Flag of Norway

Exchange Program: BI Norwegian Business School

Oslo, 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. 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.

Travel Grant: The BI Norwegian Business School is offering a scholarship of NOK 15,000 ($1,700.00 USD) to students studying at BI on exchange for the fall or spring semester.

Please note: students are not accepted into the program until they submit their application and deposit to the UF International Center. You can start your online application today!

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.

Student Life

Modern-style university campus building with circular staircase

There are approximately 22,000 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.

Term Dates

Fall Semester: Early August to late-December
Spring Semester: Early January to late-June

Courses Available

BI offers a variety of business courses for students to choose from. Use our course equivalency database to find out which courses at BI can apply to your UF degree. Please see an academic advisor for information pertaining to requesting additional equivalencies.

Language of Instruction

Courses for exchange students are taught in English.

Grade Conversion

BI GradeUF Grade
AA
BB+
CB
DC
ED
FE

Letter grades are assigned on an A through F scale.

Credit Conversion

BI NBS CreditUF Credit
7.5 ECTS credits4 UF credits (7.5 X .5 = 3.75)
10 ECTS credits (Summer program)6 UF credits (Summer program)
15 ECTS credits8 UF credits (15 X .5 = 7.5)

Credit conversion is on a course-by-course basis – NOT the sum of credits earned.

Estimated Expenses

Rough Expense ComparisonSemester at UFSemester at BI NBS
UF Tuition$3,190$3,190
UFIC Admin. Fee-$425
Health Insurance-$150
Airfare-$1,500
Housing / Utilities$2,995$4,000
Internet / Cable$585Included
Food$2,300$2,300
Books$445$300
Transportation$560$250
Visa-$600
Total$10,075$12,715

Currency

Norwegian Kroner (NOK).

Accommodation

BI Norwegian Business School partners with two student housing providers to guarantee accommodation for foreign exchange students. As long as the application guidelines and instructions are followed, students will have their accommodation settled before arrival. Apartment locations range from a 5 minute walk to a 30 minute commute, students can choose if they prefer to be closer to campus, to the city center or have direct access to the great outdoors! Student accommodation is usually the cheapest housing option in Oslo and provides a great way to meet other students.

Travel Opportunities

Student on cliff overlooking mountains and water in Norway

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 would be an interesting excursion as well.

Useful Location Websites