Introduction
Studying abroad offers a transformative opportunity—both academically and personally—and for many high-achieving international students, securing a scholarship can make this dream attainable. The University of Oslo (UiO), Norway’s oldest and largest institution of higher education, is an attractive destination for international students thanks to its strong research environment, excellent quality of life, and globally recognised standing. While the university itself has limited scholarship programmes for full-degree international students, there are key scholarship opportunities tied to UiO and Norway’s higher education framework for the 2025/26 academic year. This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to these opportunities, ensuring you understand eligibility, benefits, application process, and how to craft a strong application.
Quick Summary Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | UiO International Scholarships / UiO Fully-Funded Scholarships (for Master’s/PhD/international programmes) |
| Host Institution / Country | University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway |
| Level of Study | Primarily Master’s and PhD; summer school programmes (short term) |
| Amount / Coverage | Varies: sometimes full tuition waiver + monthly stipend; other times partial. Reports indicate monthly living stipend approx. NOK 12,000–14,000. yesvidya.com+2BFFS Scholar Quest+2 |
| Deadline | Varies by programme; typical deadlines for 2025 intake range December 1 2024 – March 1 2025 for full-degree. Opportunities Abroad+2rofeg+2 |
| Eligibility | Varies: international students (non-Norwegian), admitted to eligible programmes, strong academic record, English proficiency. kenblogger.com+2dafinder.com.ng+2 |
Note: Because UiO’s specific full-degree scholarship offerings for 2025/26 are somewhat limited and/or vary by faculty, applicants should check the university’s official site or contact the relevant department for precise details.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
While specific criteria vary depending on the exact scholarship or programme at UiO, the following reflect the common eligibility standards for international scholarships at UiO:
✅ General Eligibility
- Applicants must be international students (typically non-Norwegian nationals) unless the scheme allows Norwegian/EU/EEA citizens. Shiksha+2yesvidya.com+2
- Must have been admitted (or apply concurrently) to an eligible programme (Master’s or PhD) at UiO. In many cases, admission offer must be unconditional prior to scholarship award. cernod.com+1
- Possess strong academic record – top grades or equivalent. For research/PhD programmes, evidence of research capacity may be required. kenblogger.com
- Demonstrate language proficiency, typically in English (and/or Norwegian if required by the programme). Hajir+1
✅ Additional/Specific Criteria (may apply)
- Age: Although not always specified, some scholarships may have age limits for Master’s applicants (e.g., under 35) – check the specific call.
- Nationality: Some scholarships target students from specific world regions (e.g., developing countries or certain continents). DEX SCHOLARSHIPS+1
- Academic background: For Master’s scholarships: require a completed Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field for the chosen programme. For PhD: require a Master’s degree. Scholarships Guider
- Research proposal: For PhD-level scholarships, submission of a research proposal may be mandatory.
- Financial need: In some cases, applicants may need to demonstrate financial need (especially for development-oriented scholarships). cernod.com
- Commitment to return home: Some scholarships implicitly expect the student to contribute to their home country after studies (especially development-oriented schemes). kenblogger.com
Benefits
The benefits depend greatly on the specific scholarship. Below is a general overview of what may be included, based on available reports.
🎓 Typical Benefits
- Tuition fee waiver: Full or partial covering of tuition fees for the degree programme. rofeg+1
- Monthly living stipend: Some reports indicate a monthly stipend of around NOK 12,000–14,000 for international scholarship recipients. yesvidya.com+1
- Student welfare/semester fees: Some scholarships cover or grant relief for mandatory semester-fees/fees to student welfare organisations.
- Travel/airfare allowance: In select cases (especially short-term programmes or summer sessions) travel grants or airfare support may be included. OPM Opportunities+1
- Accommodation support: While direct housing support is less frequently guaranteed, recipients may benefit from student housing assistance and living cost coverage.
- Insurance/health coverage: Some programmes ensure students have valid health/insurance coverage during stay.
Step-by-Step Application Process and Important Dates
📝 Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose your programme: Visit the UiO website and identify the Master’s or PhD programme you wish to apply for. Confirm that it is eligible for the scholarship. Hajir
- Check eligibility and deadlines: Verify the scholarship’s specific eligibility criteria and application deadline for the relevant academic intake (2025/26).
