Frequently asked questions

When do the programs begin and when should I apply?

Master and Bachelor programs begin in the middle of August each year. As an international student outside the EU you can apply at any time before the deadline which is 1st March.

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

All applications will be considered after this date, and you will receive an answer to your application within the month of May.

What degree programs do you offer in English?

We offer the following Master of Science programs in English: Product and System Design and Shipdesign. Admission requirement is a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Technology or equivalent relevant education.

What are 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.

What about semester fee?

Students will have 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. But the fee also grants you membership in the local student welfare organization, which entitles you to several benefits.

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 foreign 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 approximately NOK 91 000, 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.

What is the credit and grade system like?

Courses are measured in Study points (studiepoeng) equalling 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.

• A - Excellent
• B - Very good
• C - Good
• D - Fair
• E - Sufficient
• F - Fail

The grade Passed/Not Passed is used in some courses

How do I apply for a Bachelor program?

We only offer Bachelor programs in Norwegian. Please click here for further information: Admission Bachelor programs.

How do I become an exchange student?

Please see here for further information: Admission Exchange students

How do I apply for the Master program in Shipdesign?

Look for the application form under Admission and Funding.

How do I apply for the Master program in Shipdesign?

Look for the application form under Admission and Funding.

What do I need to include in my application for a Master program?

Please see the instructions on the application form.

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.

What do I need to include in my application for a Master program?

You will find this information under “instructions” the Master application form.

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

Please see our English requirements: English requirements

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:

Tel: + 47 70 16 12 00

E-mail: internationaloffice@hials.no

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