The BI Presidential Scholarship 2026 represents one of Norway’s most prestigious and fully-funded scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing master’s studies in business and economics. Offered by BI Norwegian Business School, this scholarship provides comprehensive support for outstanding international students to pursue their academic dreams in Norway.
Basic Information about the Scholarships
The BI Presidential Scholarship 2026 is a merit-based, fully-funded scholarship program designed for exceptional students seeking to pursue Master of Science programs at BI Norwegian Business School. This competitive scholarship opportunity attracts top-performing students worldwide and provides comprehensive financial support for their Norwegian educational journey.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for BI Presidential Scholarship 2026 is March 1, 2026 for all Master of Science program applicants. The application process is integrated with the admission application, meaning students must apply for both admission and the scholarship simultaneously through the university’s online portal.
Number of Scholarships Available
Approximately 20 BI Presidential Scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding candidates from the global applicant pool. The selection process is highly competitive, with the university receiving significantly more scholarship applications than available positions each year.
University/Institution Details
BI Norwegian Business School stands as Norway’s largest business school and ranks as the second-largest business institution in all of Europe. The university operates four campuses, with the main campus strategically located in Oslo, Norway’s capital city.
Institutional Excellence
The university employs 845 staff members, including 404 academic faculty and 441 administrative personnel, ensuring a comprehensive support system for students. BI Norwegian Business School has established itself as the largest supplier of economic and administrative competence in Norway, making it an ideal destination for ambitious business students.
Campus Locations
While the primary campus is situated in Oslo, students can also pursue their studies at BI’s Bergen campus, with both locations eligible for the BI Presidential Scholarship program. The university’s strategic locations provide students access to Norway’s major business and economic centers.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
The BI Presidential Scholarship 2026 is available for applicants to all Master of Science programs offered at BI Norwegian Business School. The comprehensive range of programs includes :
Core Business Programs
- Applied Economics
- Business (General)
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Finance
- Leadership and Organizational Psychology
- Strategic Marketing Management
- Quantitative Finance
Specialized QTEM Programs
- QTEM in Applied Economics
- QTEM in Business Analytics
- QTEM in Business Major in Finance
- QTEM in Business Major in Economics
All Master of Science programs at both Oslo and Bergen campuses are eligible for the scholarship, with the notable exception of the BI-Luiss Joint Masters in Marketing program.
BI Presidential Scholarship Benefits
The BI Presidential Scholarship 2026 provides exceptional financial support that varies based on the recipient’s residency status and background.
For International Applicants
International students receive the most comprehensive support package, which includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage for up to two years
- Living expense stipend of NOK 50,000 per semester (approximately $4,500 USD per semester or $9,000 USD annually)
- Total program duration coverage contingent upon meeting academic progression requirements
For Norwegian and Resident Applicants
Norwegian citizens and international students who are residents of Norway receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage for each semester
- Coverage extends up to two years based on academic performance
- No living expense stipend (as they may be eligible for Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund support)
For Sivøk Program Students
Current BI Sivøk program students in their third year receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the master’s portion of their program
- Coverage for up to two years with academic progression requirements
Benefits Not Included
While the BI Presidential Scholarship provides substantial support, certain expenses remain the student’s responsibility :
- Academic Materials and Supplies
- Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses
- Additional Living Costs
Academic Progression Requirements
To maintain the scholarship, recipients must:
- Complete full study progression (30 ECTS) each semester.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of “B” after each semester.
- Act as “BI Ambassadors” — representing BI, helping with recruitment, and promoting a positive study environment.
- Details of these requirements are outlined in the Scholarship Agreement.
Eligibility Criteria for the BI Presidential Scholarship
- Must have a minimum overall GPA of “A” on the ECTS scale (or equivalent top-level grade internationally).
- 3rd-year Sivøk (Siviløkonom) students are eligible to apply.
- Open to Norwegian and international candidates.
- International candidates with a bachelor’s degree completed in Norway are treated as Norwegian residents.
- Must be admitted to the first year of a Master of Science (MSc) program at the campus Oslo or Bergen.
- Not eligible: BI–Luiss Joint Masters in Marketing applicants.
- Only first-time master’s degree seekers can apply.
Selection of Recipients
- Scholarships are highly competitive; awarded based on academic merit only.
- Only applicants who:
- Are admitted to a Master of Science program, and
- Have applied correctly, will be considered.
- BI aims for diversity across programs, gender, and nationality.
- Scholarships are distributed across different MSc programs based on institutional priorities.
- Evaluation factors include:
- GPA (converted to ECTS scale)
- Other academic achievements
- GMAT/GRE/CAT scores
- Extracurricular and personal achievements
- International applicants applying for the BI Presidential Scholarship are also considered for the MSc International Scholarship.
