Study in Norway with Family: A Simple Guide for Bangladeshi Students (2027)
Short answer: Yes, you can study in Norway with your family. If you get admission to a university or university college in Norway, your husband or wife and your children under 18 can apply to join you. You need at least one year of study left, and both partners must usually be at least 24 years old. Your spouse can usually work full-time, and your children can go to school in Norway.
Studying abroad is a big step. Doing it with your family is an even bigger one. Many Bangladeshi students tell us they don't want to leave their wife, husband or children behind for two years. Norway is one of the few countries in Europe where your family can still come with you on the student route.
This guide explains, in simple words, how to study in Norway with family. You will learn who can join you, what rules you must meet, how the process works, and how your family can build a future in Norway after your studies.
All rules in this guide come from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), checked in October 2026. Rules can change, so always check the latest information before you apply.
Why study in Norway with family?
Norway gives you a good education and a safe home for your family at the same time. Here are the main reasons Bangladeshi families choose Norway:
• Your family can join you. Some popular countries have made this harder. For example, Australia limited family members on most student visas from 2 October 2026. Norway still allows it for university students.
• Your spouse can work. The husband or wife of a university student can usually get a full-time work permit.
• Your children can go to school. Children can attend local schools while you study.
• Many courses in English. Many master's programmes in Norway are taught fully in English.
• A safe, peaceful country. Norway is known for low crime, clean cities and a strong focus on family life.
• A path to a long-term future. After graduation, a skilled job can lead to permanent residence (PR) for the whole family.
Who can come with you to Norway?
In Norway, the person who studies there is called the "reference person." Only the closest family members can join a student. This is called "family immigration with a student."
| Family member | Can they join? |
|---|---|
| Husband or wife | Yes |
| Children under 18 | Yes |
| Children 18 or older | No |
| Parents | No |
| Brothers and sisters | No |
Important: Your family can only join you if you study at a university or university college. If you go to Norway for a regular language course, a folk high school or another short course, your family cannot come with you on this route.
What are the requirements to study in Norway with family?
To bring your family, both you and your family members must meet the rules below. They are listed on the official UDI family immigration page.
Rules for the student
• You have a study permit, or have applied for one, at a university or university college in Norway.
• You have at least 1 year of study left when UDI makes its decision.
• You meet all other conditions UDI sets for your family's application.
Rules for your husband or wife
• Your marriage is valid and can be recognized in Norway.
• The marriage is by free choice, and not only for getting a visa.
• Both of you are at least 24 years old.
• You both plan to live together in Norway.
Rules for your children
• The child is under 18 and not married.
• You can show a birth certificate to prove the relationship. Sometimes UDI may ask for a DNA test.
• If only one parent is moving, the other parent must give consent.
Documents every family member needs
• A valid passport
• Marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children)
• A copy of the student's admission letter and study permit
• All other documents in UDI's checklist for your case
Note on the age rule: If the husband or wife is under 24, the application can be refused. UDI can make exceptions only in special cases. Please speak to a counselor before you apply if this affects you.
How to study in Norway with family: step-by-step process
Here is the usual process from Bangladesh:
1. Choose your course and university. Pick a bachelor's or master's programme at a Norwegian university or university college.
2. Apply for admission. Most Norwegian universities take applications from international students between October and January for the August intake. Each university has its own deadline, so check early.
3. Get your admission letter. Results usually come out in spring.
4. Apply for your study permit. Apply online on the UDI portal and submit your documents at the visa application centre.
5. Your family applies for family immigration. Your spouse and children can apply together with you, or later while you are studying.
6. Travel to Norway. Once the permits are approved, your family can travel. After arrival, everyone must register with the local police.
7. Renew together. Each time you renew your study permit, your family renews their permits too.
Tip: Applying together with your family saves time. It also means you can all travel to Norway at the same time.
What is family life like for students in Norway?
Life in Norway is calm, safe and family-focused. Here is what your family can expect:
• Work for your spouse: Your husband or wife can usually work full-time, according to UDI's guideline.
• Work for you as a student: You can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during holidays.
• School for your children: Children can attend local schools and quickly make friends.
• English everywhere: Most Norwegians speak good English, so daily life is easy from day one.
• Nature and outdoor life: Families enjoy mountains, lakes and fjords, and outdoor activities are a big part of Norwegian life.
• Time for family: Norway is known for a good balance between work and family time.
Be ready for: long, dark winters and a new language. The first few months can feel hard. Most Bangladeshi families settle in well after that, especially when they join local community groups.
Can your family stay in Norway after your studies?
Yes, but not directly from your student permit. Your student years do not count toward permanent residence (PR). To stay long-term, you need a skilled job after graduation. Here is the usual path:
1. Finish your degree. Your family stays with you on permits linked to your study permit.
2. Get a job seeker permit (up to 1 year). After you complete your degree in Norway, you can apply for a job seeker permit before your study permit ends. You can do any job while you look for skilled work.
3. Get a skilled worker permit. When you find a skilled job, you switch to a work permit. Your family then gets permits linked to your job.
4. Apply for PR after 3 years. After 3 years on a qualifying work permit, you can apply for permanent residence. Since September 2025, you must pass a Norwegian speaking test (A2 level) and a social studies test, as The Local reports. You must also meet all rules on the day of the decision, as UDI explains.
Tip: Start learning Norwegian in your first semester. Your spouse should learn too. It helps with jobs, friends and the PR test later.
Tips for a successful family application
1. Start early. Family files take more time. Begin your planning at least 8 to 10 months before your course starts.
2. Check the age rule first. Make sure both partners are at least 24 before you apply.
3. Keep names the same everywhere. Names and dates must match on passports, marriage certificates and birth certificates.
4. Choose a course with job demand. Subjects like engineering, IT, healthcare and energy can help you find a skilled job after graduation.
5. Apply together if you can. It is easier when the whole family applies at the same time.
6. Plan your career, not just your study. Think about how you will move from student to skilled worker to PR.
7. Get expert help. One small mistake can delay the whole family. A counselor can check your file before you submit.
How Dreambuzz Education helps you study in Norway with family
At Dreambuzz Education, we have guided many Bangladeshi students on their study abroad journey. For families going to Norway, our counselors in Dhaka will help you:
• Check if your family meets the age, study and document rules
• Choose the right university and course in Norway
• Apply for admission before the deadlines
• Prepare your student visa and family visa documents
• Plan your path from student to skilled worker and PR
• Compare Norway with other countries that suit your family
Book your free family counseling session today.
Hotline: +880 9614-555222
WhatsApp: +880 1939-555222
Email: info@dreambuzzeducation.com
Website: dreambuzzeducation.com
Office: F5-B (Lift 5), House 411, Road 29, New DOHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka
