The University of Oslo Scholarships 2026 in Norway focus mainly on short-term and summer programs (especially the International Summer School – ISS) with limited, highly competitive funding for international students, rather than full, fully-funded bachelor’s or master’s degrees. These scholarships can significantly reduce your study and living costs during a summer term in Oslo while giving you access to one of Scandinavia’s top public universities.
Basic scholarship information 2026
The main University of Oslo Scholarships 2026 widely open to international students, are the ISS Summer School scholarships, linked to short-term mobility and exchange schemes instead of full degree funding.
Key points for 2026:
- Scholarship type: International Summer School (ISS) and short-term mobility scholarships for exchange students.
- Funding model: Partial financial support for living or study costs through external mobility grants and partner schemes.
- Application window (ISS Summer Scholarships 2026): 2 January 2026 – 1 February 2026 (all forms and documents must be submitted by 1 February).
- Study level: Mainly bachelor’s- and master’s-level summer courses, credit-bearing and transferable to your home institution.
University of Oslo overview
The University of Oslo (UiO) is Norway’s oldest and one of Europe’s most research-intensive public universities, located in Oslo, the capital city. It offers a wide range of master’s and PhD programs in English and hosts a large international student community every year. For full degree students, tuition fees at UiO are now generally charged, usually in the range of 198,000–286,000 NOK per academic year for many master’s programmes, so scholarships become especially valuable for any short-term stay that reduces your overall costs.
Key institutional highlights:
- Public research university with strong rankings in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law, medicine, and education.
- Campus in Oslo with modern libraries, laboratories, student housing links, and active student organizations.
- Tuition fees for most international master’s students range from about 198,000–286,000 NOK per year (roughly 16,000–23,000 EUR), making targeted scholarships and mobility grants important.
Study areas and available programs
The ISS Summer Scholarships 2026 focus on short, intensive courses rather than full degrees, but they span multiple in-demand fields suitable for SEO-targeted study abroad searches. Typical study areas at UiO (including regular and summer options) include:
- Humanities and Social Sciences: International relations, political science, peace studies, gender studies, Nordic studies.
- Law and Human Rights: Public international law, human rights law, global governance.
- Economics and Business-related fields: Economics, development studies, and sustainability policy.
- Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies: Environmental science, climate change, energy transitions, and related policy.
- Education and Linguistics: Norwegian language, Scandinavian studies, and education-focused courses.
- Courses taught in English
University of Oslo Scholarships benefits
UiO’s ISS Summer Scholarships 2026 do not function like classic fully funded degree scholarships, but they can unlock a valuable package of academic and financial benefits.
Typical benefits include:
- Tuition coverage for selected summer courses, so you can study without paying full summer tuition fees.
- Access to academic supervision, lectures, and UiO’s learning resources and student facilities during the summer term.
- Financial support tied to mobility or exchange programs that may cover part of your living or study costs, depending on your funding scheme (Erasmus+, Nordplus, or national grants).
- ISS transcript and transferable academic credits, which can strengthen your academic profile and resume.
- Short-term study abroad experience in Norway without committing to a full multi-year degree.
Benefits not included
To set realistic expectations, note what the University of Oslo scholarships do not generally include:
- No standalone UiO-funded full bachelor’s or master’s scholarships; full degree scholarships are not offered by UiO itself.
- No automatic coverage of all living expenses; mobility grants usually cover only a portion of your costs.
- No guarantee of travel cost coverage; flights and personal travel are often the student’s responsibility unless covered by an external scheme.
- No guaranteed housing; you must follow the housing application processes and deadlines separately, even if you have a scholarship.
Understanding these limits helps craft a realistic financial plan and prevents misunderstandings around the term “fully funded.”
Eligibility criteria for University of Oslo Scholarships
The University of Oslo ISS Summer Scholarships 2026 are intentionally selective and focused on specific applicant profiles.
Common eligibility requirements include:
- Students must be nominated by their home university before applying.
- Without nomination, application is not possible.
