Norway has changed how it funds things in 2026. The “Quota Scheme” that was in place in the past is no longer in place. The Norwegian government has replaced it with the NORPART and Erasmus Mundus frameworks, which are specifically designed to improve STEM education. The main subjects for the 2026–2027 school year are Energy Transition, Marine Engineering, and ICT.
1. Best “Full-Ride” STEM Awards
These programmes are the best at giving full funding, which includes tuition, housing, flights, and a monthly living allowance.
Joint Masters of Erasmus Mundus (EMJM)
- The Award: All costs covered (tuition is free and there is a monthly stipend of about €1,400).
- Focus Areas: * CoMEM+: Coastal and Marine Engineering and Management at NTNU.
- Wind Energy: The European Wind Energy Master (EWEM).
- International Master in Security, Intelligence, and Strategic Studies for Security.
- 2026/2027 Status: Some programmes, like Euroculture, are not getting enough money right now, but big STEM-heavy groups at NTNU and UiO are still going strong.
- Selection: Applications usually open in October 2026 for a start in 2027. When you apply for the scholarship, you are automatically considered for it.
NORPART (Norwegian Partnership Programme)
- The Prize: Full funding for Master’s and PhD students to move.
- Target: Students from Global South partner countries like Ethiopia, Uganda, and Vietnam.
- 2027 Intake: The 2026 budget is currently being looked at for funding for this programme, but NTNU and the University of Bergen are still giving out mobility grants for STEM research.
- Main topics: climate change, renewable energy, and public health.
2. Research Jobs for PhDs (the “Salaried” Path)
People in Norway think of a PhD as a job, not just a status as a student. This is the most important “scholarship” for men in STEM.
- The Prize: A full-time salary of about NOK 500,000 to 550,000 per year, which is more than enough to live well and support a family.
- Benefit: You get all the benefits that come with working in Norway, such as social security, pension contributions, and paid parental leave.
- How to Find Them: Jobbnorge.no and the university’s own vacancy pages (like UiO Vacancies or NTNU Vacancies) post job openings all year long.
- Trend for 2026/2027: There will be a lot of demand for people who know about Artificial Intelligence, Subsea Technology, and Sustainable Materials.
3. The “Anglo-Norse” and Special Grants
- Anglo-Norse Society Scholarships: Gives postgraduate students about £2,500 to study in Norway. June 19, 2026, is the deadline.
- The Fulbright U.S. Student Programme pays for one year of research or study in Norway for American citizens in STEM fields. The 2027 Cycle starts in May 2026.
4. How to Avoid Taking the IELTS for Norway in 2026
Norway has very clear rules for STEM professionals who don’t have to follow them:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI): Most Norwegian universities (UiO, NTNU, UiT) will not require the IELTS if your Bachelor’s degree was taught entirely in English. You need to send an official MOI letter from your school.
- If you have a degree from an English-speaking country, like the UK, the USA, Canada, or Australia, you don’t have to do this.
- Internal English Requirements: If you have a strong academic record, some STEM programmes at NTNU will let you take an interview instead of a formal test to see how good your English is.
5. Important Timeline for 2026 and 2027
- The Anglo-Norse Society grants are due on June 19, 2026, for a start date of September 2026.
- October 2026: The application period for NTNU and UiO Master’s programmes for 2027 opens.
- The last day to apply for most international Master’s programmes in Norway for the 2027 intake is December 1, 2026.
- Every week, check Jobbnorge.no for STEM PhD jobs that pay.
Final Thoughts
In Norway, the best way for men in STEM to make money is to get a salaried PhD position, which pays them a professional salary instead of a student stipend. The Erasmus Mundus programmes at NTNU are the best “Full-Ride” options for Master’s students. Put most of your application on your practical research experience and technical skills, since Norwegian schools place a lot of weight on your quantitative background.
