No IELTS: Scholarships in Norway (Fully Funded) for International Students

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If you have been putting off applying for scholarships abroad because of the IELTS requirement, Norway might just be the destination you have been waiting for. Norway is one of the very few countries in Europe where public universities charge no tuition fees to any student, whether local or international, and where a growing number of scholarship programs do not require you to submit an IELTS score at all. That is a combination that is genuinely rare, and for 2026, the opportunities are better than ever.

This article is a complete guide to scholarships in Norway without IELTS 2026. We will walk you through how the no-IELTS policy works, list every major scholarship program available, cover eligibility requirements, explain what benefits each award offers, and show you exactly how to apply. Whether you are looking for a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s program, a PhD position, or a research fellowship, Norway has something worth exploring.

Why Norway is One of the Best Study Destinations in 2026

Let us start with the big picture. Why Norway? There are quite a few strong reasons why Norway continues to attract international students from every corner of the world, and understanding them will help you appreciate just how valuable these scholarship opportunities really are.

First and most importantly, Norway’s public universities are tuition-free for all students. This is not a limited offer or a scholarship-only benefit. Every student enrolled at a Norwegian public university, regardless of nationality, pays zero tuition fees. The only mandatory cost is a small semester fee of around 300 to 600 Norwegian Krone (approximately EUR 25 to 50), which covers student welfare services, access to student health centers, and sports facilities. For context, universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia charge international students anywhere from EUR 10,000 to EUR 50,000 per year in tuition alone. Norway charges nothing.

Second, Norway has a world-class education system. Norwegian universities are internationally recognized for research excellence, innovation, and student-centered learning. Institutions like the University of Oslo, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and the University of Bergen consistently rank among the top universities in Europe and the world. A degree from a Norwegian university carries genuine weight with employers globally.

Third, Norway is one of the safest and most livable countries in the world. It consistently ranks at or near the top of the United Nations Human Development Index, which measures quality of life, access to education, healthcare, and personal freedom. The country is known for its breathtaking landscapes, clean cities, welcoming society, and progressive values. For international students, it is an environment where you can focus entirely on your academic and personal growth.

Fourth, and most relevant to this article, many Norwegian scholarship programs and universities do not require IELTS as a mandatory component of the application. Instead, they accept a range of alternative proofs of English proficiency, which we will explain in detail in the next section.

How Can You Study in Norway Without IELTS?

This is the question that most students ask first, so let us answer it clearly and completely. The ability to study in Norway without IELTS depends on one or more of the following alternative pathways that most Norwegian universities and scholarship programs officially accept.

1. Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter

If your previous undergraduate or postgraduate degree was taught entirely in English, you are generally eligible to apply to Norwegian universities and scholarship programs without submitting an IELTS score. You will need to provide an official Medium of Instruction letter from your previous institution. This letter must be printed on the university’s official letterhead, stamped and signed by the Registrar or an authorized academic officer, and clearly state that the language of instruction for your entire degree program was English. This is the most commonly accepted alternative to IELTS across Norwegian universities.

2. Previous Degree from an English-Medium Country

If you completed your secondary school education or your undergraduate degree in a country where English is the primary official language of instruction, you may be exempt from the IELTS requirement entirely. Countries in this category typically include the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and a number of other nations where formal education is delivered in English. If you are unsure whether your country qualifies, check directly with the specific Norwegian university you are applying to.

3. Online English Proficiency Interview or Test

Some Norwegian universities and scholarship programs offer an alternative assessment in the form of a video interview or an online English proficiency test conducted by the institution itself. This is particularly useful for applicants who may not have access to an official IELTS test center in their region or who cannot afford the registration fee for standardized English tests. The specific format and requirements vary by institution, so it is worth reaching out to the admissions office of your chosen university to ask about this option.

4. Secondary School English Curriculum

In some cases, applicants who completed secondary school education following a recognized English-medium curriculum, such as the British A-Level system, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a similar program, may also be exempt from the IELTS requirement. Your secondary school certificates or transcripts would serve as the proof of English language proficiency.

