Study in Norway vs the USA: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Norway and the USA— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Norway | the USA |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 151,690 NOK | — |
| Living cost (per month) | 12,641 NOK | 1,800 USD |
| Visa fee | 6,300 NOK | 185 USD |
| Typical processing time | ~12 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| Main intakes | Aug, Jan | Jan, Aug |
| Required documents | 5 | 7 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Norway vs the USA
- Norway publishes a fixed proof-of-funds figure (€13,190/year), while the USA sets it via your admission document.
- the USA is typically faster to process (~8 weeks vs ~12 for Norway).
- Norway asks for fewer required documents (5).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Norway
- Admission to an approved institution
- Funds requirement
- Housing
- Health insurance / membership
Unique to the USA
- Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school
- Proof of funds (per your I-20)
- I-901 SEVIS fee
- DS-160 + visa interview
- Health insurance
- Accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Which student visa is faster, Norway or the USA?
the USA typically processes faster (~8 weeks vs ~12). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Norway or the USA?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Norway publishes a fixed proof-of-funds figure (€13,190/year), while the USA sets it via your admission document. the USA is typically faster to process (~8 weeks vs ~12 for Norway). Norway asks for fewer required documents (5). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.