Doing your engineering internship in Norway: the (truly) ultimate guide before you go
You’re an engineering student. You look around a bit, and you start thinking that before diving into the real working world, it might be a good idea to go explore somewhere else. And “somewhere else” could mean far. Really far. Like: way up north, between fjords, mountains, salmon, and northern lights. Norway is seriously starting to get stuck in your head.
If you’re here, it means the idea has already taken root. Excellent choice, honestly. But before you book your flight and toss four sweaters and three pairs of ski socks into your suitcase, let me break it all down for you. We’re going to talk work, weather, culture, paperwork, money (ouch), integration, and most importantly, how to make the most of this experience that just might change your life.
Ready? Alright, let’s go. Throw on your fleece, and let’s take off for Norway.
Why do an engineering internship in Norway?
Let’s be clear right from the start: if you’re studying engineering, Norway is a real professional playground. Your skills are in demand here — and not just a little. Companies are actively looking for qualified profiles, and they’re very interested in young European graduates.
Which sectors are hiring engineers in Norway?
Energy: this is the big one. Norway is one of the world’s leading producers of hydropower. While offshore oil and gas still play a major role, the shift toward renewable energy is a national priority.
Maritime and offshore technologies: everything related to subsea engineering, naval architecture, offshore operations, and platform construction. If you’re comfortable with the ocean—or under it—you’re in the right place.
Environment and sustainable management: Norway is way ahead when it comes to ecological issues. The country invests heavily in green innovation and clean technologies.
Telecoms, IT, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science: Norwegian companies may be small in size, but they’re highly advanced when it comes to technology.
Aerospace and defense: even these sectors offer exciting opportunities for engineering profiles.
No matter your specialization, you’ll always find a sector looking for young talents like you.
Beyond the job: an exceptional quality of life
To be perfectly honest: the Norwegian lifestyle is insane — in the best possible way.
Reasonable working hours and a strong respect for work-life balance.
Top-notch safety: you can walk around at 3 a.m. without a worry.
Clean air, nature all around, and breathtaking landscapes.
Far less work-related stress compared to other countries.
After your internship? Go hiking, skiing, fishing, or just stand in awe in front of a fjord.
In short, yes, you’re going to work — but above all, you’re going to have an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally.
The not-so-cool sides to expect
Because we’re not here to sugarcoat everything without warning you about a few challenges.
The cost of living: it stings
Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world. In practical terms:
Expenses: | Average budget: |
| Coffee | 4-6 € |
| Quick lunch | 15-25 € |
| Dinner at a restaurant | 30-50 € |
| Public transport pass in Oslo | €80–100/month |
| Rent for a single room (Oslo) | 700-1000 €/month |
| Weekly groceries | 50-80 € |
In short, plan a solid budget. If your internship is paid (which it often is), that’ll help. If not, look into scholarships: Erasmus+, regional grants, support from your school…
Social integration: patience required
Norwegians are extremely respectful and kind, but they’re not the type to approach you spontaneously.
But don’t worry: once the ice is broken, relationships become strong and genuine. Norwegians may take time to let you in, but once they do, it’s rock solid.
When to go to Norway for an internship?
Good news: there’s no bad time to go.
Summer (May–August): the perfect season
Endless days (midnight sun in the north!).
Pleasant temperatures (15 to 25°C depending on the region).
Plenty of activities and festivals.
Peak activity period for companies.
Winter (November–March): for cold weather lovers
Magical atmosphere with snow and northern lights.
Very short days (sometimes less than 4 hours of daylight…).
Quieter on the tourism front.
Harsh weather but breathtaking landscapes.
Spring / Autumn: very interesting “in-between” seasons
Companies stay active all year round. You’ll always find internships, no matter the season.
How to find your internship in Norway?
Alright, let’s get down to the practical stuff.
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Your university
Your university
Many engineering schools have partnerships with Norwegian universities or companies. Go check with your international relations office or internship coordinator.
2. Specialized organizations
Some organizations (like us, International Horizons 😄) can support you with:
finding a reliable internship;
preparing the paperwork;
ensuring on-site follow-up.
3. Direct applications to companies
a few big names to aim for:
equinor (energy and offshore) ;
dnv (certifications and risk management) ;
aker solutions (offshore and marine engineering) ;
telenor (telecoms) ;
yara international (chemical industry) ;
norsk hydro (aluminium and clean energy) ;
kongsberg group (defence and advanced technologies).
prepare a CV in concrete English, a personalised covering letter and practise for video interviews.
4. Job boards
finn.no: the Norwegian leboncoin pro version.
nav.no: the equivalent of the Norwegian job centre.
linkedin: widely used there.
Do you need to speak Norwegian?
the good news is that English is sufficient in 80% of cases.
in many tech and engineering sectors, english is the common working language. but learning a few words of norwegian (like takk for thank you, hei for hello) will always score you points with the locals. and frankly, it’s fun to learn.
Watch out for the famous “janteloven”
you might hear about janteloven: a deeply rooted cultural rule that basically says:
‘don’t think you’re better than others. stay humble.’
even the bosses are very approachable and relaxed. the hierarchical relationship is flat. there’s no need to be formal with your manager, who might even invite you in for a beer after work.
administrative procedures
visa and residence permit
EU student: no visa required.
if your work placement exceeds 3 months: compulsory registration with the Norwegian police (UDI registration).
the D-nummer (identification number)
If your work placement is paid, you will need to obtain a D-number. This is essential for opening an account, paying tax and even taking out insurance.
Health insurance
make sure that your current insurance (often your school) covers norway. if not, there are extensions or private insurance policies for students on work placements.
What about accommodation?
it’s often the thing that causes the most stress. there are several options:
student residences (SiO in oslo, samskipnaden in bergen, etc.)
Shared accommodation (very common and often cheaper)
temporary rentals (airbnb, sublets for short courses)
the further north you go, the lower the rents… but the colder it gets. oslo is still the most expensive city.
Free time: you’re in for a treat
your internship won’t just be about working! Here are a few must-tries:
hiking at Preikestolen or Trolltunga ;
kayaking on the fjords ;
go whale watching in Tromsø ;
skiing in Lillehammer;
chasing the northern lights in winter ;
get lost in Bergen’s colourful alleyways;
taste the Brunost (brown cheese… surprising).
In the end: is it worth it?
my answer is simple:
yes. a thousand times yes.
✔ professional experience that will look great on your CV;
✔ an incredible living environment ;
✔ real immersion in another culture ;
✔ a huge increase in your personal skills ;
✔ memories you’ll never forget.
And after your work placement in Norway: what if this was just the beginning?
What’s important to understand is that an engineering placement in norway is not just about a few months’ work abroad. it’s often much more than that. for many students, the experience opens doors they hadn’t even thought of. some receive job offers following their placement; others leave to complete their studies with a new international professional network.
And above all, you’ll go home a different person: more autonomous, more at ease in a multicultural environment, able to adapt to new working and communication methods. You’ll have learned to work in a very horizontal system where the emphasis is on trust, responsibility and efficiency without unnecessary pressure.
and even if you don’t choose to stay in norway after your placement, this line on your cv is bound to catch the eye of recruiters in france and elsewhere. in short: your placement in norway is much more than just a break – it’s a real springboard for the rest of your career.