Norway Mobility Scholarships (Fully Funded) 2026

Norway Mobility Scholarships for MS and PhD Students, 2027. Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships Here. Norway has quietly become one of the most attractive destinations for graduate-level education in Europe. With world-class universities, a strong research culture, and a government that genuinely invests in international academic exchange, it is no surprise that thousands of students from around the world are looking toward Norway for their postgraduate journey.

The Norway Mobility Scholarships for MS and PhD Students in 2027 represent one of the most exciting funding opportunities available to international researchers and scholars. These scholarships are designed to support academic mobility — bringing talented minds to Norway and sending Norwegian researchers abroad — with the ultimate goal of building stronger global knowledge networks.

If you have been searching for a fully or partially funded opportunity to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in Norway, this guide covers everything you need to know. From eligibility criteria and application steps to visa guidance, budgeting, and long-term immigration pathways, you will find practical, honest information here that goes beyond what most scholarship websites offer.

What Are Norway Mobility Scholarships?

Norway mobility scholarships are government-supported and institutionally funded programs that facilitate academic exchange between Norway and other countries. They are primarily administered through Diku (Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education) and through individual Norwegian universities.

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These scholarships are not just financial grants. They are structured mobility programs that often include tuition coverage, monthly living stipends, travel allowances, and in some cases, health insurance support. The goal is to attract high-caliber international students and researchers to Norwegian institutions while also enabling Norwegians to engage with partner universities globally.

For 2027, several funding streams fall under the Norway Mobility Scholarship umbrella:

• Norwegian Government Scholarship Programme
• Erasmus+ Mobility Grants (Norway participates as a programme country)
• Bilateral Scholarship Agreements between Norwegian and foreign universities
• Research Council of Norway PhD Fellowships
• Individual university scholarship programs

Each of these operates slightly differently, but they all share a common purpose: making Norwegian higher education accessible and internationally competitive.

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Why Choose Norway for Graduate Studies in 2027?

Before diving into scholarship specifics, it is worth understanding what makes Norway a genuinely compelling destination.

Norway consistently ranks among the top countries globally for quality of life, safety, gender equality, and environmental standards. Its universities are internationally recognized, and the country places enormous value on research and innovation. For PhD students in particular, Norway offers some of the best-funded doctoral programs in the world—in many cases, PhD candidates are employed as full-time university staff with salary and benefits.

Key Reasons to Study in Norway

• No tuition fees at public universities—this applies to most international students, making Norway one of the few countries in Europe offering free education at the postgraduate level
• Globally ranked research institutions including the University of Oslo, NTNU, and the University of Bergen
• Strong English-language program availability—most Master’s and PhD programs are taught entirely in English
• Generous PhD salary model — doctoral students are paid employees with full social benefits
• Excellent post-study work opportunities and clear pathways toward a skilled worker visa and permanent residence
• High safety standards, clean environment, and excellent student accommodation in Norway

These advantages make Norway a practical choice, not just an aspirational one.

Types of Norway Mobility Scholarships Available in 2027

Note: Availability and funding amounts for 2027 may vary. Always verify with the official administering institution before applying.

What Does the Norway Mobility Scholarship Cover?

One of the first questions every applicant asks is “What exactly am I getting?”

The coverage varies depending on which scholarship stream you apply for, but the most comprehensive packages typically include:

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For MS (Master’s) Students

• Monthly stipend ranging from NOK 8,000 to NOK 12,000 (approximately USD 700–1,100)
• Tuition fee waiver (most Norwegian public universities charge no tuition fees anyway)
• One-time travel grant
• Assistance with international student health insurance or access to the Norwegian public health system
• Housing support or subsidized student accommodation in Norway

For PhD Candidates

• Full salary employment contract (PhD as an employee model), typically between NOK 500,000–550,000 annually before tax
• Social security benefits, including pension and parental leave
• Research budget and conference travel funding
• Office space, laboratory access, and institutional resources
• Health coverage through Norway’s national system

The PhD employment model in Norway is genuinely exceptional. You are not a student receiving charity — you are a professional researcher contributing to the university and being compensated fairly. This framing matters both financially and psychologically.