The key takeaway is this: you do not automatically need IELTS to study in Norway. What you need is documented evidence that you can function academically in English. For the majority of international students who studied in English at some point in their academic career, one of the above alternatives will apply.

List of Scholarships in Norway Without IELTS 2026

Now let us get into the heart of this article. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the major scholarship programs available in Norway for 2026 that either do not require IELTS or that accept alternative proof of English proficiency.

1. Norwegian Government Quota Scheme

The Norwegian Government Quota Scheme is one of the most well-known government-funded scholarship programs for international students in Norway. It is specifically designed to support talented students from developing countries and underrepresented regions who wish to pursue higher education in Norway. The scholarship covers tuition fees (which are already free at public universities), monthly living stipends, travel costs, and study expenses.

This program is administered by the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku, now known as HK-dir). Applications are submitted through the university you wish to attend. Students from eligible countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia are particularly encouraged to apply. The program accepts a Medium of Instruction letter as an alternative to IELTS for applicants from eligible countries.

2. University of Oslo Scholarships

The University of Oslo (UiO) is Norway’s oldest and highest-ranked university. It offers several scholarship opportunities for outstanding international students pursuing Master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships primarily provide financial support for living costs, as tuition at UiO is already free. The university also offers the International Summer School, which has its own scholarship program for selected participants.

The University of Oslo accepts a Medium of Instruction letter from applicants whose previous studies were conducted entirely in English, making IELTS unnecessary for many international candidates. For students in research-based programs such as PhD positions, supervisors often conduct informal English proficiency assessments as part of the selection process.

 

3. NTNU Master’s Scholarships (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

NTNU is Norway’s largest university and a global leader in engineering, science, and technology research. It is headquartered in Trondheim and has additional campuses in Gjøvik and Ålesund. NTNU offers several scholarship and funding opportunities for international Master’s students, particularly in fields related to engineering, computer science, energy, environmental science, and technology.

NTNU accepts a wide range of English proficiency alternatives beyond IELTS, including documented prior education in English and MOI letters. For students applying to research programs and PhD positions, NTNU typically considers English proficiency as part of the broader academic assessment process rather than requiring a standardized test score upfront.

4. University of Bergen Scholarships

The University of Bergen (UiB) is one of Norway’s leading research universities and is particularly strong in marine sciences, petroleum studies, climate research, global development, and humanities. UiB offers scholarships to strong non-EU international students in select Master’s programs. These scholarships cover living expenses and are awarded competitively based on academic merit.

Students who completed their previous degree in an English-medium institution are generally not required to submit IELTS scores when applying to the University of Bergen. An official MOI letter from your previous institution is the standard accepted alternative.

5. BI Presidential Scholarship (BI Norwegian Business School)

BI Norwegian Business School is Norway’s largest private university and one of the most respected business schools in Europe. It offers the BI Presidential Scholarship to exceptionally high-achieving international students who apply for a Master of Science (MSc) program at BI. For the 2026 academic year, up to 20 international scholarship places are available alongside 10 awards for Norwegian students.

The scholarship offers two levels of support. The first covers full tuition fees for up to two years (four semesters), subject to maintaining required academic progress. The second, which is the more comprehensive package, covers full tuition fees for two years plus a living stipend of NOK 50,000 per semester (approximately EUR 4,200), also for up to two years.

To be eligible, applicants must have an outstanding academic record with a minimum GPA of A on the ECTS scale, or the equivalent top-level grade on international grading systems. Applicants with a slightly lower GPA of minimum B may still qualify with a strong GMAT result. BI accepts a language test waiver for applicants who can demonstrate prior academic instruction in English, and the waiver application form is available on the official BI admissions portal.

