Study in Norway Without IELTS 2026 (Scholarships)

Want to study in Norway in 2026 but do not want to take the IELTS. This is now possible for you. International students must meet other English requirements instead. You can study for a Bachelor Master or PhD degree at Norwegian universities. You can also get scholarships in Norway without IELTS test.

Many universities in Norway will accept your previous education as proof. If you studied in English before that can be enough. An English Proficiency Certificate from your old school can often work. This certificate takes the place of tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

There are many scholarships available for 2026 that do not need IELTS. Each university in Norway has its own rules for studying without the test. You should look into each program you like. It is important to check if you are eligible early in the process.

Key Points:

• Study in Norway in 2026 without IELTS.
• Proof of prior education in English accepted by many universities.
• English Proficiency Certificate can be used.
• Some universities may conduct language skill interviews.
• Research university-specific requirements early.
• Wide range of English-taught programs available.
• Also See: Scholarships in Poland Without IELTS 2026 (Fully Funded)

Study in Norway Without IELTS 2026

List of Norway Scholarships Without IELTS 2026

1. Norwegian-Russian Scholarship Scheme

• Eligibility: Russian students for short-term studies/research.
• Funding: Covers travel, insurance, and stipend.
• Key Notes: Institutional nomination required; no IELTS.

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

• Eligibility: Global students for joint EU/Norway programs.
• Funding: Full tuition + living costs.
• Key Notes: English proficiency proven via prior education.

3. BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships

• Eligibility: International master’s students with strong academic records.
• Funding: Covers full or partial tuition fees.
• Key Notes: Accepts alternative English proofs (e.g., degree from English-taught institution).

4. Leiv Eriksson Mobility Program

• Eligibility: PhD students/researchers from EU/EEA countries.
• Funding: Travel/research grants.
• Key Notes: English proof via academic institution.

5. NTNU Scholarships

• Eligibility: Non-EU students applying for master’s programs.
• Funding: Tuition fees + living expenses for some.
• Key Notes: Requires proof of English via academic background (no IELTS).

6. NORAM Scholarship (Norwegian-American Association)

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens for master’s/PhD studies in Norway.
• Funding: Up to NOK 50,000.
• Key Notes: English proficiency waived if previous education was in English.

7. University of Oslo Scholarships

• Eligibility: International master’s/PhD students.
• Funding: Tuition waivers or stipends.
• Key Notes: Accepts prior English-medium education as proof.

8. Nord University Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Eligibility: PhD holders in specific research fields.
• Deadline: Varies (check faculty announcements).
• Funding: Salary-based (approx. NOK 500,000–600,000/year).
• Key Notes: English proficiency assessed via academic background.

9. High North Fellowship Program

• Eligibility: Students from Canada, Japan, Russia, South Korea, or the U.S.
• Funding: NOK 12,500/month + travel.
• Key Notes: For Arctic-related studies; English proof via academic background.

10. Lakselaget Foundation Scholarship

• Eligibility: Women with Norwegian heritage studying in Norway.
• Funding: Up to $5,000.
• Key Notes: Focus on female empowerment; no IELTS if prior English education.

11. Sons of Norway Student Residence Permit

• Eligibility: Members of Sons of Norway organization.
• Deadline: Rolling basis.
• Funding: Supports residency permits, not direct funding.
• Key Notes: Requires membership; English proof varies by university.

12. University of Stavanger Scholarships

• Eligibility: Open to non-EU/EEA students for master’s programs.
• Funding: Partial to full tuition coverage.
• Key Notes: English proficiency can be proven via previous education in English.

13. Erasmus+ Program

• Eligibility: EU/EEA students for exchanges in Norway.
• Deadline: Varies by home university (typically early 2026).
• Funding: Monthly stipend (€300–€600).
• Key Notes: Language requirements set by home university.

14. Oslo Metropolitan University Scholarships

• Eligibility: Non-EU master’s students.
• Funding: Full or partial tuition.
• Key Notes: English proof via previous studies.

List of Tuition Free Universities in Norway 2026

• University of Agder (UiA)
• Oslo and Akershus University (HiOA)
• Narvik University College
• Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
• University of Stavanger (UiS)
• Østfold University College
• Molde University College
• NLA University College
• Hedmark University of Applied Science
• Lillehammer University College
• University of Bergen
• The Arctic University of Norway
• Bergen Academy of Art & Design, Norway
• NTNU
• BI Norwegian Business School
• Nesna University College
• Oslo School of Architecture and Design
• University of Tromsø (UiT)
• MF Norwegian School of Theology
• University of Nordland
• Stord/Haugesund University College
• University of Oslo (UiO)
• Norwegian School of Veterinary Science
• The University Centre in Svalbard
• Bergen University College

Also See: DAAD Scholarship 2026 Without IELTS in Germany [Fully Funded]

How to Get Admission in Norwegian Universities?

1. Choose a university and program offered in English.
2. Check for IELTS/TOEFL exemption if your previous degree was in English.
3. Get an English Proficiency Certificate from your university.
4. Prepare for potential online interviews to assess your English skills.
5. Confirm eligibility requirements for your chosen programs.

General Tips for 2026 Applicants

• Alternative English Proofs: Most scholarships accept prior English-taught degrees or university-specific assessments.
• Documentation: Prepare transcripts, motivation letters, and proof of admission.
• Check Updates: Verify requirements on official websites.

List of Alternative English Proficiency Proof

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

• Accepted by: Most Norwegian universities like University of Oslo, NTNU, BI Norwegian Business School.
• Minimum Score: Typically 78 to 90 (varies by program).
• Key Notes: Ensure scores are sent directly to the university via ETS.

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

• Accepted by: Universities like University of Bergen, OsloMet, and Nord University.
• Minimum Score: Usually 58–65 (equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5).
• Key Notes: Faster results than IELTS (often within 48 hours).

Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter

• Exemption: If your previous degree (high school/bachelor’s) was taught fully in English, submit an official MOI letter from your institution.
• Accepted by: All major universities like NTNU, University of Oslo.

University-Specific English Assessments

• Exemption: Some universities such as University of Agder conduct their own English tests or interviews for admitted students.

Nordic Country English Tests

• Exemption: If you studied in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland, some universities accept local English tests (e.g., Swedish Upper Secondary English Course B).

CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)

• Accepted Proof: Certificates like B2/C1 Level from recognized language institutions (e.g., Goethe-Institut, Alliance Française).
• Check: Confirm if your university accepts CEFR-aligned certificates.

Exemptions Based on Nationality

• Who Qualifies: Applicants from English-speaking countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand).
• Proof: Submit a passport copy or citizenship certificate.

Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSK)

• For: Students who completed secondary school in Norway or another Nordic country.
• Exemption: English credits from Nordic schools may suffice.

Cambridge English Qualifications

• Accepted Exams:
  • C1 Advanced (CAE)
  • C2 Proficiency (CPE)
• Minimum Grade: Grade C or higher (widely accepted, e.g., University of Stavanger).

Duolingo English Test

• Accepted by: Some universities like BI Norwegian Business School, OsloMet).
• Minimum Score: 105 to 115 (confirm with your program).
• Key Notes: Affordable, online, and quick results (valid for 2 years).