Dreaming of studying in a country with breathtaking fjords, world-class education, and zero tuition fees? Even in 2025, that dream can still come true in Norway if you know where to look.
Yes, Norway introduced tuition fees for non-EU students recently, but many public universities still offer full scholarships and tuition waivers that can cover your costs entirely. With over 24,000 international students and 350+ English-taught programs, Norway is one of Europe’s fastest-growing study destinations.
This guide will walk you through:
✅ How to find tuition-free or fully funded programs in Norway
✅ Top universities and scholarships for 2025
✅ Living costs, career opportunities, and visa requirements
✅ Step-by-step application process to make your Norway dream a reality
🎓 Why Study in Norway in 2025?
Here’s why students from India and around the world are choosing Norway:
- Tuition-Free Education: Most public universities only charge a small semester fee (NOK 300–600 ≈ ₹2.5K–₹5K).
- English-Taught Programs: From business to technology, many master’s programs are fully taught in English.
- Global Recognition: Degrees follow the Bologna Process, making them valid across Europe and beyond.
- Top Quality of Life: Ranked among the best countries globally for prosperity, safety, and environment.
- High Student Satisfaction: 9/10 rating from international students 7th in Europe.
- Innovation Hub: Strong focus on research, tech, and sustainable development.
🏫 Top 10 Affordable Universities in Norway (2025)
While tuition varies by program, here are some top-ranked institutions to explore:
| University | QS Ranking 2026 | Annual Tuition Fee (NOK) | Annual Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwegian School of Economics | 21 (MBA) | 136K–196K | 11.3L–16.3L |
| University of Oslo | 119 | 191K–276K | 15.9L–22.9L |
| Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU) | 267 | 170K–510K | 14.1L–42.4L |
| University of Bergen | 287 | 190K–376K | 15.8L–31.2L |
| Norwegian University of Life Sciences | 791–800 | 80K–275K | 6.6L–22.8L |
| University of Stavanger | 851–900 | 165K–190K | 13.7L–15.8L |
| Nord University | — | 136K–522K | 11.3L–43.4L |
| University of Agder | — | 145K–415K | 12L–34.5L |
| Western Norway University of Applied Sciences | — | 130K–500K | 10.8L–41.5L |
| University of South-Eastern Norway | — | 130K–250K | 10.8L–20.8L |
💡 Tip: Even if tuition applies, scholarships can wipe out these costs completely.
📜 Scholarships That Make Studying in Norway Free
Norway offers generous financial aid some cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
| Scholarship | Type | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Erasmus+ Grant | Exchange | Covers travel & living costs (varies) |
| Nordplus Higher Education | Exchange | Covers tuition & semester fees |
| Mobility Grant for Norwegian Language, Literature & Culture | Master’s/PhD | Travel: NOK 4,000–6,000; Living: NOK 13,700/month |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s | Master’s | Full funding for tuition, travel, and living |
| North2North Mobility Program | Exchange | NOK 8,000–12,000 based on program |
📝 Eligibility Requirements
Bachelor’s Programs
- Indian Secondary Education Certificate (CBSE, ICSE, or equivalent to Norwegian upper secondary school)
- IELTS: 5.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT: 60–90 / PTE: 51–62
- No entrance exams for most programs
Master’s Programs
- Bachelor’s degree equivalent to 180 ECTS in Norway
- IELTS: 6.5 / TOEFL iBT: 85–90 / PTE: 62
- Some programs require GRE/GMAT (MBA: GMAT 555–600)
💰 Cost of Living in Norway (Per Month)
| Expense | NOK | ₹ (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 4,000–7,000 | 33.2K–58.2K |
| Food | 3,000–5,000 | 24.9K–41.6K |
| Transport | 500–1,000 | 4.1K–8.3K |
| Utilities & Internet | 800–1,200 | 6.6K–10K |
| Books & Supplies | 300–600 | 2.5K–5K |
| Leisure | 1,000–2,000 | 8.3K–16.6K |
💡 Tip: On-campus housing is often cheaper than private rentals.
💼 Career Opportunities After Graduation
Norway has high employability for graduates 91% of men and 89% of women with tertiary education find jobs quickly.
| Job Role | Avg. Salary (NOK/year) | ₹ (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| HR Manager | 862K | 7.16L |
| Data Analyst | 705K | 5.86L |
| Marketing Manager | 737K | 6.12L |
| Software Engineer | 700K | 5.81L |
| Registered Nurse | 579K | 4.81L |
Top Recruiters: Equinor, Telenor, DNV, Aker Solutions, Statkraft, DNB ASA, Nordea Bank, Yara International, Kongsberg Gruppen, ABB Norway.
🛫 Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose a Program → Pick your field & university.
- Check Requirements → Verify academic & language eligibility.
- Prepare Documents → Transcripts, passport, SOP, CV, recommendations.
- Apply Online → Upload docs, pay application fee (if any).
- Wait for Results → Offers usually come in a few months.
- Accept & Prepare → Apply for student visa, arrange housing, book tickets.
📌 Student Visa Essentials
- Funds Required: NOK 166,859/year (~₹13.86L) in bank or via scholarship
- Work Rights: 20 hrs/week during term; full-time in holidays
- Processing Time: Up to 8 months apply early!
- Family: Spouse & children can join via family immigration permit
✈️ Final Thoughts
Norway is not just about Aurora Borealis and fjords it’s a gateway to world-class education without drowning in debt.
If you’re aiming for free or affordable education in Europe, start shortlisting programs now, target scholarships, and prepare your visa file carefully. With the right planning, you could be sipping coffee in Oslo or hiking Bergen’s mountains — as a student — by next year.
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