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees program, funded by the European Union, is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship programs in the world. Several Erasmus Mundus programs are hosted fully or partially in Norway, at universities including the University of Oslo, NTNU, the University of Bergen, and the University of Tromsø. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, international travel costs, and provide a monthly living allowance.

Erasmus Mundus scholarships are open to students of all nationalities and cover study periods at two or more European universities, with Norway frequently included in the program consortium. Many Erasmus Mundus programs accept a Medium of Instruction letter in place of IELTS. Deadlines vary by program and typically fall between November and February of the year preceding the study start date.

7. Erasmus+ Program

The Erasmus+ program supports student exchanges between European and partner-country universities. As a non-EU country, Norway participates actively in Erasmus+ as a program country. Through Erasmus+, students from partner institutions outside Europe can receive exchange scholarships to study in Norway for one or two semesters. These grants typically cover a monthly living stipend and sometimes a travel contribution.

Erasmus+ exchanges are arranged through your home university, so the process begins by checking whether your institution has an active Erasmus+ partnership with a Norwegian university. IELTS is generally not required for Erasmus+ exchanges, as the language proficiency assessment is handled at the institutional level.

8. NORAM Scholarship

The NORAM Scholarship is offered by the Norway-America Association and is specifically designed for American students who wish to pursue higher education or research in Norway. The program provides financial support for degree studies, research projects, or exchange programs at accredited Norwegian institutions. Between 30 and 45 grants are awarded annually, depending on the funding cycle, and the scholarship is particularly popular among students in science, technology, and the humanities.

Since this scholarship is specifically for American students studying in Norway, and since English is the primary language of instruction in the United States, IELTS is not required. Applications for Fall 2026 typically open in December 2025, so checking the official NORAM portal for the latest deadlines is advisable.

9. Leiv Eriksson Mobility Program

The Leiv Eriksson Mobility Program supports research exchange between Norway and North America. It is funded by the Research Council of Norway and is designed for researchers and PhD students who want to spend a research period in Norway or who want to collaborate with Norwegian research institutions. The program provides financial support for travel, accommodation, and research costs.

This is particularly attractive for doctoral students and early-career researchers from the United States and Canada who are interested in Norwegian research environments. As with the NORAM scholarship, IELTS is not required given the program’s focus on English-speaking researchers.

10. Nord University Postdoctoral Fellowship

Nord University, established in 2016, is one of Norway’s newer institutions but offers a growing range of English-taught programs and research opportunities. The Nord University Postdoctoral Fellowship supports international researchers who want to undertake postdoctoral work in Norway. The fellowship provides a competitive salary, research funding, and covers tuition in Norwegian public institutions, which is already free.

Nord University operates primarily in English for its international programs and accepts alternative English proficiency evidence in place of IELTS.

11. PhD Positions at Norwegian Universities

This is one of the most unique and valuable aspects of studying in Norway that many international students do not know about. In Norway, PhD positions at public universities are treated as full employment. This means that PhD candidates are hired as university employees, receive a full salary, and are entitled to all employee benefits including paid leave, pension contributions, and health insurance. The typical annual salary for a PhD position in Norway is between NOK 450,000 and NOK 540,000 (approximately EUR 38,000 to EUR 46,000 per year), which is sufficient to live very comfortably in most Norwegian cities.

PhD positions are regularly advertised at all major Norwegian universities including the University of Oslo, NTNU, the University of Bergen, the University of Tromsø (UiT), and Oslo Metropolitan University. Candidates apply directly to the position, much like a job application, and English proficiency is typically assessed through the application materials and interview process rather than through a standardized test.

12. Lakselaget Foundation Scholarship

The Lakselaget Foundation provides financial support to international students and researchers pursuing studies or projects in Norway with a focus on environmental sustainability, marine science, and natural resources. The scholarship does not require IELTS and is open to applicants who can demonstrate prior English-medium education. Application details and deadlines are published annually on the foundation’s official website.

