Master of Community Development & Social Innovation in Diakonia & Leadership in Christian Social Practice

VID Specialized University
Community Development & Social Innovation in Diakonia & Leadership in Christian Social Practice
Masters
Social & Behavioural Science
Private University
Norway

A 2-year (120 ECTS) full-time master’s degree program taught in English at the Oslo campus. Grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this specialized track focuses on the theories and practices of faith-based professional service, exploring how diaconal values shape social action, community building, and institutional leadership. Students examine the role of churches and religious organizations as active agents in local and global welfare, civil society engagement, and social change.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Oslo
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	1-December,
Fee Per Year	131840
Application Fee
Currency	nok
Intake Link	https://www.vid.no/en/studies/community-development-and-social-innovation-master
Deadline Link	https://www.vid.no/en/student/application-and-admission/how-to-apply-for-a-full-degree-programme-at-vid
Intakes	August
Program language requirement	Most non-native English speakers, and some native English speakers, have to document their proficiency in English by taking one of these internationally recognised tests: TOEFL, IELTS or PTE test results. You must document one of the following: TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language,TOEFL PBT, TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition with a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test (PBT) or a score of 80 on the internet-based test (IBT), with at least 19 in reading, 19 in listening, 19 in speaking and 23 in writing. TOEFL MyBest Score does not meet our English language requirements. IELTS - International English Language Testing System, IELTS Academic Test with an overall minimum band score of 6.0 as well as 6.0 in each component (listening, reading, speaking and writing),PEARSON - Pearson Test of English Language,PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online with a minimum overall score of 55 with at least 51 in each component (listening, reading, speaking and writing). TOEFL/IELTS tests are only considered valid for 2 years after the test date.

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, specifically: Community Development / Social Development Social Work / Social Welfare Sociology / Social Sciences Political Science / Public Administration Anthropology / Cultural Studies Development Studies / International Development Education (with community focus) Human Geography (with development focus) Social Innovation / Social Entrepreneurship (emerging field)

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for specialized professional, pastoral-administrative, and leadership careers—such as diaconal leader, project manager, community organizer, church and NGO program developer, and policy advisor—across faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international relief agencies, health and welfare institutions, and public sector welfare administration, as well as eligibility to pursue doctoral (PhD) studies.
Program entry requirement	Check your eligibility Find out the requirements you need to meet in order to study in a full degree programme at VID as an international student, including academic entry requirements and level of English proficiency. For all programmes, you will need to demonstrate the following. Language proficiency That you meet our English language requirements described below. Secondary education Depending on where you completed your upper secondary education, you may be required to have more than three years of university education. Please check the requirements for each country in the GSU list for details on what we require from your home country in order toqualify for the Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification. Higher education To apply for a master's degree programme, you must have completed a bachelor's degree of a minimum of three years at a recognised higher educational institution. Every study programme at VID has its own specific set of entry requirements. You will find the academic entry requirements under the heading 'Application' on each course page. Please note that bachelor’s degrees from some countries may not be recognised as equivalent to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree. Significant differences between the education systems in Norway and the country of origin may mean that only parts of the foreign education are recognised as equivalent to Norwegian higher education. The list of requirements for Higher Education Entrance Qualification for Persons with Foreign Education - the GSU list is a guiding tool for deciding whether full or partial recognition can be granted. Required documents As part of the application process you will need to provide us with the following supporting documents. Copies of your passport including your photo, full name, date of birth and nationality Proof of English language proficiency Academic transcripts of records and bachelor's diploma from your university Diploma/certificate/transcript from Higher Secondary School as specified for your country in the GSU list. This document does not need to be translated. Marriage/change of name certificate, if applicable A supplementary application form, this will be listed under «Application» on the course page for you to download and fill in After you have registered as an applicant and submitted the online application, a receipt will be sent to your registered email address. Please make sure there are no misspellings and that you provide a current email address.
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 eligibility requirements for the Master in Community Development and Social Innovation at VID Specialized University?

To be eligible for the Master's program, applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, humanities, theology, or social work. They must also meet English language proficiency requirements, which can be demonstrated through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

How long does the Master's program in Community Development and Social Innovation last?

The program duration is 2 years (120 ECTS), comprising four semesters of full-time study at the Oslo campus.

Is there an application fee for the Master's program?

No, there is no application fee required to apply for the Master's program in Community Development and Social Innovation at VID Specialized University.

What is the cost of living for students in Oslo while studying at VID Specialized University?

The average living costs for students in Oslo 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.

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. Many students find part-time jobs in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and customer service.