How to Study in Norway for Free (9 Steps)

Norway has become the nesting grounds of global excellence and research for many years as they welcome more than 25,000 international students annually. The country has been known for having universities that only require semester fees payment but not a single penny on tuition fees. This is the main reason why many aspiring foreign students who want to obtain an education abroad choose Norway.

However, having no tuition fee does not mean that you already get to study in Norway for free. There are still several fees, taxes, and expenses you must shoulder and we are here to provide you with tips and advice about studying in Norway almost for free!

Study in Norway for Free

1. Have Great Test Scores and GPA in your application form

Satisfy and convince the readers of your portfolio or application forms by including all your academic rewards and achievements from your previous institution. Showcase them the potential you have for pursuing excellence and the things that they will be missing out if they would not accept you. This can include good GPA, research experience, and great test scores. In other words, sell your good points. Show them what you can do and what things you excel at.

Furthermore, include the proofs of your good behavior and personality. Some schools require you to submit letters of recommendation, so make sure that you do well in order to get good ones. These are the things that will improve your chances of being accepted in Norway as an international student. Having a solid application is the most important step of studying in Norway for Free

2. Submit your applications promptly

Sending or submitting your applications online on time is never a problem but being late is and will always be a problem. Being on time means you are responsible while being early means you are a diligent worker. In the workplace, submitting your work ahead of time earns you credit and gives you acknowledgments from your superiors.

Even in academic applications, this reasoning still applies. Early submission of papers can tell so many things about your personality and desires. It could mean that you want to study in Norway so much that you could not wait any longer to send your portfolio. Or it could mean that you do not like getting late so you’ll be early instead. Submitting your application early may help your application, so do so!

3. Look for free universities in Norway

Fortunately for international students, there are tons of free universities in Norway for international students. Every university has its student advantages and disadvantages. To study in Norway for free, you should attend a free university that offers you many benefits. Check out the list of 9 Free Universities in Norway for International Students!

4. Search and apply for university scholarships in Norway

From all the universities in Norway, the Ostfold University College and the University of Stavanger are the two universities with the most number of scholarships offered in Norway. Research about the degree you wanted to take and look for the scholarship program that will be most applicable to you. Getting scholarships from Norweigian University is the best way to study in Norway for free.

International students can also avail any of the offered programs as long as he or she is a student in that university. Both universities only require to maintain good grades in exchange for the benefits you will receive.

5. Search and apply for private scholarships

Businesses, companies, organizations, and corporations. These are what the private sector composes of and they will be the people who will try to help you in achieving your dreams. The private sectors of a country offer a lot of assistance and build foundations for those in need as an alternative to pay for their huge government taxes. Normally, they also provide financial assistance to students as long as you send your applications and proof that you are studying in any university.

6. Apply for government scholarships whether in Norway or in your home country

Government scholarships for students wanting to study abroad have been ready to avail in any country, especially if the country you wanted to study at is in good terms with your country.

Getting this kind of scholarship for studying in Norway is easy to find because it has been accepting many international students for the longest time. Starting from student exchange students up to providing a full-course degree to foreign students, Norway has done it all.

7. Send your portfolio and apply to many universities in Norway

Acquire a variety of universities to choose from by sending out your portfolio or applications to universities in Norway. Make sure that they have the courses you wanted to take and the degree you wanted to get. If you are fortunate enough, all universities that you have sent applications might accept you and offer you better benefits.

If you are unsure how to apply, we’ve made a guide on How to Study in Norway for International Students. Check out the guide.

8. Get hired as you study

Even if Norway does not charge you tuition fees for your studies, you must still earn a few cash to survive and pay for your everyday expenses. Scholarships may not be enough to cover for your bills such as housing rent, utilities, internet, food, and clothing. If not, you need to find part-time jobs or sidelines to get through the years. Working while studying in Norway can be a great way to help you to study in Norway for free.

Fortunately, unlike strict countries, universities in Norway allow its international students to work for at most 20 hours per week during academic terms if they have student visas with them. A student visa will be given once you request one upon entering the country.

9. Efficiently live in the country financially-wise

Now, as you settled in the country having all the scholarships, the university, and the job, next comes the bills. Before getting tired of thinking about how to pay the bills, first, think of ways on how to minimize them. Draft plans and tactics on how to become thrifty in the littlest things possible. A great way of decreasing your living expenses is by cooking your meals instead of buying them out in restaurants or fast-food. Also, find someone you would like to share your apartment with so that you can split the rent. Lastly, always be mindful of food expenses and utility usage but never disregard your health!

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.