An English master's at the University of Oslo in international community health - global and population health with an equity focus.
What is a master's in community / global health in Norway?
A master's in community / global health in Norway is an English-taught postgraduate degree - usually one to two years - that builds advanced expertise in community / global health. It is open to graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree, and leads to global and community health, NGOs, public health and research.
International Community Health at a glance
| Degree | Master's degree (MSc) |
|---|---|
| Field | Community / global health |
| Language | English |
| Typical duration | usually one to two years |
| Location | Norway |
| Universities | University of Oslo |
Why Norway?
Norway's University of Oslo - the country's leading university - offers English master's and well-funded English-language PhD research in a safe, high-quality Nordic setting.
About this programme
The Master's in International Community Health at the University of Oslo is an English-taught programme focused on global and population health, health systems and health equity.
It develops the skills to research and improve health in communities and across countries, at Norway's oldest and highest-ranked university.
It suits medical and health-science graduates aiming for careers in global and community health, NGOs and research.
Course structure & how it works
A taught master's in community / global health in Norway is usually one to two years. It combines taught modules - covering areas such as international and community health, epidemiology and global disease burden, health systems and equity - with an independent research project or dissertation, typically worth 60-120 credits (ECTS). Most programmes start in September or October, and some universities also run a January intake. Teaching, assessment and supervision are all in English.
What you'll typically study
Programmes like this generally cover the areas below. The exact modules are set by University of Oslo and confirmed each intake.
- International and community health
- Epidemiology and global disease burden
- Health systems and equity
- Health promotion and prevention
- Global-health research methods
Entry requirements
To apply for a master's in community / global health in Norway, you'll typically need:
- A relevant bachelor's degree - usually a good second class (about 60%+ in an Indian degree)
- Proof of English, typically IELTS 6.5-7.0 or equivalent (sometimes waived for English-medium degrees)
- Official academic transcripts and your degree certificate
- A statement of purpose setting out your goals
- Two references (letters of recommendation)
- A CV; some programmes value relevant clinical or research experience
Requirements vary by university and intake - we confirm the exact criteria for your shortlist, free.
How to apply - step by step
- 1Shortlist - we match your background and budget to the right universities in Norway.
- 2Prepare your documents - transcripts, English test, statement of purpose and references.
- 3Apply to your chosen universities (applications go directly to each university, often on a rolling basis).
- 4Receive and accept your offer, and pay any deposit to hold your place.
- 5Apply for your student visa, then arrange travel, insurance and accommodation.
- 6Enrol and begin your master's.
Who it's for
Medical and health-science graduates aiming for global/community health, NGO or research careers.
Where it leads
Global and community health, NGOs, public health and research.
Fees, funding & careers in Norway
Tuition & fees
Norway now charges tuition to non-EU students (varies by programme); PhDs are well-paid, salaried positions. Confirmed per programme.
Scholarships & funding
Limited scholarships, but Erasmus Mundus and - importantly - salaried, funded PhD positions.
Job opportunities
Opens global/community-health and research careers, with a post-study job-seeker period and well-resourced PhD roles.
Opens global/community-health and research careers, often with well-resourced, salaried PhD positions.
Entry & English
Entry is typically a relevant bachelor's degree plus proof of English (usually around IELTS 6.5). Exact prerequisites, fees and start dates are set by the university each intake - we confirm them for your profile before you apply.
These are taught postgraduate (master's / PhD) programmes in health and medical sciences - for research, public health, health management and academic careers. They are not clinical specialisation / residency, which in Europe is conducted in the national language and is largely restricted for non-EU doctors. For clinical PG, most Indian doctors return to India via NEET-PG.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a master's in community / global health in Norway?+
A master's in community / global health in Norway takes usually one to two years. A master's combines taught modules with a research project or dissertation.
Is a master's in community / global health in Norway taught in English?+
Yes - it is delivered fully in English. English-medium schooling or an IELTS/TOEFL score (around 6.5) usually satisfies the language requirement.
Can I become a specialist doctor (cardiologist, surgeon, radiologist...) with this degree?+
No. Clinical specialisation - cardiology, surgery, radiology, psychiatry, paediatrics and the rest - is achieved through specialist (residency) training in hospital training posts, governed by the national medical council, not through a taught master's. This taught master's degree builds research and academic expertise in community / global health and related fields; it does not grant a licence to practise as a specialist. For clinical specialisation, most Indian doctors train in India via NEET-PG.
How much does a master's in community / global health in Norway cost?+
Norway now charges tuition to non-EU students (varies by programme); PhDs are well-paid, salaried positions. Confirmed per programme. We confirm the exact figure for your shortlisted programme before you apply.
Are scholarships available for a master's in community / global health in Norway?+
Limited scholarships, but Erasmus Mundus and - importantly - salaried, funded PhD positions.
Can I work in Norway after a master's in community / global health in Norway?+
Opens global/community-health and research careers, with a post-study job-seeker period and well-resourced PhD roles.
How is a master's in community / global health in Norway structured?+
It combines taught modules with an independent research project or dissertation. A taught master's is usually one to two years, worth roughly 60-120 credits (ECTS), usually starting in September/October (some universities also run a January intake). You'll typically cover international and community health, epidemiology and global disease burden, health systems and equity, then complete a supervised project.
What are the entry requirements for a master's in community / global health in Norway in Norway?+
Typically a relevant bachelor's degree - a good second class (roughly 60%+ in an Indian degree) - plus proof of English (usually IELTS 6.5-7.0), academic transcripts, a statement of purpose and references. Medical and health-science graduates aiming for global/community health, NGO or research careers. Exact prerequisites are set per university each intake, and we confirm the current requirements for your profile.
How do I apply for a master's in community / global health in Norway in Norway, and when?+
You apply directly to the university. Start about 9-12 months ahead: shortlist programmes, prepare your transcripts, English test and statement of purpose, then apply - many universities admit on a rolling basis until places fill. We manage the shortlist, applications and timeline with you.
Is a postgraduate degree from Norway recognised in India?+
Yes - it is a recognised European qualification, valued for academic, research and health-sector careers. It does not by itself grant clinical registration in India (that follows the separate NMC/DCI route). We explain exactly how this degree fits your goals before you commit.
What careers can a master's in community / global health in Norway lead to?+
Global and community health, NGOs, public health and research. We help you plan the route - academic, clinical-academic, industry or a PhD - that fits your goals.
Interested in this programme?
Tell us your background and we'll check your eligibility and confirm the current fees, entry requirements and intake dates - free and honest.