“Study in Norway for free in 2025: Learn who qualifies for tuition-free education, scholarships, exemptions, living costs, and new policy changes for international students.”
For years, Norway has been one of the most attractive destinations for international students because of its tuition-free higher education policy at public universities. Many people, including myself, first discovered Norway when searching for where to study abroad without paying tuition fees.
But since Autumn 2023, big changes have affected how free study in Norway really is — especially for non-EU/EEA students like Nigerians, Indians, and other “third-country” nationals. While EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can still study tuition-free, most non-EU students must now pay tuition fees unless they qualify for exemptions.
So, can you still study in Norway for free in 2025? The answer is yes — but it depends on your nationality, programme type, and funding opportunities.
This guide explains who can study in Norway for free, the cost of living, available scholarships, and important FAQs so you can plan wisely.
Why Study in Norway?
- High-Quality Education: Norway is home to globally ranked universities like University of Oslo, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and University of Bergen.
- English-Taught Programmes: Hundreds of Master’s and PhD programmes are taught in English.
- Safe & Inclusive Environment: Norway consistently ranks high in safety, equality, and quality of life.
- Tuition-Free Tradition: Until recently, public universities charged zero tuition fees for all — and many still do for specific groups of students.
Who Can Study in Norway for Free in 2025?
1. EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens
- Continue to enjoy free tuition at public universities for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes.
- Only pay small semester fees (around NOK 1,000 per semester).
Study in Norway – Tuition Fees
2. Students with Residency or Special Permits
- If you already have a permanent residence permit or certain residence types in Norway, you may be exempt from tuition.
- Family ties (marriage to a Norwegian, dependent permits) may also qualify.
Example: NMBU Tuition Fee Exemptions
3. Exchange and Joint Degree Students
- If your university has an exchange agreement with a Norwegian institution (e.g., Erasmus+, NORPART, NORHED), you may not pay tuition.
- Joint degree or Erasmus Mundus students often study in Norway tuition-free.
4. PhD Candidates
- Most doctoral programmes in Norway are free and treated as paid research positions.
- PhD students often receive a monthly salary instead of paying tuition.
Study in Norway – PhD Info
5. Students with Scholarships or Fee Waivers
- Some universities and organizations offer full tuition waivers or scholarships that make study free.
- Examples:
- Students at Risk (StAR) programme.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s.
- NORPART Programme.
What Costs Do You Still Have to Pay?
Even if tuition is free, living in Norway is expensive. You must budget carefully.
- Living Expenses: Around NOK 13,790/month or NOK 166,859 per year (2025).
- Housing: NOK 4,500 – 7,000/month (shared student housing cheaper).
- Food: NOK 3,000 – 4,500/month.
- Transport: NOK 550 – 800/month (with student discount).
- Semester Fee: ~NOK 1,000/semester to the student welfare organization.
Study in Norway – Cost of Living
Scholarships to Study in Norway for Free
While tuition fees apply to many non-EU students now, scholarships can cover them:
- Erasmus+ Mobility Grants – For exchange students.
- Quota Scheme / NORPART / NORHED – Partnerships with universities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Students at Risk (StAR) – Covers students from conflict or crisis countries.
- Institutional Scholarships – Some Norwegian universities offer tuition waivers or merit-based funding.
Scholarships in Norway – Official Info
Example Scenarios
- Nigerian Student (2025): Must pay tuition unless applying to a scholarship, exchange programme, or PhD. Example: A Master’s in Oslo may cost €8,000–12,000 per year, but a NORPART scholarship could make it free.
- German Student: Pays no tuition at public universities. Only living expenses and semester fees.
- PhD Candidate from India: Tuition-free and paid a monthly salary as a researcher.
Policy Updates (2025)
- Since 2023, Norway required non-EU/EEA students to pay tuition.
- In 2025, the government announced that tuition fees will no longer be mandatory at national level. Instead, universities can decide whether to charge tuition or not.
- This means some universities may return to tuition-free education for all students, so always check directly with your chosen institution.
FAQs
1. Can I study in Norway for free as a Nigerian student?
Yes, but only if you qualify for an exemption, scholarship, or PhD programme. Otherwise, tuition fees apply.
2. Is cost of living covered if tuition is free?
No. You must show proof of living expenses (~NOK 166,859/year) for your student residence permit.
3. Do all universities charge tuition for non-EU students now?
Not necessarily. From 2025, universities can decide individually whether to charge tuition.
4. Are private universities in Norway free?
No. Private institutions charge tuition for all students.
5. Can I work while studying in Norway?
Yes. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during holidays.
Conclusion
Studying in Norway for free is still possible in 2025 — but mainly for EU/EEA students, PhD candidates, exchange students, and those with scholarships or exemptions.
For non-EU students like Nigerians, tuition fees often apply, but there are scholarship opportunities and policy changes that may bring back free education at some universities.
Bottom line: Always check the official university website and Study in Norway for the latest updates.