Study in Norway for Free: The Ultimate Guide to Norway Scholarships for International Students
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Are you interested in studying in Norway and looking for ways to finance your education? Look no further! Norway is renowned for providing high-quality education, and the best part is that tuition is free at public institutions for both domestic and international students. However, living expenses in Norway are relatively high, which is why many international students look for scholarships to finance their studies. In this guide, we will explore the top Norway scholarships available for international students, how to apply, and their eligibility criteria.
Why Study in Norway?
Norway is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, safe and inclusive society, and stunning natural landscapes. With a high standard of living and low crime rates, Norway is consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world. The country also boasts a strong economy and a thriving job market, making it an attractive option for students looking to start their career.
Norway is home to some of the world’s top universities, offering a wide range of degree programs in English, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhDs. Many of these institutions are internationally recognized for their research and academic excellence, making them an excellent choice for students looking to further their education.
Norway Scholarships for International Students: The Top 10
1. NORAM Scholarships
The Norway-America Association (NORAM) provides scholarships to American students interested in studying in Norway. The scholarships are awarded based on financial need and academic merit, and cover full-time graduate-level studies for a minimum of three months. The scholarship amount varies based on the research subject, objective, and length of stay in Norway. Applicants must be American citizens applying for full-time graduate-level studies in Norway. Visit the NORAM website for more information.
2. Erasmus+ Scholarships Program
The Erasmus+ program provides funding for higher education for students from partner countries, including Norway. Through the program, students can study abroad in any of the partner or program countries for a period ranging from 3 to 12 months. Students must apply through the higher education institute of their home country and choose a study abroad program in one of the partner institutions.
3. Norwegian-Russian Scholarships
Russian students who wish to study in Norway for one or two semesters can benefit from these scholarships. The scholarships cover Norwegian Language and Literature and other subjects, and are available to students and teachers of Russian universities. Scholarship holders do not have to pay tuition fees but must cover semester fees, travel, and visa costs. Contact the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation or the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education for more information.
4. BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
BI Norwegian Business School offers scholarships for international students at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The BI International Baccalaureate Scholarship covers 100% tuition fees for students with an International Baccalaureate Diploma, while the Bachelor International Scholarship covers 50% tuition fees for students who have completed upper secondary school. At the master’s level, there are several scholarships available to finance tuition fees and living expenses. Visit BI Norwegian Business School’s website for more information.
5. High North Fellowship Program
The High North Fellowship Program offers scholarships to students from Canada, Russia, South Korea, the US, and Japan who want to study in Norway. The program is for bachelor’s and master’s level students, with a duration of one to two semesters. PhD students can also apply and come as research fellows. Students must be enrolled in a higher education institute in their home country that has an agreement with a Norwegian university. The program provides a monthly stipend and travel grant, and scholarship holders are not required to pay tuition fees.
6. Tuition-Free Master’s Programs at the University of Bergen
The University of Bergen offers tuition-free Master’s programs to international students, regardless of their country of origin. The university offers programs in Medicine, Humanities, Linguistics, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts, among others. Applicants must provide proof of sufficient funding for living expenses, as the university does not offer self-funded scholarships. Visit the university’s website for more information.
7. Nord University Ph.D. Fellowships
Nord University offers Ph.D. fellowships to qualified candidates, covering tuition fees and providing a salary for research, teaching, or administrative duties. Fellows also become members of Norway’s Government Pension Fund, providing them with borrowing, pension, and insurance advantages. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a related field and demonstrate outstanding written and oral English language skills. Proficiency in Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish is an advantage. Visit Nord University’s website for more information.
8. Tuition-Free Programs at Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology offers tuition-free programs for international students, although applicants from non-European Union countries must provide proof of sufficient funding for living expenses. The university offers programs in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in various fields, including business, technology, and maritime sciences. Visit the university’s website for more information.
9. Tuition-Free Programs at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
The University Centre in Svalbard offers tuition-free programs for international students in science, biology, technology, geology, and visual arts. The duration of the scholarship is one to two semesters, and students are required to stay in Norway for at least four months. Students get a monthly stipend and travel grant, and are not required to pay tuition fees. Visit UNIS’s website for more information.
10. Tuition-Free Programs at the University of South-Eastern Norway
The University of South-Eastern Norway offers tuition-free programs for international students in business, technology, and maritime sciences, among others. Students must pay a mandatory semester fee of NOK 929 ($108) for administrative purposes, but are not required to pay tuition fees. The university provides programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. Visit the university’s website for more information.
How to Apply for Norway Scholarships for International Students
To apply for Norway scholarships for international students, follow these steps:
- Research scholarships that fit your academic and financial needs.
- Check the eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each scholarship.
- Prepare your application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
- Submit your application through the scholarship provider’s website or via email/mail.
- Wait for notification of scholarship awards.
It is important to note that scholarship application processes vary by provider, so it is essential to read the instructions carefully and follow them closely.
Eligibility Criteria for Norway Scholarships for International Students
While eligibility criteria vary by scholarship provider, some common requirements include:
- Citizenship: Some scholarships are available only to students from specific countries.
- Academic Merit: Many scholarships require applicants to have a certain GPA or academic record.
- Financial Need: Some scholarships are awarded based on financial need.
- Language Proficiency: Some scholarships require applicants to have a certain level of proficiency in English or Norwegian.
- Field of Study: Some scholarships are available only to students in specific fields of study.
Conclusion
Studying in Norway is an excellent choice for international students seeking high-quality education and a safe, inclusive society. While living expenses can be high, scholarships are available to finance tuition and living expenses. We hope this guide has been helpful in identifying the top Norway scholarships for international students and providing information on how to apply and eligibility criteria. Good luck in your scholarship search!