Norway Scholarships for Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD 2026–2027 | Study in Norway Without IELTS

Dreaming of studying in Norway but concerned about tuition costs? The Norway Scholarships for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students open the door to world-class, tuition-free education in one of Europe’s most student-friendly countries. With fully funded scholarships, affordable living costs, and programs offered in English, Norway continues to attract thousands of international students every year.

Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, this guide highlights the top Norwegian scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application tips—including how to study in Norway without IELTS at leading universities such as the University of Oslo, NTNU, and University of Bergen.

Summary of Norway Scholarships 2026–2027

• Host Country: Norway
• Eligible Degrees: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
• Scholarship Type: Fully funded / tuition-free (at public universities)
• Eligible Applicants: International students from all countries
• IELTS Requirement: May be waived under specific conditions
• Top Universities: University of Oslo, NTNU, University of Bergen, BI Norwegian Business School, Nord University

Why Study in Norway?

Norway stands out as one of the best destinations for international students due to its unique blend of academic excellence, tuition-free education, and safe living conditions.

Key Reasons to Study in Norway:

1. Tuition-Free Public Universities – Most public institutions do not charge tuition fees, only a small semester fee.
2. Globally Recognized Education – Norwegian universities consistently rank among the top worldwide for research and innovation.
3. English-Taught Programs – Hundreds of programs are available in English at all academic levels.
4. Safe and Inclusive Environment – Norway boasts a high standard of living, low crime rates, and equality-focused policies.
5. Work Opportunities – International students can work part-time and apply for post-study work permits after graduation.

Step One: Find Out Tuition-Free Institutions In Norway

We’ve compiled a list of tuition-free institutions in Norway for regional and global students to help with this.

Tuition-Free institutions in Norway are:

1. University of Tromsø (UiT) 
2. University of Stavanger (UiS) 
3. University of Oslo (UiO) 
4. University of Agder (UiA) 
5. The University Centre in Svalbard 
6. Stord/Haugesund University College 
7. Østfold University College 
8. Oslo and Akershus University (HiOA)  
9. Oslo School of Architecture and Design 
10. NTNU 
11. Norwegian School of Veterinary Science 
12. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences 
13. NLA University College 
14. Nesna University College 
15. Narvik University College 
16. Bergen Academy of Art & Design, Norway 
17. Molde University College  
18. MF Norwegian School of Theology 
19. Lillehammer University College 
20. Hedmark University of Applied Science 
21. The Arctic University of Norway 
22. BI Norwegian Business School 
23. Bergen University College 
24. University of Bergen 
25. University of Nordland 
26. Oslo and Akershus University  

List Of Top University Scholarships In Norway

Applicants can apply for scholarship opportunities from the following different organizations:

1. University of Stavanger Scholarships 
2. BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships 
3. NTNU Scholarships 
4. University of Oslo Scholarships 
5. Nord University Postdoctoral Fellowship 
6. Oslo Metropolitan University Scholarships 
7. Norwegian University of Life Sciences 
8. NORAM Scholarship 
9. Lakselaget Foundation Scholarship 
10. Leiv Eriksson mobility program 
11. Sons of Norway Student Residence Permit 
12. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 
13. University of Bergen 
14. Norwegian- Russian Scholarship Scheme 
15. University of Oslo 
16. Erasmus+ Program 
17. High North Fellowship Program 

Exempted From Submitting Of IELTS / TOEFL Scores

If the prior (last degree) degree of academic achievement was taught in an English Preparatory University/College, no language skills such as TOEFL or IELTS are needed.

Individuals who have finished their prior studies at an English-language Language Educational Institution are exempt from taking the IELTS exam.

Step Two: Take An Online English Proficiency Test Or Participate In A Video Interview

Several institutions may do an electronic question-and-answer session or a video interview via the Internet. Once your application has been approved for university admission, you will be required to participate in an electronic interview with your institution.

The objective of the interview will be to assess your ability to communicate in English. If you want to study in a Norwegian institution without taking IELTS, you’ll need to score good marks in this interview.

How To Study In Norway Without IELTS?

Individuals who have passed one of the secondary school tests listed below with proper English in the curriculum can study in Norway without taking the IELTS test.

The Gambia

1. General Certificate of Education, O-level
2. West African Examinations Council Certificate of Senior School
3. General Certificate of Education, A-level

Botswana

1. General Certificate of Education, O-level
2. Botswana Secondary Education (IUA) General Certificate
3. General Certificate of Education, A-level
4. Cambridge Overseas School Certificate

Cameroon (English-speaking part)

1. General Certificate of Education, A-level
2. General Certificate of Education, O-level

Ghana

1. West African Senior School Certificate
2. Senior Secondary School Certificate
3. West African Examinations Council General Education of O-level Certificate
4. West African Examinations Council General Education of A-level Certificate

Malawi   

1. Malawi School Certificate of Education

Kenya

1. Kenya Certificate of Education,
2. Secondary Education Certificate of Kenya (from 1989)
3. Certificate of Kenyan Advanced Education (up till 1989)

Nigeria

1. Senior School Certificate (from 1988)
2. General Certificate of Education, A-level
3. General Certificate of Education, O-level
4. West African Examinations Council
5. West African Senior School Certification (from 1999)

Eswatini, Swaziland

1. Cambridge Overseas School Certificate,
2. General Certificate of Education, O-level

Sierra Leone

1. Senior School Certificate (from 2000),
2. General Certificate of Education, O-level,
3. West African Examinations Council
4. Cambridge Overseas School Certificate O-level,
5. General Certificate of Education, A-level

South Africa

1. Matriculation Certificate and Senior Certificate

Tanzania

1. Certificate of Secondary Education, East Africa
2. Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education
3. General Certificate of Education, O-level
4. Zanzibar O-level

Zambia

1. Zambian School Certificate

Uganda

1. Ugandan Certificate of Education
2. East African Certificate of Education
3. Ugandan Advanced Certificate of Education
4. East African Advanced Certificate of Education

Zimbabwe

1. General Certificate of Education, O-level
2. Cambridge School Certificate
3. General Certificate of Education, A-level
4. Cambridge Higher School Certificate

Besides this, if you are from another country and your last degree was in the English Language, you can get an English Proficiency Certificate from your home university/college (last institution) and apply with it. Good Luck with your Admission.

How to Apply for Norway Scholarships

1. Select Your Program & University: Choose your desired degree and institution.
2. Check Eligibility: Verify academic, language, and nationality criteria.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Academic transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and a motivation statement.
4. Submit Your Application: Complete the online scholarship or university application before the deadline.
5. Apply for a Student Visa: Once accepted, proceed with your residence permit application.

Norway remains a leading destination for affordable, high-quality education. Many public universities offer tuition-free programs, and numerous fully funded scholarships support students with living expenses.

Several institutions also waive the IELTS requirement if you meet alternative English proficiency standards making it easier to apply.

Start preparing early, gather the right documents, and apply to multiple scholarships to maximize your chances of success.

Useful Resources

• Study in Norway Official Portal
• Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)