Study in Norway for Free: Scholarships 2025 Without IELTS

Studying in Europe is often seen as expensive, but Norway is a rare exception. The country offers scholarships in 2025–2026 without requiring IELTS, giving international students a golden opportunity to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees at some of the best universities in the world.

Most public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees, which makes higher education accessible and affordable for students from around the globe. Along with this, various financial support programs and scholarships are available to help students manage their living expenses, which are usually the main cost of studying in Norway.

Why Choose Norway for Higher Education?

Norway has become one of the most popular destinations for international students, and there are many reasons behind it:

• No Tuition Fees at Public Universities – Students only need to pay a small semester contribution (usually around €50–€100).
• Programs in English – Many bachelor’s and master’s programs are taught in English, making it easier for international students to study without a language barrier.
• Safe and Inclusive Environment – Norway is ranked among the safest countries in the world, known for its equality, inclusiveness, and welcoming culture.
• Quality Education – Norwegian universities are highly respected internationally for their strong academic standards and research opportunities.
• Work Opportunities – International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while studying, and full-time during holidays. After graduation, students can apply for a post-study work visa to build their careers in Norway.

Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

While tuition is free for undergraduate studies, the cost of living in Norway can be high. Scholarships help students cover these expenses:

• Norwegian Government Quota Scheme – Provides living expenses and travel support, mainly for students from developing countries.
• BI Presidential Scholarships – Awarded to outstanding international students, covering tuition fees and sometimes partial living costs.
• University of Oslo Scholarships – Designed for top-performing international students, offering financial support to ease their study journey.

Scholarships for Master’s Students

Norway has many tuition-free master’s programs, but students may still need financial help. Several scholarships are available:

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) – Fully funded scholarships covering tuition, travel, and monthly stipends for selected master’s programs across Europe, including Norway.
• University of Bergen Scholarships – For non-EU/EEA students with excellent academic records, supporting both studies and living expenses.
• NTNU Scholarships – Offered at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, supporting students in selected master’s fields.

Scholarships for PhD Students

PhD opportunities in Norway are highly attractive because they are usually fully funded and treated as full-time jobs:

• PhD Research Fellowships – Salaried positions with annual pay ranging from €45,000 to €55,000.
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – Prestigious EU-funded fellowships open to researchers worldwide.
• Nord University PhD Scholarships – Fully paid research roles across a wide variety of fields, offering both salary and research support.

Top Universities in Norway Offering Scholarships

• University of Oslo (UiO) – The oldest and most prestigious university in Norway.
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) – Famous for engineering, science, and technology programs.
• University of Bergen (UiB) – Known for strong research and humanities courses.
• BI Norwegian Business School – Popular for business, economics, and management programs.
• Nord University – Offers modern study programs with strong international collaboration.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Norway

The application process is straightforward, but it requires proper preparation:

1. Choose Your Program – Select a course or research area that matches your academic and career goals.
2. Check Eligibility – Each scholarship has specific requirements (academic grades, nationality, or work experience).
3. Prepare Documents – Most applications require academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a motivation letter, and a CV. Some universities may also ask for proof of English proficiency, but many accept alternatives to IELTS (like English-medium education certificates or other tests such as TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo).
4. Apply to Universities – Applications are submitted directly on the university’s admission portal.
5. Student Visa Process – Once accepted, apply for a student residence permit to study and live in Norway.

With Norway Scholarships Without IELTS 2025–2026, international students can study at top universities without worrying about tuition fees. From bachelor’s programs to PhD research, Norway offers a unique combination of free education, financial support, and world-class academic standards.

This makes Norway one of the best destinations in Europe for students who want high-quality education at an affordable cost, while also enjoying a safe, beautiful, and student-friendly environment.

FAQs About Norway Scholarships Without IELTS 2025–2026

1. Can I study in Norway without IELTS in 2025–2026?
Yes. Many Norwegian universities accept alternative proofs of English proficiency, such as certificates from previous education in English or other language tests like TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE.

2. Are tuition fees free for international students in Norway?
Yes. Most public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs. However, students must pay a small semester contribution (around €50–€100).

3. What scholarships are available for international students in Norway?
Some popular options include the Norwegian Government Quota Scheme, BI Presidential Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees, and PhD Research Fellowships, which often come with living allowances.

4. Can international students work while studying in Norway?
Yes. Students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays.

5. How much does it cost to live in Norway as a student?
Living costs in Norway are relatively high, averaging around €900–€1,200 per month. Scholarships and part-time jobs can help cover these expenses.

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