Scholarship
Study in Norway for Free Without IELTS | Scholarships 2025-2026
Study in Norway for Free Without IELTS | Scholarships 2025-2026
Norway is one of Europe’s leading destinations for international students, offering tuition-free education at its public universities. From 2025-2026, international students from all over the world can apply for scholarships in Norway without the need for an IELTS score. The Norwegian government has made it possible for students to receive free education at public universities, eliminating tuition fees for both Norwegian and international students. Previously, only students from select nationalities could study for free, but now, this opportunity is open to students globally. Below, we’ve compiled all the essential details to help you navigate this opportunity.
Study in Norway Without IELTS
Gaining admission to Norwegian universities is relatively straightforward. Many universities in Norway allow international students to study without IELTS. This means that English proficiency tests are not always required. Several institutions offer alternative ways for applicants to demonstrate their English language skills, and in some cases, exemptions are available.
Norwegian universities also offer a range of scholarships for local and international students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. Additionally, there are other European countries where you can study for free and without IELTS, but Norway stands out due to its world-class education system and student-friendly policies. If you’re interested, you need to apply online to universities in Norway that do not require IELTS. Currently, all Norwegian public universities provide free education. More details are provided below.
Is Education Free in Norway?
Yes! Public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees, regardless of a student’s nationality. This makes Norway one of the most attractive destinations for international students. The country provides a unique opportunity to earn a degree from a top university without any tuition costs.
Step 1: Find Tuition-Free Universities in Norway
To help prospective students, we have compiled a list of tuition-free universities in Norway that accept international students:
Tuition-Free Universities in Norway:
- University of Tromsø (UiT)
- University of Stavanger (UiS)
- University of Oslo (UiO)
- University of Agder (UiA)
- The University Centre in Svalbard
- Stord/Haugesund University College
- Østfold University College
- Oslo and Akershus University College (HiOA)
- Oslo School of Architecture and Design
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science
- Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
- NLA University College
- Nesna University College
- Narvik University College
- Bergen Academy of Art & Design
- Molde University College
- MF Norwegian School of Theology
- Lillehammer University College
- Hedmark University of Applied Sciences
- The Arctic University of Norway
- BI Norwegian Business School
- Bergen University College
- University of Bergen
- University of Nordland
Step 2: Apply for University Scholarships in Norway
There are various scholarship opportunities available for international students in Norway. Below is a list of top university scholarships that applicants can explore:
Scholarship Opportunities in Norway:
- University of Stavanger Scholarships
- BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships
- NTNU Scholarships
- University of Oslo Scholarships
- Nord University Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Oslo Metropolitan University Scholarships
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences Scholarships
- NORAM Scholarship
- Lakselaget Foundation Scholarship
- Leiv Eriksson Mobility Program
- Sons of Norway Student Residence Permit Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
- University of Bergen Scholarships
- Norwegian-Russian Scholarship Scheme
- University of Oslo Erasmus+ Program
- High North Fellowship Program
Step 3: How to Study in Norway Without IELTS
If you wish to study in Norway without taking IELTS, here are the exemptions and alternatives:
Who is Exempt from Submitting IELTS or TOEFL Scores?
- Students who have completed their previous degree at an English-medium institution
- If your last degree was taught in English, you may be eligible to apply without IELTS.
- You will need to provide an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous university.
- Students from specific countries where English is the primary language of instruction
- Some Norwegian universities exempt students from certain countries from taking IELTS if their secondary education was conducted in English.
- Students who pass an online English proficiency interview
- Some universities conduct virtual interviews to assess applicants’ English language skills instead of requiring an IELTS score.
Step 4: Countries That Qualify for Studying in Norway Without IELTS
If you completed your secondary school education in any of the following countries and had English as a core subject, you may be exempt from taking IELTS:
Eligible Countries & Accepted Certificates
The Gambia: General Certificate of Education O-level, West African Examinations Council Certificate of Senior School, General Certificate of Education A-level.
Botswana: General Certificate of Education O-level, Botswana Secondary Education Certificate, General Certificate of Education A-level, Cambridge Overseas School Certificate.
Cameroon (English-speaking region): General Certificate of Education A-level, General Certificate of Education O-level.
Ghana: West African Senior School Certificate, Senior Secondary School Certificate, West African Examinations Council General Education of O-level Certificate, West African Examinations Council General Education of A-level Certificate.
Malawi: Malawi School Certificate of Education.
Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Education, Secondary Education Certificate of Kenya (from 1989), Certificate of Kenya Advanced Education (up till 1989).
Nigeria: Senior School Certificate (from 1988), General Certificate of Education A-level, General Certificate of Education O-level, West African Examinations Council, West African Senior School Certification (from 1999).
Eswatini (Swaziland): Cambridge Overseas School Certificate, General Certificate of Education O-level.
Sierra Leone: Senior School Certificate (from 2000), General Certificate of Education O-level, West African Examinations Council, Cambridge Overseas School Certificate O-level, General Certificate of Education A-level.
South Africa: Matriculation Certificate, Senior Certificate.
Tanzania: Certificate of Secondary Education East Africa, Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education, General Certificate of Education O-level, Zanzibar O-level.
Zambia: Zambian School Certificate.
Uganda: Ugandan Certificate of Education, East African Certificate of Education, Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education, East African Advanced Certificate of Education.
Zimbabwe: General Certificate of Education O-level, Cambridge School Certificate, General Certificate of Education A-level, Cambridge Higher School Certificate
For students from other countries, if your last degree was taught in English, you can obtain an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous institution and apply without IELTS.
Final Thoughts
Norway presents a fantastic opportunity for international students to study for free at top-tier universities. With a wide range of tuition-free institutions and scholarships available, students can pursue their academic goals without worrying about tuition costs. Furthermore, many universities provide options for studying in Norway without IELTS.
If you’re considering studying in Europe, Norway should be at the top of your list! Good luck with your application.
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