Scholarship

Scholarships and Study Costs in Norway

Plan your budget, find funding, and make informed choices. This guide covers tuition and fees, scholarships, living costs, ways to save, and part‑time work considerations for students in Norway.

Why this matters

Understand costs: Norway has high living costs—good planning keeps your budget on track.

Know your fees: From 2023/24 many public universities charge tuition for non‑EU/EEA students; policies vary by institution and program.

Find funding: Mix scholarships, tuition waivers, exchange schemes, and part‑time work where permitted.

Stay compliant: Immigration requires proof of funds; always check the current requirement with UDI.

Tuition & university fees

Tuition: Many public institutions now charge tuition for non‑EU/EEA students (amounts vary by program and level). Some offer tuition waivers or scholarships—check your university page.

EU/EEA & exchange: Policies vary; some programs remain tuition‑free. Always verify on the program’s official page.

Semester fee: Most students pay a student welfare/semester fee (often several hundred NOK per semester) to access welfare services and exams.

Program‑specific costs: Field trips, lab materials, studio or equipment fees may apply depending on your course.

Payment timelines: Note invoice due dates, refund policies, and conditions for tuition waivers.

Scholarships & funding opportunities Where to look

University scholarships/tuition waivers: Many Norwegian institutions offer partial or full waivers for non‑EU/EEA students based on merit or need.

Erasmus+ (exchange and degrees): Mobility grants for eligible students; some joint master’s programs offer full scholarships (see Erasmus Mundus).

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM): Competitive full‑funding packages for selected joint programs that may include Norwegian partners.

Nordplus/Nordic schemes: For students within the Nordic–Baltic region.

Country‑specific programs: Government or foundation scholarships (e.g., Fulbright for U.S. citizens).

External foundations: International scholarship portals and professional associations relevant to your field.

Application strategy

Start early: Scholarship deadlines often close 6–12 months before intake (EMJM often Dec–Feb).

Strong documents: Tailor your statement, CV, and references to selection criteria; follow formatting rules.

Eligibility filters: Nationality, degree level, program, and academic performance commonly apply.

Combine sources: It’s common to mix university waivers with smaller external grants.

Proof of funds for immigration

UDI publishes an annual maintenance amount you must document for a student residence permit. This is separate from tuition. Always confirm the current figure:

udi.no/en/want-to-apply/studies/

Living costs & sample budgets

Actual costs vary by city, lifestyle, and housing type. Plan conservatively and allow a buffer for winter and travel.

Typical monthly costs (ranges in NOK) Category Shared room / Student housing Studio / 1‑bed Rent 5,000–8,500 9,000–13,500 Utilities (electricity/heating) 300–800 600–1,200 Internet/phone 250–450 300–500 Groceries 2,500–4,000 2,800–4,500 Local transport (student) 350–700 350–700 Books/supplies 150–400 150–400 Leisure/misc. 800–1,600 1,000–2,000 Estimated total 9,350–16,450 14,200–22,800

City differences: Oslo and Stavanger trend higher; Trondheim, Bergen, Tromsø are mid‑high; smaller towns may be lower. Winter utility costs can spike—budget extra.

Student discounts

Public transport student passes, museum/culture tickets, gym memberships via student welfare organisations.

Used textbooks via student markets and libraries; many courses use open resources.

One‑time & arrival costs

Housing deposit: Commonly 2–3 months’ rent (kept in a dedicated deposit account).

Furniture & essentials: Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing if not already owned.

Residence permit fees: Application/biometrics and residence card (check current amounts on official sites).

Travel to Norway: Flights, airport transfer, first‑night accommodation if needed.

Insurance: Travel/health gap cover; contents/liability for tenants.

Ways to save

Housing: Apply early for student welfare housing; consider shared flats to reduce rent.

Food: Cook at home, buy store brands, and use weekly offers; split bulk items with roommates.

Transport: Student passes, cycling, and walking; travel off‑peak and book early for intercity trips.

Books & tech: Borrow from libraries; buy used; check student software licenses.

Winter: Invest in quality layers to avoid frequent replacements; buy off‑season or second‑hand.

Phone & internet: Compare SIM plans; avoid long contracts if you’ll stay under 12 months.

Part‑time work & taxes

Work rights: Student residence permits may allow limited part‑time work during term and more hours in holidays. Rules can change—always verify with UDI.

Tax & ID: You’ll need a tax deduction card and ID number to work; see the Norwegian Tax Administration.

Planning: Treat part‑time income as a supplement, not your primary funding source.

UDI: udi.no · Tax Administration: skatteetaten.no

How Study Norway helps

Funding search: Shortlist relevant scholarships, waivers, and exchange schemes for your profile.

Application support: Deadlines calendar, document checklists, and statement/CV feedback.

Budget planning: City‑specific cost estimates and savings strategies.

Compliance: Guidance on proof‑of‑funds, tuition payment timing, and documentation for UDI.

Official resources & directories

Study in Norway (programs, funding): studyinnorway.no (managed by HK‑dir)

Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK‑dir): hkdir.no/en

Erasmus+ (mobility & degrees): erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: EMJM catalogue

Nordplus: nordplusonline.org

Fulbright Norway: fulbright.no

Immigration (students, funds requirement): udi.no

Norwegian Tax Administration (work & tax card): skatteetaten.no

Frequently asked questions Are there fully funded scholarships for master’s in Norway?

Some joint programs (Erasmus Mundus) offer full funding. Individual Norwegian universities may offer tuition waivers and limited stipends—availability and scope vary by program.

Do non‑EU/EEA students pay tuition at public universities?

Many public institutions now charge tuition for non‑EU/EEA students. Amounts and exemptions vary—always check the official program page.

How much money must I show for a student permit?

UDI sets an annual maintenance amount for living costs, separate from tuition. The figure changes—verify the current requirement on UDI’s website.

When should I apply for scholarships?

Often 6–12 months before your start date; some major schemes close in winter for the following autumn intake.

Can I work part‑time while studying?

Usually with limits set by your permit and institution. Confirm current rules with UDI and prioritise academic progress.

Is Norway too expensive for students?

Costs are high, but student housing, discounts, careful budgeting, and part‑time work (where permitted) can make it manageable.

Ready to plan your funding and budget?

Share your program, city, and timeline. We’ll map scholarships and waivers to target, build a realistic budget, and prepare your proof‑of‑funds for UDI.

Get scholarships & costs guidance

Important notes

Study Norway provides guidance and signposting. We do not award scholarships or make immigration decisions.

Fees, scholarship availability, and immigration requirements can change—always verify on official websites.

Budget figures are estimates for planning only; your actual costs may differ.