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Dreaming of studying in Norway for free? While recent changes mean tuition fees now apply to most international students. But don’t worry this guide explores alternative options to make your Norwegian higher education dream a reality. We’ll delve into scholarship opportunities across various Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral programs and specializations, from sustainable marine aquaculture to cutting-edge renewable energy solutions. Whether you’re passionate about lakes, fishing, the aurora borealis, or astrophysics, we’ll help you find the perfect program and explore funding options to minimize your financial burden. Get ready to start your higher education in the land of the rising sun that will cost you little and teach you a lot.
| Type of Scholarship | Fully Funded (Free) |
| Scholarships For | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Ph.D. degree programs |
| Location | Norway |
| Target Audience | Indian / International Students |
| Duration | Full-Time or Varies |
| Funding Amount | Full |
List of Scholarships to Study in Norway for Free
While public Universities in Norway offer completely free for international students outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, there are several scholarship options that can significantly reduce the financial burden. Here are some notable scholarships to consider for studying in Norway.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Coverage | Focus |
| BI Norwegian Business School Presidential Scholarship | International students pursuing Master’s degrees | Full tuition fees, 70% living expenses stipend | Business programs |
| A. Wilhelmsen Foundation Scholarship Programme | International students pursuing Master’s degrees in maritime-related fields | Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs | Maritime-related fields (e.g., Marine engineering, Nautical science) |
| NTNU Scholarship | Talented international students in specific fields (Technology, Natural sciences, Medicine, Teacher education, Humanities, Social sciences, Law) | Tuition fees, living expenses | Various fields (see eligibility) |
| ERASMUS+ Grant | Varies depending on home country and chosen program (EU students generally prioritized) | Partial tuition fees, living expenses (amount varies) | Exchange programs across various fields |
| Stiftelsen Fram – The Research Council of Norway PhD Scholarship Scheme | International students enrolled in PhD programs at Norwegian universities | Living expenses, salary, research costs | PhD programs (research focus varies) |
| High North Fellowship Programme | Students from Canada, Russia, South Korea, US, and Japan interested in studying Northern Norway | Tuition fees, living expenses stipend | Arctic, social sciences, humanities, law, business, technology, natural sciences, teacher education, health sciences |
| Fulbright Norway Student Program | US citizens pursuing Master’s degrees or PhDs | Full tuition, living stipend, health insurance | Varies depending on chosen field of study |
| Statoil Master’s Scholarships | Outstanding international students in specific fields (e.g., Geosciences, Petroleum engineering) | Full tuition fees, living expenses stipend | Energy-related fields |
| The Fridtjof Nansen Scholarship Programme | Quota students from specific developing countries | Full tuition fees, living expenses stipend | Varies depending on chosen field of study and home country |
| The University of Agder Scholarships | International students with excellent academic qualifications | Partial tuition fee waivers | Various fields offered by the University of Agder |
Also Read: List of Scholarships in Norway for International Students
Scholarships Details to Study in Norway for Free
While there are a number of scholarships that entirely cover tuition fees for all Indian students in Norway, here are the top 5 options with details specifically relevant to Indian applicants.
