Master of Astronomy

University of Oslo
Astronomy
Masters
Physical Science & Math
Public University
Norway

A 2-year (120 ECTS) full-time master’s degree program taught in English at Campus Blindern. Hosted by the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics under the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the program investigates fundamental physical processes governing celestial objects, solar physics, cosmology, and galactic structures. Students work closely with world-class research environments, utilizing advanced computational modeling, data analysis, and observational data from international facilities like space observatories and ground-based telescopes.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Oslo
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	1-December,
Fee Per Year	295000
Application Fee
Currency	nok
Intake Link	https://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/master/
Deadline Link	https://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/master/
Intakes	August
Program language requirement	English language proficiency must be documented with a valid TOEFL ibt, IELTS Academic or PTE Academic test score if you are not covered by one of the exemptions. Test results must be valid (not older than two years) on the date of the application deadline. Minimum scores; TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language:TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition, Minimum total score of 90 with at least 19 in reading, 20 in listening, 20 in speaking and 24 in writing. Or Minimum total score of 4.5 with at least 4 in reading, 4.5 in listening, 5 in writing and 4 in speaking (from 21 January 2026). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. IELTS Academic - International English Language Testing System or IELTS Online,Minimum overall band score of 6.5 with at least 6.5 in each component (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Please note that we do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake scores to meet our English language requirements. PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online: Pearson Test of English Academic, Minimum overall score of 62 with at least 58 in each component (listening, reading, speaking and writing).

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s in: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Applied Physics, Geophysics, Mathematics (with strong physics background), or Related Fields

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for advanced technical, analytical, and research careers—such as astrophysicist, research scientist, data scientist, software engineer, and aerospace analyst—across academic institutions, space agencies (such as ESA), high-tech enterprises, software development firms, and meteorological or energy research institutes, as well as eligibility to pursue doctoral (PhD) studies.
Program entry requirement	Bachelor's degree You must have a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree. Degree requirement for Pakistan 4-year bachelor's degree or 2-year bachelor's degree and 2-year master's degree. Required specialisation and minimum grade requirement You must have a specialisation of at least 80 ECTS credits required by the programme and a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C. A Norwegian C is described as a good grade, generally comparable to an American B and a Second Class Upper in the British system. We do not use conversion tables for foreign grades. All foreign education is individually evaluated during the admission process. Please note that eligible applicants who fulfill the minimum grade requirement will compete for a study place. Please see the section on ranking below for more information on which subjects are calculated to determine the minimum grade average. The required specialisation consists of 80 ECTS credits where the following are included: 30 ECTS credits in total within mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics and thermodynamics 30 ECTS credits from the following groups, where at least one topic from each group must be included: Observations / optics / instrumentation / data analysis Special / general theory of relativity / cosmology Gas dynamics / radiation transport / stellar evolution / particle physics / advanced quantum physics 20 ECTS credits in physics, mathematics, astronomy, astrophysics, statistics or informatics, that are not basic courses. Numerical calculations must be included in the required specialisation, as a separate course or as part of other courses. Former knowledge in astronomy/astrophysics is not a requirement, but is considered an advantage. You can your application for Master's to us with a degree from other universities, and get various courses approved from your degree. Contact the Programme coordinator if you have any questions. The following courses from the University of Oslo will cover the required specialisation: AST2000 - Introduction to astrophysics AST2210 - Observational Astronomy AST3220 - Cosmology I AST3310 - Astrophysical plasma and stellar interiors Either FYS-MEK1110 - Mechanics, FYS1100 - Mechanics and Modelling or FYS1105 - Classical Mechanics FYS1120 - Electromagnetism FYS2140 - Quantum physics FYS2160 - Thermodynamics and statistical physics GEO-AST3410 - Planetary Sciences
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 this program.
GMAT Required	No – GMAT is not required for this program.
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	Accredited by NOKUT (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education) under the Norwegian university system.
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 Astronomy Master's program at the University of Oslo?

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor's degree, with at least 80 ECTS credits in the required specialization and a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C. For specific details about required coursework, please refer to the program overview.

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

The Astronomy Master's program at the University of Oslo has a duration of 2 years (120 ECTS) and comprises core coursework and a master's thesis. The program includes 60 ECTS of advanced coursework and a faculty-supervised research project equivalent to 60 ECTS.

What is the application process for international students?

The application process involves applying to the University of Oslo, receiving an unconditional admission letter, transferring tuition fees, completing the online study permit application, and submitting required documents at the nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate.

Are there scholarships available for students applying to this program?

Yes, there are scholarships available for students. For more information about available scholarships, you can visit the designated scholarship page.

Can international students work while studying in Norway?

Yes, international students in Norway are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holidays. Many students find part-time jobs in various sectors such as retail and hospitality.