One of the most critical—and often most confusing—requirements for international students applying for a Norwegian student visa is the financial documentation. Unlike many other countries, Norway has a very specific requirement: you must show that you have a certain amount of money set aside in a Norwegian bank account to cover your living expenses for the first year.
This is often called a “bank guarantee” or “deposit account,” and the rules are strict. Failure to follow them correctly can result in your visa application being delayed or denied. This guide covers everything you need to know about the bank guarantee requirement for the Norway student visa in 2026.
The Financial Requirement: How Much Do You Need?
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) sets a minimum amount that you must demonstrate you have for living expenses. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the required amount is:
| Duration of Stay | Required Amount (NOK) |
|---|---|
| Full academic year (10 months) | NOK 166,859 |
| Autumn semester only | NOK 75,845 |
| Spring semester only | NOK 91,014 |
*Source: UDI and multiple university websites *
These amounts are updated annually and are based on UDI’s calculation of minimum living expenses for students in Norway. Important: This amount is for living expenses only. If you are required to pay tuition fees (non-EU/EEA students), those fees are separate and must be paid in addition to this amount .
Important: 2026 vs. Previous Year Amounts
There is an important nuance regarding the amount you need to deposit. The UDI sets new amounts for each academic year, but these are often published after students have already received their admission offers. If you receive your admission before the new amounts are announced, UDI will accept the amount from the previous academic year .
This means that for students admitted for August 2026, if the 2026/2027 amount has not yet been published at the time of your visa application, you may use the 2025/2026 amount of NOK 166,859. Always check the UDI website or your university’s admission information for the latest confirmed figures.
The Bank Account Requirement: Why a Norwegian Account?
This is the most important and non-negotiable part of the financial documentation requirement. The UDI strictly requires that the funds be placed in a Norwegian bank account .
Why This Matters
The UDI will not accept other forms of documentation in most cases. This includes:
- A bank statement from a bank in your home country
- Financial guarantees from relatives or third parties
- Proof of funds held in a foreign account
If you submit these alternative forms of documentation, your application may be:
- Rejected outright, or
- Delayed significantly—and the processing time for residence permits is already approximately two months. A delay could mean you won’t receive your permit in time to start your studies .
The message from Norwegian universities and the UDI is clear: use the university’s deposit account or open a Norwegian bank account if you already have a Norwegian ID number .
How to Deposit Funds: The University Deposit Account
If you do not already have a Norwegian bank account (which you won’t, since you need a Norwegian ID number to open one), you must transfer the required amount to a deposit account managed by your university or the local student welfare organization (SiO/SiÅS/Samskipnaden) .
The Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Receive Your Admission Offer
You must have a formal offer of admission from a Norwegian university before you can begin this process .
Step 2: Get the Deposit Account Details
Your university will provide you with the bank account details for the deposit account. These details are usually sent by email after you have accepted your admission offer . Do not attempt to transfer funds before you have these details, as your payment may not be identifiable.
Step 3: Transfer the Funds
Transfer the required amount (NOK 166,859 for a full year) to the deposit account. You must include your full name and date of birth (or your applicant/student number) in the transfer reference so that the university can identify your payment .
Key Rules for the Transfer:
- Transfer in your own name: Even if a family member makes the transfer for you, the reference must include your full name and date of birth .
- Be aware of fees: Your bank will likely charge a fee for the international transfer. You must ensure that the full amount arrives in Norway. Some universities recommend transferring a little extra to account for currency fluctuations and bank fees .
- Deadlines: There are strict deadlines for transferring the deposit. For the autumn semester, the deadline is usually June 1st or June 15th. For the spring semester, it is usually November 1st or December 1st . Transfers made after the deadline will be returned to the sender .
Step 4: Receive Your Confirmation
Once the university receives your funds, the finance department will send you a confirmation of deposit document by email . This is the official document you will submit with your visa application. Keep this document safe.
Step 5: Submit Your Visa Application
Use the confirmation of deposit from your university, along with your own bank receipts for the transfer, when you submit your residence permit application at the VFS Visa Application Centre or Norwegian embassy/consulate in your home country .
