FAQ for international master's programmes

Application process

Do all my documents have to be uploaded by 1 December (non-EU/non-EEA) /1 March (EU/EEA)?
You should aim to have all your documents uploaded by the deadline. However, we accept English language documentation and HEC verfication reports (uploaded to Søknadsweb, by post or email) and CDGDC verfication reports  (by post) up until:

• 1 February  for non-EU/non-EEA students
• 1 April  for EU/EEA students

When do I send hard copies of my documentation?
We do no longer require hard copies of your documentation, as all documents should be uploaded to your online application, unless you are from one of the countries where we require transcripts sent directly from your university or verification from a national agency. 

Can I fill out the application form electronically, or should I fill it out by hand? 
Both are fine, as long as you remember to sign the form before you upload it.

Must I sign the form, I do not have access to a scanner?
You must print and sign the application form. However, it is possible to take a photo of the documents instead of scanning it. Just make sure it is easily readable. 

Can I apply under the Quota Scheme?
The Quota Scheme has been discontinued and there will be no more admissions. 

Financing

How do I provide documentation if I have a private sponsor? 
You have to submit a letter from your sponsor, confirming that he/she is willing to be your sponsor for the required amount of money.

How do I provide documentation that I will finance myself? 
You must submit a certified copy of your bank statement, showing that you have the required amount in your account.

How old can the bank statement for documenting financing be? 
The statement should be no older than 3 months at the time of applying. 

As the master's degree programme lasts for two years, do I need to document financing for two years? 
You need to document financing for one year.  However, you will only get a residence permit for one year, and this must be renewed for the second year. With your application for renewal, you will have to show documentation of financing again. 

Does NTNU offer any scholarships? 
NTNU does not offer any scholarships. 

See the section on financing for more information

Motivation, portfolio and CV

Should I provide a motivation letter and CV? Is there a required format?
Yes, please submit a CV and motivation letter. There is no particular format/layout.

Is a portfolio necessary to apply for an architecture programme?
A portfolio is not mandatory, but may be beneficial to your application when applying for the Master's Programme in Architecture.

Is a portfolio necessary to apply to the Master of Fine Art?
Yes, you must submit a portfolio. The deadline for all applicants to upload a Visual Arts Portfolio and supporting material is 1 February 2017. Please follow the guidelines in the Application Procedures section of KiT.

English language requirements

Do you accept institutional TOEFL tests?
No, we do not.

What is NTNU's TOEFL Department Code?
The department code is 9652.

What is the validity of my English language test?
We will only accept English tests that are no more than two years old when studies commence at NTNU. This means that tests taken before August 2015 will not be accepted.

See the English language requirements section for more information

Transcripts, records, diplomas

Must I send the certificate from my higher secondary school?
Yes, we require you to upload secondary education certificates or a diploma. If you are an EU/EEA citizen applying for an exemption from the English requirement, you must document this by supplying a grade transcript or similar.

My GPA is based on a different grading scale than the one you are using. Should I convert my GPA to the ECTS-scale?
No, you should not convert your grades. Please just write your GPA according to the grading scale used at your university. We will make the necessary conversion when we start going through the applications.

I have not completed my bachelor degree by the application deadline. What should I do?
Supply the information you have at the time of applying, such as grade transcripts and courses in progress. Submit your final grade transcript and diploma as soon as you have them. Your degree must be completed by semester start in August 2017.

Should I provide my CDGDC-verfication in both English and Chinese?
We only need CDGDC-verification of the English version of your transcript and diploma.

What is the minimum GPA score NTNU accepts?
Most master's degree programs require an average grade of C or better on the ECTS scale as a minimum requirement for admission.  NTNU converts GPAs for education from other countries than Norway, and applicants are ranked based on this assessment. We do not have the capacity to assess your grade average before you apply. 

Passport and personal information

Can I send to you a certified copy of my national card instead of my passport?
Yes, a certified copy of a valid national ID card is acceptable if you do not yet have a passport. However, note that we cannot process your application unless we receive some form of official ID document, so you must supply either a passport or some other form of national ID card. Your application will not be considered unless this is submitted.

Admission and rejection letters

Admission and rejection letters will be sent by email.
Please note that due to the huge number of applicants, we cannot respond individually to people who want to know the results of the admissions process before we send the acceptance and rejection letters. We regret this, and wish all applicants the best of luck.

What do I do about applying for visa/ residence permit?
The electronically generated admissions letter sent to you by email is valid and can be submitted as proof of your acceptance when you apply for a student visa to Norway. Please apply for a visa as soon as possible using your email confirmation of admission. The visa process can be time consuming and it is best to initiate it as soon as you have the necessary paperwork, including the email admissions letter.

I have been accepted, now what?

What is NTNU's organization number?
974767880

What is the name of the Norwegian bank where I should transfer money when I apply for a visa?
The name of the bank is DNB NOR, NO-0021 OSLO

Can I defer my admission until next year?
No, you cannot. If you for some reason do not accept your offer, you must apply again next year. Please inform us as soon as possible if you decide not to accept.

When do I get a reply confirmation that you have received the deposit money I transferred?
It usually takes between 7-14 days for international transfers to come through, sometimes longer. NTNU will send you a confirmation as soon as the money is in our account.

I am having trouble transferring money from my home country, but the admission letter says the money must be transferred by the students themselves. Is it possible to have someone else transfer money for me?
Yes, someone else can transfer this money for you; however, it needs to be clear from the transfer which student the transfer is intended for – the student's name will need to be clearly stated.

How do I apply for a visa/ residence permit?
Please see udi.no and apply as soon as you have received your admission letter and other information by email. We recommend that you apply for you visa by 1 June, or as soon as you have all the documentation you require.

May I bring my wife/ husband and children with me?
For information regarding family immigration, please visit UDI's webpage. Please note that we only offer single rooms for admitted students. If you plan to bring your family you must arrange for accommodation on your own.