Norway Announces Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities for Pakistani Students (2026-27)

OSLO / ISLAMABAD (January 27, 2026): In an effort to strengthen international academic ties and support global talent, Norway has officially opened applications for several fully funded and partially funded scholarships specifically targeting international students, including those from Pakistan. While many European nations have recently introduced tuition fees for non-EU students, Norway continues to offer unique pathways for Pakistani students to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees without the burden of heavy financial costs.

Top Scholarship Opportunities for 2026
1. The BI Presidential Scholarship

Offered by the prestigious BI Norwegian Business School, this is one of the most sought-after awards for Pakistani students.

• Coverage: 100% tuition fee waiver plus a living stipend of NOK 50,000 per semester (approx. Rs 1.3 million per year).

• Level: Master of Science (MSc).

• Deadline: March 1, 2026.

2. NORSTIP (Norwegian Scholarship Scheme)

This government-funded initiative is designed for students from selected partner countries, including Pakistan, to study Master’s programs in Norway.

• Coverage: Fully funded (tuition, travel, and monthly allowance).

• Focus: Health, Climate, Energy, and Governance.

• Eligibility: Must be recruited through institutional collaboration with a Pakistani university.

3. University of Oslo (UiO) Summer Scholarships

The International Summer School (ISS) at the University of Oslo offers scholarships for short-term courses.

• Coverage: Full scholarship including on-campus housing and a travel grant.

• Deadline: February 1, 2026 (Applications are currently open).

4. Erasmus+ Joint Master Degrees

Pakistani students can apply for Erasmus Mundus programs where a part of the degree is completed in Norway.

• Coverage: Fully funded (tuition, monthly stipend, insurance, and flights).

Why Choose Norway?

Norway is consistently ranked as one of the safest and happiest countries in the world. For Pakistani students, the benefits include:

• High Quality of Education: Degrees from institutions like NTNU, University of Oslo, and University of Bergen are globally recognized.

• English-Taught Programs: Hundreds of Master’s and PhD programs are conducted entirely in English.

• Work Rights: International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during holidays.

Eligibility Checklist for Pakistani Students

To qualify for these opportunities, applicants generally need:

• Academic Records: A minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.

• English Proficiency: IELTS (typically 6.5 or higher) or TOEFL iBT.

• Motivation Letter: A strong one-page essay explaining your goals.

• CV/Resume: Highlighting any volunteer work or professional experience.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is education still free in Norway for Pakistani students in 2026?
While Norway traditionally offered free tuition to everyone, as of late 2023, students from outside the EU/EEA (including Pakistan) are now required to pay tuition fees at public universities. However, PhD programs remain tuition-free as they are considered employment, and fully funded scholarships (like BI Presidential or Erasmus+) can cover the costs for Master’s students.

2. What is the average tuition fee if I don’t get a scholarship?
If you are self-funded, tuition fees generally range from NOK 80,000 to NOK 130,000 per year (approximately Rs 2.1 to 3.5 million) for Humanities and Social Sciences, and can go higher for Engineering or specialized Medical programs.

3. Is IELTS mandatory for Pakistani applicants?
Yes. Almost all Norwegian universities require proof of English proficiency. Typically, a score of 6.5 in IELTS (with no band less than 6.0) or an equivalent TOEFL score is required. Some universities may waive this if your previous degree was taught entirely in English, but it is highly recommended to have a valid IELTS result for a stronger visa application.

4. Can I work while studying in Norway?
Yes. International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time (40 hours per week) during semester breaks and summer holidays. This is a great way to manage living expenses.

5. How much “Proof of Funds” is required for the Student Visa?
To get a study permit, you must show the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) that you have enough money to live on. For the 2026-27 academic year, this amount is approximately NOK 151,690 (roughly Rs 4 million). If you have a fully funded scholarship, the scholarship award letter replaces this bank statement requirement.

6. What are the deadlines for the 2026 intake?

• International Master’s Programs: Deadlines are usually between December 1 and March 1.

• University of Oslo Summer School: Applications typically close by February 1.

• PhD Positions: These are advertised year-round as job openings.

7. Can I stay in Norway after my studies?
Yes. After completing your degree, you can apply for a “Job Seeker Visa” which allows you to stay in Norway for up to one year to look for relevant employment. Once you find a job, you can transition to a Skilled Worker residence permit.