Norway is one of the most striking exchange destinations on the YFU network, a country of dramatic fjords, midnight sun, northern lights, and a society consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable and progressive. For Australian and New Zealand students who want an exchange that genuinely takes them somewhere unlike anything at home, Norway delivers on every level.
The natural environment is extraordinary: from the West Coast fjordlands to the Lofoten Islands to the high Arctic of Tromsø and Svalbard, Norway’s landscapes are genuinely world-class. But it’s the Norwegian way of life – the balance between outdoor culture, social trust, and quiet national confidence – that students find most transformative.
*Students must be 15.5 years old on arrival to Norway in order to qualify for the age requirement.
Norwegian family life reflects the country’s broader values: equality, independence, outdoor activity, and a low-key warmth that takes a little time to reveal itself. Norwegians are famously reserved with strangers but deeply loyal once you’re inside their circle. Host families will expect you to be independent and self-sufficient, while also genuinely welcoming you into family activities and traditions.
The great outdoors is central to Norwegian life regardless of season. Hiking (friluftsliv – outdoor life – is a national philosophy), skiing, kayaking, fishing, and simply being in nature are everyday activities, not weekend treats. Students who embrace the outdoors consistently rate Norway as one of the most personally expansive exchange experiences available.
Norwegian is the language of the exchange. English is very widely spoken across Norway (particularly among young people), which means immersion requires conscious effort – but the Norwegian language skills you develop are a genuinely distinctive addition to any profile.
There is no language requirement to go on exchange to Norway, however it is recommended that applicants enrol in private language tutoring prior to exchange.
You will attend public upper secondary school. Neither school fees nor school uniforms are required. You will be enrolled in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade at school, depending on your age. If you are 16, you start at level 1, and choose either general studies or vocational subjects.
All classes except language classes will be in Norwegian. Schools in Norway require that their students use a laptop, and the school will rent out or lend laptops to students. It is your own responsibility to obtain school materials and books for the subjects that you will study. Your school will guide you in this process.
Unlike many other countries, sport and other activities such as music groups, are not arranged by the school. However, there are plenty of opportunities to join clubs in your local community. Most Norwegian teenagers are part of a sport club and/or another group and spend a lot of their time outside school in these settings.
Norwegian upper secondary schools (Videregående skole) cover students aged 16–19 and offer two tracks: a general academic program (Studiespesialisering) and vocational programs. The academic track is the most common placement for exchange students, covering Norwegian language, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, History, and English. Norwegian schools are known for their student-centred, discussion-based teaching approach and emphasis on independent thinking.
Host families in Norway live all over the country; in cities, in small towns, in small communities, in rural settings, on islands, along the fjords or in the inland.
Be prepared to walk, bicycle, take the bus, boat or train to school. After meals it is common courtesy in Norway to give thanks for the food with the phrase “takk for maten” (important!). Always say good night, “god natt” when going to bed, and also good morning, “god morgen“, in the morning.
In Norwegian homes, guests are expected to take off their shoes when entering a house and wear slippers or socks inside.
No prior Norwegian is required. English is very widely spoken in Norway, particularly among young people, so you’ll be understood everywhere. YFU provides pre-departure language preparation and encourages students to make active effort to use Norwegian, as immersion requires more intentional practice than in less English-fluent countries.
Possibly – it depends on your placement location and time of year. The northern lights are visible in northern Norway (particularly around Tromsø) during winter months, but not reliably from all parts of the country. It’s worth asking about placement location if this is a priority for you.
Friluftsliv (outdoor life) is a central Norwegian philosophy, the idea that spending time in nature is essential to wellbeing, not just a leisure activity. Hiking, skiing, kayaking, and simply being outside in all weather are part of everyday Norwegian life, not reserved for weekends.
Norway has one of the highest costs of living in Europe. YFU recommends budgeting approximately $300–$400 AUD per month for personal expenses beyond what your program fee covers.
It depends on your placement region. In southern Norway, winter brings cold, snow, and short days from November to March. In northern Norway, the polar night (no sun above the horizon) occurs in midwinter and is a remarkable experience.
Yes. Norway is part of the Schengen Area, and a long-stay student visa is required for programs over 90 days. YFU provides full documentation and application guidance.
Enrolment in a public or private school for the first semester and placement in an NGO project for the second semester
Placement in an NGO project (Typically related to childcare, women's care, environmental NGOs)
Our standard all-inclusive program price with no hidden fees.
Host a student and enjoy up to 20% off the program fee, plus receive up to $4000AUD / $4800NZD reimbursement for hosting a student*
Host a student and enjoy up to 20% off the program fee, receive up to $4000AUD / $4800NZD reimbursement for hosting* plus a further $2500 discount when you book your own flights**
*The host a student reimbursement is a payment of $100AUD/$120NZD per week
**When you book your own flights, you will be required to adhere to specific travel dates and arrival times in the destination country. This offer does not include exchange programs to Thailand, Korea, or China.
As everybody is speaking about the FIFA World Cup, millions of people around the globe are gathering to cheer for their favourite teams, celebrate different cultures, and experience the excitement that only a global event can create. But while the World Cup lasts only a few weeks, there’s another international experience that can change your life forever: going on a youth exchange.
The Youth Empowerment Seminar is one of YFU’s largest international youth events, bringing together exchange students, volunteers, facilitators and educators from across the globe for an unforgettable week of learning, leadership and intercultural dialogue.
Cebrail, who spent a life-changing year on an exchange program from New Zealand to Turkey, reflects on his biggest discoveries and lessons learned.
Enquire today about this program. We’ve got experts ready to assist with any enquiry about the countries, programs and the process.
Simply register and attend one of our in-person Information Evenings and you will automatically get $100 off your program fee.
