Studying in Norway often feels like an impossible dream for many international students. Stories about high living costs, changing tuition fee rules, and limited scholarship opportunities discourage thousands of qualified applicants before they even begin. Still, there is good news. Although Norway no longer offers free tuition to most non-EU and non-EEA students at public universities, several universities, research programmes, and international funding schemes continue to provide scholarships in Norway for international students that can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs for eligible applicants. Many students miss these opportunities simply because they do not know where to look, apply after the deadline, or misunderstand the eligibility requirements.
Picture yourself opening an email that says, “Congratulations! You have been awarded a scholarship to study in Norway.” That single message could completely change your future. Yet several questions may still be running through your mind:
- Which scholarships in Norway for international students are available in 2026?
- Which scholarships provide full financial support?
- Which Norwegian universities offer the best funding opportunities?
- What documents should I prepare before applying?
- How can I make my application stand out from thousands of others?
- Which scholarships are open to master’s and PhD students?
This guide brings together everything you need to know in one place. You will discover the best scholarships in Norway for international students, learn who can apply, understand the benefits each scholarship offers, and find official application links to help you apply with confidence. Whether you are planning to pursue a master’s or PhD degree, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes, prepare a stronger application, and take one step closer to studying in one of Europe’s most innovative and beautiful countries.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Norway for International Students
1. BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
The BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships are among the best scholarships in Norway for international students who want to study business, finance, economics, marketing, leadership, and other related programmes. BI offers several scholarship schemes for outstanding international students, including master’s scholarships and fully funded PhD scholarships.
For students applying for a PhD, the scholarship is fully funded. Successful candidates are employed by the university, receive a competitive salary, have no tuition fees to pay, and enjoy employee benefits while completing their research. Master’s scholarships may also provide full tuition coverage and, in selected cases, a living stipend for exceptional students.
BI Norwegian Business School is recognised as one of Europe’s leading business schools. Students benefit from internationally recognised qualifications, experienced lecturers, excellent research facilities, and strong partnerships with global companies. Graduates are well prepared for careers in business, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
Applicants should first apply for admission into an eligible programme. Strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and a well-prepared application can significantly improve the chances of receiving a scholarship.
Official Application: https://www.bi.no/en/programmes-and-individual-courses/scholarships/
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) PhD Scholarships
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) PhD Scholarships are among the most valuable scholarships in Norway for international students interested in research. Unlike many traditional scholarships, these PhD positions are paid employment. Students receive a monthly salary while completing their doctoral research, making them fully funded opportunities.
The funding normally covers full tuition, a competitive salary, social security benefits, and access to modern research facilities. This arrangement allows students to focus on research without worrying about tuition fees or everyday living expenses.
NTNU is one of Norway’s largest and most respected universities. It is especially known for engineering, technology, medicine, natural sciences, architecture, and information technology. Students work closely with experienced researchers and often participate in international research projects.
Applicants should monitor the university’s vacant PhD positions throughout the year and apply for positions that match their academic background and research interests.
Official Application: https://www.ntnu.edu/vacancies
3. University of Oslo PhD Research Fellowships
The University of Oslo PhD Research Fellowships are highly respected scholarships in Norway for international students who want to build a career in research. These fellowships are offered across many academic disciplines, including law, medicine, education, engineering, social sciences, business, humanities, and natural sciences.
Successful applicants are employed as PhD research fellows. The fellowship includes a competitive salary, full tuition coverage, pension benefits, paid holidays, and access to excellent research facilities. This means students can earn an income while completing their doctoral studies.
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest university and is recognised internationally for its research excellence. Students benefit from experienced supervisors, advanced laboratories, international collaborations, and strong academic support throughout their studies.
Applicants should regularly check available PhD vacancies and prepare a strong research application with all required documents.
Official Application: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs?employer=University%20of%20Oslo
4. University of Bergen PhD Research Fellowships
The University of Bergen PhD Research Fellowships are another excellent option among scholarships in Norway for international students. These fellowships are available in fields such as climate science, marine research, medicine, psychology, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities.
The fellowship provides full financial support through paid employment. Successful candidates receive a monthly salary, full tuition coverage, pension benefits, and funding that allows them to concentrate fully on research. This makes the programme one of the best fully funded opportunities available in Norway.
The University of Bergen has built an international reputation for high-quality research and innovation. Students work alongside experienced researchers and have access to modern laboratories, libraries, and research centres.
Applicants should apply for advertised PhD positions that match their qualifications and submit complete application documents before the closing date.
Official Application: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs?employer=University%20of%20Bergen
5. Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) PhD Research Scholarships
The Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) PhD Research Scholarships are among the leading scholarships in Norway for international students interested in economics, finance, accounting, business analytics, management, and related disciplines.
