The Norwegian government scholarship doesn’t offer a blanket scholarship for all non-EU students, but through targeted schemes and institutional partnerships, you can still secure funding to cover living costs, travel, and insurance.
Studying in Norway is a dream for many international students. Imagine attending world-class universities surrounded by fjords, northern lights, and a high-quality lifestyle. While tuition is free at public institutions, living expenses can add up.
Overview of the Norwegian Government Scholarship Landscape
Norwegian public universities do not charge tuition fees to either domestic or international students, making them uniquely attractive. However, you still need to budget for housing, food, and transport, often totaling NOK 12,000–15,000 per month.
To help bridge this gap, the government and various institutions have established several scholarship schemes:
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Quota Scheme (historical): From 1987 until its phase-out in 2015, this program funded about 1,100 students yearly from developing countries.
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Current Institutional Scholarships: While the central government offers no universal grant, many universities (e.g., BI Norwegian Business School) and research councils provide scholarships for selected master’s and PhD candidates.
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Exchange and Partnership Programs: Bilateral agreements and programs like Erasmus+ and NORPART fund semester exchanges and joint-degree projects.
Key Norwegian Government Scholarship Programs
1. BI Presidential Scholarships
Offered by BI Norwegian Business School, these awards cover full tuition for up to two years of MSc study, plus a NOK 50,000 per-semester stipend for living expenses. To qualify, you must:
- Receive admission to a BI MSc program (Oslo or Bergen campus).
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance (typically GPA ≥ 3.5/4.0).
- Submit a separate scholarship application by BI’s deadline, usually in early spring.
2. Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund – Emerging Schemes
Although the original Quota Scheme ended in 2015, new public funding efforts (sometimes totaling 30–40 grants annually) target language and cultural studies, as well as STEM fields.
Recent pilot programs offer grants covering living costs (up to NOK 4,100 per month) alongside tuition exemptions.
3. Erasmus+ and NORPART Exchange Grants
Through Erasmus+, EU students can study in Norway with grants of €350–€450 per month for 3–12 months. NON-EU students benefit via NORPART, which offers similar funding for research collaborations between Norwegian and partner-country institutions.
4. University-Level and Research Council Awards
Many universities have their scholarships for master’s or PhD candidates, often funded by the Research Council of Norway. Example programs include:
- Research Council Industrial PhD: Positions combining work and doctoral research, with a monthly salary.
- University of Oslo PhD Scholarships: Cover salary and project costs for selected research proposals.
Eligibility Criteria for Norwegian Government Scholarship
While each program has unique requirements, general criteria include:
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Academic Excellence: Minimum GPA or percentile often above 80–85%.
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Program Admission: Official letter of acceptance to a degree program.
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Language Proficiency: IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL iBT ≥ 90, unless exempted by prior English instruction.
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Nationality Restrictions: Some grants target students from developing countries or specific regions.
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Research Alignment (for PhD): A well-defined proposal matching Norwegian research priorities.
How to Prepare a Strong Application for a Norwegian Government Scholarship
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Start Early: Most schemes close between November and March for the following academic year.
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Gather Documents: Certified transcripts, diplomas, CV, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.
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Write a Compelling Statement: Explain your academic goals, how they align with Norway’s research strengths, and your career vision.
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Secure Endorsements: For partner-funded grants, obtain support letters from both home and Norwegian institutions.
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Follow Formatting Rules: Adhere to word counts, file formats, and naming conventions exactly.
Financial Planning & Living in Norway
Even with scholarships, budget for:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (NOK) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared room) | 4,000–6,000 |
| Food | 3,000–4,000 |
| Public Transport | 800–1,000 |
| Insurance & Fees | 600–800 |
| Miscellaneous | 1,500–2,000 |
Benefits of Norwegian Government Scholarship
Choosing Norway as your study destination comes with a unique blend of academic excellence and lifestyle advantages. Here’s why international students are increasingly drawn to this Nordic country:
1. Tuition-Free Education
Norwegian public universities offer tuition-free education to all students, regardless of nationality. This makes higher education in Norway accessible and appealing, especially for students from countries where tuition costs are a major barrier.
2. High Quality of Life
Norway consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for safety, healthcare, environmental quality, and overall happiness. As a student, you’ll benefit from a clean environment, well-maintained infrastructure, and a welcoming society that values equality and personal well-being.
3. Innovative Research Environment
Norway is a global leader in renewable energy, marine science, climate research, and digital innovation. The country invests heavily in research and development, offering international students a chance to participate in cutting-edge projects and collaborative networks.
4. Rich Cultural and Outdoor Experiences
From witnessing the Northern Lights to skiing in the mountains or kayaking through scenic fjords, Norway offers an unforgettable cultural experience. Students often enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the Arctic Circle, which makes studying in Norway as adventurous as it is enriching.
Challenges of Norwegian Government Scholarship & How to Overcome Them
While Norway offers outstanding academic and lifestyle benefits, international students may face some challenges. Understanding these hurdles and how to manage them can make your transition smoother and more rewarding.
1. High Cost of Living
Norway is known for its relatively high cost of living, especially in major cities like Oslo and Bergen. Rent, groceries, and transport can quickly add up.
How to Overcome It:
- Apply for scholarships and grants: Many institutions and the Norwegian government offer financial aid specifically for international students.
- Use student discounts for transport, food, and cultural events.
- Choose shared accommodation or student housing to reduce monthly rent.
- Consider part-time work (within visa limits) to supplement your income.
2. Language Barrier
Most master’s and PhD programs in Norway are taught in English, which is a major advantage. However, daily life, especially if you plan to stay long-term, often involves the Norwegian language.
How to Overcome It:
- Enroll in Norwegian language courses offered by your university or online platforms.
- Practice with local friends or use apps like Duolingo or Babbel.
- Learning Norwegian boosts your job prospects, especially if you want to stay after graduation.
3. Weather and Seasonal Changes
Norway has long winters and limited daylight during some parts of the year, which can be difficult for newcomers.
How to Overcome It:
- Invest in quality winter clothing and proper footwear to stay comfortable.
- Embrace Norwegian traditions like “kos”, which means finding joy in cozy moments—whether through candles, hot drinks, or time with friends.
- Stay active and social to prevent seasonal blues. Join student groups, winter sports clubs, or hobby classes.
Tips for Success
1. Network Early: Join university Facebook groups and LinkedIn pages for incoming international cohorts.
2. Use University Careers Services: They often list part-time jobs and internship opportunities.
3. Attend Orientation: Learn about local banking, healthcare registration, and student unions.
4. Stay Organized: Use calendars or apps to track scholarship deadlines, visa renewals, and housing applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does the Norwegian government fund undergraduate international students?
No central government scholarship covers undergraduates; consider university-level grants and external foundations.
Q2: Can I work while studying in Norway?
Yes, non-EEA students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays.
Q3: Are PhD positions paid?
Most PhD scholarships come as salaried positions, covering living costs and social benefits.
Q4: What is the cost of student health insurance?
Around NOK 600–800 monthly, often included in semester fees for public students.
Q5: Is a TOEFL waiver possible?
Some programs waive English tests if your previous degree was taught in English; verify with each university.
Conclusion
While Norway doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all government scholarship, a mix of institutional awards, exchange grants, and emerging schemes can fund your study and living expenses.
By researching each program, preparing strong applications early, and budgeting wisely, you can enjoy tuition-free education set against Norway’s stunning landscapes and innovative learning environments. Start planning now to make your Norwegian academic adventure a reality
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