Last Updated: February 2026
Scholarship in Norway for Nepali Students
2026 – Quota Scheme, PhD & Masters Guide
How to get scholarship in Norway. Masters degree in Norway with scholarship, PhD in Norway scholarship. Norwegian Quota, BI Presidential. Cost in NPR, residence permit. Step-by-step from Nepal.
Data from studyinnorway.no, udi.no (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration), Norwegian Ministry of Education, University of Oslo, NTNU, NMBU, BI. Verify with official sources before applying.
By San Marina Education Consultancy · QEAC Certified Education Consultants · Study abroad for Nepali students since 2014
Quick Answer
Scholarship in Norway for Nepali students 2026: Norwegian Quota Scheme—full tuition, NOK 12,000/month, travel; Nepal eligible. BI Presidential—full tuition + NOK 50,000/semester; March 1, 2026 deadline. PhD in Norway scholarship: fully-funded positions at UiO, NTNU (jobbnorge.no). From 2023, non-EU pay tuition NOK 80,000–400,000/year. Bank balance required: NOK 166,859/year. Residence permit via udi.no, VFS Kathmandu. Cost of living in Norway for Nepali students: NOK 12,000–18,000/month. 1 NOK ≈ 10.5 NPR.
Key Facts
- Tuition (non-EU from 2023): NOK 80,000–400,000/year (studyinnorway.no)
- Norwegian Quota: Full tuition + NOK 12,000/mo; Nepal eligible
- BI Presidential: March 1, 2026; full tuition + living
- Proof of funds: NOK 166,859/year (udi.no)
- 1 NOK ≈ 10.5 NPR (Feb 2026)
NOK 166k
Proof of Funds/Year
NOK 12k/mo
Quota Stipend
Mar 1
BI Presidential Deadline
1 yr
Post-Study
Why Norway Is a Top Choice for Nepali Students
Norway consistently ranks among the world's most liveable countries and is home to internationally respected universities. Despite the 2023 tuition introduction for non-EU students, Norway remains one of the most scholarship-accessible destinations for Nepali students—thanks to the Norwegian Quota Scheme and BI Presidential award.
- ✓World-class universities: University of Oslo (ranked #135 QS 2025), NTNU, UiB—research-intensive and globally recognized
- ✓Norwegian Quota Scheme: Full tuition + NOK 12,000/month stipend for developing countries including Nepal
- ✓Safe, high-quality living: Norway ranks #1 in Human Development Index; Nepali students report very high safety and quality of life
- ✓Post-study opportunities: 1-year job-search permit (2 years for PhD); EU Blue Card pathway possible
- ✓English-taught programmes: 1,000+ programmes in English; no Norwegian required for many Master's degrees
- ✓Strong research culture: Ideal for PhD candidates; funded positions at UiO, NTNU, and NMBU
Read our full Study in Norway guide for admission, visa, and university-specific details.
Scholarship in Norway – Complete Breakdown
Norwegian Quota Scheme (Government)
The Norwegian Quota Scheme is the main government scholarship for developing countries. Nepal is eligible. How to apply for scholarship in Norway via Quota: apply through participating universities when applying for admission. Covers full tuition, monthly living (approx NOK 12,000), travel, health insurance, settling allowance. Structured as 30% grant, 70% loan—loan waived if you return home after studies. Bachelor, Master, PhD. Under 35 for Master; no prior Norway study. International scholarship to study in Norway. Source: studyinnorway.no, Norwegian Ministry of Education.
BI Presidential Scholarship (University)
BI Norwegian Business School: Full tuition for up to 2 years plus NOK 50,000 per semester living stipend for international students. Min GPA A (ECTS); GMAT 555+ or GRE Quant 158+; IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90. Deadline March 1, 2026. Apply with MSc application. Masters degree in Norway with scholarship. Full scholarships university in Norway. Source: bi.no.
PhD in Norway Scholarship
PhD in Norway scholarship: PhD candidates are employed as research fellows (salaried). Fully-funded positions at University of Oslo, NTNU advertised on jobbnorge.no and university vacancy pages. No separate scholarship—apply for advertised positions. Salary typically NOK 500,000+/year. How to get scholarship in Norway for PhD: search jobbnorge.no, ntnu.edu/vacancies, uio.no. Source: ntnu.edu/phd, jobbnorge.no.
