• Introduction to studying in Norway: Overview of Norway’s education system and the changing tuition fee structure for 2026.

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• Norwegian higher education landscape: Introduction to major universities and their strengths, using a table for comparison.

• Undergraduate scholarships: Description of available bachelor’s level scholarships and funding options.

• Master’s level funding opportunities: Detailed information on university-specific and international scholarship programs.

• PhD funding options: Explanation of PhD financing in Norway, primarily through employed research fellow positions.

• Alternative funding sources: Additional scholarship opportunities including Erasmus Mundus and country-specific programs.

• Application guidance: Practical advice and timeline for successful scholarship applications.

• Conclusion: Summary of key points and encouragement to apply for Norwegian scholarships.

Then, I will now begin writing the main body of the article.

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The Complete Guide to the Best Scholarships in Norway for 2026 (BS, MS, PhD)

Introduction to Studying in Norway: A World-Class Education Awaits

Norway represents an exceptional study destination for international students seeking quality education in one of Europe’s most prosperous and scenic countries. For decades, Norway’s higher education system has attracted students worldwide with its tuition-free education at public universities, though this policy is undergoing significant changes starting in 2026. The Norwegian government has announced that beginning in 2026, universities will collect tuition fees from students outside the EU/EEA, making scholarships increasingly crucial for international applicants . Despite this change, Norway remains committed to internationalization through numerous generous scholarship programs designed to make education accessible to talented students from across the globe.

The application period for the 2026 academic year is already underway, with most universities having deadlines until December 1, 2025 . Norway’s educational institutions offer a wide range of programs taught in English, particularly at the graduate level, with simplified application processes and no application fees at most universities. The country provides a high quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, and a society known for equality and innovation. This comprehensive guide will explore the best scholarship opportunities available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in Norway for the 2026 academic year, providing essential information to help you secure funding for your Norwegian education.

The Norwegian Higher Education Landscape

Norway’s education system is distinguished by its high academic standards and emphasis on research and innovation. The country boasts several world-class universities and specialized institutions that consistently rank well internationally. Among the most prominent are the University of Oslo (UiO), Norway’s oldest and highest-ranked university; the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), renowned for engineering and technology programs; the University of Bergen (UiB), recognized for marine research and climate studies; and the Arctic University of Norway (UiT), offering unique expertise in Arctic research .

These institutions provide diverse program offerings across multiple disciplines, with increasing numbers of programs available in English to accommodate international students. The Norwegian approach to education emphasizes independent thinking, critical analysis, and collaborative learning, with faculty members typically maintaining an open-door policy that fosters close student-teacher relationships. This academic environment, combined with Norway’s stunning natural landscapes and high standard of living, creates an enriching experience that extends beyond the classroom.

Table: Major Norwegian Universities and Their Areas of Specialization

Undergraduate (Bachelor) Scholarships in Norway for 2026

While scholarship opportunities at the bachelor’s level in Norway are more limited compared to graduate programs, several valuable options exist for international students. Most undergraduate programs in Norway are taught in Norwegian, requiring language proficiency for admission, though an increasing number of English-taught programs are becoming available. For those qualified, the BI Presidential Scholarship at BI Norwegian Business School represents one of the most prominent opportunities, offering financial support for outstanding international students based on academic merit .

Additionally, some Norwegian universities offer institutional scholarships specifically for international undergraduates, though these are typically partial tuition waivers rather than fully funded opportunities. Prospective undergraduate students should also investigate country-specific agreements between Norway and their home countries, as these sometimes include educational exchanges and funding arrangements. Another creative approach is to explore external scholarship organizations in your home country that may support studying abroad in Norway, as these can sometimes be combined with university-specific awards.

The application process for undergraduate studies in Norway typically requires secondary school completion with strong academic records, and for international students, proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, unless previous education was conducted in English . Some universities may accept students without formal English test scores if they can provide official documentation that their previous education was in English, though policies vary by institution .

Master’s Level Funding Opportunities for 2026

Master’s students will find the most substantial scholarship opportunities in Norway, with numerous options available through universities, government agreements, and private organizations. These scholarships are particularly important given the upcoming tuition changes for non-EU/EEA students in 2026. Among the most prestigious is the BI Presidential Scholarship at BI Norwegian Business School, which covers full tuition plus a living expense stipend for each semester of the Master’s program . This highly competitive scholarship targets students with exceptional academic records and leadership potential.

The University of Oslo offers several subject-specific scholarships for Master’s students, including the INNOPROD Scholarship for students writing theses relevant to industrial production research (providing NOK 12,000)  and the INTPART Resourceful Scholarship for economics students (NOK 20,000) . Additionally, the UiO:Democracy Award provides prizes of NOK 20,000 for outstanding Master’s projects related to democratic themes .

