Incoming exchange students

This webpage contains lots of information. Make sure to read all the information relevant to your citizenship, and be aware of the following:

• Have all the necessary documents before applying for a residence permit or registering with the police.
• A residence permit application may take up to 2 months (or longer) to be processed. To have your application processed in time for the start of the semester, submit your application within the latest dates:
  • 01 July for studies in the fall semester
  • 01 December for studies in the spring semester
• INN University cannot inform students to which embassy/consulate they must submit the physical documents for their study permit/visa application. For some students, submitting application papers can only happen in a different city/country than the city/country of residence. If you have questions, contact the relevant embassy/consulate (external link), as shown in the online application. 

What is INN University’s organization number and address?

Organizational number: 918108467

Postal address

Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
Campus (enter the correct campus)
P.O. Box 400
2418 Elverum
Norway

Be aware that the visiting address for each campus differs.

I am a non-EU/EEA citizen and an exchange student. Can I enter Norway before my residence permit has been granted?

This option may not be possible due to the immigration restrictions of the global pandemic. Check your options on the UDI webpage. (external link).

 Rules and regulations

This does not apply to full-degree students! 

It is possible to enter Norway before the application for a study permit has been decided or to submit the study permit application at the police station in Norway within 7 days after arrival (external link). However, the online application to UDI must be completed before arrival. The following rules apply:

1. One does not need a visa to enter Norway, or hold a visa or study permit in Norway or another Schengen country, and,
2. one will participate in an exchange programme between a Norwegian and a foreign higher education institution. 

NB: We highly recommend that all students complete their residence permit applications before entering Norway. 

I am studying in the EU/EEA and will come to INN University on an Erasmus+/EEA/Nordplus/Norpart/other grants. Do I need to submit a bank statement (financial statement)?

It depends on the grant. Erasmus+/EEA/Nordplus/Norpart grants do not require students to submit a bank statement with their application. For other grants, please contact the International Office on your campus of study directly. You may be required to submit a document confirming your grant. 

I will attend Campus Elverum and cannot book an appointment with the police station closest to my campus.

Try to book an appointment with a police station in the other municipalities - Gjøvik, Hamar, Lillehammer etc. 

What is the difference between a D-number and a Norwegian National Identification number?

A D-number (external link) is a temporary 11-digit identification number assigned to international students who will reside in Norway for less than six months. It is not given to students applying for a visitor's visa.

A Norwegian National Identification Number (external link) is an 11-digit identification number assigned to each person for life. It is unique, and the first six digits indicate one’s date of birth. Students staying more than six months in Norway will be assigned/must apply for this identification number. 

How long do I need to wait for my application?

The processing for first-time study permits may take 2-3 months. The waiting time may be extended if documents are missing or the application contains errors. 

Check out UDI's guide to view the expected waiting time (external link). Questions regarding the process of one's application must be directed to UDI.