Norway shocked the international student community in 2023 by introducing tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students. But the rule has exceptions — and the country is still one of the most rewarding places in Europe to study. Here is the 2026 reality.
Who Still Pays €0 at Norwegian Public Universities
| Student Category | Tuition |
|---|---|
| EU / EEA / Swiss citizens | €0 |
| Exchange students from partner universities | €0 |
| PhD candidates (all nationalities) | €0 + salary |
| Refugees & residence permit holders | €0 |
| Non-EU bachelor/master students | €8,000–€26,000/year |
The PhD Route Most Non-EU Students Overlook
Norway treats PhD students as employees. You receive a salary of NOK 532,200–610,300 per year (roughly €46,000–€53,000), full social benefits, and no tuition. This is the single most valuable doctoral position in Europe for international applicants.
The Quota Scheme Replacement
Norway closed its old Quota Scheme in 2016, but several programs preserve its spirit: NORHED II (development cooperation), the Norwegian Research Council fellowships, and individual university partnerships in East Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Top Universities and What They Specialise In
- University of Oslo (UiO) — humanities, social sciences, medicine
- NTNU (Trondheim) — engineering, technology, science
- University of Bergen — marine science, climate research
- BI Norwegian Business School — top private MBA in Scandinavia
- UiT The Arctic University — polar studies, indigenous studies
See also: 15 Tuition-Free Countries for International Students 2026.