Master of Theology & Ministry

NLA University College
Theology & Ministry
Masters
Arts & Humanities
Private University
Norway

A 2-year (120 ECTS) postgraduate degree taught in English at Campus Bergen using a flexible format combining short intensive campus sessions with online study. It bridges rigorous academic theology with practical ministry leadership, preparing church leaders, educators, and organizational managers to navigate ministry in a changing society.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Bergen
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	1-February,
Fee Per Year	130000
Application Fee
Currency	nok
Intake Link	https://www.nla.no/en/for-students/new-student/important-dates-during-the-academic-year2/
Deadline Link	https://www.nla.no/en/for-students/new-student/for-degree-seeking-students/
Intakes	August
Program language requirement	International applicants whose first language is not English, must document their English proficiency in one of the following ways: TOEFL (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 80 points on the internet-based test (IBT). TOEFL results must be sent directly from ETS (code 1886), and the test must not be older than 2 years. IELTS (the International English Language Testing System, academic) with an overall band score of 6.0 or better, with 5.5 as the minimum score for each of the four categories listening, reading, writing and speaking. The IELTS results must be verifiable online, and not older than 2 years. The applicant will be exempted from taking an English test, if such a test is not required according to NOKUT’s GSU-list. To be exempted, the applicant must provide the relevant secondary school documentation from the country in question, or the relevant higher education documentation, as specified in the GSU-list. In exceptional cases applicants may provide proof of English proficiency in other ways, with the level of competence equivalent to the test results required for TOEFL and IELTS. Applicants are required to submit a one-page motivational letter, explaining the reasons for applying for the study. In the admission process, applicants are assessed competitively according to their grades. The course TEOL360 Avsluttande praktikum, which can be a relevant elective course by application, has its own admission requirements, see course description.

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree in Theology or a very closely related field (e.g., Biblical Studies, Church History, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Religious Studies with substantial Christian theology).

