Frequently asked questions

General information

When can I apply?

As an international student outside the EU you can apply at any time before the application deadline 1 March for the following academic year.

The application deadline for applicants from the EU is 15 April. For exchange students, please see here: Application procedure Exchange students

All applications will be processed after this date, and you will receive an answer to your application by May.

I live in Norway, but my educational background is from outside Norway. How do I apply?

You apply as an international applicant, using the application form for either the Bachelor's or the Master's degree programmes. The application deadline is 15 April for EU/EEA citizens and Nordic applicants, and 1 March for non-EU/international applicants.

What degree programs do you offer in English?

We offer several Master's degree programs in English. See overview.

When does the academic year begin?

Both Master's and Bachelor's degree programs begin in the middle of August each year.

Are there any student accommodations in Ålesund?

Studentsamskipnaden for Sunnmøre (SfS) is a service and welfare organisation for students at Aalesund University college, and providing accommodation for the students is one of their main tasks.

Can I apply for scholarships?

Aalesund University College does not offer any scholarships. For information regarding the Quota Scheme and the quota partners of Aalesund University College, please refer to the web page for the Quota Scheme.

How much is the tuition fees?

Norwegian universities and state university colleges do not charge tuition fees for international students. However, you should take into consideration that living expenses in Norway are higher than in many other countries, and you need to pay for your own books/teaching material.

How much is the semester fee?

Students are required to pay a semester fee of NOK 650 each semester. In order to take an exam this fee will have to be paid in full.

What is the credit and grade system like?

Courses are measured in Study points (studiepoeng) equivalent with the ECTS standard (European Credit Transfer System credits). The full-time workload for one academic year is 60 ECTS credits. Grades for undergraduate and postgraduate examinations are awarded according to a graded scale from A to F. More information can be found here.

What do you mean by Sufficient Funding?

To ensure that you have sufficient funding to cover cost of living (including accommodation, food, transport, books etc), Norwegian authorities require all international students to document how they will finance their studies in Norway when applying for Student Residence Permit to Norway. You also need to transfer a certain amount which is meant to cover for your living costs each year. The required amount for is NOK 94 400 for the academic year 2013/2014, travel to/from Norway not included. The transferred amount is meant as a deposit which you will have access to after you have arrived in Ålesund.

If your application is successful we will send you detailed instructions about how to transfer the amount to Norway. You can only apply for a Student Residence Permit after this transaction has been made.

For further information regarding Studying in Norway, see: Norwegian Directorate of Immigration.

How do I become an exchange student?

Please see here for further information: Admission Exchange students

What is the academic requirement for applying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree programs?

The academic requirements is stated on the webpages for the Bachelor's degree and Master's degree programs.

You must fulfill the academic requirements by the application deadline, meaning that your previous education must be passed and completed.

Information regarding the Bachelor's degree programs

How do I apply for a Bachelor program?

Aalesund University College only offer Bachelor's degree programs in Norwegian. Please see the following webpage for further information: Admission Bachelor programs. Aalesund University College does not accept scanned applications and/or documents. The application and copies of all required documents must be signed and sent by regular post. All copies must be attested as true copies of original by a Notary Public or by a school / university administrator / registrar and bear the name, signature and stamp of the official.

What do I need to include with my application for a Bachelor's degree program?

1) Copy of your passport showing photo, full name, date of birth and nationality.

2) Documentation of change of name, e.g. marriage certificate (if applicable).

3) Secondary school certificate/diploma/transcript.

4) Documentation of sufficient Norwegian knowledge

5) TOEFL or IELTS test result The original English test must be less than 2 years old and sent directly to Aalesund University College from the test center.

6) Letter of recommendation/references from previous higher education and work experience (if applicable).

7) Letter of motivation

8) Documentation of financing (non EU/EEA applicants)

9) A recent photo of yourself must be attached with the signed application

Information regarding the Master's degree programs

How do I apply for the Master's degree program in Ship Design, Master's degree program in Product and Ship Design or Master's degree program in International Business and Marketing?

You must use the application form under Application/admission. Aalesund University College does not accept scanned applications and/or documents. The application and copies of all required documents must be signed and sent by regular post. All copies must be certified as true copies of original by a Notary Public or by a school / university administrator / registrar and bear the name, signature and stamp of the official. The original English test must be sent directly from the test center to Aalesund University College.

What do I need to include with my application for a Master's degree program?

1) Copy of your passport showing photo, full name, date of birth and nationality.

2) Documentation of change of name, e.g. marriage certificate (if applicable)

3) Secondary school certificate/diploma/transcript

4) Official university/college degree certificate/diploma and transcript of records (listing courses/subjects you have completed at your university)

5) TOEFL or IELTS test result The original English test must be less than 2 years old and sent directly to Aalesund University College from the test center.

6) Letter of recommendation/references from previous higher education. If you are applying for a professional Master's degree, you must also send letters from employers confirming relevant work experience.

7) Letter of motivation

8) Documentation of financing (non EU/EEA applicants)

9) A recent photo of yourself must be attached with the signed application

The application form for the Master's degree program is available at Application/admission.

Information about Aalesund University College

What is the mailing address to Aalesund University College?

P.O. Box 1517
NO 6025 ÅLESUND
NORWAY
Tel: +47 70 16 12 00

What is the visiting address to Aalesund University College?

Larsgaardsvegen 2
6009 ÅLESUND
NORWAY
Tel: + 47 70 16 12 00

Who can I ask to be a reference and what should the reference include?

References are usually provided by a present or former employer or a member of academic staff at your previous university. We also accept personal references from a friend or colleague, especially if they have experience in a relevant field. The references are similar to a reference provided for a potential employer in that they are required to give the admissions department an idea of your skills and experience and your suitability to undertake the proposed course of study.

I am an international student, do I need an English language qualification?

Please see our English requirements for Bachelor's degree programs and Master's degree programs.

Do you offer Norwegian courses for international students?

Exchange students or Master students at AAUC may choose to follow a credit-awarding course in Norwegian during their first semester.

How do I know if you have received my application package?

You will receive a confirmation per e-mail that we have received your application package. This may take up to three weeks.

How do I get to AAUC from the airport?

When arriving at Ålesund Vigra Airport you go outside after the baggage claim and find a bus going to Moa. Ask the bus driver to let you off at the stop called Høgskolen (Aalesund University College). The bus ride takes around 30 minutes and costs around NOK 100.

I have further questions, who do I contact?

Please contact our Admissions Coordinator for further information:

E-mail: internationaloffice@hials.no

Tel: + 47 70 16 12 00

For faster service when contacting us by e-mail, please state your name, country and the program you are interested in.