IB Math & Science Requirements for Norway.

IB Math & Science Requirements for Norway.

Norway is increasingly attractive for IB students due to its strong public universities, research focus, and English-taught bachelor’s programs. However, Norwegian admissions are highly academic and requirement-driven, especially when it comes to Math and Science subjects. Unlike holistic systems, Norway evaluates IB students based on strict subject prerequisites, often set at the national level.

This blog explains how Norwegian universities interpret IB Math and Science, which combinations are accepted, and which mistakes can block eligibility entirely.

Norway IB Math & Science Snapshot

Aspect	Norway’s Approach
Admissions Style	Academically strict
Subject Requirements	Non-negotiable
Math Preference	Math AA strongly preferred
Science Importance	Program-specific, rigid
Holistic Review	Minimal
Foundations	Rare
Flexibility	Very low

How Norway Evaluates IB Students Academically

Norwegian universities:

• Prioritise subject eligibility over total IB score

• Apply nationally standardised requirements

• Expect clear alignment between IB subjects and chosen degree

A high IB score does not override missing Math or Science prerequisites.

IB Math Requirements in Norway

Preferred Math Type

• Math AA is the standard expectation

• Math AI is generally not accepted for STEM degrees

Level Expectations

• Math AA HL: Required for Engineering, Technology, Physics-heavy programs

• Math AA SL: Accepted for some Science, Economics, and non-technical programs

Math decisions are gatekeepers in Norway.

IB Science Requirements by Field

Engineering & Technology

Mandatory:

• Math AA HL

• Physics HL

Chemistry is often recommended but not always mandatory.

Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

• Physics required for Physics-based degrees

• Chemistry required for Chemistry-related programs

• Biology required for Life Sciences

HL is often preferred, especially for competitive programs.

Medicine & Health Sciences

• Chemistry HL mandatory

• Biology HL strongly required

• Math AA preferred

Medical pathways are extremely rigid.

Environmental Science & Sustainability

• Math AA SL or HL

• At least one science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)

• Interdisciplinary acceptance is possible, but still rule-based

Math AI: Where It Fails in Norway

• Not accepted for Engineering

• Not accepted for Medicine

• Rarely accepted for core Sciences

• Occasionally tolerated for non-STEM or interdisciplinary programs

Choosing Math AI significantly limits Norwegian options.

Public Universities: Zero Flexibility Reality

Most Norwegian universities are public and government-funded, meaning:

• No discretion to waive requirements

• No foundation years to compensate

• No subject substitutions

Eligibility is binary: met or not met.

Common IB Mistakes for Norway Applicants

Mistake	Outcome
Choosing Math AI for STEM	Ineligible
Missing Physics for Engineering	Rejection
No Chemistry for Medicine	Blocked
Assuming high IB score compensates	Rejected
Late subject changes	Not accepted

Strategic Subject Planning for Norway-Bound IB Students

• Choose Math AA early, ideally HL if STEM is possible

• Maintain science continuity from Grade 9–10

• Match sciences precisely to intended degree

• Treat Norway like Germany or Switzerland — rules first

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

1) Is Math AI accepted in Norway?

Generally no, especially for STEM and Science programs.

2) Can high IB scores compensate for missing subjects?

No. Subject requirements are absolute.

3) Are foundation years available in Norway?

Rarely. Most public universities do not offer foundation pathways.

4) Is Norway suitable for undecided IB students?

Only if they choose Math AA and maintain science breadth.

5) Are English-taught programs less strict?

No. Subject requirements remain the same regardless of language.

Final Takeaway

Norway treats IB admissions as a qualification check, not a profile review. Math AA and the correct science subjects determine eligibility long before IB scores come into play. For IB students, Norway rewards early, precise subject planning — and leaves little room for correction later.