Norway’s higher education sector includes public and private institutions and a range of English-taught programs. Tuition and funding rules vary by citizenship, institution, program, and exemption status. With its universities and diverse study options, many international students consider Norway an attractive study-abroad destination.
In this article, we cover selected scholarships and funded study opportunities connected with Norway. Let’s take a look at these top scholarships in Norway for international students
Top Scholarships in Norway for International Students
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program supports integrated international Master’s programs delivered by consortia of universities in multiple countries. Norwegian higher education institutions currently participate in several Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programs. Students considering institutions such as the University of Bergen or the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) should consult the current Erasmus Mundus program catalog to confirm each institution’s participation.
Full scholarships are available to selected students. Scholarship recipients cannot be charged tuition or other mandatory participation costs. The award provides €1,400 per month for 12, 18, or 24 months, depending on the program’s duration. This contribution covers travel, visa, installation, and living costs, while the program also provides insurance coverage.
Here is what Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program (Norway) Scholars Say:
“It not only provides financial support but also allows you to study in multiple countries, gain international exposure, and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds.”
Ali Hamza
“The 3rd semester at NTNU consisted of elective courses like Sensor Fusion, Guidance and Navigation, and Marine Control Systems, while the last semester was only a master’s thesis.”
Abhimanyu Bhowmik
“I completed my first semester at Ghent University and chose NTNU for my subsequent semesters due to its specialized focus on ecosystem and health management in aquaculture.”
Anagha Anilkumar
2. BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
BI Norwegian Business School offers several scholarships and funded study opportunities. The central scholarship deadline is March 1 for Master of Science applicants and international bachelor’s applicants who reside outside Norway. The deadline for Norwegian citizens and international bachelor’s applicants residing in Norway is April 15. BI’s central scholarship table lists December 1 for PhD scholarships, although PhD applicants should follow the deadline stated in each advertised research position.
One bachelor’s-level award is the BI International Baccalaureate Scholarship. Applicants must have earned at least 33 International Baccalaureate points based on final or predicted grades. The scholarship is open to applicants of any citizenship and covers 100% of tuition for up to three years.
The scholarship applies to the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Data Science for Business, and Bachelor of Digital Business programs. Recipients must complete at least 30 ECTS credits each semester and maintain a cumulative grade-point average equivalent to a B on BI’s ECTS scale to retain the award.
3. NORAM – Norway American Association Scholarships
NORAM scholarships provide financial support of up to NOK 40,000 to U.S. citizens undertaking full-time graduate study or research in Norway. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Preference may be given to students pursuing their first Master’s degree.
The funded stay must last at least three months, and a recipient may receive the award no more than twice, covering a maximum of two academic years. The annual application deadline is April 1. For the 2026–2027 application cycle, required materials include a résumé, certified transcripts, a personal statement, a budget, and two recommendation letters. A nonrefundable application fee of NOK 500 also applies.
4. A. Wilhelmsen Foundation Scholarship (BI Norwegian Business School)
The A. Wilhelmsen Foundation Scholarship is available to applicants who are citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, reside outside Norway, and are applying for their first Master of Science degree at BI Norwegian Business School. The application deadline is March 1.
The scholarship has an annual value of NOK 250,000. BI administers the award and makes payments each semester, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Recipients must complete at least 30 ECTS credits per semester and maintain a cumulative grade-point average equivalent to a B on BI’s ECTS scale. Two scholarships are available for students beginning their studies in autumn 2026.
FAQs: Applying for Scholarships in Norway
What Are the Advantages of Studying Higher Education in Norway?
Norway offers a range of higher education options, including English-taught programs and research-oriented learning. Institutions such as NTNU and the University of Oslo offer programs across numerous academic disciplines.
Tuition is not universally free. Degree-seeking students from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland normally pay tuition, while students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition at public institutions. Other exemptions apply, including those for PhD candidates and certain exchange, joint-degree, Fulbright, NORPART, and NORHED participants. Students should confirm the applicable tuition and exemption rules directly with their institution.
Are There Scholarships Available for International Students in Norway?
Yes. International students can find fully and partially funded opportunities through European Union programs, universities, private foundations, external organizations, and salaried PhD positions. However, the Norwegian government does not currently offer an individual scholarship that is open to all international degree students.
Eligibility requirements, award amounts, application periods, and coverage vary considerably. Applicants should review the official page for each scholarship or funded position before applying.
International students can find funding connected with Norway through European Union programs, universities, private foundations, external organizations, and salaried doctoral positions. Because award values, eligibility rules, and deadlines can change, applicants should verify every opportunity on its official page before applying.
We hope this article on scholarships in Norway was helpful and informative. If you are planning to study in Norway, our Study in Norway guide contains valuable information and practical tips. Also, make sure to check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