Forestry & NMBU (Forestry Master Degree Scholarship in Norway)
Forestry scholarship in Norway: NMBU (Norwegian University of Life Sciences) offers forestry and environmental master programmes. Forestry master degree scholarship in Norway: NORSTIP (NMBU) has been discontinued. Check NMBU for current funding; Norwegian Quota applies if programme participates. Cosopo scholarship in Norway may refer to bilateral projects—verify at studyinnorway.no, nmbu.no. Source: nmbu.no, studyinnorway.no.
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarship in Norway
Norwegian Quota Scheme Eligibility
- Citizen of a developing country (Nepal is eligible)
- Under 35 years of age for Master's programmes
- Strong academic record—upper quartile of class preferred
- No prior study in Norway (first-time applicants prioritised)
- Apply through the participating Norwegian university at time of admission
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ (programme-specific)
BI Presidential Scholarship Eligibility
- Minimum GPA: A grade (ECTS scale); equivalent to First Division
- GMAT 555+ or GRE Quant 158+
- IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90+
- Apply simultaneously with MSc application at bi.no
- Deadline: March 1, 2026 for autumn 2026 entry
PhD in Norway Eligibility
- Master's degree in a relevant field (120 ECTS or equivalent)
- Strong research proposal aligned with supervisor's area
- Contact potential supervisors at UiO, NTNU before applying
- Apply for advertised funded positions on jobbnorge.no
Source: studyinnorway.no, bi.no, udi.no. Requirements may vary by programme—always verify on official university websites.
Norway Public University Tuition Policy (2023 Update)
Important: From autumn 2023, non-EU/EEA students pay tuition at Norwegian public universities. EU/EEA/Swiss study free. Tuition NOK 80,000–400,000/year depending on university and programme. UiO: NOK 120,000–150,000; NTNU: NOK 150,000–200,000; NMBU: NOK 80,000–275,000; Nord: NOK 110,000–140,000. Exchange students and some PhD positions often exempt. Scholarship in Norway for Nepali students can cover tuition (Quota, BI). Source: studyinnorway.no, nord.no, nmbu.no.
Documents Required for Norway Scholarship Application
Prepare these documents 6–12 months before your intended start date. Missing documents are the most common cause of application delays.
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Bachelor's degree certificate (notarised translation)
- CV / résumé (academic and professional)
- Motivation letter / Statement of Purpose
- 2–3 recommendation letters
- IELTS / TOEFL / Cambridge English score
- GMAT / GRE score (BI Presidential)
- Research proposal (for PhD positions)
- Proof of funds: NOK 166,859/year (bank statements)
- Health insurance certificate
- Passport-sized photographs
For Norwegian Quota, documents are submitted through the university portal. For residence permit: udi.no. Source: udi.no, studyinnorway.no.
Cost of Living in Norway for Nepali Students (2026)
Bank balance required for Norway student visa from Nepal: NOK 166,859/year (NOK 15,169/month). Living costs typically NOK 12,000–18,000/month.
| Item | NOK | NPR (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (non-EU, yearly) | 80,000–400,000 | 8.4–42L |
| Living (monthly) | 12,000–18,000 | 1.26–1.89L |
| Proof of funds (yearly) | 166,859 | ~17.5L |
| Residence permit fee | 1,100 | ~12k |
1 NOK ≈ 10.5 NPR. Source: udi.no, studyinnorway.no.
Norway Student Visa Process from Nepal (Step by Step)
Residence permit for study in Norway. Apply online at udi.no; submit via VFS Global Kathmandu.
- Apply to universities: Each has own portal; check studyinnorway.no. Winter intake 2026 Norway deadline: autumn apply Nov 2025–Jan 2026; spring Aug–Sep 2025.
- Receive admission and pay tuition if required (non-EU from 2023).
- Apply for residence permit at udi.no. Register, pay NOK 1,100.
- Upload documents: Passport, admission letter, proof of funds NOK 166,859/year, tuition payment, insurance.