Required Documents for the Application
The scholarship application requires comprehensive documentation submitted through the university’s online portal :
Essential Application Documents
- Complete copy of passport for identification verification
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic and professional achievements
- One-page scholarship application letter explaining merit-based candidacy
- Personal financial plan outlining intended funding sources for studies and living expenses
- English proficiency test results (unless waiver is granted)
Supporting Academic Documentation
- Official transcripts demonstrating superior academic performance
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Any relevant certificates or awards supporting academic excellence
- GMAT/GRE/CAT scores where applicable for program enhancement
Special Considerations
International applicants must provide a detailed financial plan even when applying for full funding. The financial plan template is available through the university’s website and serves as a backup funding strategy.
BI Presidential Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
The application process is streamlined and integrated with the admission procedure to ensure efficiency for applicants :
Step 1: Online Account Creation
Navigate to BI Norwegian Business School’s admission portal and create a comprehensive applicant account with accurate personal and academic information.
2: Program Application Submission
Complete the full admission application for your chosen Master of Science program, ensuring all required fields are thoroughly completed.
Step 3: Scholarship Application Integration
Within the same portal, access the scholarship section and apply for the BI Presidential Scholarship simultaneously with your admission application.
4: Document Upload
Combine all required documents into a single PDF file and upload to the scholarship section of your application portal.
Step 5: Scholarship Letter Composition
Write a compelling one-page scholarship letter focusing on academic merit and explaining why you deserve consideration for the scholarship.
6: Application Review and Submission
Thoroughly review all submitted information and documents before final submission by the March 1, 2026 deadline.
Step 7: Admission Acceptance
Upon receiving admission offer, accept it promptly to remain eligible for scholarship consideration, as scholarship decisions follow admission acceptance.
Tips for a Successful Application
Maximizing your scholarship application success requires strategic preparation and attention to detail :
- Academic Excellence Demonstration
- Compelling Personal Narrative
- International Perspective Integration
- Program-Specific Alignment
- Early Application Preparation
- Multi-Scholarship Strategy
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Understanding the cost of living in Norway is crucial for international students planning their studies :
Essential Monthly Expenses
The Norwegian Immigration Directorate estimates international students need approximately NOK 13,790 monthly (approximately $1,250 USD) to cover basic living expenses in Norway.
Detailed Expense Breakdown
- Accommodation: $300-700 USD monthly depending on housing type and location
- Food and Groceries: $250-400 USD monthly for basic nutritional needs
- Transportation: $55-72 USD monthly for public transport passes
- Academic Materials: $50 USD monthly for books and supplies
- Personal and Social Activities: $50-120 USD monthly for entertainment and social engagement
City-Specific Variations
Living costs vary significantly between Norwegian cities:
- Oslo (main campus): $1,200-1,400 USD monthly
- Bergen (secondary campus): $1,000-1,200 USD monthly
- Smaller Norwegian cities: $800-1,000 USD monthly
The BI Presidential Scholarship’s living stipend of NOK 50,000 per semester (approximately $4,500 USD) provides substantial support but students should budget for additional personal expenses.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top Reasons)
The BI Presidential Scholarship 2026 offers compelling advantages for international students seeking world-class business education :
- Comprehensive Financial Coverage
- Academic Prestige and Recognition
- European Business Hub Access
- Research and Innovation Excellence
- Cultural and Professional Development
- Network Building Opportunities
- High Quality of Life
Frequently Asked Questions about the Scholarship
1. Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously?
Yes, students may apply for multiple scholarships, but BI Norwegian Business School will award only one scholarship per student. International BI Presidential Scholarship applicants are automatically considered for the MSc International Scholarship.
Q: Are scholarship decisions appealable?
No, scholarship decisions cannot be appealed. The university’s selection committee makes final determinations based on established criteria and institutional priorities.
3. Q: What happens if I don’t maintain academic requirements?
Scholarship recipients must maintain full study progression (30 ECTS per semester) and a minimum cumulative GPA of ‘B’ after each academic semester. Failure to meet these requirements may result in scholarship termination.
And
Q: When will I be notified of scholarship decisions?
Scholarship offers are sent separately from admission offers throughout the spring semester, with the majority awarded by late April. All applicants receive notification of their scholarship application status by the end of April.
5. Q: Do I need separate applications for different BI scholarships?
No, one scholarship application letter and supporting documentation automatically considers you for all scholarships meeting your eligibility criteria, except for the A. The Wilhelmsen Foundation Scholarship which requires specific application materials.
Q: Can students with existing master’s degrees apply?
While students with previous master’s degrees may apply, they are not given priority for scholarship awards. The program prioritizes candidates seeking their first master’s degree.
7. Q: What are the Ambassador responsibilities for scholarship recipients?
BI Presidential Scholarship recipients serve as BI Ambassadors, acting as spokespeople for the university, assisting with recruitment efforts, and promoting positive academic environments throughout their studies.
Official Link:
The BI Presidential Scholarship 2026 represents an exceptional opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue world-class business education in Norway with comprehensive financial support, opening doors to remarkable academic and professional opportunities in Northern Europe’s business landscape.
