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Frequently asked questions

Have you read all the information regarding the admission process and admission requirements but still have some unanswered questions?  

Perhaps you will find answers to some of your questions here! 

If you do not, you may contact the admissions office at admission@uia.no

How do I document my previous education?

Scans of officially issued original transcripts and diplomas for your secondary and university/college education must be uploaded. If there is any information at the back of the pages, scans of the back pages must also be uploaded.

It is important that the scans are of sufficient quality. The whole page must be visible and the information readable on a computer screen. 

Do I need translations of my documents?

All documents must be translated, unless in English, Norwegian or a Scandinavian language. The translation should be carried out by a government authorized or official translator. You must upload a scanned version of the original document accompanied by the translation. 

You must upload scans of the original documents and the translations to the online application portal. 

Which documents must I upload to my online application?

You need to upload all required documents stated in the country specific webpages.

Do not upload documents such as statement of purpose, work experience letters, recommendation letters or motivational letters unless this is specifically stated as a requirement for the programme you are applying for. Unless required, such documents will not affect your application and will be disregarded. 

Do I have to send documents by post?

Educational documents from certain countries are required to be sent directly from the issuing institution by post. In some cases, verification reports or certified copies are also required. Check the country specific information related to the country you have completed your previous education to see which documents are required to be sent by post. Please do not send documents not listed in the requirements. 

Can the Admissions office check if I qualify for admission?

Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to pre-evaluate applicants. If you apply, your application will be assessed and you will be informed if you are qualified or not when you receive the results of your application. You can see if you meet the educational and programme specific requirements by checking the requirement sections on our admission webpages. 

My secondary or university education is not the same as the ones listed in the “admission requirement” sections, am I still eligible for admission?

The educational backgrounds listed are what is generally required for applicants with education from each specific country. If you have completed your education in a different or non-standard educational system, this will be assessed on an individual basis according to the regulations and guidelines set by NOKUT and NUCAS. Please note that this does not apply to the requirements regarding academic basis for admission to master’s programme. 

How do I know if my higher education is recognised?

The higher education must be taken at a government recognized institution. Most recognised institutions are listed on the World Higher Education Database.

Do I qualify for a master's programme without meeting the academic basis?

No, you need to meet the academic basis with your academic background in order to be eligible for admission.

What is ECTS credits?

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) represent learning based on defined learning outcomes and their associated workload. 60 ECTS credits are the equivalent of a full year of study or work. Diplomas and transcripts using other credit systems will be converted into ECTS credits.  

How can I check if I meet the GPA requirement?

Diplomas and transcripts using other grading scales will be converted to the ECTS grading scale before the GPA is assessed on an individual basis. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to pre-evaluate applicants. If you apply, the Admissions office will calculate if you meet the GPA requirement for admission to master’s programmes.

My previous education was taught in English, am I exempted from the English language requirement?

Only if this is specifically stated in the language requirement section on your country page or in the country list.

I have taken an English language test which is not listed in the language requirement section, am I exempted from the language requirement?

No, we only accept the tests and subjects listed in the language requirement sections. If you are exempted from the language requirement, this will be specifically stated in the language requirement sections.   

What does a government authorised or official translator mean?

It means that the translation must be carried out by a government authorized or official translator. Most government authorized and/or official translators offer some kind of statement or other confirmation accompanying the translation. We do not have any specific requirements regarding this confirmation. 

I do not have a bank account, only cash, how do I document financial ability?

In order to process your application, we require a bank statement as this is necessary for the study permit. If you have the required funds only in cash, please contact UDI for further information regarding documentation of funding. 

What if I can’t make the deadline for uploading documents?

There are no exemptions to the final post mark dates and deadlines for uploading documents. We do not accept documents after the deadlines. 

Are there tuition fees at the University of Agder?

The Norwegian government has proposed the introduction of tuition fees for students from countries outside of the EU/EEA and Switzerland who will begin their studies in the autumn semester of 2023. Please read more about the tuition fees here.

All students must pay a semester fee.

International applicants from countries outside EU/EEA are required to document sufficient funding in order to cover their living expenses when applying for a student visa as stated on the admission pages.

Is it possible to postpone start of studies for one year?

After receiving and accepting an offer of admission, you may apply for postponed start of studies for one year for the following reasons: military service or non-military civilian service, childbirth/adoption or long-term illness. 

This application needs to be sent no later than 3 weeks after the offer of admission. The reason needs to be documented. If the documentation contains personal data (such as details concerning your health), it must be sent by post to the Admissions office.  

How do I get student housing?

If you are admitted at UiA, you will receive e-mails with detailed information regarding housing and how to apply through the Student Association of Agder (SiA).

How do I prepare for arrival at UiA?

If you are admitted at UiA, you will receive e-mails with information regarding arrival and semester start.

Learn more on the page New student at UiA.

Am I allowed to work part time in addition to my studies?

Students from EU/EEA countries can work in addition to your studies. This is regulated by UDI. 

Students from countries outside EU/EEA who are granted a study permit are automatically also granted permission to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week in addition to their studies and full-time during holidays. Please see UDI for more information

How will the Admissions office contact me?

Primarily by e-mail. Make sure you have registered the correct e-mail address in Application web. Check your e-mail (including spam) regularly during the application process.  

Questions or comments regarding your application

Please contact the Admissions office: admission@uia.no  

It is not necessary to send the same e-mail to different recipients. If you send a request that another department or office need to answer, you request will be forwarded to the right recipient.   

Questions regarding UDI, study permit, student housing or arrival at UiA

Please contact the International education office: int-office@uia.no  

It is not necessary to send the same e-mail to different recipients. If you send a request that another department or office need to answer, you request will be forwarded to the right recipient. 

Questions regarding semester registration, Studentweb or Canvas

Please contact UiA Help: help@uia.no   

It is not necessary to send the same e-mail to different recipients. If you send a request that another department or office need to answer, you request will be forwarded to the right recipient.

Questions regarding the academic content of a specific programme

Please contact the student advisor for the specific programme.   

Published May 29, 2024 - Last modified May 29, 2024