Dreaming of studying in Europe’s most peaceful, inclusive, and academically rich country? Norway Scholarships 2025-2026 offer international students a chance to pursue Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs at some of the world’s top-ranked institutions—all while enjoying tuition-free education at public universities. Whether you are a high school graduate, a young researcher, or a postgraduate student, Norway provides a unique gateway to affordable, high-quality learning.
From the University of Oslo to NTNU and the University of Bergen, these prestigious institutions are now welcoming global learners into degree programs taught in English—often without requiring IELTS. For students seeking Fully Funded Scholarships, Research Programs, or opportunities in Europe without the stress of language exams, Norway is one of the most attractive destinations for 2025-2026.
Program Details
Host Country: Norway
Program Location: Multiple institutions across Norway, including Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Bodø
Program Dates: Academic intake begins in August/September 2025
Program Themes or Focus Areas: STEM, Business, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, and Engineering
Benefits
Selected students for Norway Scholarships will enjoy some of the following benefits:
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Tuition-free education at public universities
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Monthly stipends for living expenses (for certain scholarships)
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Fully funded PhD positions with salaries
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Health insurance coverage
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Research and travel grants (for PhD and master’s students)
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Access to English-taught programs
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Part-time work opportunities during studies
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Post-study work visa pathways
Eligibility Criteria
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Must be an international student from outside the EU/EEA (country eligibility may vary by program)
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For undergraduate scholarships: Must have completed high school with strong academic records
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For master’s scholarships: Must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree
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For PhD scholarships: Must hold a master’s degree and research proposal (in most cases)
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English proficiency is required—but many universities accept alternatives to IELTS (e.g., MOI, TOEFL, or prior English education)
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Academic excellence and a strong motivation statement are essential
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Some programs may have age limits or require specific professional experience
Top Scholarships in Norway
Below are some of the most reputable Fully Funded Scholarships and funding programs available for international students in Norway:
Undergraduate Level
1. Norwegian Government Quota Scheme
One of Norway’s most renowned schemes for students from developing nations.
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Covers travel, living expenses, and other academic costs
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Requires application through participating universities
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Varies by year and country partnerships
2. BI Presidential Scholarships
Offered by the BI Norwegian Business School, this is ideal for top-performing students in business and management.
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Available for undergraduate and master’s programs
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Covers full or partial tuition fees
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Competitive selection process
3. University of Oslo Scholarships
This historic institution offers financial aid packages for exceptional international undergraduates.
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Focus on academic merit and leadership potential
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Covers living costs partially
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Program-specific deadlines
Master’s Level
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
Jointly managed by the EU, these scholarships are accepted at several Norwegian institutions.
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Fully covers tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance
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Open to applicants from all countries
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Particularly suitable for Entrepreneurial Programs and interdisciplinary degrees
2. University of Bergen (UiB) Scholarships
Targeted at non-EU students in master’s programs.
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Offers financial support based on academic merit
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Apply directly through the university portal
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December application cycle for fall admissions
3. NTNU Scholarships
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) offers scholarships tied to specific master’s programs in technology, engineering, and science.
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Covers tuition and provides housing/living grants
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Requires strong academic records and motivation
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Deadline: December 1
PhD Level
1. Norwegian PhD Research Fellowships
Most PhD roles in Norway are fully salaried positions, meaning students receive monthly pay instead of stipends.
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Salary equivalent to €45,000–55,000 per year
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Contract-based employment with health and research benefits
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Apply through institutional job portals
2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
For researchers across Europe, including Norway, this is among the most generous Research Programs.
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Offers mobility, salary, and academic collaboration opportunities
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Applications open to early-stage researchers globally
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Varying deadlines per consortium
3. Nord University PhD Scholarships
Located in northern Norway, Nord University hosts PhD programs in business, biosciences, and social sciences.
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Competitive full-salary positions
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Emphasis on regional development and sustainability
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Check their official portal for openings and instructions
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for Norway Scholarships 2025-2026:
Step 1: Research Universities and Programs
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Visit official websites of Norwegian universities (e.g., University of Oslo, NTNU, UiB, Nord University)
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Choose a program that aligns with your academic and career goals
Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements
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Review country-specific and degree-specific criteria
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Confirm whether IELTS is required or waived in your case
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Updated CV/resume
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Letters of recommendation
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Motivation or personal statement
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Proof of English proficiency (if needed)
Step 4: Submit Online Application
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Use the designated university portals or national application platforms
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Some institutions may charge a small application fee
Step 5: Apply for Residence Permit
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Once admitted, you will need to apply for a student visa/residence permit through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
Application Deadline
Application deadlines vary based on program and institution, but here are common timelines:
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BI Presidential Scholarship: March 1, 2025
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NTNU, UiB, UiO Scholarships: December 1, 2025
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Erasmus Mundus Programs: Between October 2025 and February 2026
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Norwegian Government Quota Scheme: Varies by country, often around December 2025
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PhD Fellowships: Open year-round, but early applications are encouraged
Studying in Norway Without IELTS
One of the most attractive features of studying in Norway is the flexibility around English language requirements. Many institutions accept:
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Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous university
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TOEFL or Cambridge English tests
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Proof of prior academic degrees taught in English
Some universities also conduct interviews to assess English proficiency, particularly at the postgraduate level. Always confirm on the official program page.
Top Universities in Norway Offering Scholarships
Here are some of the most reputable institutions that frequently offer scholarships and funded positions:
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University of Oslo (UiO) – Focused on humanities, law, medicine, and education
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Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) – Specializes in engineering, science, and innovation
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University of Bergen (UiB) – Renowned for its research in climate and marine sciences
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BI Norwegian Business School – Leading in economics, finance, and international business
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Nord University – Known for sustainable development and regional innovation
Final Thoughts
Norway Scholarships 2025-2026 are among the most generous and accessible funding options in Europe. With tuition-free education, fully funded PhD positions, and opportunities to study without IELTS, Norway stands out as a destination that combines academic excellence with affordability and inclusivity.
Start your research early, build a strong academic profile, and tailor each application to the specific scholarship or program. Whether you’re an aspiring undergraduate or an experienced researcher, Norway could be the next step in your global academic journey.
