Norwegian Government Scholarship for Developing Countries
Norwegian Government / Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) · 🇳🇴 Norway · Europe
FundingPartial
LevelMasters/PhD
DeadlineDecember
Application feeFree
About this scholarship
University-level awards for non-EU students, now the main route because tuition has been chargeable since 2023/24. No single national fully funded scheme exists for degree students. Masters 2 years; PhD 3 years
ProviderNorwegian Government / Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)
CountryNorway (Europe)
Host university / institutionNorwegian public universities (University of Oslo, NTNU, UiB, UiT, NMBU, etc.)
Degree levelsMasters/PhD
Fields of studyAll fields
Funding typePartial
Application feeFree
DeadlineVaries by university and closes early for non-EU applicants. UiT closed on 15 November 2026 for autumn 2027; check each institution rather than relying on a single national date.
IntakeAugust
Applications openOctober
CompetitionHigh
Programme durationMasters 2 years; PhD 3 years
MastersPhDAll fields
Norwegian Government Scholarship for Developing Countries eligibility criteria
Citizen of a developing country on the DAC list, for the country-specific awards
Admitted to a full-degree Master or PhD programme at a Norwegian university
English proficiency (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.0+)
Meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen university
Non-EU applicants pay tuition and must document the required living funds
Benefits and coverage
Partial tuition waivers granted by individual Norwegian universities
Some awards include a living stipend, set by the institution
Non-EU/EEA students have paid tuition since the 2023/24 academic year
Exemptions remain for exchange students, doctoral candidates, Erasmus Mundus and a few named programmes
Proof of funds for a study permit was NOK 15,488 per month, or NOK 170,368 a year, for 2026-2027
Required documents
Online application through the Norwegian university portal
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
English proficiency certificate
Statement of purpose
CV/Resume
Two recommendation letters (for PhD)
Copy of passport
How to apply for the Norwegian Government Scholarship for Developing Countries
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
Varies by university and closes early for non-EU applicants. UiT closed on 15 November 2026 for autumn 2027; check each institution rather than relying on a single national date. Submit a complete application before the December deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageUniversity-level awards for non-EU students, now the main route because tuition has been…
LevelsMasters/PhD
Frequently asked questions
Citizen of a developing country on the DAC list, for the country-specific awards Admitted to a full-degree Master or PhD programme at a Norwegian university English proficiency (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.0+) Meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen university Non-EU applicants pay tuition and must document the required living funds
Partial tuition waivers granted by individual Norwegian universities Some awards include a living stipend, set by the institution Non-EU/EEA students have paid tuition since the 2023/24 academic year Exemptions remain for exchange students, doctoral candidates, Erasmus Mundus and a few named programmes Proof of funds for a study permit was NOK 15,488 per month, or NOK 170,368 a year, for 2026-2027
Online application through the Norwegian university portal Academic transcripts and degree certificates English proficiency certificate Statement of purpose CV/Resume Two recommendation letters (for PhD) Copy of passport
Varies by university and closes early for non-EU applicants. UiT closed on 15 November 2026 for autumn 2027; check each institution rather than relying on a single national date.
No — applications for the Norwegian Government Scholarship for Developing Countries are free.