Scholarships in Norway for African Students

Scholarships in Norway for African Students: Norway, renowned for its high-quality education and tuition-free public universities, is an attractive destination for African students seeking international study opportunities. While public universities charge no tuition for international students, living costs are high, making scholarships essential.

Several scholarships and funding programs support African students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in Norway. This guide details available scholarships, eligibility criteria, application strategies, and practical tips, with financial figures in British pounds.

Scholarships in Norway

Norway’s government and universities offer limited but impactful scholarships for African students, often through bilateral agreements, institutional programs, or international schemes like Erasmus Mundus. These scholarships may cover tuition (for private institutions), living expenses, travel, and other costs. Public universities, such as the University of Oslo and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), do not charge tuition for any students, including Africans, but require proof of financial support (approximately £12,000 or NOK 166,859 annually) for a study permit. Scholarships are critical to meet these requirements and cover living costs, estimated at £995–£1,491 monthly.

Key Scholarship Programs for African Students

1. BI Presidential Scholarship

• Institution: BI Norwegian Business School
• Level: Master’s
• Value: Full tuition (up to £14,400 or NOK 200,000 annually) and a stipend of £3,600 (NOK 50,000) per semester for living expenses.
• Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievement (minimum GPA equivalent to A on the ECTS scale), open to international applicants, including Africans. Candidates must apply for a master’s program at BI.
• Application Process: Submit simultaneously with the master’s application by March 1, 2025. Requires academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 90+ or IELTS 6.5+).
• Notes: Highly competitive, awarded to candidates seeking their first master’s degree. BI is Norway’s largest business school, ideal for business and innovation-focused students.

2. Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme

• Institutions: Various Norwegian universities and colleges (e.g., University of Oslo, NTNU)
• Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• Value: Covers 40% as a grant (approximately £4,800 or NOK 66,744 annually) and 60% as a loan (waived if the student returns to their home country post-study). Includes travel reimbursement (£360–£720 or NOK 5,000–10,000) and fieldwork support.
• Eligibility: Open to students from developing countries, including African nations like Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda. Requires enrollment in a collaborating institution and a commitment to return home after studies.
• Application Process: Apply through the host institution by December 1, 2024. Requires academic transcripts, a letter of admission, and a statement of intent. Check institutional websites for collaboration agreements.
• Notes: Only available through institutions with bilateral agreements, not for “free movers.” Contact the International Office of the university for details.

3. University of Oslo International Summer School (ISS) Scholarships

• Institution: University of Oslo
• Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
• Value: Covers tuition, Oslo transportation card, reading materials, and travel grants for African students (approximately £760). Limited stipends for living expenses.
• Eligibility: Citizens of African countries (e.g., Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya) enrolled in summer courses, particularly Norwegian language programs (NORA). Requires academic excellence and financial need.
• Application Process: Apply by February 15, 2025, via the ISS website. Submit transcripts, a motivation letter, and proof of English proficiency.
• Notes: Focuses on short-term summer programs, ideal for students exploring Norway before committing to a full degree.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships

• Institutions: Multiple, including Norwegian universities (e.g., NTNU, University of Bergen)
• Level: Master’s
• Value: Full tuition, a monthly stipend (£996), travel costs (£1,660–£2,490), and health insurance.
• Eligibility: Open to African students enrolled in Erasmus Mundus programs (e.g., Social Work with Families and Children at the University of Stavanger). Requires a bachelor’s degree and English proficiency.
• Application Process: Apply through the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue by program-specific deadlines (typically January–March 2025). Requires academic records, recommendation letters, and a motivation statement.
• Notes: Norwegian institutions participate in 16 Erasmus Mundus programs, offering cross-country study opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

General requirements for these scholarships include:

• Academic Excellence: Minimum GPA equivalent to B or higher on the ECTS scale (e.g., 3.0/4.0 or 70%+). Transcripts must be evaluated for U.S./Norwegian equivalency.
• English Proficiency: TOEFL (80–90+), IELTS (6.0–6.5+), or an English-taught prior degree. Some programs accept online interviews or waive IELTS if prior education was in English.
• Financial Need: Demonstrated through financial statements or scholarship-specific forms.
• Program Enrollment: Acceptance into a qualifying program (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) at a Norwegian institution.
• Country of Origin: Most scholarships target African countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, and South Africa.
• Ministry Commitment: For some scholarships (e.g., Quota Scheme), a commitment to return home post-study is required.

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Application Strategies

1. Research Early: Identify scholarship-eligible programs at universities like BI Norwegian Business School, University of Oslo, NTNU, or University of Bergen. Check institutional websites and the StudyinNorway.no portal.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, English test scores, recommendation letters (preferably from academic or church leaders), and a motivation letter outlining your academic and career goals.
3. Network: Contact International Offices at Norwegian universities for guidance on bilateral agreements or scholarship availability. Join forums like Reddit’s r/studyabroad or LinkedIn groups for African students.
4. Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Increase chances by applying to BI Presidential, Quota Scheme, and Erasmus Mundus programs simultaneously.
5. Meet Deadlines: Key deadlines include December 1, 2024 (Quota Scheme), February 15, 2025 (ISS), and March 1, 2025 (BI Presidential). Verify with institutions for exact dates.
6. Secure a Study Permit: After receiving a scholarship, apply for a residence permit for studies (£432 or NOK 6,000 processing fee). Provide proof of funds (£12,000/year) and admission letter.

FAQs

Which Norwegian universities offer scholarships for African students?

BI Norwegian Business School, University of Oslo, NTNU, and University of Bergen offer scholarships like the BI Presidential, Quota Scheme, and Erasmus Mundus. Public universities are tuition-free.

Are there fully funded scholarships for African students in Norway?

Yes, the BI Presidential Scholarship and Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships cover full tuition and living stipends. The Quota Scheme offers partial grants and loans, with the loan waived upon returning home.

Do I need IELTS to apply for scholarships in Norway?

Not always. If your prior degree was taught in English, you may be exempt. Some institutions accept online interviews or alternative tests like TOEFL or Duolingo.

What are the living costs for students in Norway?

Living costs are approximately £995–£1,491 (€1,200–€1,800) monthly, or £12,000 (NOK 166,859) annually, covering housing, food, transport, and insurance. Scholarships with stipends help offset these costs.

How do I apply for a study permit in Norway?

After securing a scholarship and admission, apply for a residence permit via the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Submit a letter of admission, proof of funds (£12,000/year), and pay a £432 (NOK 6,000) fee. Processing takes 1–3 months.