If you are looking for Scholarships in Norway Without IELTS, you are not alone. Many international students assume that IELTS is mandatory for studying in Norway, but this is not always the case. Norwegian universities and scholarship programs often accept alternative proof of English proficiency, such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, previous English-taught degrees, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. This opens up a wide range of opportunities for students who want to study in Norway without taking IELTS.

Finding the right Scholarships in Norway Without IELTS requires careful planning. You must first identify programs that match your field of study and preferred universities. Once you shortlist the programs, check the language requirements and see if your existing English qualifications are sufficient. Many scholarships in Norway specifically state that they follow university rules for English proficiency, which means if your program qualifies with MOI or other alternatives, you can apply without IELTS.

Applying for Scholarships in Norway Without IELTS can be highly competitive, so it’s important to prepare your documents carefully. A strong MOI letter, a well-crafted Statement of Purpose (SOP), and proof of academic excellence can significantly improve your chances. Additionally, some scholarships may also value leadership experience, community involvement, or relevant work experience. By understanding the application process and using alternatives to IELTS wisely, you can maximize your chances of securing funding to study in Norway.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means (Avoid Rejection)

Many students misunderstand without IELTS which often leads to rejection.

• IELTS is not mandatory
• You can submit another accepted English proof
• The scholarship provider says: “Meet the university’s language requirement,” which can often be satisfied by MOI or alternatives

Most Accepted IELTS Alternatives in Norway

• MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter – A formal letter confirming your previous degree was taught entirely in English
• English-taught degree evidence – Diploma, transcript, or certificate specifying the language of instruction
• Other tests – Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge (depending on the program)
• University waiver or internal assessment – Some universities conduct interviews or internal exams
• Local language programs – Certain Norwegian-taught programs require Norwegian, not English

List of Scholarships in Norway Without IELTS

Here’s a comprehensive list of over 20 scholarships in Norway that often allow alternatives to IELTS:

1) Quota Scheme / Norwegian Government Scholarships

• Level: Bachelor/Master
• Funding: Tuition + stipend
• Without IELTS: MOI or previous English-taught degree accepted
• Best for: International students seeking fully funded opportunities

2) Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Scholarships

• Level: Bachelor/Master
• Funding: Tuition waiver + living allowance (varies)
• Without IELTS: Accepts MOI or internal assessment
• Best for: STEM and technical fields

3) University of Oslo (UiO) Grants

• Level: Master’s/PhD
• Funding: Tuition discounts + stipends
• Without IELTS: Alternative English proof accepted
• Best for: Research-focused students

4) BI Norwegian Business School Scholarships

• Level: Bachelor/Master
• Funding: Partial to full tuition support
• Without IELTS: MOI or other English tests allowed
• Best for: Business and management programs

5) University of Bergen (UiB) Scholarships

• Level: Master/PhD
• Funding: Tuition waivers + monthly stipend
• Without IELTS: MOI or TOEFL/Duolingo alternatives accepted

6) Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) Scholarships

• Level: Master
• Funding: Merit-based tuition support
• Without IELTS: MOI or equivalent alternative accepted

7) Oslo Metropolitan University Scholarships

• Level: Bachelor/Master
• Funding: Partial tuition support
• Without IELTS: MOI or internal assessment

8) University of Tromsø – The Arctic University Scholarships

• Level: Master/PhD
• Funding: Tuition + stipend
• Without IELTS: MOI or English-taught degree proof

9) Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) Scholarships

• Level: Bachelor/Master
• Funding: Tuition support + living stipend
• Without IELTS: Alternative English proof accepted

10) Norwegian Research Council Scholarships

• Level: PhD/Research
• Funding: Full research support + stipend
• Without IELTS: English proficiency via MOI or internal assessment

11) Norwegian Language Program Scholarships

• Level: Certificate/Preparatory courses
• Funding: Tuition + accommodation support
• Without IELTS: Usually Norwegian language-based; English not required

12) Erasmus+ Exchange Scholarships in Norway

• Level: Master/Exchange
• Funding: Tuition + travel allowance
• Without IELTS: University language requirements apply; MOI often accepted

13) Nord University Scholarships

• Level: Bachelor/Master
• Funding: Partial tuition support
• Without IELTS: MOI letter or previous English instruction

14) Norwegian School of Veterinary Science Scholarships

• Level: Master/PhD
• Funding: Tuition + stipend
• Without IELTS: Alternative English proof accepted

15) Arctic University of Norway Mobility Grants

• Level: Master/Exchange
• Funding: Travel and living allowance
• Without IELTS: MOI or internal evaluation accepted

16) BI Norwegian Business School NHH Collaboration Grants

• Level: Master
• Funding: Tuition discounts + merit award
• Without IELTS: MOI or TOEFL/Duolingo alternatives

17) Norwegian Church Aid Scholarships

• Level: Bachelor/Master
• Funding: Tuition + stipend for humanitarian students
• Without IELTS: Accepts MOI or English-taught degree proof

18) Norwegian Student Loan Fund Grants (Special Cases)

• Level: Bachelor/Master
• Funding: Partial tuition + stipend
• Without IELTS: English proof via MOI or internal evaluation

19) University of Stavanger Scholarships

• Level: Master/PhD
• Funding: Partial tuition + stipend
• Without IELTS: MOI accepted; internal tests sometimes required

20) Oslo International Summer School Scholarships

• Level: Short-term/Preparatory courses
• Funding: Tuition support + accommodation
• Without IELTS: MOI accepted; can help qualify for degree programs

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships in Norway Without IELTS

Step 1: Choose Your Target Level and Field

• Bachelor / Master / PhD
• Field of study: Engineering, Business, Social Sciences, Health, IT
• Preferred universities (3–5 recommended)

Step 2: Shortlist Programs Before Scholarships

• List universities with English-taught programs
• Confirm MOI or accepted alternatives
• Match scholarships to these programs

Step 3: Get Your MOI Letter the Right Way

• Full name + passport number
• Degree name and duration
• Statement: “The medium of instruction for this degree was English”
• Official letterhead, stamp, signature, and date

Step 4: Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t assume “without IELTS” means no English proof
• Avoid weak MOI letters
• Tailor SOPs to each scholarship
• Check eligibility and deadlines carefully

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)