People all over the world know that Norway has a great education system, beautiful nature, and a strong focus on research and new ideas. International students find it especially appealing because public universities have a long history of low or even free tuition. But Norway has high living costs, so scholarships and other forms of financial aid are very important.
This in-depth guide will show you the best scholarships in Norway for international students. It will cover fully funded and partially funded options, eligibility requirements, and useful tips on how to get funding.
Important Reality: Understanding Scholarships in Norway
Before we get to the list, it’s important to know how scholarships work in Norway.
Norway does not have a single big national scholarship programme that all international students can apply for, like the UK or the US.
Instead:
- Most scholarships are for specific universities or organisations.
- Some are specific to a country or programme
- Historically, a lot of students have relied on free education and money from outside sources.
Also, Norway used to offer free tuition to everyone, but policies are changing, and some non-EU students may now have to pay tuition. This makes scholarships even more important.
This means you need to apply strategically and often use more than one source of funding.
Why get a scholarship to study in Norway?
There are special benefits to studying in Norway that make scholarships worth looking into:
- Education based on research and of high quality
- A strong focus on innovation and sustainability
- A safe and welcoming place for students
- Getting a job in Europe
- A lot of programmes taught in English
But living costs can be between €800 and €1,500 a month, which is why funding is so important.
Different kinds of scholarships in Norway
There are different types of scholarships in Norway:
1. Scholarships that cover all costs
Pay for tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance (not common but possible).
2. Scholarships for Tuition Fees
Pay for all or part of the tuition.
3. Scholarships for college
Certain universities offer this to students from other countries.
4. Scholarships from outside the country or from other countries
Funded by international organisations like Fulbright and Erasmus.
5. Fellowships for Research
Open to PhD and postdoctoral students.
Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Norway
These are the most valuable chances, even though they are few.
1. The BI Presidential Scholarship
One of Norway’s most popular fully funded scholarships.
What It Talks About:
- All tuition costs
- Extra pay (in some cases)
Level:
- A master’s degree
Main Feature:
- Awarded to students with outstanding academic performance
BI Norwegian Business School offers this scholarship, which is very competitive.
2. Joint Master’s Degrees from Erasmus Mundus
One of the best scholarships in Europe, which includes schools in Norway.
What It Talks About:
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
- Research conducted in various nations
This is one of the best fully funded options for international students in Norway.
3. The Fulbright Programme (for studying in Norway)
What It Talks About:
- School fees
- Living allowance
- Costs of travel
This is mostly for people from the US, but other countries have similar scholarships for two people.
4. The IIE-SRF Fellowship
What It Talks About:
- Grant of up to $25,000
- Insurance for health
Level:
- Research for a PhD
This is perfect for researchers and academics.
5. The Human Frontier Science Programme (HFSP)
What It Talks About:
- Money for living
- Money for research and travel
Level:
- After a PhD
This is good for students who want to do advanced research in science.
The Best University Scholarships in Norway
A lot of Norwegian universities have their own scholarships.
6. Scholarships from the University of Oslo
What It Talks About:
- Fees for school
- Monthly money for living
- Insurance for health
This is one of the most complete university scholarships in Norway.
7. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology Money
- There aren’t many scholarships available.
- Often needs money from outside sources
Students are urged to look for ways to get money from outside sources.
8. Scholarships from the University of Bergen
- Gives money to certain programmes
- Concentrate on courses grounded in research.
9. Scholarships from BI Norwegian Business School
- Tuition coverage in full and in part
- Awards based on merit
10. International Bachelor Scholarship (BI)
What It Talks About:
- Up to 50% off tuition for three years
Level:
- Undergraduate
Scholarships for people from Africa and other developing countries
There are certain chances that are meant for developing countries.
11. The Kistefos Young Talented Leaders Scholarship
- Helps students from Norway and Africa
- Put your attention on leadership and new ideas.
12. Scholarship from NORAM
- Money help for some students
- The amount changes based on need.
13. The Abel Visiting Scholar Programme
- Fully paid for
- For mathematicians who live in developing countries
Grants for PhD and research students
Norway is a great place to get money for research.
14. Fellowships for doctoral research
- PhD positions with full funding
- Includes a salary instead of a stipend
- Covers the costs of school and living.
15. Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers
- Available at all Norwegian universities
- Put your attention on global research and new ideas.
The benefit of free tuition
One of the best things about going to school in Norway is that:
- In the past, many public universities have given students free tuition.
- Students mostly need to pay for their living costs.
This makes Norway one of the cheapest places to study if you can pay for your living expenses.
Requirements for eligibility
Most scholarships in Norway want:
- Good grades in school
- Getting into a university in Norway
- IELTS/TOEFL tests for English language skills
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
You might also need the following for research programmes:
- Proposal for research
- Experience in school or at work
How to Get Scholarships in Norway
You need to be organised when you apply for scholarships in Norway.
Step 1: Pick Your Programme
Choose a course that fits with your career goals.
Step 2: Apply to get in
Most scholarships need an offer letter first.
Step 3: Get your papers ready
- Transcripts from school
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Passport
Step 4: Apply for financial aid
Send in your applications through colleges or scholarship organisations.
Step 5: Get ready for interviews
Some scholarships require interviews.
Sample Checklist for Scholarship Applications
- Passport that is still good
- Transcripts from school
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Results of the English test
- Letter of acceptance
Norway offers scholarships that don’t require IELTS.
Some colleges and universities will accept applications without an IELTS if:
- Their previous education was in English.
- You show that you know English well.
But many programmes still need IELTS.
Ways to Improve Your Odds
1. Get Started Early
Most of the time, deadlines are between December and March.
2. Put your mind on doing well in school
Getting good grades is very important.
3. Show leadership and make a difference
Scholarships care about making a difference in the real world.
4. Apply for More Than One Job
Don’t put all your eggs in one scholarship.
5. Scholarships for Target University
These are the most likely options in Norway.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Assuming that all education is completely paid for
- Not meeting deadlines
- Sending in applications that aren’t complete
- Making weak personal statements
Last Thoughts
Norway has a different scholarship system than other countries. There aren’t as many big, fully funded government scholarships, but the combination of high-quality education, free tuition, and targeted funding programmes makes it a great place for international students to study.
The most important thing is to be smart about how you apply. Look for scholarships from universities, combine funding sources, and make sure your academic and leadership profile is strong.
You can get funding and study in Norway without worrying about money if you start early, keep applying, and put yourself in a good position.
