Norway Scholarships for International Students 2027: Is It Still Possible to Study for Free?

Is it still possible to study in Norway for free?

Norway used to be famous among international students because public universities did not charge tuition fees to most students, including many non-EU students. That changed. Today, non-EU/EEA/Swiss degree students normally pay tuition fees at Norwegian public institutions, while Norwegian, EU, EEA and Swiss students are generally exempt. This makes Norway very different from what many old blog posts still claim. For 2027 applicants, the answer is: yes, it is still possible for some students to study in Norway without tuition, but not for everyone. EU/EEA/Swiss students can often study at public institutions without tuition. PhD candidates are often treated differently because many PhD positions in Norway are advertised as paid jobs. Exchange students, Erasmus Mundus students or students covered by specific agreements may also have different rules. But for regular non-EU bachelor’s and master’s degree students, tuition fees are now the normal rule. This guide explains what changed, what scholarships still exist, how much Norway costs, and how international students can build a realistic plan for 2027.

Tuition fees for non-EU students in Norway

Official Study in Norway guidance states that students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland who are studying for a full degree in Norway normally pay tuition fees. The amount varies by institution and programme. European guidance estimates typical fees for non-EU/EEA students at around NOK 130,000 to NOK 390,000 per year, which is roughly 11,000 to 33,000 euros depending on exchange rates. This is a major change from older information. Students should be careful with websites that still say Norway is free for everyone. That information is outdated for most non-EU bachelor’s and master’s applicants.

Living costs in Norway

Norway is also one of the more expensive countries in Europe. Study in Norway lists living costs for 2026/2027 at NOK 15,488 per month or NOK 170,368 per year. Students also pay a semester fee, often around NOK 1,000 per semester according to Study in Norway. Even if you find a tuition waiver or funded route, living costs are a serious factor. Rent, food, transport and winter clothing can be expensive. Students should prepare a realistic budget before applying.

Are there Norwegian government scholarships for international students?

Study in Norway states that the Norwegian government does not offer individual scholarships open to all international students. This is important. There may be foundations, exchange agreements, university schemes, Erasmus Mundus programmes and PhD jobs, but there is no simple central scholarship that every international student can apply for. This means scholarship searching in Norway is decentralised. You need to check universities, departments, funded projects and European programmes.

What changed in Norwegian tuition policy?

Norway introduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, and the change had a major effect on international recruitment. In June 2025, the Norwegian government announced a proposal to remove the requirement that institutions charge high cost-covering tuition fees, allowing institutions more flexibility to set lower fees. The announcement noted that after tuition fees were introduced, the number of new students from outside the EEA fell sharply. This policy discussion is important, but it does not mean Norway has returned to free education for all non-EU students. For 2027, students must check the tuition fee of each institution and programme directly.

Best funding routes for Norway in 2027

The first route is PhD positions. In Norway, many PhD candidates are employed by universities as salaried researchers. These positions are advertised like jobs, with a salary, employment contract and specific research topic. If you want a funded PhD, search university vacancy pages, research institute websites and Euraxess. The second route is Erasmus Mundus. Some Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters include Norwegian universities. If you win an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, tuition and living costs may be covered according to the programme rules. The third route is university scholarships or tuition waivers. These are limited and vary by institution. Some universities may offer partial reductions or special arrangements, especially if policy flexibility increases. Always check the university’s official tuition and scholarship page. The fourth route is exchange study. If your current university has an exchange agreement with a Norwegian university, you may study in Norway for a semester without paying Norwegian degree tuition, depending on the agreement.

Who can study in Norway for free?

Norwegian citizens and many EU/EEA/Swiss students can study at public institutions without tuition fees. Exchange students and PhD candidates may also be exempt depending on status. Non-EU students in regular full-degree bachelor’s and master’s programmes should expect tuition unless they have a specific exemption, scholarship or agreement. If you have a residence status in Norway or another specific legal status, fee rules may differ. Always ask the university directly.

Work rights and financial planning

Study in Norway indicates that non-EU students with study permits can usually work up to 20 hours per week during studies and full time during holidays. This can help with expenses, but it should not be your main funding plan. Norway’s cost of living is high, jobs are competitive and Norwegian language can matter outside some international sectors. For the study permit, students must meet admission, full-time study and financial requirements. If you cannot show sufficient funds, getting a visa can be difficult even if you are admitted.

How to choose a Norwegian university in 2027

Start with the official Study in Norway programme database. Norway offers hundreds of English-taught programmes, mostly at master’s level. Shortlist programmes that fit your academic background. Then check tuition fees, scholarship information, admission requirements, English requirements and living costs in the city. For non-EU students, affordability should be a central filter. A programme with a tuition fee of NOK 300,000 per year may not be realistic without funding. A PhD job or Erasmus Mundus scholarship may be a better route than a self-funded master’s.

Common mistakes

The biggest mistake is relying on old articles that say Norway is free for all international students. The second mistake is ignoring living costs. The third mistake is assuming that admission means funding. The fourth mistake is applying for a master’s when a funded PhD or Erasmus Mundus route would be more realistic. The fifth mistake is not checking whether the programme has tuition exemptions or waivers. Another mistake is waiting too long to search PhD jobs. Funded PhD positions have their own deadlines and can open at any time.

FAQ: Norway Scholarships 2027

Is Norway free for non-EU students in 2027?

Usually no for regular bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students normally pay tuition unless exempt or funded.

Are PhDs funded in Norway?

Many PhD positions are paid jobs, but they are competitive and advertised individually.

Does Norway offer a general government scholarship?

Official Study in Norway guidance says there is no individual government scholarship open to all international students.

Can I work while studying?

Non-EU students with study permits can usually work up to 20 hours per week during studies and full time during holidays, but work should not be your only financial plan.

Need help applying?

If you want to know whether Norway is realistic for your budget, find English-taught programmes, search funded PhD positions, compare tuition fees or identify Erasmus routes that include Norway, we can help you build a smart 2027 application strategy.

Official sources used

• Study in Norway main site: https://studyinnorway.no/
• Study in Norway cost and requirements: https://studyinnorway.no/cost-and-requirements
• European Education Area Norway guide: https://education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe/countries/norway
• Norwegian Government 2025 higher education tuition policy announcement: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/fjerner-kravet-om-hoye-skolepenger-for-utenlandsstudentene/id3109700/