Scholarships in Norway

Looking for a scholarship in Norway for 2026? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Norway with full or partial funding. With its world-class education system, strong academic reputation, and many tuition-free universities, Norway continues to be one of the top European destinations for international students in 2026.

Table of Contents

1. Reasons to Study in Norway in 2026

Norway remains a top choice for international students, and here’s why:

Public universities offer tuition-free education to both local and international students.
Norwegian institutions are ranked among Europe’s best for research, innovation, and high-quality teaching.
Degrees earned in Norway are globally recognized.
The country is known for being safe, highly developed, and student-friendly.
Students are allowed to work part-time while studying.
Norway provides excellent living standards, modern infrastructure, and a peaceful environment.
In 2026, the country is further expanding its scholarship opportunities, especially for master’s, PhD, and research students.

2. Overview of Scholarships in Norway for 2026

Although public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees, international students can still apply for scholarships that help cover:

Living expenses
Accommodation
Travel costs
Research expenses
Books and study materials
Insurance

Most scholarships in Norway are funded by:

The Norwegian government
Public universities
Research institutions
Private foundations
International partnerships

These scholarships are available for bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and exchange programs.

Types of Scholarships Available in Norway

100% Funded Scholarships

These scholarships offer complete financial support, typically covering:

Housing allowance
Monthly stipend
Travel expenses
Health insurance
Research funding

Partially Sponsored Scholarships

These scholarships may cover:

Part of your living expenses
Stipends for certain semesters
Accommodation support or subsidies

Advantages of Tuition-Free Education

Norway’s tuition-free public universities offer a significant financial advantage for students.

Doctoral & Research Scholarships

PhD scholarships often come as paid employment contracts, offering:

Full salary
Research funding
Tuition-free education

4. Leading Fully Funded Scholarships in Norway for 2026

Here are the top scholarship options for students joining in 2026:

1. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Opportunities

Many joint master’s programs offer study opportunities at Norwegian universities.

Benefits include:

Fully funded program
Monthly stipend of approximately €1,100
Travel allowance
Installation grant

2. Scholarships at BI Norwegian Business School

BI Norwegian Business School charges tuition but provides generous scholarships to support international students.

Available Programs:

BI Presidential Scholarship
MSc International Scholarship
Women in Finance and Tech Scholarship

Coverage:

Full or partial tuition
Some scholarships also include a stipend

3. University of Oslo (UiO) Funding Opportunities

The University of Oslo (UiO) offers:

Master’s scholarships
Fully funded PhD fellowships

Benefits include:

Tuition-free education
PhD salaries of approximately NOK 480,000–500,000 per year

4. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Scholarships

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is Norway’s leading institution for science and engineering.

Scholarship Opportunities:

Master’s scholarships
Fully funded PhD fellowships

5. University of Bergen Scholarships

Offered for:

Master’s degree students
PhD researchers
Exchange program participants

6. Nord University Scholarships / Popular Fields at Nord University

Popular fields of study (or notable programmes) at Nord University include:

Biosciences — e.g. via their Master’s in Biosciences, with specialisations such as aquaculture, genomics, marine ecology, terrestrial ecology, etc. nord.no+1
Environmental / Ecology / Marine & Nature‑related studies — many biosciences and ecology‑oriented programmes connect to environmental and marine sciences. nord.no+1
Business programmes — Nord offers a Master’s in Business (MSc Business) among its offerings. nord.no+1
Gaming, Animation & Entertainment Technology — Nord University provides bachelor‑level programmes such as “Games and Entertainment Technology” and “CG Art and Animation.”

7. Norwegian Government Scholarships

Although the former “Quota Scheme” has ended, several government‑supported programs and institutional/partnership schemes remain in place:

NORPART (Norwegian Partnership Programme for Global Academic Cooperation) — a scheme under which institutions in Norway collaborate with partner‑country institutions to enable student mobility (for Master’s/PhD) and sometimes full‑degree funding for selected students. hkdir.no+2Scribd+2
Institutional scholarships and grants offered by individual Norwegian universities or institutions (often for postgraduate students), sometimes funded by public research grants or institutional funding rather than a universal “government scholarship.” Study in Norway+2Scholars Avenue+2
Exchange or cooperation‑based funding (rather than general grants) — for example through bilateral agreements or collaborative projects between universities in Norway and institutions abroad (common under NORPART and similar frameworks).

State-Funded Education Support in Norway

Available through collaboration with partner countries.

NORPART: Norway-Partner Education Funding

Supports:

Student mobility programs
Exchange semester opportunities
Collaborative or joint study projects

High North Fellowship

Eligible students from: Japan, Russia, USA, South Korea, Canada

Includes:

Monthly stipend
Travel support

Erasmus+ Educational Opportunities

European students can study in Norway through exchange agreements.

6. Scholarships Offered by Specific Universities

UiO – University of Oslo

Offers:

Scholarships for Master’s programs
Funding for research projects
Fully funded PhD positions

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Known for:

Engineering
Technology
Science

Funding includes:

Salaries for PhD positions
Research grants for postdoctoral projects

University of Bergen (UiB), Norway

Provides merit-based scholarships for selected Master’s programs

Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), Norway

Key Funding Areas:

Fellowships supporting research initiatives
Targeted scholarships for selected Master’s programs

Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), Norway

Offers Master’s scholarships for high-achieving students

BI Norwegian Business School, Norway

Offers extensive scholarship opportunities for students in Norway

Top Study Programs for Students from Abroad

In-Demand Programs:

Machine Learning
Data Science
Renewable Energy
Marine Biology
Cybersecurity
Engineering
Finance and Business
Public Health
Environmental Science
Social Sciences

Note: These programs are highly sought after and often have strong competition for scholarships.

