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BI Norwegian Business School Handelshøyskolen BI 📍 Norway 🎓 University Guides

Study at BI Norwegian Business School

An independent guide to BI's programmes, admission and how to prepare

Handelshøyskolen BI is a private business school and the largest business school in Norway, with campuses in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger. Bachelor and master (MSc) admission is based on documented grades and qualifications, and you apply directly at bi.no, not through Samordna opptak, and there is no ordinary admission interview. This guide explains the finance, business and analytics programmes, the admission requirements (including GMAT/GRE for many master's applicants), how to apply, and how to build the quantitative and reasoning skills that BI's studies and Norwegian graduate recruiters expect.

ℹ️ This is an independent study-preparation guide. Job Tests Portal is not affiliated with Handelshøyskolen BI (BI Norwegian Business School) and does not represent the school. Programme names and trademarks are used descriptively to explain the school and its admission requirements. Figures such as points, deadlines and fees change every year, so always confirm current programmes and admission details on BI's own website, bi.no.

Admission steps

  • 1
    Explore the programmes Per BI
    Decide on a level (bachelor or master) and a field. BI's finance-weighted options run from Bachelor of Business Administration and the Finans bachelor to MSc in Finance, Quantitative Finance and the siviløkonom MSc in Business, plus analytics/IT programmes such as Data Science for Business, Digital Business and Business Analytics.
    → Compare programme pages on bi.no and note the language of instruction (most bachelors are Norwegian-taught; most MSc programmes are English-taught).
  • 2
    Check the admission requirements Per BI
    For bachelor programmes you need the Norwegian higher-education entrance qualification (generell studiekompetanse) and a minimum number of competition points (konkurransepoeng); popular programmes can need more. For MSc programmes you need a relevant completed bachelor's degree, a minimum grade average, and — for many applicants — a GMAT or GRE score and documented English.
    → Read the requirement for your exact programme and citizenship on bi.no, and check the current point limits, GPA threshold and English requirement.
  • 3
    Apply directly via bi.no Per BI
    BI is a private institution, so admission is not handled by Samordna opptak. You apply directly to BI. There are priority deadlines (typically 1 March for international bachelor and master applicants and 15 April for Norwegian bachelor applicants), then rolling admission based on availability.
    → Create an application on bi.no and submit within the priority deadline for your programme; confirm the exact 2027-intake dates on bi.no.
  • 4
    Sit GMAT or GRE (where required) Per BI
    For MSc admission BI requires a GMAT or GRE from many applicants (non-Nordic applicants in particular). Published minimums are GMAT Focus Edition 555 (or 600 on the 10th Edition) and GRE 158 Quantitative; a GMAT Focus result below 530 is not accepted regardless of grade average. Applicants from certain partner or internationally recognised schools may request a waiver.
    → Book your test early on mba.com (GMAT) or ets.org (GRE), and check whether a waiver applies to you on bi.no.
  • 5
    Offer and semester start Per BI
    BI reviews documented qualifications and, if you are admitted, sends an offer of study place. You accept the place, arrange financing (BI's programmes qualify for Lånekassen support, so students can apply), and start the semester.
    → Accept your offer, apply for loans/grants at lanekassen.no if eligible, and prepare for the quantitative first-year courses.

Programmes

Bachelor in Business Administration (Bachelor i økonomi og administrasjon)
Bachelor Norwegian

Prerequisites: Higher-education entrance qualification (generell studiekompetanse) plus a minimum number of competition points.

The classic Norwegian-taught business degree and the usual first step toward the protected siviløkonom title (via a later MSc in Business). Point limits vary by year and can be higher for popular intakes — check current figures on bi.no.

Numerical Reasoning
Mathematics Test
Statistics Test
Finance Fundamentals — Interactive Course

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Bachelor in Finance (Bachelor i finans)
Bachelor Norwegian

Prerequisites: Higher-education entrance qualification (generell studiekompetanse) plus a minimum number of competition points.

A finance-focused bachelor for students aiming at banking, investment and financial analysis. Confirm the current point limit and any recommended mathematics background on bi.no.

