University of Oslo Scholarships

The University of Oslo offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students, including the prestigious Quota Scheme and faculty-specific grants, designed to cover tuition fees and living expenses for degree-seeking applicants. This guide covers eligibility, benefits, application steps, and key tips for securing funding for the next academic intake.

Overview of University of Oslo Scholarships

As Norway’s oldest and most respected institution, the University of Oslo (UiO) provides several funding options for non-EU/EEA students. These scholarships aim to attract top talent from around the world and reduce the financial barrier of studying in a high-cost country. Most awards cover full tuition fees and contribute toward living costs, though some are partial.

• Quota Scheme: Fully funded for master’s students from low-income countries.
• UiO International Summer School Scholarships: For summer program participants.
• Faculty-specific grants: Offered by departments like Law, Humanities, and Medicine.
• Erasmus+: For EU/EEA students and exchange participants.
• Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen): For Norwegian citizens and certain international students.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for University of Oslo scholarships, you must meet both general admission criteria and the specific requirements of each funding program. The university prioritizes academic excellence and motivation.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Norwegian undergraduate degree.
• Meet English language proficiency (TOEFL 90 or IELTS 6.5, with variations per program).
• Be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland for the Quota Scheme.
• Have strong academic records (typically GPA equivalent to B or higher).
• Submit a complete application by the deadline (usually December 1 for August intake).

Types of Scholarships Available

Quota Scheme (Full Funding)

The Quota Scheme is the flagship scholarship for master’s students from developing countries. It covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses (approximately NOK 14,000 per month). This scholarship is renewable for the duration of the program, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress.

“The Quota Scheme gave me the chance to study at one of Europe’s top universities without worrying about tuition or rent. It covers everything from books to health insurance.” — Former scholarship recipient

Faculty-Specific Scholarships

Several faculties at UiO offer their own awards. For example, the Faculty of Law provides the “UiO Law Scholarship” for selected LLM candidates, covering part of the tuition. The Faculty of Medicine offers small grants for research-focused students, while the Humanities faculty sometimes waives tuition for exceptional applicants from partner institutions.

• Law: Partial tuition waivers for LLM students from developing countries.
• Medicine: Research stipends for master’s thesis projects.
• Humanities: Merit-based tuition reductions for culture and language programs.
• Social Sciences: Competitive awards for students with high grades and relevant work experience.

International Summer School Scholarships

UiO’s International Summer School offers a limited number of scholarships covering tuition and accommodation for two-week to six-week programs. These are awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s home country.

How to Apply for University of Oslo Scholarships

The application process is centralized through the university’s online portal, Søknadsweb, for most programs. You must first apply for admission to a degree program before being considered for scholarships. Some awards require a separate motivation letter or financial need statement.

• Create an account on Søknadsweb and submit your admission application by December 1.
• Upload required documents: transcripts, diploma, CV, language test scores, and passport copy.
• For the Quota Scheme, check if your country is on the priority list and include a statement of purpose explaining how you will contribute to your home country after graduation.
• Submit any additional forms requested by the specific scholarship (e.g., financial need form for faculty grants).
• Wait for the admission decision (usually released in March-April), then wait for scholarship notifications (May-June).

“I missed the December deadline because I assumed scholarships had later dates. That was a costly mistake. Submit everything by December 1—no exceptions.” — Master’s student from Ghana

Tips for a Strong Application

Your scholarship application is evaluated holistically, so every element matters. A well-prepared application can significantly increase your chances of success, especially for the Quota Scheme where competition is intense.

• Highlight your academic achievements and any relevant research or publications.
• Write a compelling personal statement that connects your goals to UiO’s values and your home country’s needs.
• Secure at least two strong recommendation letters from professors familiar with your work.
• Demonstrate financial need honestly—do not exaggerate or misrepresent your situation.
• Proofread everything for clarity and grammar; consider using a native speaker or writing center.

Living Costs in Oslo

Even with a full scholarship covering tuition, you need to budget for living expenses. Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, so planning is essential. The Quota Scheme’s monthly stipend is designed to cover basic costs, but partial scholarships may leave a gap.

• Accommodation: NOK 5,000 – 9,000 per month (student housing or private rental).
• Food: NOK 3,000 – 4,500 per month (cooking at home saves money).
• Transport: NOK 800 for a monthly student pass (buses, trams, metro).
• Health insurance: Free for students with a Norwegian ID number; some scholarships include it.
• Miscellaneous: NOK 1,500 – 2,000 for phone, internet, and leisure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants lose their chance due to avoidable errors. Take note of these pitfalls to ensure your application stands out for the right reasons. Double-check every requirement before hitting submit.

• Submitting incomplete documents (missing transcripts or language scores).
• Applying after the deadline—UiO does not accept late submissions.
• Ignoring the Quota Scheme’s priority country list (only citizens of listed countries qualify).
• Using a generic statement of purpose that does not mention UiO or Norway.
• Forgetting to verify English test validity (some tests expire after two years).

Conclusion

Pursuing a degree at the University of Oslo is a realistic goal with the right scholarship strategy. Whether you aim for the full Quota Scheme or a smaller faculty grant, careful preparation and early action are your best allies. Review the eligibility requirements, prepare your documents well before the December deadline, and tailor your application to each specific award. With persistence and a strong academic record, you can turn your study abroad dream into reality in one of the world’s most beautiful and forward-thinking cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common scholarship for international students at UiO?

The Quota Scheme is the most well-known and fully funded option for master’s students from developing countries. It covers tuition and provides a monthly living allowance of around NOK 14,000 for the program’s duration. However, it is limited to applicants from specific priority countries.

Can I apply for a scholarship without applying for admission first?

No, you must submit a complete admission application to a degree program at UiO before you can be considered for any scholarship. The scholarship selection is based on your academic profile as part of the admission process.

Are there scholarships for undergraduate students?

Most undergraduate programs at UiO are taught in Norwegian, and scholarships for bachelor’s students are very limited. International students typically need to fund their own studies or apply for external scholarships from their home country.

How competitive are the University of Oslo scholarships?

Very competitive. For the Quota Scheme, acceptance rates can be as low as 5-10% depending on the program and country of origin. Strong grades, a clear motivation, and financial need are critical factors.

Do I need to speak Norwegian to get a scholarship?

No, most English-taught programs do not require Norwegian language skills. However, learning basic Norwegian can help with daily life and cultural integration. Some scholarships for Norwegian-taught programs do require proficiency.

Can I work part-time while on a scholarship?

Yes, international students in Norway can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays. This is also allowed under the Quota Scheme, but the monthly stipend is usually sufficient for basic needs.

What documents are required for the Quota Scheme?

You need your bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts, English test scores (TOEFL or IELTS), a copy of your passport, a curriculum vitae, two recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose explaining how you will use your education in your home country.

Is the Quota Scheme only for master’s degrees?

Yes, the Quota Scheme primarily supports master’s degree programs. It does not cover PhD studies, which in Norway are typically paid positions with their own funding structure.

What happens if my application is incomplete?

Incomplete applications are usually rejected automatically. UiO does not send reminders for missing documents. You must double-check your application in Søknadsweb before the deadline to ensure everything is uploaded correctly.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at UiO?

Yes, you can be considered for multiple scholarships if you meet the criteria for each. However, you can only receive one scholarship from UiO at a time. The university typically awards the best option available to you.