In this article I’m going to tell you all about the scholarships available in Norway for 2026, what they cover exactly, what the requirements are and when you should apply.
Why study in Norway with a scholarship?
Before going into detail about scholarships, I want you to know why studying in Norway is an excellent decision. This Scandinavian country stands out not only for its stunning landscapes and quality of life, but also for its top-notch education system.
How much does it cost to study in Norway without a scholarship?
One of Norway’s biggest advantages is that public universities don’t charge tuition fees to any student, regardless of nationality. Yes, you read that right: higher education at Norwegian public institutions is free for both locals and international students.
However, this doesn’t mean that studying in Norway is cheap. The cost of living in the country is one of the highest in Europe. On average, you’ll need between €1,000 and €1,400 per month to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other basic expenses. Therefore, securing a scholarship in Norway to cover your living expenses is essential.
What are the benefits of studying in Norway?
The Norwegian education system is among the best in the world, ranking 11th globally. Norwegian universities focus on research, innovation, and critical thinking, which will prepare you exceptionally well for the international job market.
Furthermore, Norway is recognized as one of the happiest countries in the world according to the World Happiness Report, with an excellent quality of life, safety, a top-notch health system, and multiple opportunities for outdoor activities such as kayaking excursions, fjord tours, and, of course, viewing the Northern Lights between October and March.
What scholarships are available to study in Norway?
Now, let’s get to what you came here for: the best scholarships to study in Norway in 2026. I’m going to present you with the most comprehensive and generous options available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Each one has different characteristics, so I recommend reading carefully to identify which one best suits your profile and academic goals.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for Norway
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are one of the most attractive options if you want to study in Norway, as they offer full funding for a master’s degree in Europe, including at Norwegian universities. This program is known for its generosity and for allowing you to study in multiple European countries during your master’s program.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic level | Mastery |
| Coverage | €1,000 monthly for living expenses throughout the program; €7,000 for airfare and settling-in; comprehensive medical insurance; 100% tuition coverage |
| Areas of study | Genetics and animal breeding, Social work, Renewable energies, Integrated computer systems, among other specific joint master’s degrees |
| Main requirements | Undergraduate degree. Academic excellence. Minimum TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.0. |
| Deadline | It varies depending on the program (October – March) |
Erasmus Mundus scholarships allow you to have a truly international experience, as the programs are designed for you to spend semesters at different European universities. This means you could study part of your master’s degree in Norway and another part in countries like Belgium, France, or Spain, depending on the program you choose.
Scholarships from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
NTNUÂ is one of Norway’s most prestigious universities and an international leader in science, technology, and engineering. If your background is more technical or scientific, this scholarship could be perfect for you.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic level | Mastery |
| Coverage | Full exemption from tuition fees |
| Areas of study | Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Fine Arts, Music, Engineering and more |
| Main requirements | Undergraduate degree, average grade above 70%, English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge) |
| Deadline | December of each year |
Although this scholarship only covers tuition, remember that public universities in Norway typically don’t charge fees. The real value here is that NTNU guarantees you access to its high-quality master’s programs without you having to worry about additional academic costs.
Scholarships from the Norwegian Business School (BI)
The Norwegian Business School (BI) is one of the top business schools in Northern Europe and takes supporting talented international students very seriously. Unlike public universities, BI is a private institution, so its scholarships are especially important in making education accessible. Here are the different options BI offers so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
BI-LUISS Scholarship to study Marketing
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic level | Joint Master’s Degree |
| Coverage | Full payment of tuition and studies |
| Areas of study | Joint Master’s Program in Marketing (BI Norway + LUISS Italy) |
| Main requirements | Undergraduate degree, Academic excellence, Letter of admission to the program, English proficiency |
| Deadline | March of every year |
This scholarship is ideal if you are passionate about marketing and want an international experience that combines the Scandinavian perspective with the Southern European one.
IB Scholarship – International Baccalaureate
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic level | Undergraduate / Bachelor’s Degree |
| Coverage | €24,900 (total funding for studies) |
| Areas of study | Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analysis |
| Main requirements | International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Acceptance Letter |
| Deadline | March of every year |
If you completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, this scholarship can be your gateway to a world-class business education in Norway. The amount covers virtually all of your undergraduate studies.
IB International Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic level | Undergraduate / Bachelor’s Degree |
| Coverage | 50% of tuition each semester (approx. €12,450 in total) |
| Areas of study | Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analysis |
| Main requirements | Average grade above 80% |
| Deadline | March of every year |
This scholarship is more accessible in terms of requirements, as you only need to demonstrate good academic performance without needing an IB diploma. It covers half of your studies, which represents a significant saving.