Numerical Reasoning
Mathematics Test
Finance Fundamentals — Interactive Course
Markets, Trading & Crypto — Interactive Course

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Bachelor English

Prerequisites: Recognised secondary-school qualification for entry, plus documented English (for example IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80, test results under two years old).

A three-year English-taught bachelor with a specialisation in International Business, Finance or Shipping Management — a good route for international students. Check the exact entry requirement for your country on bi.no.

Numerical Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
Mathematics Test
Finance Fundamentals — Interactive Course

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Bachelor of Data Science for Business
Bachelor English

Prerequisites: Recognised secondary-school qualification plus documented English, and documented mathematics (for example a pass at 60% or higher on BI's Mathematics Placement Test, OMPT type F).

Combines data-analysis techniques with business administration. This is the one bachelor with an explicit mathematics-documentation requirement — verify the accepted evidence and placement-test details on bi.no.

Mathematics Test
Statistics Test
Python Pro Masterclass
SQL Essential Training

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Bachelor of Digital Business
Bachelor English

Prerequisites: Recognised secondary-school qualification for entry, plus documented English.

Pairs core business understanding with technical and digital-transformation skills. A fit for students who want business plus technology without a heavy pure-mathematics load.

Data Analysis
SQL Essential Training
Python Pro Masterclass
AI Architect Academy

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Master of Science in Business (siviløkonom)
Master (MSc) English

Prerequisites: Completed bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) in business administration, finance or economics — or a bachelor with at least 80 ECTS relevant to the chosen major; grade average at or above the published threshold; GMAT/GRE for many applicants; documented English.

The flagship two-year MSc with several majors (including Finance). Graduates whose bachelor covers 120 ECTS of business and economics may qualify for the protected Norwegian siviløkonom title. Double-degree and QTEM network options exist for some majors.

GMAT & GRE Practice Exams
Numerical Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
Finance Fundamentals — Interactive Course

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Master of Science in Finance
Master (MSc) English

Prerequisites: Completed relevant bachelor's degree with a foundation in business/finance/economics; grade average at or above the published threshold (around GPA 3.50 / B on the ECTS scale); GMAT/GRE for many applicants (GMAT Focus 555 / GMAT 600 10th Edition / GRE 158 Quant); English IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90.

A specialised finance master for careers in banking, corporate finance and investment. The quantitative bar is real — the grade and GMAT/GRE minimums are strict. Confirm current thresholds and any waiver on bi.no.

GMAT & GRE Practice Exams
Numerical Reasoning
Finance Fundamentals — Interactive Course
Markets, Trading & Crypto — Interactive Course

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Master of Science in Quantitative Finance
Master (MSc) English

Prerequisites: Completed bachelor with a strong quantitative background (mathematics/statistics); grade average at or above the published threshold; GMAT/GRE for many applicants; documented English.

The most mathematics-heavy finance master, built for complex modelling and techniques. Strong calculus, statistics and programming help both for admission competitiveness and the first semester.

GMAT & GRE Practice Exams
Interactive Mathematics Course
Intuitive Statistics Course
Python Pro Masterclass

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Master of Science in Business Analytics
Master (MSc) English

Prerequisites: Completed bachelor in finance, economics or social studies with a suitable quantitative foundation; grade average at or above the published threshold; GMAT/GRE for many applicants; documented English.

For students who want to create value from data analytics on a business foundation. Statistics and hands-on tools (Python, SQL) are directly useful before and during the programme.

GMAT & GRE Practice Exams
Intuitive Statistics Course
Python Pro Masterclass
SQL Essential Training
Data Analysis

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Master of Science in Data Science for Business
Master (MSc) English

Prerequisites: Completed bachelor in a quantitative subject (for example mathematics or statistics) with a suitable foundation; grade average at or above the published threshold; GMAT/GRE for many applicants; documented English.

For quantitatively trained applicants who want business, finance and economics context alongside deep data-science methods. Programming and statistics are core.

GMAT & GRE Practice Exams
Python Pro Masterclass
SQL Essential Training
ML Foundations
Intuitive Statistics Course

Each module is explained in the preparation pathways below.

Preparation pathways

GMAT / GRE for MSc admission

Most BI master's applicants (especially non-Nordic applicants) must document a GMAT or GRE score, and the finance masters set strict minimums. Train the timed quantitative, verbal and reasoning skills these exams test before you sit them.