Eligibility Criteria for Norway Mobility Scholarships 2027

Eligibility requirements vary slightly across funding streams, but here are the common criteria that apply to most Norway Mobility Scholarship programs:

Academic Qualifications

• For MS programs: A completed bachelor’s degree (typically 3–4 years) from a recognized university with strong academic standing
• For PhD programs: A completed master’s degree in a relevant field, with demonstrated research capability
• GPA or equivalent academic achievement consistent with the applying university’s requirements

Language Requirements

• English proficiency: IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 90) for English-taught programs
• Norwegian language proficiency may be required for Norwegian-taught programs (B2 level)

Nationality and Residency

• Most mobility scholarships are open to non-EEA/non-EU students, particularly from developing and middle-income countries
• Some scholarships are restricted by bilateral agreements with specific partner countries
• EEA citizens may be eligible for Erasmus+ mobility grants

Research and Professional Criteria (PhD)

• A credible and original research proposal
• A confirmed or prospective supervisor at a Norwegian institution
• Demonstrated research output (publications, thesis, or academic projects)

Documents Required for Application

Getting your paperwork right is half the battle. Here is a comprehensive checklist of what most Norway Mobility Scholarship applications require:

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for Norway mobility scholarships is a multi-stage process. Rushing through it is the most common reason qualified candidates get rejected.

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Step 1: Research Your Target Program and Institution

Start by identifying which Norwegian university and which specific program aligns with your academic background. Use platforms like the Norwegian Universities’ official websites, the Diku portal, and Study in Norway (studyinnorway.no) to explore options.

Working with an education consultant for Norway or a study abroad consultant near me can also help you identify the best-fit programs faster.

Step 2: Find and Contact a Potential Supervisor (PhD Applicants)

This step is critical for PhD applicants. Reaching out to a professor whose research aligns with your interests—before submitting a formal application—can significantly improve your chances. A positive supervisor response can open doors that a cold application cannot.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Package

Gather all required documents, write your statement of purpose, and have your research proposal reviewed by a mentor or academic. Your application package tells the story of who you are as a scholar—make it coherent and compelling.

Step 4: Apply to the University

Most Norwegian universities use their own online application portals. Apply before the stated deadline — these deadlines are strict and non-negotiable.

Step 5: Apply for the Scholarship Separately (If Required)

Some scholarship programs run through Diku or the Research Council of Norway require a separate application. Read the instructions carefully to avoid missing this step.

Step 6: Await Results and Prepare for Admission Interview

Some programs shortlist candidates for online interviews. Prepare thoroughly by reviewing your research proposal and being ready to discuss your academic journey.

Step 7: Accept the Offer and Begin Visa Process

Once you receive an acceptance letter, you can begin your Norwegian student visa application process through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

Norway Student Visa: What You Need to Know

Securing admission is only half the journey — getting your visa sorted properly is the other half.

International students from outside the EEA/EU who want to study in Norway for more than 90 days need a study permit (student residence permit). Here is how the process works:

Who Needs a Study Permit?

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries planning to study for more than 90 days must apply for a student residence permit through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). EU/EEA citizens only need to register their residence.

Key Requirements for the Student Residence Permit

• A formal letter of admission from a Norwegian educational institution
• Evidence of sufficient financial means—the current UDI requirement is approximately NOK 137,907 per year (roughly USD 12,500)
• A valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the intended stay
• Proof of housing or accommodation arrangements
• Completed UDI application form submitted online via the UDI self-service portal

Visa Processing Time

Processing times vary but typically range from 4 to 8 weeks. Apply as early as possible after receiving your admission letter.

If you need legal guidance on complex visa situations—such as previous visa refusals, family joining you, or dual nationality complications—consulting an immigration attorney or reaching out to a professional specializing in immigration attorney consultation services can save you significant stress.

Visa Sponsorship for International Students

In cases where scholarship funding covers your financial requirements, the scholarship award letter can serve as evidence of financial means. This effectively functions as visa sponsorship for international students, eliminating the need for a separate bank statement showing personal funds.

Budgeting and Cost of Living in Norway

Norway is not a cheap country, but it is also not as financially daunting as many students expect, especially if you receive scholarship funding.

Here is a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a student in Oslo, Norway’s capital:

PhD students receiving salary-based employment will find their income comfortably covers these expenses with room to save. MS scholarship recipients receiving a monthly stipend may need to supplement their funding through part-time work or education financing options such as student loans from home countries.

One practical tip: students often use relocation services for students provided by their university’s international office when they first arrive, which can help navigate housing, banking, and local registration processes much more smoothly.

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Education Financing Options if Your Scholarship Is Partial

Not every scholarship covers 100% of your costs. If your award is partial, you have several realistic options:

1. Education Loans from Home Country Banks

Many students secure education loans without collateral from banks in their home countries, particularly if the receiving institution is accredited and internationally recognized. Norwegian universities almost universally qualify for such programs.

2. Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)

International students from EEA countries or those with certain work permits may qualify for support from Lånekassen, Norway’s government loan fund. Check eligibility carefully.

3. Part-Time Employment

International students with valid study permits are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Norway’s labor market is well-organized, and even part-time positions pay respectably—typically NOK 150–200 per hour.

4. Private Scholarships and Foundations

Several Norwegian private foundations offer supplementary grants to international students in specific fields. Your university’s scholarship office is the best place to identify these.

5. Tuition Fee Transfers and International Banking

For students who need to manage tuition fee transfers abroad, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer significantly better exchange rates than traditional banks, which can save hundreds of dollars over an academic year.

Work Permit After Study in Norway

One of the most pressing questions graduate students ask is, “What happens after I finish my degree?”

Norway offers genuine and accessible pathways for skilled graduates to remain in the country and build careers.

Job Seeker Permit

After completing a degree from a Norwegian institution, you can apply for a job seeker residence permit, which allows you to stay in Norway for up to one year while actively searching for employment. This gives you a real runway to transition from student to professional.

Skilled Worker Visa Norway

Once you have a job offer that meets Norway’s salary threshold requirements, you can apply for a skilled worker visa. The skilled worker visa requirements include:

• A confirmed job offer from a Norwegian employer
• Salary that meets the minimum threshold set by UDI (adjusted annually)
• Qualifications that match the job being offered
• Completed application through the UDI portal

Norway’s strong economy — particularly in sectors like energy (especially renewables), maritime technology, healthcare, IT, and marine sciences — means that graduates with relevant skills often find employment relatively quickly.

Post-Study Work Visa and Career Opportunities

The combination of a Norwegian degree and Norwegian workplace experience is highly valued by employers both inside Norway and across Scandinavia. Many international graduates find that their Norwegian master’s or Ph.D. credentials accelerate their careers significantly—both locally and when returning to their home countries.

Permanent Residence After Studying in Norway

For those who envision a long-term future in Norway, the path to permanent residence is clearly defined.

Permanent Residence Application: What to Know

To qualify for a permanent residence application (PR after studying), you generally need the following:

• Three years of continuous legal residence in Norway (typically as a skilled worker after graduation)
• Sufficient Norwegian language proficiency (minimum B1 in spoken Norwegian)
• Passed a social studies exam
• No criminal record
• Financial self-sufficiency

Given that a typical MS program takes 2 years and a PhD takes 3–4 years, students who remain in Norway for employment after graduation can realistically apply for PR within a few years of finishing their studies.

This makes Norway one of the more achievable destinations for international students thinking about long-term permanent residence in Europe—particularly when compared to countries with complex express entry point calculator systems or highly competitive immigration queues.

If you want professional guidance on the full PR pathway, speaking to an immigration lawyer in Norway or accessing a professional immigration consultant fees comparison can help you understand costs and realistic timelines.

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Top Norwegian Universities Offering Mobility Scholarships in 2027

Practical Tips From People Who Have Done This

Having worked with many students navigating the Norwegian scholarship and immigration process, here are some genuinely useful pieces of advice:

Contact Supervisors Early

For PhD applicants, this cannot be stressed enough. Norwegian professors who take on PhD students are investing in a 3–4-year working relationship. A well-crafted initial email that demonstrates you have read their work and can articulate how your research connects to theirs is far more effective than a generic template.

Use the International Office

Every Norwegian university has an international office specifically designed to help incoming students with housing, registration, tax ID (D-number), and orientation. Do not try to navigate your first months alone.

Get a D-Number as Soon as possible.

A D-number is Norway’s identification number for foreigners. You need it to open a bank account, access the tax system, and, in some cases, register for student welfare services. Apply for it at the tax administration office as early as possible after arriving.

Register with the National Population Register

If you plan to stay in Norway longer than 6 months, registering with the Norwegian National Population Register will unlock various services and is a requirement for certain visa renewals.

Learn Basic Norwegian

Even though most academic work is in English, learning basic Norwegian — even just conversational phrases — will dramatically improve your daily life experience and is a requirement for permanent residency down the line.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Once registered with Norwegian authorities and paying into the national insurance scheme (which PhD employees do automatically), you gain access to Norway’s healthcare system. MS students on shorter programs should confirm their international student health insurance coverage before arrival.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without reading the specific program requirements — each scholarship and each university has its own criteria. Generic applications rarely succeed.
• Missing the deadline — Norwegian institutions are firm on deadlines. Apply early.
• Underestimating the research proposal—for PhD applications, a weak proposal is an automatic disqualification regardless of GPA.
• Ignoring the visa timeline—start the student visa application process immediately after receiving admission. Do not wait.
• Choosing a program purely for the scholarship — if the field does not align with your genuine interests and career goals, the financial support will not carry you through 2–4 years of demanding academic work.