- Prepare documentation: Typical documents include:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of English (or Norwegian) language proficiency
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or motivation letter
- Letters of Recommendation (usually 2-3)
- Passport copy
- Scholarship application letter (if separate) cernod.com+1
- Apply for admission: Submit your application to the Master’s or PhD programme at UiO by the admission deadline (often between December 1 2024 and March 1 2025 for 2025 intake). Opportunities Abroad+1
- Indicate interest in scholarship: On the application portal, there may be a checkbox or option to apply for the scholarship or be considered. Ensure you tick this if applicable. cernod.com
- Submit scholarship application (if separate): Some scholarships require a separate application form or letter; others automatically consider all eligible admission applicants.
- Await decision: Scholarship decisions are typically communicated after admission offers—often by April or May. dafinder.com.ng
- Accept offer and apply for visa/residence permit: Once accepted for the programme and scholarship, follow UiO’s instructions to accept the offer and apply for a Norwegian student residence permit (if required).
- Arrange accommodation and arrival logistics: Secure housing via UiO’s student housing office or other providers; plan travel to Norway; attend orientation.
📅 Important Dates (Typical for 2025 Intake)
- Programme application deadlines: ~December 1 2024 – March 1 2025. rofeg+2Opportunities Abroad+2
- Scholarship decision announcements: By end of April/May 2025 in many cases. dafinder.com.ng
- Semester begins: Typically August 2025 for autumn intake. cernod.com
Helpful Application Tips
- Start early: Scholarship applications and supporting documents require time — start gathering transcripts, references, language tests well ahead.
- Check admission vs scholarship deadlines separately: Sometimes they differ; don’t rely on one date.
- Confirm eligibility for your specific nationality/region: Some scholarships at UiO or associated with UiO may target specific countries or regions.
- Keep track of required documents: Missing documentation is a common reason for disqualification.
- Demonstrate your trajectory: Link your past achievements with future goals, and clarify the impact of your studies on your career and home country.
- Contact UiO or the scholarship office if unclear: If the scholarship information is vague, email the admissions or scholarship office for clarification.
- Budget realistically: Even with scholarships, living in Norway is expensive—housing, transport, food add up. Be sure you understand potential extra costs. en_UK+1
- Prepare for student visa/residence permit early: Ensure you have financial proof, accommodation details and acceptances since Norwegian immigration may require deposit or proof of funds. Opportunities Abroad+1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Does UiO offer full scholarships for all international students?
A1. No—according to several sources, UiO has very limited full-degree scholarship offerings for international students, particularly for Master’s-level study. Some external funding is required. Shiksha+1
Q2. Are undergraduate scholarships available at UiO for international students?
A2. Undergraduate scholarships for non-Norwegian / non-EU/EEA students are rare at UiO. Most scholarship opportunities are for Master’s, PhD or short-term/ exchange programmes. Hajir+1
Q3. Can I apply for admission and scholarship simultaneously?
A3. Yes—typically you apply for the programme at UiO and indicate scholarship interest; in some cases there is no separate scholarship application form. But you must ensure you meet eligibility and tick the relevant box. cernod.com
Q4. Is living in Oslo covered fully by the stipend amount?
A4. A stipend of around NOK 12,000–14,000/month has been cited for some international scholarship recipients. However, living costs in Oslo are high, so budget carefully and plan additional funds if needed. yesvidya.com+1
Q5. What if I am not selected for a UiO scholarship—can I still study there?
A5. Yes—you may still apply for admission and cover your own fees/financing, or seek external scholarships, loans or part-time work (within the legal framework) for your study in Norway.
Internal and External Links
- Official UiO website – Admissions & scholarship info: UiO Admissions
- Study in Norway portal – General guidance on studying, scholarships and living: Study in Norway
- Related scholarship: BI Presidential Scholarship (Norway) – example of another fully-funded opportunity: BestFullyFundedScholarships – BI Presidential
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Securing a scholarship for the University of Oslo for the 2025/26 academic year is a compelling opportunity — one that can significantly reduce financial burden while allowing you to access world-class education in Norway. But it also demands planning, strong documentation, and purposeful application.
If you are seriously considering applying:
- Visit the UiO official site and navigate to Admission → Scholarships & Funding.
- Identify the scholarship scheme that aligns with your programme, nationality and background.
- Begin gathering transcripts, language test scores, SOP draft and recommendation letter references now.
- Set calendar reminders for deadlines, application submissions and follow-up tasks.
Act today: explore the programme options at UiO, review your eligibility and begin crafting your application. With careful preparation and strong presentation, you can maximise your chances of being awarded a UiO scholarship for 2025/26. Best of luck!
