Oslo/Sandvika, Norway
BI Norwegian Business School, established in 1943, is the second largest academic institution in Norway and the one of the largest business schools in Europe. The school is located in the capital city of Oslo, which is known for its beautiful surroundings and thriving nightlife. Norway is one of the least densely populated countries in Europe, which allows for plenty of open spaces for students to explore the beautiful countryside.
There are approximately 20,000 students currently enrolled with BI Norwegian Business School, which allows for a lively student life. International student orientation takes place at the beginning of each term and is designed to ensure that international students have an easy transition into Norwegian life. There are many student unions and clubs available, and exchange students are encouraged to get involved. There is one organization called International Student Group (ISG), which consists of a group of Norwegian students who volunteer their time to help improve the stay for incoming exchange students. BI owns a large cabin in the mountains approximately 3 hours from the school and students are welcome to use it as long as they make reservations. Exchange students always go at least once!
The City
Oslo offers a variety of exciting activities for students who choose to study there. As the oldest capital city in Scandinavia, Oslo is a city steeped in history. The city is nestled between a fjord and rolling hillsides which provides many nature-related excursions possibilities, most of which are accessible by public transportation. In addition to the scenic landscape, Oslo is a thriving city with a fast-paced nightlife. There are many historic monuments, museums, and restaurants that allow students to get a feel for the Norwegian way of life. Norway has a widely contrasting landscape that includes sky-scraping mountains, huge glaciers, green forests, sprawling pastures, and fertile valleys. The Norwegian culture is one that lives in harmony with nature and is known for promoting strong environmental legislation, both at home and internationally. Norway is one of the leading producers of aluminum, magnesium, Ferro-alloys and chemicals, and is a major supplier of oil and natural gas. Due to this, the society’s standard of living is very high and the average GNP per capita is one of the highest in the world.
Term Dates
Fall semester: mid-August to late December
Spring semester: early January to late June
Courses Available
Students can select from a variety of courses from BI Master’s programs (e.g. Business, Finance, Strategic Marketing Management, and Leadership and Organizational Psychology). See course offerings.
Languages
Many courses are offered in English. English is also widely spoken around town, along with Norwegian.
Grade Conversion
| BI Grade | BI Description | UF Assignment | Grad Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 - 1.6 | Fail | E | U |
| 1.7 - 2.0 | Pass | D | U |
| 2.1 - 2.5 | Pass | C | S |
| 2.6 - 2.9 | Acceptable | C+ | S |
| 3.0 - 3.4 | Good | B | S |
| 3.5 - 3.8 | Very Good | B+ | S |
| 3.9 - 4.0 | Excellent | A | S |
Grading scale: 1-4 (although transcripts are returned to the US with A-F letter grades only)
Credit Conversion
Refer to ECTS credit conversions.
Minimum Credit Requirements
Can take minimum 18 ECTS credits (equivalent to 12 UF credits) with home university memo. 30 ECTS credits (18 UF credits) is a standard workload.
Estimated Costs
$1200 per month (based on 2016 estimates), if students use BI housing options. Learn more about the cost of living.
Accommodation
Dorm rooms available for foreign students if application done on time; BI assists in locating housing if you do not get a dorm.
Travel Opportunities
Norway is a large country with many interesting places to visit. Activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, hunting, and fishing are available throughout different areas of the country. The southern portion of the country is a summer paradise with warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. The famous fjords are located on the western coastline and the central portion of the country is rich with history and cultural tradition. Most places throughout Norway are accessible by public trains, boats, and buses, although some of the more remote regions are only accessible by means of a personal automobile. Sweden is located just east of Oslo, which is an interesting excursion as well.