- Book VFS Kathmandu for biometrics and document submission.
- Processing: 2–3 months. Norwegian Embassy New Delhi processes. Post-study: 1-year job-search permit (2 years for PhD).
Work Rights During Study
Up to 20 hours per week during term; full-time during ordinary holidays (summer, Christmas, Easter). Cannot work until residence permit granted. Cannot be self-employed. Norway is expensive—do not rely on part-time income for living costs. Post-study: 1-year job-search permit. Source: udi.no, studyinnorway.no.
Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Chances in Norway
- Apply through the right university: Not all Norwegian universities participate in the Quota Scheme—check studyinnorway.no for participating institutions
- Start very early: Apply for admission 8–12 months before your intended start; Quota funds are limited and competitive
- Write a Nepal-specific motivation letter: Explain how Norwegian education will benefit Nepal upon your return—Quota prioritises development impact
- Maintain a strong GPA: First Division (60%+) is practically required; Grade A (ECTS) for BI Presidential
- For PhD: Email potential supervisors directly and express research interest before applying to the position
- Prepare proof of funds early: NOK 166,859/year must be demonstrated—open a dedicated savings account
- Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously: Norwegian Quota, BI Presidential, and university-specific awards are not mutually exclusive
- Check IELTS waiver options: Some programmes accept prior English-medium degrees—confirm with the university before spending on tests
Common Mistakes Nepali Students Make Applying for Norway Scholarships
❌ Applying to Non-Quota Universities
Many students apply to universities that do not participate in the Quota Scheme and miss out on the scholarship entirely. Always verify participation at studyinnorway.no.
❌ Missing the Tuition Change (2023)
Many students still believe Norway is tuition-free. Since autumn 2023, non-EU/EEA students pay NOK 80,000–400,000/year without a scholarship. Budget accordingly.
❌ Generic Motivation Letter
The Quota Scheme values development impact. A generic letter without mentioning how you will use Norwegian education to contribute back to Nepal significantly weakens your application.
❌ Underestimating Living Costs
Norway is Europe's most expensive country. NOK 12,000/month from the Quota Scheme may not cover all living expenses in Oslo. Plan for supplemental savings.
Our counsellors at San Marina have helped 400+ Nepali students avoid these mistakes. Book a free consultation for personalised guidance.
Norway vs Germany – Tuition Difference
| Country | Tuition (Annual) | Living (Monthly) | PSW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | NOK 80k–400k | NOK 12k–18k | 1 year |
| Germany | €0 (most) | €934/mo blocked | 18 months |
Norway charges tuition for non-EU from 2023; Germany is tuition-free at most public universities. Norway offers Norwegian Quota and BI Presidential; Germany has DAAD. Both have strong scholarship in Norway for Nepali students and masters degree in Norway with scholarship options. Source: studyinnorway.no, daad.de.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norway free for Nepali students?
Not anymore. From autumn 2023, non-EU/EEA students (including Nepali) pay tuition NOK 80,000–400,000/year at Norwegian public universities. EU/EEA/Swiss study free. Scholarship in Norway for Nepali students: Norwegian Quota Scheme (full tuition + NOK 12,000/month) and BI Presidential (full tuition + living stipend) can cover costs. Source: studyinnorway.no, Norwegian Ministry of Education.
What is the cost of living in Norway for Nepali students?
Cost of living in Norway for Nepali students: NOK 12,000–18,000/month (NPR 1.26–1.89 lakhs). Oslo highest; Bergen, Trondheim, smaller cities lower. UDI minimum proof: NOK 166,859/year (NOK 15,169/month). Includes rent NOK 5,000–9,000, food NOK 3,000–5,000, transport, insurance. 1 NOK ≈ 10.5 NPR. Source: studyinnorway.no, udi.no.
What is the Norway student visa process from Nepal?
Norway student visa process from Nepal: 1) Apply to Norwegian universities (each has own portal). 2) Receive admission, pay tuition if required. 3) Apply for residence permit online at udi.no. 4) Pay fee NOK 1,100, upload documents (admission, proof of funds NOK 166,859/year, tuition payment). 5) Book appointment at VFS Global Kathmandu for biometrics. 6) Processing 2–3 months. Norwegian Embassy New Delhi processes. Source: udi.no, norway.no/nepal.
