study in Trondheim
Norway's technology capital — home to NTNU, the country's main engineering university, with the strongest student culture in Norway.
Trondheim is Norway's engineering city. NTNU is the country's principal technical university and by some distance its largest, and the city is organised around it — student associations, the enormous student society building, and a social culture that is genuinely campus-centred.
The research environment extends beyond the university: SINTEF, one of Europe's largest independent research organisations, is based here, which gives engineering and applied science students access to real project work.
It is far north — the winters are long and dark, with the compensation of very long summer days. Living costs sit below Oslo, and student welfare housing is well developed.
One large technical university dominating the city.
NTNU — Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Norway's largest university and its main technical one; engineering, computer science, architecture, medicine and natural sciences.Nord University
Further north; aquaculture, biosciences, business and nursing across several campuses.Trondheim costs less than Oslo, with well-developed student welfare housing keeping accommodation affordable by Norwegian standards. Tuition and the UDI funds requirement apply as everywhere in the country.
Against the other cities we cover in Norway, Trondheim is mid-range. That is our reading of this country’s own spread, not a published index.
The funds UDI requires you to document are NOK 151,690 for the year.
The practical texture of the place — what a week actually looks like.
Climate
Cold and northern — long dark winters with snow, and very long summer days. Winter clothing is essential.
Getting around
Buses with student rates, plus a compact centre and a cycling culture that persists outside winter.
Housing
Sit, the regional student welfare organisation, runs subsidised housing well below the private market. Apply on admission.
Working
Normally up to 20 hours a week during term, full time in holidays. Engineering roles through the university and research institutes are the strongest route.
Student culture
The most developed in Norway — student associations and the student society run much of the city's social life.
Research
SINTEF and NTNU together make this the densest applied-research environment in the country.
As everywhere in Norway, UDI requires NOK 151,690 for the year to be documented before a study permit is granted.
Combine that with the tuition introduced for non-EEA students in 2023 and Norway's entry cost is now high — plan the funds transfer from Nepal months in advance. What Trondheim gives in return is the country's strongest engineering environment at costs below Oslo, plus student welfare housing that materially reduces the ongoing burden.
Trondheim is one of 3 cities we cover in Norway. Tap any pin to compare — the city you pick moves your total cost more than almost any other choice you make.