Study Guide for the Norway Working Holiday Visa

Written by Volare | April 8, 2026

One of the most frequent questions among applicants for the Norway Working Holiday Visa is whether this permit allows for academic activities. Although the main objective of this visa is cultural exchange and temporary employment, the regulations allow for the possibility of studying under certain conditions and limitations that vary depending on the applicant's country of origin. Below, we detail the educational requirements and training possibilities for each group.

Educational Requirements by Nationality

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) establishes different criteria regarding the level of prior academic training:

Group 1 (Argentina, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Andorra)

For citizens belonging to this group, it is not required to prove any specific educational level or hold a minimum degree to apply for the visa. The process focuses mainly on age and financial solvency, regardless of the candidate's academic background.

Group 2 (Canada)

For Canadian citizens, the requirement depends on the subcategory chosen within the treaty:

• General stream: Does not have specific educational requirements.

• Specific subcategories: There are four variants within the agreement with Canada that do require the applicant to be an active student or a recent graduate of a higher education institution.

  
  

Language Knowledge and Exams

A fundamental point to highlight is that to obtain the Working Holiday Visa, it is not mandatory to take international language exams (such as IELTS or TOEFL). However, it is strongly recommended to have a conversational level of English or Norwegian. Having a solid foundation in either of these languages is crucial not only for social integration but also for accessing better job opportunities once in the territory.

Is it possible to study during the stay?

The regulations are very clear regarding the duration and type of studies allowed under this residence permit:

• Group 1 (Argentina, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Andorra): Beneficiaries can take courses but are limited to a strict maximum of 3 months. Generally, this applies to language courses or short seminars. If the interest is to pursue a degree or a longer program, a separate study visa must be processed.

• Group 2 (Canada): Under the general stream, the same 3-month limit applies. However, the specific "Studies" subcategory of the Canadian treaty is the only one that allows for formal university exchanges of longer duration.

  
  

For more information, updated details, and assistance in your process, we invite you to visit the official page on the Volare Norway Working Holiday Visa.