13. High North Fellowship Program

The High North Fellowship Program is designed for students and researchers from selected countries who are interested in Arctic studies, environmental science, and geopolitics of the High North. The program is connected to Norwegian universities in northern regions, particularly the University of Tromsø, which is the world’s northernmost university. The program covers research costs and provides a stipend, and IELTS is not a mandatory requirement for eligible applicants from English-medium educational backgrounds.

14. Oslo Metropolitan University Scholarships

Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) is one of Norway’s largest universities with a strong focus on applied sciences, social work, education, engineering, and health sciences. It offers several scholarship and funding opportunities for international students. Since tuition is already free, these scholarships primarily address living costs. OsloMet accepts alternative English proficiency documentation in place of IELTS for most of its programs.

15. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, known as NMBU, is located at Ås, just south of Oslo, and is one of the leading institutions in the world for research on sustainability, agriculture, food systems, environmental sciences, and biosciences. It offers scholarship and fellowship opportunities for international students and researchers. NMBU’s admissions policies allow for IELTS alternatives for applicants whose prior education was delivered in English.

Quick Reference Table: Scholarships in Norway Without IELTS 2026

Scholarship / Program	Host Institution	Degree Level	Benefits	IELTS Alternative
Norwegian Government Quota Scheme	All Public Norwegian Universities	Master’s, PhD	Living stipend, travel, study expenses, tuition-free	MOI Letter Accepted
University of Oslo Scholarships	University of Oslo (UiO)	Master’s, PhD, Summer School	Living cost support, tuition-free	MOI Letter Accepted
NTNU Master’s Scholarships	NTNU (Trondheim)	Master’s, PhD	Tuition-free, research support, living allowance	MOI Letter / English-medium Degree
University of Bergen Scholarships	University of Bergen (UiB)	Master’s, PhD	Living expenses, tuition-free	MOI Letter Accepted
BI Presidential Scholarship	BI Norwegian Business School	Master’s (MSc)	Full tuition + NOK 50,000 living stipend per semester	Language Waiver Form Available
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s	UiO, NTNU, UiB, UiT and partners	Master’s	Full tuition, travel, monthly stipend (EU-funded)	MOI Letter Accepted
Erasmus+ Program	Multiple Norwegian Universities	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Monthly allowance, travel contribution	Institutional Assessment
NORAM Scholarship	Accredited Norwegian Institutions	Master’s, PhD, Research	Financial support for studies and research	Not Required (US applicants)
Leiv Eriksson Mobility Program	Research Council of Norway	PhD, Postdoctoral	Travel, accommodation, research costs	Not Required (English-speaking countries)
Nord University Postdoctoral Fellowship	Nord University	Postdoctoral	Salary, research funding, tuition-free	MOI Letter Accepted
PhD Positions at Norwegian Universities	UiO, NTNU, UiB, UiT, OsloMet	PhD	Full salary NOK 450,000-540,000/year, employee benefits	Interview / Application Materials
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)	NMBU (Ås)	Master’s, PhD	Tuition-free, research fellowships available	MOI Letter Accepted
High North Fellowship Program	University of Tromsø (UiT)	Master’s, PhD, Research	Research stipend, study support	MOI Letter Accepted

Tuition-Free Universities in Norway for International Students 2026

A big part of what makes studying in Norway so attractive is the tuition-free policy at public universities. Here is the full list of Norwegian public universities where international students can study without paying any tuition fees in 2026.