- Enrollment at a partner or eligible university participating in an exchange or mobility program (such as Erasmus+ or similar agreements).
- Application to short-term summer or mobility courses, not full bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
- Meeting UiO’s academic requirements for the chosen course (GPA, relevant background, and, where required, English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL).
- Applying either as a self-financed student or as a scholarship applicant, but not both for the same course period.
- Submitting a complete application (admission + scholarship) within the 2 January – 1 February 2026 window.
- International Summer School (ISS)
Bachelor Level – English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score 5.0
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score 60
- Accepted: TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
- Not accepted: TOEFL MyBest Score
- Exemptions:
- Applicants from certain countries may meet the requirement through English studied at secondary school
- More info:
- Check Language requirements for admission to Norwegian higher education
- Refer to the GSU-list (by HK-dir) for country-specific requirements
Master Level – English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score 90
- Accepted: TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
- Not accepted: TOEFL MyBest Score
- Exemptions:
- Available for some applicants (details vary)
- More info:
- See English proficiency required for master’s degree admission
Important Notes
- You cannot log in or apply before nomination.
- Only complete applications are processed.
- The admission letter is available about 1 week after the deadline.
- PhD students:
- Do NOT apply through Søknadsweb
- Treated as guest researchers
- Must contact host department directly
Required documents
- Valid passport (bio-data page)
- Official transcripts from your current and previous universities
- Proof of current enrollment at your home institution (for exchange/mobility applicants)
- English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if you are applying to English-taught courses and your previous education was not in English
- Updated CV or resume highlighting academic achievements and relevant experience
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study at the University of Oslo and how the summer program fits your academic and career goals
- Any required reference letters or recommendation forms, depending on the program
All documents should typically be uploaded to UiO’s online application portal by the stated deadline.
University of Oslo Scholarships Application process (step-by-step)
Use this step-by-step guide to apply strategically for University of Oslo Scholarships 2026 for the ISS Summer Programme:
- Research your program
- Visit the UiO ISS pages and identify the summer course(s) that match your academic field and home degree requirements.
- Check eligibility and partner status
- Confirm that your home university participates in a relevant exchange or mobility scheme that connects with UiO or ISS.
- Gather documents
- Collect transcripts, passport copy, proof of enrollment, English test scores, motivation letter, and reference letters according to the ISS requirements.
- Complete the online application
- From 2 January 2026, register in the ISS online application system and fill out both the admission and scholarship sections if you are applying for funding.
- Upload all required documents
- Ensure every document is legible, correctly translated where necessary, and uploaded before submission.
- Submit by 1 February 2026
- Applications (including scholarship requests and all uploads) must be completed by 1 February 2026.
- Monitor email and portal
- Check for notifications about any missing documents, additional requirements, or selection results.
- Arrange housing and visa
- Once accepted, follow UiO’s instructions for student housing and apply for your Norwegian student visa or residence permit, using scholarship documentation if applicable.
How to Apply in Søknadsweb
Step 1: My Profile
- Select International format
- Enter home address (not university address)
- Include:
- Street & house number
- Postal code + city (same line)
- Country
- Mobile number with country code
- Save to continue
2nd Step: My Application
- Choose:
- Faculty
- Study level (Bachelor/Master)
- Enter course list in Extra Information box
- Example:
- ENG0111
- ARK2120
- NORINT0110
- Example:
- PhD / traineeship / joint degree students must mention status in writing
- You can edit application until the deadline
Step 3: My Documents
- Upload documents via “+ Upload new document”
- Transcripts:
- Select “Transcript of Records or Diploma”
- Add institution name & study start date
- Admission letter will appear here once published
Tips for a successful application
To stand out in a competitive 2026 University of Oslo scholarship pool, focus on quality and clarity:
- Start early and respect deadlines: Aim to submit well before 1 February 2026 to avoid technical issues or rushed document uploads.
- Craft a compelling motivation letter: Clearly link the ISS course to your current degree, future career plans, and why Norway and UiO are your top choice.