A. Wilhelmsen Foundation Scholarship Programme
This prestigious scholarship is a perfect fit for Indian students passionate about maritime fields like marine engineering or nautical science. The scholarship caters specifically to Master’s degrees in these disciplines at select Norwegian universities. It stands out for its comprehensive coverage, offering not only full tuition fees but also living expenses and even travel costs. This generous support makes it a highly attractive option for Indian students seeking to excel in the maritime sector.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. |
| Eligibility | Open to outstanding Indian students with a strong academic background in relevant fields. |
| Application Deadline | Open in October/November and close in February of the following year |
ERASMUS+ Grant (India Specific)
This program offers a broader range of possibilities for Indian students considering various fields of study in Norway. The ERASMUS+ Grant supports student exchange programs between Indian and Norwegian universities. While eligibility criteria and grant amounts can vary depending on the specific program and university, it typically offers partial tuition fee coverage and a living stipend. This financial relief can make a significant difference in making a Norwegian education more affordable. Be sure to check with your chosen university for details on available exchange programs and their associated ERASMUS+ grant opportunities.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Partial tuition fee coverage and a living stipend (amount varies). |
| Eligibility | Indian students enrolled in exchange programs between Indian and Norwegian universities. Eligibility criteria and grant amounts vary depending on the specific program and university. |
| Application Deadline | Varies |
High North Fellowship Programme
This scholarship caters to Indian students with a specific interest in the unique environment and challenges of Northern Norway. If your academic aspirations lie in Arctic studies, social sciences, or other fields relevant to this region, the High North Fellowship Programme could be a perfect match. The program offers tuition fee coverage and a living expense stipend, making studying in Norway a more realistic possibility.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Tuition fee coverage and a living expense stipend. |
| Eligibility | Open to qualified Indian students interested in studying Northern Norway’s unique environment and challenges. Specific eligibility criteria and target countries may vary depending on the year’s program focus. |
| Application Deadline | Varies |
The Fridtjof Nansen Scholarship Programme
This program offers full tuition fees and a living expense stipend, providing substantial financial support for deserving Indian students. However, eligibility is based on quotas allocated to specific developing countries designated by the Norwegian government. If India is included in the quota system for a particular year and your chosen field of study aligns with the program’s goals, this scholarship could be a game-changer.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Covers full tuition fees and a living stipend to help with living expenses in Norway. |
| Eligibility | Open to qualified students from developing countries designated by the Norwegian government.Quota systems apply, meaning a limited number of scholarships are available for each designated country. |
| Application Deadline | Varies |
Indian Government Scholarships for Overseas Studies
Don’t forget to explore scholarship opportunities offered by the Indian government itself. These scholarships can provide varying degrees of financial support, potentially including tuition fees and living expenses, for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. While not specific to Norway, these scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of studying in any country, including Norway.
| Particulars | Details |
| Coverage | Varies, potentially including tuition fees and living expenses. |
| Eligibility | Offered by the Indian government to meritorious Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. Specific eligibility criteria and application procedures are determined by the Indian government and may change. |
| Application Deadline | Varies |
Top Universities in Norway for International Students To Study in Norway for Free
While tuition fees for international students outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are free in Norway, several prestigious universities offer exceptional higher educational experiences with scholarship opportunities to minimize the financial burden. Here are some top universities in Norway for international students.
| University | Scholarship | Coverage | Focus |
| University of Oslo (UiO) | University-specific scholarships & external opportunities (ERASMUS+) | Varies | Medicine, Law, Humanities, Social Sciences |
| Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | NTNU Scholarship (Master’s in specific fields) | Tuition fees, living expenses | Science & Technology (Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine) |
| University of Bergen (UiB) | University-specific scholarships & external opportunities (ERASMUS+) | Varies | Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Law, Economics |
| Arctic University of Norway (UiT) | University-specific scholarships & external opportunities (ERASMUS+) | Varies | Arctic Research & Education (Arctic Biology, Marine Sciences, Law) |
| Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) | University-specific scholarships & external opportunities (ERASMUS+) | Varies | Practical & Profession-oriented Programs (Engineering, Business, Maritime Studies) |
| BI Norwegian Business School | BI Norwegian Business School Presidential Scholarship (Full Tuition, living stipend) | Full tuition, living stipend | Business programs |
| Telemark University College (HiTelemark) | University-specific scholarships & external opportunities | Varies | Engineering, Social Sciences, Teacher Education, Health Sciences |
| NMBU – Norwegian University of Life Sciences | University-specific scholarships & external opportunities | Varies | Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Food Science, Landscape Architecture |
| Stavanger University (UiS) | University-specific scholarships & external opportunities | Varies | Petroleum Engineering, Offshore Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities |
| Nord University (Nord universitet) | University-specific scholarships & external opportunities | Varies | Social Sciences, Teacher Education, Nursing, Business |
Also Read: Masters in Norway
FAQ’s
Can Indian students study for free in Norway?
No, it’s not costing anything to study in Norway. Along with Finland and Germany, Norway is a well-known European country where you can get a good education for free or at a very low cost.
How much does it cost to study in Norway?
Annual fees could be anywhere from 70,000 NOK (€7,000) to 150,000 NOK (€13,000).
How to study in Norway from India?
To go to university in Norway, you need to get a student visa. There is a Norwegian Embassy or office in India where you can get your student visa.
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