University	Location	Known For
University of Oslo (UiO)	Oslo	Law, Medicine, Humanities, Social Sciences
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)	Trondheim, Gjøvik, Ålesund	Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Natural Sciences
University of Bergen (UiB)	Bergen	Marine Sciences, Climate Research, Global Development
University of Tromsø (UiT)	Tromsø	Arctic Studies, Marine Biology, Environmental Science
University of Stavanger (UiS)	Stavanger	Petroleum Engineering, Risk Management, Business
Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)	Oslo	Applied Sciences, Social Work, Health, Education
University of Agder (UiA)	Kristiansand, Grimstad	Engineering, Music, Business, Information Science
Nord University	Bodø, Levanger, Namsos	Aquaculture, Business, Education, Social Sciences
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)	Ås	Agriculture, Environment, Sustainability, Biosciences
The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)	Svalbard (Arctic)	Arctic Biology, Geology, Technology, Geophysics

General Eligibility Criteria for Norway Scholarships Without IELTS 2026

While each scholarship program has its own specific requirements, there are some general eligibility criteria that apply across most of the Norway scholarship opportunities listed in this guide. Meeting these requirements puts you in a strong starting position for any application.

• You must be an international student applying for or enrolled in an eligible program at an accredited Norwegian institution. Most scholarships are specifically for students outside the EU and EEA, though some programs like Erasmus Mundus are open to all nationalities.
• You must hold or be completing a relevant prior degree for the level of study you are applying for. For Master’s programs, a Bachelor’s degree is required. For PhD positions, a Master’s degree is typically required. For postdoctoral fellowships, a completed PhD is required.
• You must have a strong academic record. Most scholarship programs in Norway are merit-based and prioritize applicants with high grades, above a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the international equivalent. For programs like the BI Presidential Scholarship, only applicants with an A-grade GPA (top-level grade) are competitive.
• You must be able to provide evidence of English proficiency through one of the accepted alternatives to IELTS described earlier in this article: a Medium of Instruction letter, a degree from an English-medium country, or an institutional assessment.
• You must submit a complete application, including all required documents, by the specified deadline for each scholarship round.
• Some scholarships, particularly government-funded ones like the Quota Scheme, have additional requirements related to country of origin, commitment to return to your home country after studies, and alignment of your research or academic goals with Norwegian development priorities.

Required Documents for Norway Scholarship Applications 2026

Preparing your documents carefully is one of the most important parts of a successful scholarship application. Here is a general list of what you will typically need to submit when applying for scholarships in Norway without IELTS in 2026.

• Completed online application form through the relevant university or scholarship portal.
• Official academic transcripts from all previous educational institutions, translated into English if not originally in English or Norwegian.
• Official Medium of Instruction letter on university letterhead, stamped and signed, confirming that your previous degree was taught entirely in English. This is your primary alternative to IELTS.
• A copy of your valid passport or national identity document.
• A motivation letter or personal statement explaining your academic background, research interests, reasons for choosing Norway, and your goals after completing your studies.
• Two or three academic or professional reference letters from lecturers, professors, or supervisors who can speak to your academic ability and potential.
• A research proposal or study plan, particularly for PhD applications and research-based scholarships.
• An updated curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your education, research experience, publications, and any relevant professional experience.
• Degree certificates from previously completed programs.
• Any additional documents required by the specific scholarship program, such as a portfolio for arts-related programs or proof of professional experience for MBA applications.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Norway Without IELTS 2026

The application process for Norwegian scholarships varies depending on the specific program, but here is a step-by-step framework that applies to most of the opportunities listed in this guide.

Step 1: Research and Choose Your Program and University

Start by deciding which field you want to study and at which level. Browse the program listings at Norwegian universities and identify programs that match your academic background and career goals. Take note of the specific admission requirements, scholarship availability, and application deadlines for each program.

Step 2: Confirm the IELTS Alternative Requirement

Before starting your application, confirm with the admissions office of your chosen university that they will accept a Medium of Instruction letter or another alternative to IELTS. While this is accepted at most Norwegian public universities, specific programs may have their own language requirements that differ from the general university policy. It is always better to confirm this early rather than discover a problem after you have submitted your application.

Step 3: Obtain Your Medium of Instruction Letter

Contact the registrar’s office or academic affairs office of your previous university and request an official Medium of Instruction letter. Make sure the letter is printed on official letterhead, properly signed and stamped, and clearly states that the language of instruction for your degree program was English. Request this document well in advance because some institutions take weeks to process such requests.