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for leadership roles in churches, free church denominations, Christian non-profits, and educational institutions. Specific tracks fulfill key qualification requirements for Catechists and second-career Pastors in the Church of Norway, while also laying a foundation for PhD research in practical theology.
Program entry requirement	To be admitted to the Master’s Programme in Theology and Ministry, the applicant must meet the following criteria: Completed a 3- or 4- year bachelor’s degree (depending on the country in which the degree was completed), including a specialisation of at least 80 ECTS credits in the following theological disciplines: biblical theology, church history, systematic theology, and practical theology. In special cases, the institution may recognize other documented qualifications as completely or partly equivalent to the educational pathways mentioned above. Applicants are required to possess an average grade of C or higher (ECTS) in the undergraduate study. Grade records from foreign institutions will be converted in line with common conversion scales or by individual assessment. International applicants whose first language is not English, must document their English proficiency in one of the following ways: TOEFL (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 80 points on the internet-based test (IBT). TOEFL results must be sent directly from ETS (code 1886), and the test must not be older than 2 years. IELTS (the International English Language Testing System, academic) with an overall band score of 6.0 or better, with 5.5 as the minimum score for each of the four categories listening, reading, writing and speaking. The IELTS results must be verifiable online, and not older than 2 years. The applicant will be exempted from taking an English test, if such a test is not required according to NOKUT’s GSU-list. To be exempted, the applicant must provide the relevant secondary school documentation from the country in question, or the relevant higher education documentation, as specified in the GSU-list. In exceptional cases applicants may provide proof of English proficiency in other ways, with the level of competence equivalent to the test results required for TOEFL and IELTS. Applicants are required to submit a one-page motivational letter, explaining the reasons for applying for the study. In the admission process, applicants are assessed competitively according to their grades.
Required GPA	A recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.7–3.0/4.0 or equivalent. Competitive universities generally prefer 3.0/4.0 or higher.
GRE Required	No – GRE is not required for master's programs at NLA University College.
GMAT Required	No – GMAT is not required for master's programs at NLA University College.
Application Process	1. Apply to an accredited Norwegian higher education institution and secure full-time admission. 2. Receive your official unconditional admission letter confirming your study program. 3. Transfer required living expenses and tuition fees to the university's deposit account or an approved Norwegian bank account. 4. Create an account on the UDI Application Portal Norway and complete the online study permit application. 5. Pay the required UDI residence permit application fee online and download your cover letter. 6. Prepare supporting documents: passport, admission letter, deposit receipt, housing documentation, and insurance. 7. Book a submission appointment at the nearest Norwegian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global Centre. 8. Attend your appointment to submit your document checklist, give biometric data, and submit your passport. 9. Track your application status on the UDI portal and await the official decision. 10. Travel to Norway after permit approval and register with the local police station to obtain your Residence Card.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditation	NOKUT accredited (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education).
Living expenses	Living Expenses: Average living costs range from NOK 12,000–16,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. Students should budget around NOK 150,000–170,000 per year.
Visa Process Details	1. Passport: Valid passport with required validity and blank pages (Mandatory). 2. CNIC / B-Form / FRC: Applicant ID and family relationship documents (Mandatory). 3. Photographs: Recent biometric passport-sized photos (Mandatory). 4. Offer letter: Official unconditional admission letter (Mandatory). 5. Tuition fee receipt: Deposit, tuition payment, or scholarship proof (Mandatory/Conditional). 6. Academic documents: Transcripts, degrees, and required attestations (Mandatory). 7. Language certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or language test proof (Conditional). 8. CV / resume: Updated resume with education and gap details (Mandatory/Conditional). 9. SOP / motivation letter: Study plan and home ties explanation (Mandatory/Conditional). 10. Financial documents: Bank statements, income proof, and source of funds (Mandatory). 11. Sponsor documents: Sponsor ID, affidavit, and income proof (Conditional). 12. Accommodation proof: Housing booking, contract, or university letter (Mandatory/Conditional). 13. Insurance: Travel and health insurance coverage (Mandatory/Conditional). 14. Police certificate: Character clearance certificate if required (Conditional). 15. Medical certificate: Medical clearance certificate if required (Conditional). 16. Translations / legalization: Certified translations or legalization if required (Conditional). 17. Previous refusals: Visa refusal letters and explanation if applicable (Mandatory if applicable). 18. Travel history: Copies of previous visas and travel stamps (Conditional). 19. Family / home ties: Return proof such as FRC, property, or job ties (Recommended). 20. Country-specific: UDI application portal cover letter (Country-specific). 21. Country-specific: Funds deposit in a Norwegian or student bank account (Country-specific). 22. Country-specific: Housing documentation if required (Country-specific).
Part timework	Part-time Work: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holidays. Many students find part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, customer service, and campus roles.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunity: After graduation, eligible students can apply for a 12-month Job Seeker Residence Permit to stay in Norway and search for employment. Once they secure a qualifying job, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, which can lead to long-term residence if eligibility requirements are met.

What are the admission requirements for the Master's Programme in Theology and Ministry?

To be admitted, applicants must have a completed bachelor's degree with a specialization of at least 80 ECTS in theological disciplines, a minimum average grade of C, and must document English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores. Additionally, a one-page motivational letter is required.

Is there an application fee for the Master's Programme in Theology and Ministry?

No, there is no application fee required for this programme.

What is the duration and structure of the Master's Programme in Theology and Ministry?

The programme lasts for 2 years (120 ECTS) and is taught using a hybrid model, combining two week-long campus sessions per semester with structured online modules. Coursework includes advanced modules in practical theology and ministry reflection, along with elective options and a Master's Thesis project.

What are the living expenses for students attending this programme in Bergen?

Average living costs range from NOK 12,000 to 16,000 per month, totaling approximately NOK 150,000 to 170,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses.

Can international students work while studying in Norway?

Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holidays, with many finding part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, customer service, and campus roles.