International students should also explore the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes, many of which involve Norwegian universities as partners. These programs provide comprehensive funding including tuition waivers, travel allowances, and living stipends . For American citizens specifically, the NORAM scholarships offer funding up to NOK 40,000 for graduate studies in Norway, with applications opening in early 2026 for the 2026-27 academic year .

Table: Notable Master’s Scholarships in Norway for 2026

PhD Funding Options in Norway for 2026

PhD education in Norway operates on a fundamentally different model than in many other countries. Rather than being traditional “students,” most PhD candidates are classified as university employees, receiving salaries as research fellows . This professional status provides a competitive salary, pension benefits, and social security coverage, making Norwegian PhD positions among the most attractive internationally. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) explicitly states that financing is “an absolute requirement for acceptance to a PhD-programme” and that most candidates are employed as PhD research fellows .

These PhD research fellow positions are regularly announced on university websites and through academic job portals like Jobbnorge. For example, the University of Oslo has recently advertised multiple PhD positions across various disciplines including philosophy, pharmaceutical chemistry, computational neuroscience, microbiology, mobile robotics, and economics, with deadlines spanning from November 2025 to January 2026 . The application process for these positions is highly competitive, requiring a master’s degree with strong academic credentials (typically equivalent to a B grade or higher in the Norwegian system), a well-developed research proposal, and often a preliminary agreement with potential supervisors .

Beyond university-employed positions, PhD candidates can secure funding through the Research Council of Norway under specific schemes like the Industrial PhD or Public Sector PhD programs, or through other national and international scholarships . The University of Oslo Sasakawa Young Leaders Scholarship Fund (Sylff) offers up to NOK 50,000 for research stays abroad for selected postgraduate students, with an application deadline of December 1, 2025 . International students should begin contacting potential supervisors and researching available positions at least 12-18 months before their intended start date, as the application process for PhD positions in Norway is extensive and requires significant preparation.

Alternative Funding Sources and Special Programs

Beyond university-specific scholarships, several alternative funding sources can help international students finance their Norwegian education. The Erasmus+ program offers financial support for European students, though Norwegian institutions currently participate in only 16 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes . Students from developing countries should investigate whether their governments offer external scholarship programs for study abroad, which can sometimes be combined with other funding sources.

For students concerned about English language test requirements, many Norwegian universities offer IELTS exemptions under specific circumstances. Applicants who have completed their previous education in English may provide an official declaration or certificate as evidence instead of test scores . Additionally, students from certain countries, including many African nations where English is an official language, may be exempted from IELTS requirements if they have completed specific secondary school examinations with English in the curriculum .

Specialized funding programs also exist for specific nationalities, such as the NORAM scholarships exclusively for American citizens , and various scholarships for students from developing countries offered through international organizations like the World Bank and International Mathematical Union . Researching these specialized opportunities requires diligence but can yield significant financial support for qualified applicants.

Application Guidance and Timeline for 2026 Scholarships

Successful scholarship applications to Norwegian institutions require careful planning and attention to detail. The application process typically involves multiple stages, beginning with university admission followed by separate scholarship applications, each with specific requirements and deadlines. Most universities have application deadlines until December 1, 2025 for the 2026 academic year , though scholarship deadlines may vary.

A compelling scholarship application should include:

1. Strong academic records: Official transcripts demonstrating excellent academic performance, typically with certified translations if original documents are not in English or Norwegian.

2. Well-crafted motivation letter: A personalized statement explaining your academic interests, career goals, reasons for choosing Norway and the specific program, and how you align with the scholarship’s objectives.

3. Comprehensive CV/resume: Detailing your educational background, work experience, research projects, publications, and relevant extracurricular activities.

4. Letters of recommendation: Typically 2-3 references from professors or employers who can attest to your academic abilities and potential for success in graduate studies.

5. Research proposal (for PhD and some Master’s applicants): A clear, feasible project description that aligns with the research priorities of the department or potential supervisors.

For PhD applications, establishing early contact with potential supervisors is crucial . Browse department websites to identify faculty members whose research aligns with your interests, and send a professional email introducing yourself, your academic background, and your research ideas. This preliminary contact can significantly strengthen your application by ensuring fit and demonstrating initiative.

Conclusion: Seizing Your Norwegian Educational Opportunity

As Norway transitions to tuition fees for international students from outside the EU/EEA in 2026, securing financial support through scholarships becomes increasingly important. However, the country remains committed to attracting talented international students through numerous generous funding opportunities. The distinctive educational model, particularly for PhD candidates who become university employees, offers unique advantages not found in many other countries.

With careful planning, thorough research, and compelling applications, international students can access Norway’s high-quality education system and exceptional quality of life. Begin your scholarship search early, pay close attention to deadlines and requirements, and consider applying to multiple funding sources to maximize your chances of success. Your educational journey in Norway could be the first step toward an exciting international career and personal growth in one of the world’s most prosperous and scenic countries.