Master of Biology in Northern Populations & Ecosystems

UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Biology in Northern Populations & Ecosystems
Masters
Life Sciences
Public University
Norway

A 2-year (120 ECTS) full-time international master’s degree program taught in English at Campus Tromsø, Norway. Administered by the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology and anchored within the Northern Populations and Ecosystems Research Group, this specialization focuses on terrestrial Arctic-alpine tundra and boreal forest biomes, training students to analyze population dynamics, food webs, trophic interactions, and ecosystem responses to climate change and human impact.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Tromsø
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	tbc,15-November,
Fee Per Year	150500
Application Fee
Currency	nok
Intake Link	https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=435221
Deadline Link	https://en.uit.no/admission
Intakes	August
Program language requirement	Proof of English proficiency can be documented by using one of the following tests. We do not accept tests that are older than two years by our application deadline. Proof of English proficiency must be submitted with your application by the application deadline. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 85 for an internet-based test (TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition) or 580 for a paper-based test (PBT). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. Make sure to give UiT The Arctic University of Norway access to your verify your score report: Our Institutional code is 0742. Also upload a copy of your test result. IELTS - Academic test: International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) Academic with a minimum of 6.5 points or higher. You must upload the official copy of your test result, which we will verify online. Make sure the TRF-number is clearly visible in the uploaded copy. Pearson PTE Academic test with a minimum score of 62 points Cambridge Assessment English exams: Proficiency (CPE) C or better,Advanced (CAE) C or better,First (FCE) B or better,You have to send your results to UiT the Arctic University of Norway via the Cambridge English Candidate Results Website. You must also upload Statement of Results to the application portal. The European language certificate (telc): English B2, The European language certificate (telc): English B2-C1 University, The European language certificate (telc): all English certificates på C1-level, Course in English at Norwegian upper secondary school (140 hours) with the grade 4 or better, Advanced course in English at Norwegian upper secondary school with the grade 2 or better The following education gives exemption from submitting an English test: a complete or incomplete university degree in English language and literature, with at least 60 ECTS in the subject English. completed an English language Masters' degree' where the language of instruction was English. Applicants with higher education from Pakistan, MUST document proof English test regardless of whether the medium of instruction is in English. Only applicants who have completed university education where the subject English (for example, a full degree in English language and literature) comprised the main component of the course of study (at least 60 ECTS or its equivalent) can be exempted.

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s Degree: A relevant bachelor’s degree in: Ecology Population Biology Conservation Biology Wildlife Management Biology (with ecology/population focus) Environmental Science (with ecosystem focus) Zoology / Botany (with population focus) Natural Resource Management Equivalent life or environmental sciences field

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for expert research, environmental monitoring, resource management, and advisory roles—such as terrestrial ecologist, wildlife manager, conservation officer, environmental consultant, nature management officer, and research/PhD candidate—across public environmental administration bodies, municipal and national resource agencies, research institutes (e.g., NINA, Norwegian Polar Institute), and international environmental organizations.
Program entry requirement	bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) or an equivalent degree following a programme of study of minimum 3 years. a minimum of 80 ECTS in the bachelor's degree must include a specialization in biological topics [i.e., biodiversity (zoology/botany), ecology, cell- and molecular biology, microbiology, physiology (animal/plant), biochemistry and bioinformatics]. a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (3,0) in the ECTS scale. The average grade is calcualted from the entire bachelore´s degree. proof of English language proficiency. (Applicants with education from non-Nordic countries. You will find more information of English language requirements here.) One of the specializations in the Biology - Master’s program have additional qualification requirements. Applicats to the Molecular Environmental Biology specializations must have completed courses in basic and practical molecular biology corresponding to a minimum of 10 ECTS (BIO-2018 or equivalent) or can document hands-on molecular lab experience through a bachelor thesis. Applicants with a degree in Agricultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture studies, Biomedical laboratory sciences ("Bioingeniør"), or Bachelor of Pharmacy, Medicine or Dentistry do not fulfil the admission requirements. Academic Qualifications from Pakistan You must verify your uploaded educational credentials at the Higher Education Commission in Pakistan (HEC Stamp).
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 UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
GMAT Required	No – GMAT is not required for master's programs at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
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 program in Biology at UiT?

To apply for the Master's program in Biology, you need a relevant bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 80 ECTS in biological topics. You must also have a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (3.0) and proof of English language proficiency.

How can I prove my English language proficiency for the program?

Proof of English proficiency can be documented through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE Academic, and Cambridge Assessment English exams. You must submit your test results by the application deadline, and the tests must not be older than two years.

What is the duration and structure of the Master's program?

The Master's program in Biology has a duration of 2 years (120 ECTS) and is divided into 4 semesters. It includes core and methodology foundation courses, specialization and field training modules, and a Master's thesis, which can be either 30 ECTS or 60 ECTS.

Are there scholarship opportunities available for international students?

Yes, there are scholarship opportunities available for international students. You can find more information about available scholarships on the designated scholarship page.

What are the living expenses for students in Tromsø while studying at UiT?

The average living costs in Tromsø range from NOK 12,000 to NOK 16,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. Students should budget around NOK 150,000 to NOK 170,000 per year for living expenses.