Scholarships for Master’s Programs in Norway: A Practical Guide for International Students

Norway remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for a master’s degree. High-quality education, a strong emphasis on research and sustainability, English-taught programs across many fields, and a high quality of life draw students from around the world. The landscapes, work-life balance, and progressive society add to the appeal. However, the funding picture has changed significantly in recent years, and realistic planning is essential.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs: The Reality Check

Public universities in Norway still offer tuition-free education for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. These students typically only pay a modest semester fee (around NOK 300–600) that covers student welfare services.

Since autumn 2023, students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees at public universities. Fees vary widely by institution and program, generally ranging from roughly NOK 50,000 to over NOK 300,000 per year. Some universities have announced reductions for the 2026/2027 academic year, making certain programs more accessible. Private institutions such as BI Norwegian Business School charge tuition for all students.

Living costs in Norway are among the highest in Europe. Students should budget approximately NOK 12,000–15,000 (or more) per month for housing, food, transport, and other expenses. For a study permit, non-EU/EEA students must usually document sufficient funds for living costs (around NOK 166,000+ for one academic year, adjusted periodically) in addition to any tuition.

The Scholarship Landscape

Norway does not operate a large, general national scholarship scheme for international master’s students comparable to what some other countries offer. The former Quota Scheme ended years ago, and the more recent NORSTIP scheme for selected partner countries is no longer awarding new scholarships from 2026 onward.

Funding opportunities exist, but they are competitive, limited in number, and often targeted by nationality, field of study, or specific partnerships. The strongest options tend to be:

• Joint European programs
• University-specific merit awards (especially at private institutions)
• Bilateral or country-specific schemes
• Scholarships from your home country or international foundations

Key Scholarship Opportunities

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
These EU-funded programs involve study at multiple European universities (often including Norwegian partners). Successful applicants can receive full tuition coverage, travel support, and a monthly living allowance (around €1,400). They are highly competitive but among the most generous fully funded options available for master’s study involving Norway.

BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
BI offers some of the most substantial awards for master’s students:

• BI Presidential Scholarship: Covers full tuition for up to two years. International students may also receive a living stipend of NOK 50,000 per semester if academic requirements are met. Strong academic records are required (typically a high GPA equivalent to A on the ECTS scale). Deadline is usually early March; apply together with the admission application.
• Other BI awards (including some targeted scholarships) can cover full or partial tuition.

Country-specific and bilateral schemes

• Fulbright (for U.S. citizens): Grants supporting study or research in Norway, covering living expenses (and often tuition exemptions at public universities).
• NORAM Scholarships (Norway-America Association): Grants of NOK 10,000–40,000 for American students pursuing postgraduate study in Norway.
• Anglo-Norse Society: Scholarships (around £3,000) for British students, including schemes linked to specific universities such as UiT The Arctic University of Norway or NTNU, often with subject requirements related to the Arctic or Norwegian studies.

University fee reductions and limited awards
Some public universities (e.g., NTNU, University of Oslo, University of Bergen, and others) offer a small number of merit-based fee waivers or reductions for outstanding non-EU applicants, sometimes prioritized in certain fields such as sustainability, marine sciences, or technology. These are competitive and not always widely advertised—check individual program pages carefully. NTNU, for example, has stated it does not generally offer scholarships covering tuition.

Other possibilities

• Home-country government scholarships or education loans for study abroad.
• Foundations and organizations such as the American-Scandinavian Foundation, Rotary, or field-specific grants.
• In limited cases, eligibility for support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) if you meet specific residency, family, or employment criteria.

Practical Tips for Applicants

1. Start early — Admission deadlines for international master’s programs are often December–March for autumn start. Scholarship deadlines frequently align with or precede them.
2. Prioritize strong applications — Excellent grades, a clear motivation letter, relevant experience, and solid recommendations matter more than ever now that free tuition is limited.
3. Check exemptions — Certain categories (refugees, specific residence permits, Erasmus Mundus participants, certain partnership programs) may be exempt from tuition.
4. Combine sources — Many students mix partial university support, external grants, personal savings, and part-time work (international students can usually work limited hours).
5. Verify current details — Fees, scholarship availability, and deadlines change. Always consult the official university websites, Study in Norway resources, and the relevant scholarship providers for the most up-to-date information.

Is a Master’s in Norway Worth It?

For EU/EEA students, the combination of high-quality education and no tuition remains excellent value. For non-EU students, the higher costs mean careful financial planning is essential, but strong candidates can still secure meaningful support—especially through Erasmus Mundus programs or competitive awards at institutions like BI.

Norway rewards students who are proactive, academically strong, and clear about their goals. The country’s emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and equality also creates excellent career and research opportunities after graduation.

If you are considering a master’s in Norway, research specific programs that match your interests, prepare a competitive application package, and explore every funding avenue early. The fjords, the academic environment, and the experience of living in one of the world’s most liveable countries can make the effort well worthwhile.