Successful applicants are employed as PhD Research Scholars and receive a competitive salary throughout the programme. The scholarship also covers tuition fees, research support, employee benefits, and access to excellent academic resources. This financial package allows students to focus entirely on producing high-quality research.
NHH is one of Europe’s leading business schools and has an excellent reputation for research and teaching. Students receive supervision from internationally recognised academics and have opportunities to participate in global conferences, research collaborations, and professional development activities.
Applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree and apply for advertised PhD Research Scholar positions. Strong academic performance, research potential, and a well-prepared application can improve the chances of being selected.
Official Application: https://www.nhh.no/en/study-programmes/phd-programme-at-nhh/vacant-phd-positions/
6. UiT The Arctic University of Norway PhD Positions
The UiT The Arctic University of Norway PhD Positions are among the most valuable scholarships in Norway for international students who want to pursue doctoral research. These positions are offered throughout the year in fields such as health sciences, engineering, computer science, environmental studies, marine biology, education, social sciences, and Arctic research.
Unlike many traditional scholarships, UiT PhD positions are paid jobs. Successful applicants receive a competitive monthly salary, full tuition coverage, pension benefits, paid holidays, and access to excellent research facilities. This financial support allows students to focus on their research without worrying about tuition fees or living expenses.
UiT is one of the world’s leading universities for Arctic and climate research. Students work with experienced researchers and participate in projects that address global environmental and scientific challenges. An eligible master’s degree, a strong academic record, and research potential are important requirements for admission.
Official Application: https://en.uit.no/working-at-uit/vacancies
7. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) PhD Scholarships
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) PhD Scholarships are excellent scholarships in Norway for international students interested in agriculture, environmental science, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, renewable energy, food science, and sustainable development.
Successful applicants are employed as PhD research fellows and receive a competitive salary throughout the programme. The funding includes full tuition, employee benefits, pension contributions, and access to advanced laboratories and research equipment. This makes the programme one of Norway’s strongest fully funded research opportunities.
NMBU is internationally recognised for research that focuses on solving global environmental and sustainability challenges. Students also collaborate with research institutions and industry partners from around the world, gaining valuable international experience.
Applicants should regularly check available PhD vacancies, prepare a strong research application, and submit all required academic documents before the deadline.
Official Application: https://www.nmbu.no/en/about/vacancies
8. Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) PhD Fellowships
The Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) PhD Fellowships are among the leading scholarships in Norway for international students seeking advanced research opportunities. The university offers fully funded PhD fellowships in areas such as health sciences, education, engineering, information technology, social sciences, business, and public administration.
The fellowship provides full tuition coverage together with a competitive monthly salary, pension benefits, paid annual leave, and funding for research activities. Students are employed by the university while completing their doctoral studies, making it easier to focus on academic work without financial pressure.
OsloMet is well known for practical research that addresses real-world challenges. Students have access to experienced supervisors, modern research facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with international researchers and organisations.
Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree and apply for advertised PhD positions that match their academic background and research interests.
Official Application: https://www.oslomet.no/en/about/job-opportunities
9. NORPART (Norwegian Partnership Programme for Global Academic Cooperation) Scholarships
The NORPART (Norwegian Partnership Programme for Global Academic Cooperation) is one of the unique scholarships in Norway for international students. The programme supports academic partnerships between Norwegian universities and institutions in selected partner countries. It aims to strengthen international education, research, and student mobility.
Funding under NORPART may cover travel expenses, living support, academic activities, and exchange opportunities depending on the participating institutions and specific project. Students benefit from international collaboration while studying in Norway and building valuable academic networks.
Participating universities decide how scholarships are awarded, so applicants should contact the university offering the programme to learn about available funding and eligibility requirements. Students with strong academic records and an interest in international cooperation often have better chances of receiving support.
Official Information: https://hkdir.no/en/programmes-and-grants/norpart
10. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Norwegian Partner Universities)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships are among the most recognised scholarships in Norway for international students. Although the programme is funded by the European Union, many participating master’s degrees are offered in partnership with Norwegian universities, allowing students to study in Norway as part of their academic journey.
The scholarship is fully funded and usually covers full tuition fees, monthly living expenses, travel costs, visa expenses, and installation support. Students also have the opportunity to study in two or more European countries before graduating with a joint or multiple degree.
These programmes cover many fields, including engineering, environmental science, information technology, public health, business, renewable energy, and social sciences. Students gain international experience, develop global professional networks, and improve their career opportunities after graduation.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements for each Erasmus Mundus programme and apply directly through the official programme website before the application deadline.
Official Application: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters