University of Oslo

University of Oslo (UiO) is the oldest and largest university in Norway.

The University of Oslo was founded in 1811, when Norway was still under Danish rule. However, the campaign for a separate Norwegian university started some 150 years earlier.

In the early 17th century, the Danish king Christian IV established a grammar school in Christiania (now Oslo) with the goal of educating future priests and government officials. However, the school did not offer any university-level courses.

In the late 18th century, there was a growing movement for Norwegian independence. This movement was also accompanied by a demand for a Norwegian university. Many Norwegian intellectuals believed that a university was essential for the development of a national culture and identity.

In 1811, the Danish king Frederik VI finally signed a decree establishing a university in Christiania. The university was named the Royal Frederik's University, after the king.

The Royal Frederik's University played a key role in the development of modern Norway. Many of the country's leading politicians, intellectuals, and scientists were educated at the university. The university also played a role in the Norwegian independence movement, which culminated in Norway's separation from Sweden in 1905.

In 1939, the Royal Frederik's University was renamed the University of Oslo. This was done to reflect the university's national character and its importance to the Norwegian people.

The University of Oslo continued to grow and develop in the 20th century. Today, it is one of the leading research universities in the world. It is also a popular destination for international students, and it has a strong commitment to internationalization.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, University of Oslo is positioned as the #119 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Norway. The university's global rank decreased by 2 points from last year.