BI-Presidential Scholarship for Master’s Degree
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic level | Master’s degree (MSc) |
| Coverage | Full funding of studies. Monthly stipend for living expenses. |
| Areas of study | Master of Science degrees in business, finance, marketing, management |
| Main requirements | Outstanding academic achievements. Demonstrable interest in a Master’s degree in Science. |
| Deadline | March of every year |
This is probably BI’s most competitive scholarship, but also the most generous. It not only covers your tuition but also provides a monthly stipend to live in Norway, which is essential given the country’s high cost of living.
IB International Science Scholarship
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic level | Master’s degree (MSc) |
| Coverage | Variable: from partial funding for the first year to full coverage for two years. Possible one-time stipend for the first semester (subject to evaluation). |
| Areas of study | Master of Science degrees at the Business School |
| Main requirements | Excellent academic performance |
| Deadline | March of every year |
This scholarship is interesting because the benefits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your academic profile and potential, you could receive anything from partial support to full funding, including living expenses.
Study in Norway mobility grants
This is a very specific mobility grant for students already enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program who need to conduct fieldwork or research in Norway. Unlike previous grants, it is not for completing a full program, but rather to complement your current studies with a research stay in Norway.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic level | Master’s or Doctoral degree in progress |
| Coverage | €1,100 per month for living expenses and accommodation (1-3 months) €500 for round-trip airfare |
| Areas of study | Nordic/Scandinavian studies (Norwegian language or literature) |
| Main requirements | Not to have Norwegian nationality. To be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Nordic/Scandinavian studies or to have Norwegian language/literature as the topic of your thesis. |
| Deadline | March of every year |
If your research is related to Scandinavian studies, Norwegian language, or Norwegian literature, this grant allows you to conduct fieldwork directly in Norway, which can greatly enrich your thesis or research project.
What are the requirements to get a scholarship in Norway?
Although each scholarship has its own specific requirements, which you already saw in the tables above, there are certain common elements that virtually all scholarships in Norway will require. Understanding these general requirements will help you prepare in advance and increase your chances of success.
Academic excellence: Most Norwegian scholarships seek students with outstanding academic performance. This generally translates to averages above 70-80%, although some more competitive scholarships may require even higher grades. If your average falls below these ranges, don’t be discouraged: focus on strengthening other areas of your application, such as your experience, motivation, and relevant projects.
Proven English proficiency: This is probably the most universal requirement. Almost all scholarships in Norway require you to demonstrate your English level through standardized tests such as the TOEFL (generally 80 points or higher) or the IELTS (generally 6.0 or higher). Some programs also accept Cambridge certificates . My recommendation is that you prepare for these exams at least 2-3 months in advance to ensure a good score.
Well-prepared application documents: Beyond academic requirements, Norwegian scholarships assess your potential and motivation. For this, you will need documents such as an up-to-date academic CV, a well-written motivation letter or personal statement, and in some cases, letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors. These documents are your opportunity to stand out and show why you deserve the scholarship, so it’s worth investing time in ensuring they are of excellent quality.
When do the scholarship applications for Norway open?
Most scholarships to study in Norway have deadlines concentrated in certain months of the year. Knowing these deadlines is essential so you can organize your time and prepare high-quality applications without last-minute rushes.
| Scholarship | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Scholarships | It varies depending on the program (October – March) |
| NTNU Scholarships | December |
| BI-LUISS Marketing Scholarship | March |
| IB Scholarship – International Baccalaureate | March |
| IB International Bachelor’s Scholarship | March |
| BI-Presidential Scholarship | March |
| IB International Science Fellowship | March |
| Study in Norway Scholarships | March |
Important note: Dates may vary slightly each year. Always check the official website of each scholarship or university for the most up-to-date information before applying. The dates presented here are for guidance only, based on previous application periods.
My recommendation is that you begin your preparation at least 6 months before the deadline. This will give you enough time to prepare for your English exams, gather all the necessary documents, write high-quality applications, and make any necessary revisions.
Read Also: How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa (Step-by-Step Guide)
How to apply for Norwegian scholarships step by step?
The application process varies depending on the scholarship, but these are the general steps you should follow to apply for scholarships in Norway:
Research and choose your program: Identify what you want to study and at which university. Review the available programs, their content, and research areas to ensure they align with your interests.
Check the specific requirements: Carefully read all the information on the official websites of each scholarship. Each call for applications has its own specific requirements regarding documents, formats, and evaluation criteria.
Prepare for your English exam:Â If you don’t have a TOEFL or IELTS certification, register early. These exams require at least 2-3 months of preparation.
Gather your documents: Organize academic certificates, request letters of recommendation in advance, and prepare your academic CV.
Write a winning application: Your cover letter and personal statement are essential. Write from your real experience, your concrete achievements, and your clear goals. Don’t use generic templates.
Apply before the deadline:Â Submit your application through the official platform at least one week before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
