Follow these steps to start studying for your master’s degree abroad.
Starting a career does not need to be the end of education and developing your skills. Norwegians tend to treat education as a marathon, completing their bachelor, master and in some cases even their PhD in one go.
Internationally, a model closer to a triathlon is more common. First comes the bachelor, then you start your career, before returning to your studies a few years later to pursue a master's degree.
Whereas a master's degree in Norway is typically a two-year effort, international degrees may often be one year deals - and thus more suited to having a temporary leave of absence from your job.
There are great benefits to having had work experience before deciding on your master. You will be more attuned to the needs of your particular line of work, which can help with both focus and motivation.
In fact, admittance at some universities is contingent on this. For instance, a bachelor's degree will only get you halfway through the door at Harvard Kennedy School, where three years of full time work experience is a requirement.
Get a leave
If you've already started your career, leaving the workforce might seem daunting. However, many employers will actively encourage their employees to seek further education, and some even offer financing.
If you are considering a master's degree, make sure that your employer knows well in advance so that arrangements can be made.
You might also want to research the visa status of your chosen destination for whether you will be able to bring a spouse or children - these rules will vary according to country.
Get an overview
When looking for a place to study, a good place to start is to think about skills - the ones you have, and the ones you need. Do you want to be better at your job, or expand your career options? Let that be your guide, and be sure to dream a little. What would be your ideal place of study?
Of course, reality does also play a part. Money, geography and the school's reputation all play a part. Most top tier universities do charge for tuition and some may seem out of reach.
However, getting in to a place like IE University or Harvard Kennedy School is by no means impossible.
Get a head start
Start the application process early, preferably one to one and a half years in advance. Many top universities will demand that you pass proficiency tests for math or languages, and you will have to study for these.
If your main focus has been school, you might want to take on volunteer work or other extracurricular activities. While the Norwegian education system only favors grades, other countries will also reward things like work experience or having headed a student council.
Read up on former students' experiences - how did they get in? Here, you will probably find useful tips for perfecting your letters of motivation and recommendation - both of which are absolutely essential.
Get started on your letters
The letter of recommendation should be written by someone who knows you, such as a professor, your boss or someone else in a position to convey why you deserve this spot at the school or university where you are applying.
Are there specific things you would like to be included in the letter? Be proactive and ask for this in advance instead of later having to reject a letter you're not happy with.
The letter of motivation is written by you, and is akin to a job interview. Here, you are expected to talk about your life, highlighting both your experience and your ambitions.
What are your goals, and how will this particular education help you along that path?
While nobody likes a braggart, you should definitely mention your accomplishments and make a point of your love for the subject you are looking to study.
Most elite schools pride themselves on diversity, and have admittance quotas to ensure that students come from a broad range of nations and backgrounds. This is good news for anyone applying from outside their borders.
Get financing
As for financing, you don't have to go it alone. There are a wide range of scholarships you could pursue, in addition to the regular student financing from Lånekassen that is available for educations deemed eligible by NOKUT - the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education.
Take some time to research which scholarships are available for the institution you wish to attend, and make a note of any application dates. Some good places to start would be the scholarship guide on the webpages of ANSA (the Association of Norwegian Students Abroad) or the web pages of the individual universities.
If you are seeking to attend IE University, Harvard Kennedy School and St. Gallen, you'll probably want to have a look at the various scholarships offered by Kistefos.
Get going
If you are accepted at a top tier university, be prepared to make studies your focus. You will be attending classes alongside some very competitive and motivated peers, and a high degree of participation is expected.
This is a situation where what you give will be what you get. Striving for academic excellence is a given, but if you're working to build a network, spending all your time in the study halls probably won't be the wisest strategy.