Lanekassen - Lanekassen Loans and Grants

Lånekassen loans and grants

You will receive a combination of a low-cost student loan and a grant to fund your studies in Norway. Everyone initially receives a ‘basic grant’, a loan that remains interest-free for as long as you are studying full-time. Up to 40 % of this loan will later be converted into a grant that you will never have to repay. To qualify for this, you must not be living with your parents, you must complete your studies, and you must meet certain income and asset limits. You may also be entitled to additional support: a tuition fee grant, a travel allowance, a child allowance if you have children under the age of 16, and an additional grant of 4,668 NOK per month if you are unable to work alongside your studies due to a disability. You can receive funding for up to 480 credit points, which corresponds to approximately eight years of full-time study. Lånekassen is Norway’s state student finance agency, administered by the Ministry of Education and Research.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying at a university or a university of applied sciences in Norway.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Admission: You have already been offered a place at a recognised institution.
• Nationality: Norwegian citizens are eligible for financial support. Non-Norwegians may receive support to study in Norway if they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Age: No lower limit. Support begins to decrease from the ages of 50 and 65 and ceases entirely at 70.
• On track: You are no more than 60 credits (one year) behind your study plan.
• Clean record: You have no outstanding or unmet obligations arising from previous student loans and have not yet reached the credit limit of 480.

How to apply

You apply for the loan online via Lånekassen as soon as you have received your offer of a place, but no earlier than mid-May. The deadline is 15 November for the whole year or just the autumn term, and 15 March for the spring term. You must reapply every year. Most applications are decided within 24 hours.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a merit-based scholarship, but Norway’s standard state student finance scheme; the funding is therefore an entitlement, not a competitive award. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive it. The most important factor is how much of the loan will later be converted into a non-repayable grant. This depends on whether you live away from home, complete your degree and meet the income thresholds. Apply for the funding well in advance so that the money is in your account by the start of the term.