GMAT & GRE Practice Exams
Full-length GMAT and GRE practice with per-question explanations, matching the exams BI asks many MSc applicants to submit.
Numerical Reasoning
Sharpens the data-interpretation and quantitative speed the GMAT/GRE quant sections reward.
Verbal Reasoning
Builds the reading-comprehension and reasoning skills tested in the verbal sections.
Critical Thinking
Develops argument analysis useful for GMAT critical reasoning and data-sufficiency style questions.
Mathematics Test
Refreshes algebra, geometry and problem-solving foundations before timed quant practice.
First-year quantitative readiness (metodefag)

BI's business degrees front-load quantitative method courses (metodefag) — mathematics, statistics and business economics. Arriving fluent in these makes the first year far easier.

Interactive Mathematics Course
Rebuilds algebra-to-calculus foundations with interactive practice, free with a free account.
Intuitive Statistics Course
Covers probability, distributions and inference — the core of first-year statistics — free with a free account.
Statistics Test
Lets you self-check statistics readiness with worked explanations, free with a free account.
Numerical Reasoning
Keeps mental-maths and data handling fast for quantitative coursework.
Finance Fundamentals — Interactive Course
Introduces time value of money, valuation and financial statements before finance courses begin.
Finance depth

For finance-track students, layer real finance intuition on top of the quantitative base so the finance courses build on familiar ground.

Finance Fundamentals — Interactive Course
Time value of money, DCF valuation, risk and return, and ratios — the spine of a first finance sequence.
Markets, Trading & Crypto — Interactive Course
Interview-oriented practice on how markets and trading work, useful for finance study and recruiting.
Budgeting, Forecasting & FP&A — Interactive Course
Builds planning, forecasting and variance-analysis skills used in corporate finance roles.
Business Risk Analysis — Interactive Course
Introduces risk registers, expected value and decision trees relevant to finance and quantitative finance.
Finance & Accounting
A focused assessment to check financial-analysis and accounting foundations.
Analytics & IT toolkit

Data Science for Business, Business Analytics and Digital Business reward hands-on data skills. Get comfortable with programming, databases and statistics before you start.

Python Pro Masterclass
The core language for analytics and data science across BI's data programmes.
SQL Essential Training
Database querying is fundamental for business analytics work.
Data Analysis
Practises statistics, interpretation and analytical reasoning on business data.
ML Foundations
Introduces machine-learning fundamentals used in data-science studies.
Intuitive Statistics Course
The statistical backbone of every analytics programme, free with a free account.
Internship & first-job recruiting in Norway

This is where interviews and aptitude tests actually happen. Norwegian graduate and trainee programmes commonly send a short ability test after the deadline and run structured and case interviews — often an assessment day. Practise the formats before you apply.

Numerical Reasoning
Practises the numerical ability tests common in Norwegian graduate recruitment.
Verbal Reasoning
Prepares for verbal ability tests used by many employers.
Inductive Reasoning
Trains the pattern/logical ability tests often included in graduate screening.
Situational Judgment Test
Mirrors the judgement scenarios and case-style thinking used in structured interviews and assessment centres.
AI Interview Prep
Practise structured and behavioural interview answers with feedback before the real thing.
AI Resume Builder
Build a clean CV for internship and graduate applications.
AI Cover Letter Builder
Tailor a cover letter to each trainee or graduate posting.

Interviews & graduate recruiting

BI admission itself is grade-based — there is no ordinary admission interview, and for master's programmes competitiveness rests on your grade average and, for many applicants, a GMAT or GRE. Interviews and aptitude tests come later, when you apply for internships and graduate/trainee jobs. According to BI, the banking, finance and insurance industry hires the most BI graduates, followed by consulting, IT companies and accounting firms, with employers such as DNB, Deloitte, EY and PwC among the most popular. Norwegian graduate recruiting commonly uses ability tests and structured or case interviews, so it pays to practise those formats.