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Official Sources for Norway Mobility Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About Norway Mobility Scholarships 2027

1. Are Norway mobility scholarships fully funded?

It depends on the specific program. PhD fellowships through Norwegian universities are essentially fully funded through the salary model — you receive full pay with benefits. Some MS scholarships are also fully funded, while others are partial. Always check the specific scholarship terms before applying.

2. Can I apply to multiple Norwegian universities simultaneously?

Yes. You can apply to multiple institutions and scholarship programs at the same time. This is actually a recommended strategy since competition can be intense. Just make sure each application is tailored to the specific program and institution.

3. Is there an age limit for Norway mobility scholarships?

Most programs do not impose a formal age limit, especially for PhD programs. Some merit-based scholarships may have informal preferences for early-career researchers, but age discrimination is not legally permissible in Norwegian institutions. Apply based on your qualifications.

4. What is the application deadline for Norway mobility scholarships in 2027?

Deadlines vary by institution and program. Most programs open applications in December–January for the following academic year. Some PhD positions advertise year-round. Check specific university portals and the Diku website regularly for updates.

5. Can I bring my family to Norway while studying?

Yes, family members (spouse/partner and children) can join you in Norway under a family reunification permit. You must meet minimum income requirements to sponsor family immigration. PhD students on salary contracts typically meet these requirements. Consult an immigration attorney consultation service to navigate this process accurately.

6. Do I need to learn Norwegian to study in Norway?

For English-taught programs, Norwegian language proficiency is not required during your studies. However, you will need at least B1 level spoken Norwegian if you later apply for permanent residence, so starting Norwegian language classes early is a wise investment.

7. How competitive are Norway mobility scholarships?

They are competitive, but not impossible. The key differentiating factors are the quality of your academic record, the strength of your research proposal (for a PhD), and how well you align your application with the specific program’s research focus or goals. Weak generic applications rarely succeed.

8. Is a GRE score required to apply?

Most Norwegian universities do not require GRE scores, which makes applications more accessible for international students. Focus on your transcripts, research proposal, and letters of recommendation instead.

9. Can I work part-time while studying in Norway?

Yes. International students with valid study permits can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during official vacation periods. PhD students, being employees, may also engage in additional permitted employment activities within reasonable limits set by their contracts.

10. What happens if I fail to complete my degree? Do I have to repay the scholarship?

This depends on the terms of your specific scholarship agreement. Some scholarships are grants that do not require repayment, while others may have conditions tied to program completion. Read your scholarship contract carefully and ask your university admission consultant or the scholarship office for clarification before signing.

11. How does Norway’s healthcare system work for international students?

PhD students who are university employees are enrolled in the National Insurance Scheme automatically and have full access to Norwegian healthcare. MS students on shorter programs should carry international student health insurance until they register with the national system, which typically happens after residing in Norway for more than 12 months.

12. Are there scholarships specifically for students from developing countries?

Yes. Norway has historically maintained bilateral scholarship programs with developing and lower-income countries through the Norwegian development aid framework. These programs are often administered through Diku and may offer more generous support packages. Check the Diku website for country-specific programs.

Final Thoughts

Norway Mobility Scholarships for MS and PhD Students in 2027 represent a genuine opportunity—one that combines world-class academic training, a supportive research environment, and a clear pathway to professional and personal growth.

The country’s commitment to no-tuition education, its salary-based PhD model, and its accessible pathways toward skilled employment and permanent residency make it one of the most complete packages available to international graduate students anywhere in the world.

Applying takes effort, preparation, and honest self-assessment. But for motivated scholars who approach the process strategically—identifying the right programs, building genuine connections with supervisors, and crafting strong, specific applications—the rewards are significant.

Start your research now. Reach out to potential supervisors. Gather your documents early. And if you need professional support navigating the immigration side, do not hesitate to work with a qualified immigration consultant or education consultant for Norway who understands both the academic and legal landscape.

Norway is waiting — and it is worth the effort to get there the right way.

Disclaimer: Scholarship details, funding amounts, and immigration regulations are subject to change. Always verify current information through official Norwegian government and university sources before making academic or financial decisions.

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