Norway is one of the world’s most attractive study destinations because of its high-quality education system, excellent research opportunities, safe environment, and outstanding quality of life. While tuition policies have changed for many international students in recent years, numerous scholarships, grants, and university funding opportunities continue to help outstanding students cover tuition fees and living expenses.

If you’re a Nigerian student looking to study abroad, this guide explains everything you need to know about securing a fully funded scholarship in Norway in 2026.

Why Study in Norway?

Norway consistently ranks among the world’s best countries for education, innovation, and quality of life.

Here are some reasons why thousands of international students choose Norway every year:

High-quality education
Internationally recognized degrees
Modern research facilities
Safe and peaceful society
Excellent healthcare system
Strong job market
Beautiful natural environment
English-taught Master’s and PhD programs

Graduates from Norwegian universities are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Why Norwegian Scholarships Are Popular Among Nigerian Students

Studying abroad can be expensive, but Norwegian scholarship opportunities can significantly reduce financial pressure.

Benefits include:

Financial support for tuition (where applicable)
Monthly living allowance
Research funding
Accommodation assistance
Health insurance support (depending on the program)
International networking opportunities
Access to world-class laboratories and libraries

What Does a Fully Funded Scholarship in Norway Cover?

The exact benefits depend on the scholarship, university, and funding organization.

Many scholarships include:

Tuition Fee Support

Some scholarships cover all or part of tuition costs for eligible international students.

Monthly Living Stipend

Recipients may receive financial support to help cover housing, food, and transportation.

Accommodation Assistance

Certain universities provide subsidized student housing or accommodation grants.

Research Funding

Graduate students often receive funding for laboratory work, conferences, and field research.

Health Insurance

Some scholarship schemes include medical insurance or related support.

Travel Grants

Selected scholarships may provide funding for international travel.

Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Norway

1. Norwegian Government Scholarship Opportunities

The Norwegian Government supports international education through various initiatives and partnerships. Available funding depends on the specific program and participating institutions.

Potential benefits include:

Tuition support
Living allowance
Academic funding
Research support

2. BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships

BI Norwegian Business School offers scholarships for exceptional international students pursuing business-related programs.

Benefits may include:

Full or partial tuition coverage
Academic merit awards
Leadership scholarships

Popular programs include:

MBA
Finance
Economics
Business Analytics
Marketing

3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Funding

NTNU is one of Norway’s leading research universities.

Funding opportunities may be available for outstanding postgraduate students through university and research projects.

Popular fields:

Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Renewable Energy
Robotics
Data Science
Computer Engineering

4. University of Oslo Scholarships and Research Funding

The University of Oslo offers various funding opportunities through departments, research projects, and external grants.

Areas of study include:

Medicine
Law
Education
Public Health
Environmental Science
Political Science

5. University of Bergen Funding Opportunities

International postgraduate students may access funded research positions and scholarship opportunities in selected departments.

Popular fields:

Marine Science
Climate Studies
Biology
Health Sciences
Mathematics

6. Erasmus+ Scholarships

Nigerian students enrolled in eligible joint degree programs may benefit from Erasmus+ funding, which can support study periods in Norway.

Benefits often include:

Tuition coverage
Monthly stipend
Travel allowance
Insurance support

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility requirements vary, but applicants generally need:

Nigerian citizenship or eligibility under the scholarship rules
Strong academic performance
Admission to an eligible Norwegian university or program
English language proficiency (where required)
Valid international passport
Good character and motivation

Research-based scholarships may require a detailed research proposal.

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants

Depending on the institution:

WAEC/NECO results
Good grades
University admission requirements

Master’s Applicants

Bachelor’s degree
Official academic transcripts
Strong CGPA

PhD Applicants

Master’s degree
Research proposal
Academic references
Relevant publications (for some programs)

English Language Requirements

Many programs taught in English require proof of language proficiency.

Accepted tests often include:

IELTS
TOEFL
PTE Academic

Some universities may waive English language test requirements if previous education meets their language criteria.

Documents Required

Prepare these documents before applying:

International passport
Passport photographs
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose
Motivation letter
Recommendation letters
Research proposal (for research degrees)
English language test results (if required)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Research Norwegian universities and scholarship opportunities.

Step 2

Check admission and scholarship eligibility.

Step 3

Prepare all required documents.

Step 4

Apply for admission to your chosen program.

Step 5

Submit your scholarship application before the deadline.

Step 6

Respond promptly to any interview or document requests.

Step 7

Accept your scholarship offer and begin your visa application.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Avoid these common errors:

Missing application deadlines
Submitting incomplete documents
Generic motivation letters
Weak research proposals
Poor academic references
Failure to follow application instructions

Carefully reviewing every application can significantly improve your chances.

Expert Tips to Improve Your Chances

Increase your competitiveness by:

Applying early
Maintaining excellent grades
Tailoring each application
Writing a compelling personal statement
Demonstrating leadership and community involvement
Securing strong recommendation letters
Researching your chosen university thoroughly

Best Courses to Study in Norway

Norway is especially well known for programs in:

Petroleum Engineering
Renewable Energy
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Marine Engineering
Environmental Science
Public Health
Business Administration
Finance
Economics
Law
Biotechnology
Data Science

These fields often have strong research funding and career prospects.

Cost of Living in Norway

Norway has a relatively high cost of living compared to many countries, making scholarships especially valuable.

Estimated monthly expenses:

Expense	Estimated Cost (NOK)
Accommodation	5,000–8,500
Food	3,000–4,500
Transportation	600–900
Internet & Phone	400–700
Miscellaneous	1,000–2,000

A comprehensive scholarship can help offset many of these costs.

Can Nigerian Students Work While Studying?

Yes.

International students in Norway are generally permitted to work part-time during their studies, provided they comply with the conditions of their residence permit and Norwegian regulations. Always check the latest immigration and university guidance before taking up employment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Nigerian students get fully funded scholarships in Norway?

Yes. Nigerian students can apply for various scholarships, university funding schemes, research positions, and international programs, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Is education free in Norway?

Policies have changed in recent years. While many international students now pay tuition at public universities, scholarships, funded research positions, and specific programs may cover tuition and other expenses for eligible applicants.

Do I need IELTS?

Many English-taught programs require proof of English proficiency, although some universities may grant waivers based on previous education.

Can undergraduate students apply?

Yes. Some scholarships are available for undergraduate students, but a larger number of fully funded opportunities are offered at the Master’s and PhD levels.

What is the best time to apply?

Most applications open several months before the academic year begins. Always verify deadlines on the official scholarship or university website.

Lastly

A fully funded scholarship in Norway can open the door to a world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a globally respected qualification. Although tuition policies have changed for many international students, there are still valuable scholarships and funding opportunities available for outstanding Nigerian applicants.

Start preparing early, gather your documents, strengthen your academic profile, and submit complete applications before the deadlines. With determination and careful planning, studying in Norway can become an achievable goal.