  • 1
    Application (autumn)
    Many Norwegian graduate and trainee programmes open applications in the autumn for a start the following year; some post roles a full year ahead. Internship (summer-job) recruiting often runs on a similar autumn cycle.
    → Track deadlines on employer sites and boards like karrierestart.no, and prepare a tailored CV and cover letter early.
  • 2
    Ability test
    Shortly after the deadline, qualified candidates are commonly asked to complete an online ability test (evnetest) — typically numerical, verbal and logical/inductive items, often around 20 minutes.
    → Practise timed numerical, verbal and inductive reasoning so the format is familiar.
  • 3
    First interview
    First interviews are commonly held in the following weeks (for many autumn cycles, around November) and are often competency- or motivation-based.
    → Prepare structured examples of your experience and clear reasons for the role and employer.
  • 4
    Assessment centre / case round
    A second round is frequently run as an assessment centre or case day: individual presentations, group tasks with a case, and short interviews with managers.
    → Practise case reasoning, group collaboration and concise presentation under time pressure.
  • 5
    Offer
    The employer decides and extends an offer. In BI's own surveys, a large share of graduates report accepting a job before finishing their studies.
    → Compare offers and confirm start dates and terms directly with the employer.
Numerical Reasoning
Directly matches the numerical ability tests in Norwegian graduate recruitment.
Verbal Reasoning
Prepares for the verbal ability tests employers commonly send.
Inductive Reasoning
Trains the logical/pattern items often used in ability screening.
Situational Judgment Test
Rehearses the judgement and case-style thinking used in interviews and assessment centres.
AI Interview Prep
Practise structured, competency and case interview answers with feedback.
AI Resume Builder
Produce a strong CV for internship and graduate applications.
Career Planner
Map skills to roles and plan an application timeline across the autumn recruiting season.

Frequently asked questions

Is this page run by BI, or is it independent?
It is independent. This is a study-preparation guide from Job Tests Portal. We are not affiliated with Handelshøyskolen BI and do not speak for the school, so this is not a BI page. For authoritative programme, admission and fee information, always use BI's own website, bi.no.
Do you apply to BI through Samordna opptak?
No. BI is a private institution, so its admission is not handled by Samordna opptak. You apply directly to BI at bi.no, within the priority deadlines and then on a rolling basis while places remain.
What are the admission requirements for a BI bachelor?
You need the Norwegian higher-education entrance qualification (generell studiekompetanse) and a minimum number of competition points (konkurransepoeng). Point limits vary by programme and year and can be higher for popular intakes, so check the current figures on bi.no. English-taught bachelors also require documented English.
Do I need a GMAT or GRE for a BI master's?
Many applicants do — non-Nordic applicants in particular. Published minimums are GMAT Focus Edition 555 (or 600 on the 10th Edition) and GRE 158 Quantitative, and a GMAT Focus result below 530 is not accepted regardless of grade average. Some applicants from partner or internationally recognised schools may request a waiver. Confirm what applies to you on bi.no.
Does BI interview applicants for admission?
For ordinary bachelor and master admission, no — the decision is based on documented grades and qualifications (and, for MSc, the grade average plus GMAT/GRE where required). Interviews and aptitude tests come later, during internship and graduate-job recruiting.
Can I get Lånekassen support as a BI student?
BI's programmes qualify for support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen), so its students can apply for loans and grants if they meet the general conditions. Check your eligibility and current amounts at lanekassen.no.
What does it cost to study at BI, and how do I prepare?
BI charges tuition (skolepenger) — for 2026/27 the bachelor fee is around NOK 106,400 per year for domestic and EU/EEA/Switzerland students and around NOK 138,400 for students from outside that area; confirm current figures on bi.no. To prepare academically, this guide maps free and paid practice for quantitative first-year courses, the GMAT/GRE, and Norwegian graduate recruiting.
What is the siviløkonom title and how do I qualify?
Siviløkonom is a protected Norwegian business qualification. At BI it is awarded with the MSc in Business when your bachelor includes about 120 ECTS of business-administration and economics coursework; a Norwegian Bachelor i økonomi og administrasjon normally satisfies this. See BI's siviløkonom-title page for the exact rules.

About this guide

Published by Job Tests Portal. This guide is compiled from public sources and has not been independently reviewed by an admissions adviser. We are not affiliated with BI Norwegian Business School and this guide is not endorsed by them.

Admissions change often and vary by programme, applicant category, and year, so treat everything here as a starting point and let BI's own pages be the final word.

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