🇳🇴 Norwegian for students: how to choose a course and get up to speed in 12 weeks
🏫 Formats: university, community or online
The choice of course depends on your goals and schedule:
● University courses (UiO, UiB, NTNU, UiT): intensive, often free for students, but competitive.
● Municipal courses: open programmes for residents, paid but available in the evenings.
● Online courses: flexible, can be combined with studies; popular platforms include Folkeuniversitetet and NTNU Digital.
📌 Tip: if you have a tight schedule, combine online courses with university courses.
🤝 Tandem plan
Tandem language exchange is paired learning: a foreign student learns Norwegian, and a local student practises English.
Advantages:
● Live communication without the stress of exams.
● Quick mastery of conversational expressions.
● Free format — just find a partner through your university or student club.
📅 12-week roadmap
Below is a basic plan for beginners that helps them reach level A1–A2 in one semester:
● Weeks 1–2: alphabet, basic grammar (present tense), simple dialogues.
● Weeks 3–4: vocabulary for everyday topics (food, transport), past tense.
● Weeks 5–6: modal verbs, describing yourself and your plans, practising with a tandem partner.
● Weeks 7–8: adjectives and comparisons, reading short texts.
● Weeks 9–10: future tense, writing letters and emails.
● Weeks 11–12: preparation for the A1/A2 test, mock exam.
👉 For advanced learners: replace topics with B1–B2 (academic language, essays, presentations).
📝 A1–B2 exams
The following tests are common in Norway:
● Norskprøven (A1–C1) — official exam for residents.
● Bergenstesten (Test i norsk høyere nivå) — for academic admission.
📌 For master's and PhD programmes, level B2 is often required.
📊 12-week study schedule
| Weeks | Focus | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Alphabet, present tense | Simple dialogues, greetings |
| 3–4 | Everyday vocabulary, past tense | Conversations in shops and transport |
| 5–6 | Modal verbs, making plans | Tandem dialogues |
| 7–8 | Adjectives, comparisons | Describing people and objects |
| 9–10 | Future tense, writing | Writing an email |
| 11–12 | Exam preparation | Mock test A1/A2 |
📘 Norskprøven
Official test for levels A1–C1
📖 Duolingo Norwegian
Free app for practice
👥 Tandem
Language exchange with Norwegians on campus
Learning Norwegian is an investment in your future, both in terms of integration and your career. University courses provide an academic foundation, and our tandem partners will help you master spoken language in no time! The 12-week plan is a clear path to level A1–A2 and beyond!
📌 Here's a great tip: combine formats and track your progress weekly. This will help you adapt to Norway faster and be ready for academic and everyday challenges.
FAQ
Yes, it's even useful. For example, take an intensive course at a university + online practice + tandem for conversational speech.
Through international offices at universities, student clubs, as well as online groups on Facebook and Meetup.