8. Study in Norway Without Tuition Fees

One of Norway’s main draws for international students is its tuition-free education at public universities. This benefit applies to:

Bachelor’s programs
Master’s degrees
PhD programs

Students are only required to pay a small semester fee of NOK 500–800 (around USD 50–90). This makes Norway one of the most cost-effective study destinations in Europe, even though living expenses can be relatively high.

9. Managing Living Expenses in Norway with Scholarships

orway is known for its relatively high cost of living. Here’s an estimated breakdown:

Financial requirement	Price (NOK)	Approximate Cost (USD)
Residential Costs	4,000–6,000	$380–$550
Food	3,000	$280
Local Transit Services	600	$55
Essential Services	900	$85
Other Services	1,500	$140

The total monthly living expenses in Norway range from NOK 9,000–11,000 (approximately $850–$1,050). Many scholarships can help cover these costs, either fully or partially.

10. Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements:

Good academic record
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Well-prepared motivation letter
Admission to a Norwegian university
Valid passport
Recommendation letters

Additional Requirements for PhD Applicants:

Master’s degree in a relevant field
Research proposal or plan
Potential or past publications

11. Required Documents

Commonly Required Documents:

Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
English proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation
Passport copy
Research proposal (for research-based programs)

12. How to Get a Scholarship in Norway 2026

Step 1: Choose a University

Popular University Options for Scholarships:

University of Oslo (UiO)
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
University of Bergen
Nord University
Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
BI Norwegian Business School

Note: Many of these universities offer virtual access or online programs for international students.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility Requirements

Verify your language proficiency and academic qualifications.

Step 3: Collect Required Documents

Collect all required materials in advance.

Step 4: Apply to Your Chosen University

Most scholarships can be applied for once you have received your admission offer.

Step 5: Submit Your Scholarship Application

Some scholarships require separate application forms.

Step 6: Attend Scholarship Interviews

Certain programs may schedule their interviews virtually instead of in person.

Step 7 – Get Your Admission Offer

Confirm your spot and finish the registration process

Step 8 – Start the Process for Your Student Visa

Complete your visa submission using the UDI system.

13. Ways to Increase Your Chances of Success

Apply early—ideally between October and December.
Write a strong motivation letter that is specific to the program.
Emphasize your achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement.
Submit solid academic recommendation letters.
Keep your grades as high as possible.
Look for programs that have fewer applicants and less competition.

14. What Life Is Like for International Students in Norway

Students in Norway benefit from various supports, including access to student loan information.

Safe and peaceful surroundings
Stunning natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and lakes
Clean, modern, and well-planned cities
Advanced technology and modern facilities
Welcoming and friendly local communities
Opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year

Norway offers a balanced, healthy, and culturally rich lifestyle.

15. Student Visa Application Procedure

After receiving your admission offer, you should:

Submit your student visa application online.
Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
Upload your official acceptance letter from the university.
Attend the embassy or consulate to provide biometric data.
Pay the required visa application fee.

Visa processing typically takes 4–6 weeks.

16. Working as a Student and Post-Graduation Prospects

Work Opportunities for International Students:

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms.
Full-time work is allowed during holidays.
After graduation, students can apply for a 12-month job-seeker visa to find employment in Norway.

In-Demand Sectors with Skill Shortages:

Healthcare and medical professions
Information Technology (IT) and technology
Marine and shipping industries
Engineering fields
Renewable energy sector
Business and finance

17. Common Questions

Q: Is education free in Norway in 2026?
A: Yes, public universities in Norway continue to offer tuition-free education for all students. Many universities also provide virtual access to courses.

Q: Does Norway offer fully funded scholarships?
A: Yes, fully funded scholarships are available, particularly for master’s and PhD programs.

Q: Are degrees taught in English?
A: Yes, most graduate programs in Norway are offered in English.

Q: What GPA is required?
A: Generally, a GPA of 2.8–3.0 out of 4 is needed, although more competitive scholarships may require a higher GPA.

18. Conclusion

Applying for a scholarship in Norway in 2026 provides access to one of Europe’s most prestigious education systems. With tuition-free public universities, extensive research funding, and globally recognized degrees, Norway is an ideal choice for ambitious international students.

Whether you are pursuing a fully funded master’s scholarship, a paid PhD position, or a tuition-free bachelor’s program, Norway offers outstanding opportunities for 2026.

Looking for More Scholarships?

Universities in Iceland for International Students

University of Birmingham International

Seoul National University (SNU)

Aichi Scholarship 2025 Japan

Fully Funded EDUFI Fellowships for PhD Research in Finland

Skoltech University Scholarship for International Students

Saudi Government Scholarships for International Students

Fully Funded Georg Forster Research Fellowship in Germany

SINGA Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Singapore

MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship: Study in the U.S. or Canada

Fully Funded Schwarzman Scholarships in China – No IELTS Needed