). Read more about ID number here: National identity number - UDI.
Health insurance
If you are planning to stay in Norway for more than 1 year, you will automatically become a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden). This means that you are entitled to health services in Norway, and you pay the same, moderate fees, as the Norwegian citizens.
If your stay in Norway is between 3-12 months, you should apply for a voluntary membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. The application or the membership does not cost anything, but it is important that you apply immediately after your arrival in Norway.
Please notice that the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme is not valid during your trip to and from Norway. It also does not cover any medical costs if you visit other countries during your stay.
Read more here: Membership of the National Insurance Scheme - nav.no.
If you stay in Norway for less than 3 months, you must obtain a health insurance for your stay. This must be done before you come to Norway.
TB testing
The Norwegian health authorities require all international students arriving from countries with a high occurrence of tuberculosis to be tested for tuberculosis (TB). The test includes a chest X-ray and, in some cases, a blood sample. Residence permits are not valid until final clearance from the health authorities has been given. Read more here: Countries with high occurrence of tuberculosis - NIPH (fhi.no). Students will be given more information regarding tuberculosis examination in your city.
Health care services
Students staying for more than 6 months are entitled to get a personal doctor (“fastlege”). Fastlege is a general practitioner (GP) that can refer you to a specialist if needed.
Students staying for less than 6 months are not entitled to a personal GP. These students may use the services of two medical centres that cooperate with the student welfare organisation.
When visiting a GP or a specialist, you must pay a consultation fee. Health services are however strongly subsidized by the Norwegian government and the real costs of the service you get are lot higher than the fee you pay.
Nettlegevakt provides online consultations (only available if you have a Norwegian ID number)
It's also possible to book your an appointment with private doctors such as Dr.Dropin, Volvat and Aleris. Note that the private services are more expensive.
Medications are bought at the pharmacy. Mild medications such as pain killers may be bought without a prescription, but stronger medicines such as antibiotics can only be bought with a prescription from a doctor.
Dentists are very expensive in Norway as they are not subsidized by the government as much as the GPs. If you need dental care, you should always check the price before you start the treatment.
The Student Welfare Organisation in your city usually provide dental care services for a cheaper price for students.
The local Student Welfare Organization in your city also provides services for student's mental health, such as therapy and councelling. It is not uncommon that foreign students experience challenges with a different culture, people, weather, and different academic practices from what they are used to. Please check the mental health services within your local Student Welfare Organization.
Moving from Norway
When your studies are over and you’re moving from Norway, you must report it to the Tax Administration in Norway. It is important to register so your letters will not be delivered to your student apartment.
Please fill out the moving form here: Moving from Norway.
Academic conduct
As a student at NLA, you should be well prepared for lectures and seminars. Read the necessary books/articles in advance in order to actively participate in discussions in class.
Good academic practices are based on values such as openness, academic integrity and critical discussion. In Norway, the students are encouraged to participate in academic discussions and critical thinking.
Presentation of other people’s results, thoughts, ideas or formulations as if they were one’s own is plagiarism and understood as a form of intellectual theft.
You must familiarize yourself with the exam regulations at NLA University College. Deadlines for signing up for exams and re-exams are to be respected.
Learning and information platforms
You are expected to familiarize yourself with the different learning and information platforms used at NLA.
Studentweb: Online registration service. All students must register at the beginning of the semester, register for exams, find candidate number, check exam results – at
Canvas: Online learning platform where notes from lectures and other learning materials are published, as well as messages from academic staff. Log in here:
Inspera: Online examination platform, used during home exam.
TimeEdit: Find your timetable for the courses you are enrolled to.
Important: You are supposed to read carefully all emails, as well as Canvas announcements from NLA.
Books and library
NLA has a library on every campus with different opening hours. You are expected to buy the books on the reading lists of your courses, at least the main literature. In addition to that, you are welcome to use the services of NLA's library which has a wide selection of publications, both books, articles and online journals.
Weather and clothes
The summers are mild with approx. +15-25 celsius degrees. In the wintertime the temperature is normally from – 5 to +5 Celsius degrees.
In Norway, you will experience long days during the summertime and short days during the wintertime. In the height of summer, the sun rises early in the morning and sets at late in the evening. In the depths of the winter, the sun rises late and sets early, which means you get only a few hours with daylight. Whatever the season it is, weather in Norway is liable to change from day to day.
Make sure to bring warm clothes (wool, parka jacket, raingear, proper shoes etc), especially for the colder months from October to April.
In Norway, the dress code is informal, even at universities and colleges. Professors and students alike wear informal clothing (jeans and sweaters/shirts).
Currency and Economy
The Norwegian currency is called kroner (NOK). Most items can be purchased by using VISA card. Ask your bank if they charge any fees when you use your visa card abroad. You need a Norwegian ID number in order to open a bank account in Norway. Please remeber that many shops, restaruants and cafes has a student discount.
Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world, and you could probably find the prices very high in comparison with prices in your home country. Please read more here about living costs in Norway.
Updated rates for tuition fee and other costs can be found on this website.
Health and safety
Health and safety standards in Norway are generally very high. Norway is renowned for being one of the safest countries in the world, characterized by its remarkably low crime rates. The nation's strong social welfare system, effective law enforcement, and high standard of living contribute to its secure environment.
Tap water is generally of high quality and perfectly safe to drink anywhere unless warning is given. There is no need to buy water in bottle.
During the darkest months (October-February) there is limited sunlight. Ensure regular intake of vitamin D supplements to support your health and immune function. You can buy supplements at the pharmacy.
Need to talk to someone? NLA offers a free conversation and councelling service for students on each campus.
Your local Student Welfare Organization provides health services for students, such as different mental health services.
Emergeny numbers:
116 117 - Legevakt (casualty clinic/emergency room) open 24h
113 - Ambulance (life-threatening emergencies)
110 - In case of fire
112 - Police (urgent)
On this website you will find everything you need related to student's welfare services at NLA University College.