How to find a job
Finding a job in Norway can be very challenging. To receive wages, one must have a D-number/Norwegian ID number, a Norwegian bank account and a tax card. The entire process can take several months.
Getting a job in the first semester at INN Univesity is very unlikely. Students are not recommended to believe they will find a job soon after arrival. You must be prepared that finding a job during your stay may not be possible.
1. Complete the registration/study permit procedure applicable according to your nationality
Nordic students only need to register for a move to Norway.
EU/EEA students only need to register with the Police to start working part-time in Norway. No working hour limitation.
Non-EU/EEA students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during holidays, during their first year of study. A study permit must be granted to have the right to work.
Students must apply for a Tax Deduction Card and (in most instances) a Norwegian bank account to receive wages for a part-time job. Transfer fees may be included if the employer can transfer the wage to your international bank account.
NB: Be aware that the work permit is not automatically renewed with the residence permit. Students must document satisfactory study progress to continue working up to 20 hours per week.
2. Look for a job
Be aware that finding a part-time job in Norway can be challenging. Most part-time jobs require a high level of Norwegian language proficiency. Not all jobs are advertised through online job portals such as www.finn.no, www.jobbnorge.no, and www.nav.no (external links). Visit employers in the Campus city/city closest to the Campus with the CV and Cover Letter. Employers may be hiring but do not always advertise it online.
For additional tips related to the resume and application, contact the International Office. Make sure to have a draft of both documents.
Tips for your Cover letter
- Focus on education and experience and how it is relevant to the job. Documentation confirming the experience/education from employers/institutions/others should be prepared in English.
- Never provide the original documents. The employer might request copies of the documents unless the job description states that it needs to be included.
- Inform of relevant interest relevant to the job.
- Be humble.
- Do not shorten words: I'm -> I am, it's -> it is, that's -> that is etc. Be professional and polite.
- Do not use abbreviations without providing the whole name. E.g., Write INN University first as "Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN University)".
Tips for your CV
- Add references who can be contacted by the possible employer if needed. This is recommended so the possible employer can check the information you have provided in your CV. Ensure not to include fancy words (adjectives) that your references cannot confirm.
- Keep it clean and simple. Adding too many design elements is not needed.
- Do a spell check to ensure no grammatical errors (words, spaces, letters, dots, etc.). Nobody likes to read a sloppy CV.
- Use a "professional" picture. Make sure to be well dressed.
- Never provide personal information, such as complete identification and bank account numbers.
- Make sure to highlight skills and positive aspects.
- Focus on 2-3 references who can confirm what is written in the CV.
- Tailor the CV to each employer/job.
3. When you have found a job
Getting your wages in Norway is impossible until you have received a Tax Deduction Card and possibly applied for a Norwegian bank account.
Tax Deduction Card
Everyone working in Norway is obliged to pay taxes on their earnings. Check out the Norwegian Tax Administration's webpage (external link) for information on how to obtain the card and work in Norway. Appointments with the Tax Office can be booked online.
In some instances, the employer may apply for a Tax Deduction Card on behalf of the student. However, in most instances, students must apply for a Tax Deduction Card.
Bring the following documents to your appointment with the Tax Office:
- The completed application form (RF-1209)
- The passport / national ID card that includes your sex.
- If this is not included in your ID card, and you do not have your passport, you will need to bring a Birth Certificate.
- A residence card (non-EU/EEA) / registration certificate (EU/EEA).
- An employment contract or written offer of employment.
NB: Students cannot be granted a Tax Deduction Card without having a job/a job offer. The employer is not responsible for requesting a tax deduction card on the student's behalf. The employer will withhold 50% of the wages if one does not obtain one.
Norwegian bank account
If the employer cannot transfer the wage to your international bank account, or you do not wish to lose some wage due to transfer fees, apply for a Norwegian bank account. It is more likely that employers can transfer wages to bank accounts in the EU/EEA than outside of the EU/EEA.
How to get a Norwegian bank account:
When you have completed the steps above, registered at the Police Station, and applied for and received a Tax Deduction Card (and possible D-number/Norwegian ID Number), you can apply for a bank account.
- Contact a local bank to generate an account (e.g., DNB, Sparebank 1). You will need to bring
- Your ID card/passport.
- The Tax Deduction Card.
- The document confirming your D-number/ Norwegian ID number (EU/EEA) or the residence permit card (non-EU/EEA).
- Your job contract.
- Additional documents that the bank may need/request upon appointment.
Managing your funds
As finding a job is very difficult, we highly recommend you make a monthly budget with your own funds (personal funds/scholarship funds) and keep track of your expenses, if needed.
Scholarships and grants
Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN University) does not offer scholarships/grants to exchange or full-degree students. To view other possible scholarships and grants that may apply to you, see www.studyinnorway.no (external link).
Student budget
To live comfortably in Norway, students should have a minimum of NOK 10.000-12.000 per month. Non-EU/EEA students (exchange and full-degree) must prove they have sufficient funds for admission. This is not required for exchange students on grants from an EU/EEA institution.
Recommended monthly budget
- Accommodation - starting from NOK 3.500-6.000 (on-campus housing)
- Food and transportation - NOK 2.500
- Books and supplies - NOK 1.000
- Gym, entertainment, health care, etc. - NOK 2.500
These estimated costs will vary according to the type of accommodation (and where the accommodation is located), books/supplies needed, etc. It is recommended that one make a budget during one's exchange or studies.