Norway is an attractive destination for international students because of its high-quality education system, English-taught degree programmes, and strong academic environment. For the 2026–2027 academic year, international students can explore a range of study and funding opportunities through Norwegian universities, Erasmus Mundus programmes, exchange schemes, and other scholarship providers.
However, it is important to understand that Norway does not currently offer one general government scholarship that is open to all international students. Instead, scholarship and funding opportunities depend on your nationality, study programme, university, and the particular funding scheme.
🇳🇴 Study in Norway 2026–2027
Norwegian universities and university colleges offer around 350 programmes taught in English, with most of these programmes at master’s level. There are also English-taught bachelor’s programmes and opportunities for PhD study.
Students can search for programmes in areas such as:
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science and IT
- Business and Economics
- Environmental Sciences
- Development Studies
- International Relations
- Renewable Energy
- Life Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
🎓 Scholarship Opportunities in Norway
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
One of the major funding opportunities connected with Norwegian higher education is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme.
These are international master’s programmes delivered by a consortium of universities in different countries. Norwegian institutions currently participate in several Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes.
Students from around the world can apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarships through the official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue.
Official information and application:
Erasmus Mundus Catalogue – Official EU Website
2. University-Specific Funding
Some funding opportunities may be available through individual universities, research projects, exchange programmes, or external organisations.
Applicants should always check the official university website and the specific programme page before applying.
For example, NTNU states that it generally does not provide scholarships or loans to international students, although it lists certain third-party funding opportunities such as Erasmus Mundus and other external scholarships.
3. Exchange Scholarships and Grants
Students who are already studying at a university outside Norway may be able to study in Norway through an exchange programme.
The official Study in Norway portal lists opportunities including:
- Erasmus+ grants
- Nordplus Higher Education grants
- Other country-specific grants and foundations
Students should normally contact the international or Erasmus office at their home university to determine eligibility and application procedures.
💰 Is University Free in Norway?
This is an important point for international applicants.
Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally have to pay tuition fees at Norwegian higher education institutions. The exact amount depends on the university and study programme. Certain categories of students may be exempt.
Therefore, students should not assume that studying at a Norwegian public university is automatically tuition-free.
For example, NMBU publishes tuition fees for the 2026–2027 academic year and states that students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition unless they qualify for an exemption.
🏠 Cost of Living in Norway
Applicants should also plan carefully for living expenses.
According to the official Study in Norway information for 2026–2027, the estimated student living cost is approximately:
NOK 15,488 per month
or approximately:
NOK 170,368 per year
This can include expenses such as accommodation, food, electricity and transportation. Students may also have additional costs for insurance, travel, visa fees and tuition where applicable.
📋 General Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary according to the university and programme.
Generally, international applicants may need:
- A relevant academic qualification
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English-language proficiency
- Passport or identification
- Programme-specific documents
- Motivation letter or other supporting documents, where required
- Proof of financial support where required
Norway uses the Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU) as the general basis for admission, with country-specific requirements for applicants with foreign education. Individual programmes can also have additional academic requirements.
🌍 Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the particular programme or scholarship.
International applicants should check:
- Their nationality requirements
- Their previous academic qualification
- English-language requirements
- Programme-specific requirements
- Tuition-fee status
- Scholarship or funding eligibility
- Application deadline
Because requirements and deadlines vary between universities, applicants should always use the official programme page before submitting an application.
📝 How to Apply
The safest way to apply is to follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a Study Programme
Visit the official Study in Norway website and search for an English-taught programme that matches your academic background.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Read the university’s official admission requirements carefully. Check academic qualifications, language requirements and any programme-specific conditions.
Step 3: Check Tuition and Funding
Determine whether tuition fees apply to you and investigate available scholarships, grants or other funding options.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your academic certificates, transcripts, passport, English-language certificate and any additional documents required by the university.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Apply through the official application system specified by your chosen Norwegian university or scholarship programme.
Step 6: Apply for Funding Separately When Required
Some scholarships have a separate application process, while others may consider students automatically after admission. Always follow the specific scholarship instructions.
📅 Application Deadlines
There is no single application deadline for all Norwegian universities.
Deadlines vary according to:
- University
- Degree programme
- Nationality
- Scholarship
- Exchange programme
For example, NTNU’s international master’s admissions have different deadlines depending on the applicant category. Its published deadlines include 1 December for certain non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants and 1 March for EU/EEA/Swiss applicants.
Therefore, applicants should check the official university website for the exact deadline for their programme.
🇳🇴 Official Study in Norway Application Resources
Official Study in Norway portal:
Study in Norway – Official Website
Official information about costs and requirements:
Study in Norway – Costs and Requirements
Official scholarship information for degree students:
Study in Norway – Scholarships for Degree Students
Official scholarship information for exchange students:
Study in Norway – Scholarships for Exchange Students
⚠️ Important Notice
Be careful with websites claiming that “Norway Government Scholarship 2026–2027 is fully funded for everyone.” The official Study in Norway portal specifically states that there is no individual Norwegian government scholarship open to all international degree students.
Always verify scholarship information through the official university, Norwegian government, or official scholarship-provider website before paying any application or processing fee.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Studying in Norway can provide international students with access to high-quality education and an international academic environment. For 2026–2027, students should explore English-taught programmes, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, exchange grants and other funding opportunities rather than relying on a single general Norwegian government scholarship.
The most important step is to find a suitable programme first, carefully check its admission and tuition requirements, and then investigate the funding options available for that specific programme.
Good luck with your application to study in Norway! 🇳🇴🎓