- Align your profile with the course: Highlight relevant coursework, research, or projects that show you can contribute to and benefit from the specific summer program.
- Demonstrate academic consistency: Strong, consistent academic performance and clear transcripts help scholarship reviewers quickly assess your readiness.
- Coordinate with your home university: Since funding is often tied to mobility schemes, staying in close touch with your international office can unlock additional grants or endorsements.
Using keywords like “how to apply for University of Oslo scholarship 2026,” “UiO ISS application tips,” and “Norway summer school scholarship guide” can also help your content rank if you are writing about this process.
Monthly living expenses in Oslo (USD)
Living costs in Norway are high, and Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the country, so careful budgeting is essential. International students typically need around 13,790 NOK per month on average in Norway, with Oslo often at the upper end of this range.
Using an approximate conversion of 1 EUR ≈ 1.1 USD and the fact that Norway’s estimated student need is about 12,650 EUR per year (around 1,054 EUR per month), typical monthly living costs translate roughly as follows:
- Accommodation (student housing or shared apartment): 700–1,000 USD per month (depending on location and housing type).
- Food and groceries: 300–450 USD per month.
- Local transportation: 60–100 USD per month (student discounts available).
- Books and study materials: 40–70 USD per month (average over the semester).
- Other personal expenses (phone, leisure, clothes, health, etc.): 150–250 USD per month.
Overall, many international students should plan for roughly 1,250–1,800 USD per month in Oslo, depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Why choose this scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)
Choosing the University of Oslo Scholarships 2026 – especially the ISS Summer Scholarships – can be a smart and strategic decision for international students.
- Access to a top-ranked Scandinavian university: UiO combines academic reputation with strong research output, giving you a prestigious line on your CV even for a short-term stay.
- Short-term, high-impact experience: A summer in Oslo allows you to gain European credits, build a global network, and experience Norwegian culture without committing to several years abroad.
- Financial support for living and study costs: Mobility-linked scholarships can offset tuition and part of your living expenses, making Norway more affordable.
- Credit transfer to your home degree: ISS courses are designed for international students and can often be fully integrated into your home study plan, preserving academic progress.
Additional advantages include improved English proficiency, exposure to a sustainable and inclusive Nordic society, and access to Norway’s high quality of life.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Does the University of Oslo offer fully funded scholarships for full degrees in 2026?
UiO does not offer its own fully funded scholarships for full bachelor’s or master’s degree programmes; funding is primarily available for short-term mobility and summer school programs like ISS.
2. What is the application deadline for University of Oslo Scholarships 2026?
For the ISS Summer Scholarships 2026, the application period runs from 2 January to 1 February 2026, and all admission and scholarship forms plus documents must be submitted by 1 February.
3. Can I work part-time while on a scholarship in Norway?
Norway generally allows international students to work part-time with the appropriate residence permit, but you must meet financial requirements independently; scholarships usually do not remove the need to show sufficient funds.
4. Are tuition fees free at the University of Oslo for international students?
For many non-EU/EEA international students, UiO now charges tuition fees, often between 198,000 and 286,000 NOK per academic year at the master’s level. Summer school tuition may be partly or fully covered by scholarships, depending on the scheme.
5. What GPA do I need to get a scholarship at the University of Oslo?
UiO does not state a single universal GPA for all scholarships, but competitive academic performance, strong transcripts, and alignment with course requirements are essential.
6. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the ISS Summer Scholarship?
Yes
7. How competitive are University of Oslo Scholarships 2026?
ISS Summer Scholarships are competitive because they are limited and targeted at motivated, academically strong students from partner universities seeking short-term study in Norway. A
Application Deadline: 1st February 2026
Application Timeline (For Exchange)
- Autumn 2026 exchange
- Nomination & application system opens: Mid-February 2026
- Deadline: 1 May 2026
- Spring 2027 exchange
- Nomination opens: September 2026
- Deadline: 15 October 2026
