Norway BS, MS, PhD Scholarships 2027 for International Students Without IELTS
Norway continues to attract thousands of international students every year thanks to its world-class universities, research-driven education system, safe environment, and strong focus on innovation. For the 2027 academic intake, a growing number of scholarships, funded research positions, and tuition support opportunities are becoming available for international applicants pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies.
One of the biggest advantages for international applicants is that many Norwegian universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency, allowing eligible students to apply without submitting IELTS scores. Students who previously completed their education in English may qualify through a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or other accepted English language evidence depending on the university’s admission policy.
This guide highlights the most promising Norway scholarship opportunities expected to be available for the 2027 intake and explains how international students can apply successfully.
Why Choose Norway for Higher Education in 2027?
Norway has emerged as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international students because of its high academic standards and strong research infrastructure. Students choosing Norway can benefit from:
- Globally recognized universities
- Research-intensive academic programs
- Modern laboratories and innovation centers
- Safe and student-friendly environment
- Excellent quality of life
- Strong employment opportunities after graduation
- English-taught Master’s and PhD programs
- Large number of funded doctoral positions
- Opportunities to work alongside leading international researchers
In recent years, Norwegian universities have significantly increased recruitment of international researchers and doctoral candidates, creating hundreds of funded positions annually.
Can You Study in Norway Without IELTS in 2027?
Yes.
Many Norwegian universities accept alternative English language proofs for international applicants. Depending on the institution and program, students may qualify through:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
- Previous degree completed entirely in English
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test (where accepted)
- Cambridge English Qualifications
- University-specific language assessments
- Online interviews conducted by departments
Applicants should always verify the language requirements of their chosen university before applying.
Top Norway Scholarships and Funded Opportunities for 2027 Intake
1. University of Oslo Scholarships and Funded Research Positions
The University of Oslo remains one of Norway’s most prestigious universities and regularly announces:
- Master’s scholarships
- PhD research fellowships
- Doctoral researcher positions
- Postdoctoral fellowships
- Faculty-funded research projects
Fields include:
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science
- Education
- Humanities
Benefits may include:
- Full tuition support (where applicable)
- Monthly salary for PhD candidates
- Research funding
- Health and social security benefits
2. University of Stavanger Scholarships and PhD Positions
The University of Stavanger is known for strong programs in:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Energy Systems
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Business Administration
- Education
International students can apply for:
- Master’s scholarships
- PhD employment positions
- Research assistantships
- Industrial research projects
Funded doctoral candidates generally receive a competitive annual salary and employee benefits.
3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Scholarships
NTNU remains Norway’s largest technical university and a major destination for international researchers.
Popular study areas include:
- Engineering
- Robotics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Renewable Energy
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Environmental Engineering
Funding opportunities include:
- Research scholarships
- Fully funded PhD positions
- Postdoctoral fellowships
- Research project grants
Successful doctoral applicants receive employment contracts, salary, pension coverage, and healthcare benefits.
4. Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) Scholarships
OsloMet offers numerous funded scholarship opportunities with next deadline of November 1, 2026 in:
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Education
- Information Technology
- Health Sciences
- Urban Studies
International students can access:
- Research grants
- PhD fellowships
- Project-funded scholarships
- International exchange funding
5. BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
Students interested in business and management studies should consider BI Norwegian Business School scholarships with application deadline of December 1, 2026. Programs cover:
- Finance
- Economics
- Business Analytics
- Marketing
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurship
Scholarship benefits may include:
- Partial tuition waivers
- Full tuition waivers
- Merit-based awards
- Leadership scholarships
- International student grants
6. University of Bergen PhD Scholarships
The University of Bergen consistently recruits international doctoral candidates in:
- Marine Sciences
- Climate Research
- Health Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Artificial Intelligence
Most PhD positions are fully funded and structured as employment contracts.
7. UiT The Arctic University of Norway Scholarships
Located in Northern Norway, UiT offers exceptional opportunities in:
- Arctic Studies
- Climate Science
- Marine Biology
- Public Health
- Indigenous Studies
- Renewable Energy
International PhD candidates receive:
- Monthly salary
- Social security coverage
- Research support
- Conference funding
8. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) Scholarships
NMBU remains a leading institution for:
- Agriculture
- Food Sciences
- Environmental Engineering
- Climate Change
- Sustainable Development
- Veterinary Sciences
The university frequently announces funded PhD and research fellow positions throughout the year.
9. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Many Norwegian universities participate in Erasmus Mundus programs. Benefits often include:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Travel allowance
- Installation grant
- Health insurance
These scholarships remain among the most competitive opportunities available for international students.
10. High North Fellowship Program
The High North Fellowship Program supports academic cooperation between Norway and partner countries. Benefits may include:
- Mobility funding
- Living expenses support
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Exchange study funding
Additional Scholarship Providers and Research Opportunities in Norway
Students should also monitor opportunities from:
- University of Agder
- University of South-Eastern Norway
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- University of Inland Norway
- Kristiania University of Applied Sciences
- SINTEF Research Institute
- NORCE Research Center
- Norwegian Computing Center
- Simula Research Laboratory
- Lakselaget Foundation Scholarship
- Erasmus+ Mobility Program
Many of these institutions advertise funded positions directly on their websites throughout the year.
What Benefits Do Norway Scholarships 2027 Offer?
Depending on the scholarship or funded position, benefits may include:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Fully funded PhD salary
- Accommodation support
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Research grants
- Conference funding
- Family support benefits (for some doctoral employees)
- Pension and social security coverage
How will you apply for scholarship admission at Norway Universities?
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Identify universities and degree programs aligned with your academic background and career goals.
Step 2: Verify Eligibility
Carefully review:
- Academic requirements
- Subject-specific criteria
- Language requirements
- Nationality restrictions (if any)
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Commonly required documents include:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Recommendation letters
- Passport copy
- English language proof
Step 4: Apply for Admission
Submit your admission application through the university’s online portal.
Step 5: Apply for Scholarship or Funded Position
Some scholarships require a separate application, while many PhD positions automatically include funding.
Step 6: Attend Interview (If Required)
Research supervisors or selection committees may conduct online interviews before making final decisions.
Final Thoughts
For the 2027 intake, Norway remains one of Europe’s strongest destinations for ambitious international students seeking fully funded education and research opportunities. While direct scholarship programs exist for Bachelor’s and Master’s students, the most generous funding is often available through PhD and research employment positions offered by Norwegian universities.
Students who begin preparing early, identify suitable programs, and monitor university scholarship announcements throughout 2026 and 2027 will have the best chance of securing admission and funding in Norway’s highly respected higher education system.