Financial support to Norwegian students abroad
How much funding can you receive for studies abroad
Types of financial support available
Preliminary statement of financial support
In order to receive financial support for higher education abroad, the student has to meet the following conditions:
- The student must have a Diploma of Upper Secondary Education in Norway and must satisfy the general entrance requirements for university studies in Norway
- The student must have an unconditional offer
- The educational institution has to be officially recognized by the relevant authority in the country in question
- The educational programme has to be at bachelor level or higher
- Only full-time studies are eligible
- The student has to attend the actual educational institution, i.e. there is no funding for online or distance learning programmes
- Support is given for no more than eight years
- Study abroad programmes of one or two terms which are recognized by a Norwegian university or college may qualify for support
Support is normally not granted for high school/secondary education or for studies that are equivalent to the level of Norwegian high school/secondary education, such as:
- Foundation year, BTEC and HND in Great Britain
- The freshman year of a four-year Bachelor's Degree in the USA
- First year of a Bachelor's Degree in selected countries in Asia, South-America and Africa
- Undergraduate certificate/diploma in Canada
- Advanced diploma at a lower degree level
- TAFE education in Australia
1. Basic support. In 2007-08, the basic support is NOK 8 290 per month, i.e. NOK 82 900 per school year (a school year is normally defined as ten months). The support is initially given as a loan, however, 40 percent of the loan may be converted to a grant if and when the student passes his/her exams or after graduation. There are special arrangements for maternity leave, illness and students with children.
2. Travel expenses. Support may be granted for two return trips per year between the student’s home town in Norway and the educational institution abroad. 70 percent is given as a grant and 30 percent as a loan. There are some restrictions to how much support we can give and to the age of the student.
3. Language grants. Students who are enrolled at non-English speaking institutions may be eligible for a language grant. The grant for 2007-2008 is NOK 15 270. Language courses must be over at least four weeks with a minimum of 15 hours a week, and it must be completed before the student starts the degree programme.
From 2005-2006 basic support may also be given for language courses that last for 3 – 5 months in non-English-speaking countries.
4. Tuition support. Students in countries other than the Nordic countries may receive support for all or part of the tuition fee. The support is adjusted according to the size of the tuition fee. For 2007-2008, the maximum support is NOK 104 120.
Of the first NOK 53 240, 50 percent is given as a loan and 50 percent as a grant at undergraduate level. At postgraduate level and for students on study abroad programmes, 30 percent is given as a loan and 70 percent as a grant.
If the tuition fee is higher than NOK 53 240, an additional loan of maximum NOK 50 880 may be given. For a Ph. D. degree, up to NOK 104 120 may be given as a loan. Support for tuition is given to all subject areas.
Tuition support for one year of study is paid in two instalments: One for the fall term and one for the spring term. This arrangement is in accordance with other payments of financial support from the State Educational Loan Fund.
5. Supplementary tuition grant. If the tuition fee exceeds NOK 104 120, an additional grant may be given. In 2007-2008 the maximum supplementary grant is NOK 56 290. See the page NHEP Supplementary grant for information about institutions and programmes included in the supplementary grant scheme.
The State Educational Loan Fund may provide financial guarantees for studies in the USA and Canada on certain conditions. It is not given for studies in other countries.