Best Scholarships in Norway 2025 (BS, MS, PhD)

Moreover, Norway offers a vibrant student life, with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and fishing. The country is also known for its strong commitment to sustainability, equality, and innovation, making it an ideal environment for personal and academic growth.

Best Scholarships in Norway for 2025

Here are some of the top scholarship opportunities for international students in Norway:

1. Norwegian Quota Scheme

The Norwegian Quota Scheme is one of the most prominent scholarship programs aimed at students from developing countries. The scholarship program was designed to provide students from selected countries with the opportunity to study in Norway at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. It covers full tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend to cover living costs.

Although the program was discontinued for new applicants in 2016, several universities in Norway still honor the existing agreements with the Quota Scheme, allowing students who are already part of the program to receive funding. It’s important to check with the specific universities to confirm eligibility.

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

NTNU is one of Norway’s most renowned institutions, particularly known for its engineering and technology programs. NTNU offers various scholarships for international students, particularly those enrolled in the university’s master’s degree programs. The university provides the “NTNU Scholarship” to students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. The scholarship typically covers living expenses in Norway but does not cover tuition fees, as they are already free for international students.

The NTNU Scholarship is available to students pursuing degrees in subjects such as engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences. These scholarships are competitive, and applicants must demonstrate high academic performance in their previous studies.

3. The University of Oslo (UiO) Scholarships

The University of Oslo (UiO) is another prestigious institution that offers several scholarships for international students. One of the most popular options is the University of Oslo’s International Scholarships, which is available to students pursuing master’s degrees. These scholarships provide a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses, which is particularly useful given the relatively high cost of living in Norway.

In addition to the regular scholarships, UiO offers specific programs such as the Norwegian Government Scholarship and Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees, which include scholarships for students from non-EU countries to study in Norway. Students interested in pursuing programs related to humanities, social sciences, and health sciences are encouraged to apply.

4. The University of Bergen (UiB) Scholarships

The University of Bergen is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching. UiB offers Master’s scholarships for students coming from non-EU/EEA countries to study at the university. These scholarships cover living costs in Norway but do not provide full coverage of tuition fees.

UiB offers several different scholarship opportunities based on academic merit and financial need. One prominent scholarship is the Quotascheme Scholarship, which is designed for students from developing countries. The scholarship helps with living expenses, insurance, and travel costs.

5. BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships

BI Norwegian Business School offers a range of scholarships to international students pursuing both undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the standout scholarship programs is the BI Presidential Scholarship, which is available for exceptionally talented international students.

These scholarships can cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs. The BI Presidential Scholarship is particularly competitive, and the university emphasizes a high academic standing in the application process. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for the BI Merit Scholarships, which are available for students from countries with a strong academic background.

6. Norway Scholarships for PhD Students

Norway offers numerous PhD scholarships for international students who wish to pursue doctoral research in the country. Many of Norway’s top universities, such as the University of Oslo, the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), and the University of Bergen, offer PhD funding options.

PhD students in Norway can apply for full scholarships that typically cover tuition fees (which are free in Norway for all students) and provide a stipend for living expenses. These scholarships are offered based on the specific field of study and research projects and are typically available in areas like engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and technology.

One excellent example is the Norwegian Research Council (NRC), which offers various funding opportunities for PhD students and researchers in multiple disciplines. The NRC funding supports students’ living costs, travel, and research-related expenses.

7. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus is a European Union-funded program that offers scholarships for international students to study in European countries, including Norway. Although it is not exclusively for Norway, several Norwegian universities participate in Erasmus Mundus programs. These scholarships cover both tuition fees and living expenses, making them an attractive option for students pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Norway.

Erasmus Mundus is known for providing excellent academic programs in fields such as social sciences, environmental science, engineering, and more. The Erasmus Mundus joint master degrees often include multiple countries in their curriculum, allowing students to study in different European countries, including Norway.

8. The Norwegian Government Scholarship Program

The Norwegian Government Scholarship Program is aimed at international students from specific countries who wish to pursue higher education in Norway. This program typically offers full funding for both tuition and living expenses. Scholarships are available at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels and cover various academic disciplines.

Students are selected based on their academic merit, and preference is often given to students from developing countries. Interested students should check their eligibility on the official website of the Norwegian Government or with the relevant embassy for further details.

9. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault Scholarship

Although relatively niche, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault Scholarship is unique in that it supports students who wish to pursue research related to agriculture, climate change, and biodiversity preservation. Located in Svalbard, Norway, this project aims to store seeds from around the world and safeguard biodiversity for the future.

This scholarship program is open to students who wish to conduct doctoral or postdoctoral research in these fields, and it provides both financial support and research opportunities in one of the most remote and environmentally significant places in the world.

10. Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)

While not strictly a scholarship, the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) provides financial assistance to international students who meet specific criteria. Lånekassen offers low-interest loans and grants to students studying at accredited institutions in Norway.

International students are eligible for the Lånekassen loan if they are pursuing a degree at a Norwegian university, provided they meet certain conditions such as residence status and length of stay. This can significantly help students cover their living expenses during their studies in Norway.

Conclusion

Norway offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees. Whether you’re interested in studying at the University of Oslo, NTNU, or any of the country’s prestigious universities, you can find scholarships that cater to various academic fields and financial needs.

From government-funded programs to university-specific scholarships, there are ample opportunities to study in this beautiful and academically advanced country. As you prepare to apply for these scholarships in 2025, ensure that you check the eligibility criteria, deadlines, and required documentation to maximize your chances of securing a scholarship in Norway. With the right scholarship, you can pursue your academic dreams in one of Europe’s most innovative and sustainable countries.