Master of Geosciences in Earth’s Structures & Planetary Processes

University of Oslo
Geosciences in Earth's Structures & Planetary Processes
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 Department of Geosciences under the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, this programme option investigates the solid Earth and planetary bodies, focusing on tectonic processes, magmatism, metamorphism, structural deformation, and mineral physics over deep time. Students combine field mapping, microstructural analysis, petrological experiments, and geochemical techniques to decode the thermal and mechanical history of the Earth’s crust and mantle.

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	The English language requirement for programmes taught in English: English language proficiency for programmes taught in English 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. The test result cannot be 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 4.5 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: Geosciences, Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography (with physical geography focus), Hydrology, Meteorology, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or Related Fields

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for specialized research, technical, and analytical careers—such as hard-rock geologist, structural geologist, geochemist, geodynamicist, and research scientist—across mineral resource industries, energy sectors, geological surveys, environmental and geotechnical consulting firms, and academic research institutions, 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 specialization is comprised of 80 ECTS credits, consisting of: Either: 50 ECTS credits in courses at bachelor's level in subject areas offered by the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo where at least 30 ECTS are advanced courses at bachelor's level (equivalent to 2000- and 3000-courses at the University of Oslo), of which at least 10 ECTS are within the subject areas of the programme option, such as sedimentology, structural geology, biostratigraphy, paleontology. 30 ECTS credits at bachelor's level within the subject areas mathematics / statistics / informatics / physics / mechanics / chemistry. Or: 80 ECTS credits at bachelor's level within natural sciences selected from up to three of the following subject areas: mathematics / statistics / informatics / physics / mechanics / chemistry / biosciences. Accepted applicants lacking a background in geosciences will be required to take a different selection of mandatory and elective courses. See the programme structure for more information.
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 entry requirements for the Master's program in Geosciences at the University of Oslo?

Applicants must have a recognized bachelor's degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor's degree, with at least 80 ECTS credits in relevant subject areas and a minimum average grade of C or equivalent. Specific foundational coursework in geosciences or related fields is also required.

How much does the Master's program in Geosciences at the University of Oslo cost?

The tuition fee for the Master's program is NOK 295,000 per year, and there is no application fee.

What are the English language requirements for international students applying to this program?

International students must provide proof of English language proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, with specific minimum scores required for each test. The test result must not be older than two years by the application deadline.

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 various sectors such as retail and hospitality.

What opportunities are available for students after graduating from the Master's program?

Graduates can apply for a 12-month Job Seeker Residence Permit to search for employment in Norway. After securing a qualifying job, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, which can lead to long-term residency.