What is residence permit for study in Norway?
Residence permit for study in Norway: Required for stays longer than 90 days. Apply at udi.no. Requirements: admission to accredited institution, proof of funds NOK 166,859/year, tuition payment (non-EU), passport, insurance. Submit via VFS Kathmandu. Work up to 20 hrs/week during term; full-time during holidays. Post-study: 1-year job-search permit (2 years for PhD). Source: udi.no.
How much bank balance is required for Norway student visa from Nepal?
Bank balance required for Norway student visa from Nepal: NOK 166,859 per academic year (NOK 15,169/month). Per semester: autumn NOK 75,845, spring NOK 91,014. Funds must be in applicant or sponsor name; Norwegian bank or institution deposit account accepted. 1 NOK ≈ 10.5 NPR (NPR ~17.5 lakhs/year). Source: udi.no, nmbu.no, uio.no.
Can I study in Norway without IELTS from Nepal?
IELTS not required for Norwegian visa. For English programmes: universities may accept TOEFL, Cambridge, Duolingo, or prior English-medium degree. Masters degree in Norway with scholarship: BI Presidential requires IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90. Norwegian Quota per-university. Check studyinnorway.no and each programme. Source: studyinnorway.no.
What is the winter intake 2026 Norway deadline?
Winter intake 2026 Norway: Spring semester starts January. Application deadlines typically August–September 2025 (fewer programmes than autumn). Autumn 2026 (August start): apply November 2025–January 2026. No central portal; each university sets deadlines. Non-EU often earlier. Source: studyinnorway.no, samordnaopptak.no.
What is scholarship in Norway for Nepali students?
Scholarship in Norway for Nepali students: 1) Norwegian Quota Scheme—full tuition, NOK 12,000/month, travel, insurance; Nepal eligible; apply via universities. 2) BI Presidential Scholarship—full tuition + NOK 50,000/semester living; deadline March 1, 2026. 3) PhD in Norway scholarship—fully-funded positions at UiO, NTNU; apply via jobbnorge.no. Source: studyinnorway.no, bi.no, udi.no.
How to get scholarship in Norway?
How to get scholarship in Norway: 1) Norwegian Quota—apply through participating university; Nepal eligible; strong academic record. 2) BI Presidential—apply with MSc application; min GPA A; March 1 deadline. 3) University-specific—check studyinnorway.no, each institution. 4) PhD—search jobbnorge.no, ntnu.edu/vacancies; supervisors fund positions. International scholarship to study in norway: Quota and BI are main options for Nepali students. Source: studyinnorway.no, bi.no.
What is masters degree in Norway with scholarship?
Masters degree in Norway with scholarship: Norwegian Quota Scheme (tuition + NOK 12,000/month), BI Presidential (full tuition + NOK 50,000/semester). Tuition for non-EU: NOK 80,000–400,000/year. Full scholarships university in Norway: Quota and BI cover full tuition. Apply per university; deadlines Nov–Jan for autumn. Source: studyinnorway.no, bi.no.
What is PhD in Norway scholarship?
PhD in Norway scholarship: PhD candidates are typically employed as research fellows (paid positions). University of Oslo and NTNU advertise fully-funded PhD positions on jobbnorge.no and university vacancies. No separate scholarship application—apply for advertised positions. Often tuition-free; salary NOK 500,000+/year. Deadline varies; check ntnu.edu/vacancies, uio.no. Source: ntnu.edu/phd, jobbnorge.no.
What is forestry scholarship in Norway / forestry master degree scholarship in Norway?
Forestry scholarship in Norway: NMBU (Norwegian University of Life Sciences) offers forestry and environmental programmes. Forestry master degree scholarship in Norway: NORSTIP (NMBU) was discontinued. Check NMBU for university-specific funding; Norwegian Quota applies if eligible. Cosopo scholarship in Norway may refer to NORPART or bilateral projects—verify at studyinnorway.no, nmbu.no. Source: nmbu.no, studyinnorway.no.
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