University Deposit Account Details (Examples)
While the specific details vary by university, the process is similar across institutions. Here are examples from different Norwegian universities to give you an idea of what to expect:
| University | Deposit Account Details | Deadline | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Inland Norway (INN) | Account: 7694 05 00660; IBAN: NO36 7694 0500 660; SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX | June 1 (autumn), Dec 1 (spring) | International Office |
| University of Oslo (UiO) | Managed by SiO; register via MyPage to get invoice | June 15 (autumn), Nov 1 (spring) | udideposit@sio.no |
| University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) | Account: 8276.01.00230; IBAN: NO2682760100230; SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX | June 10 (autumn), Nov 15 (spring) | Accounting Department |
| NMBU | Managed by SiÅS; Account: 1654 05 03420; IBAN: NO1416540503420; SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX | May 15 | studyfunds@sias.no |
| UiT The Arctic University of Norway | Managed by Samskipnaden; Account: 9731 05 35307; SWIFT: DABANO22 | Not specified | okonomi@samskipnaden.no |
Note: Always use the details provided directly by your university. Do not rely solely on third-party websites for banking information.
What Happens to Your Money After You Arrive?
Once you arrive in Norway, you will need to access the money you deposited. The process varies by university and student welfare organization.
Prepaid Debit Card
Many universities offer a reloadable prepaid debit card that allows you to access your funds while you wait for your Norwegian bank account to be opened .
Key Details:
- You can request the card upon arrival. Some universities require you to book an appointment to collect it .
- The card is typically loaded with NOK 20,000 initially .
- There is usually a one-time fee for the card (e.g., NOK 150-200) .
- You can use the card to pay for living expenses, including rent, food, and other necessities.
Transfer to Your Norwegian Bank Account
The ultimate goal is to open your own Norwegian bank account. Once you have your Norwegian identification number (D-number or national ID number) —which you will receive after registering with the police—you can open a bank account . Once the account is open, you can request that the remaining deposit funds be transferred to your new account .
Paying for Housing
Some universities and student welfare organizations will allow you to use part of your deposit to pay your housing deposit or rent directly. You may need to authorize this transfer by filling out a form .
What If Your Visa Is Denied?
If your residence permit application is denied for any reason, your funds will be returned to the account they were originally transferred from. Be aware that:
- Bank fees may apply, so the amount returned may be less than the amount you sent .
- Exchange rate fluctuations may also affect the final amount .
- A service fee may be deducted for processing the refund (e.g., NOK 350 at UiT) .
Tuition Fees: A Separate Requirement
For students from outside the EU/EEA, tuition fees are a separate requirement from the living expense deposit. Tuition fees vary by institution and program.
At the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) , for example, the 2026/2027 tuition fees are expected to be approximately:
- Bachelor’s programmes: 140,000 NOK per year
- Master’s programmes: 200,000 NOK per year
These fees are in addition to the NOK 166,859 living expense deposit .
You will receive a separate invoice for tuition fees, and you must pay this directly to the university, not through the deposit account . If you have deposited funds in the living expense account, you may be able to authorize the student welfare organization to pay the tuition fees from that account on your behalf .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Transferring funds to the wrong account | Delays or non-identification of your payment; funds may be returned |
| Missing the deposit deadline | Admission offer may be withdrawn; you will need to reapply next year |
| Not including your name in the transfer reference | The university cannot identify your payment, causing delays |
| Submitting a home country bank statement instead of using the deposit account | Visa application may be rejected or severely delayed |
| Transferring after the deadline | Funds will be returned, and you may lose bank fees |
| Not accounting for bank fees | The full required amount may not arrive in Norway, causing delays |
Summary: Key Takeaways for 2026
- The required amount is NOK 166,859 for the full academic year (subject to confirmation for 2026/2027) .
- You must place these funds in a Norwegian bank account. Since you cannot open a Norwegian account from abroad, use your university’s deposit account .
- Transfer deadlines are strict. For autumn 2026, aim to transfer by June 1st or June 15th, depending on your university .
- Include your full name and date of birth in the transfer reference .
- Once you arrive, you can access your money via a prepaid debit card and eventually transfer it to your own Norwegian bank account .
- Tuition fees are separate from the living expense deposit .
- Failure to follow these rules can result in your visa application being rejected or delayed beyond your study start date .
Disclaimer: Visa and financial requirements are subject to change. This guide reflects information available as of March 2026. Always verify current requirements with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and your specific university before applying.