Lanekassen - Lanekassen

What Lånekassen gives you

Lånekassen is Norway’s state fund for student loans and grants. It helps you to complete a full degree programme or individual courses abroad, outside the Nordic countries. If you are studying in Brazil, India, Japan, China, South Africa or South Korea, you can receive a study grant of approximately 610 EUR per month (4,493 NOK) for up to 10 months. The main funding consists of a student loan of up to approximately 15,600 EUR per year (170,368 NOK over 11 months). Up to 40% of this loan can be converted into a grant, which you will never have to repay. To receive this support, you must live away from your parents’ home, complete your studies and keep your income and savings below specified limits. In addition to the loan, you will receive a travel allowance to help you get to your country of study. If your higher education institution charges high tuition fees and is on the Lånekassen’s list of approved institutions, you may be eligible for an additional grant to cover these fees.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Norwegian citizen. If you are not a Norwegian citizen but live in Norway, you may also be eligible, but only subject to stricter conditions and provided you have a clear connection to Norway.
• Level: You are studying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree, either a full degree programme or individual modules at Bachelor’s level or above.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Where you study: You are studying abroad, outside the Nordic region, on a recognised degree programme.
• Study place: You have already been offered a place at university before you apply.
• Full time and on campus: You are studying full-time (at least 30 credit points per semester) at a physical campus. If you are studying entirely online, you can still obtain a loan to cover your tuition fees, but you will not be eligible for the full funding package.
• Income and savings: Your income and savings determine what proportion of the loan is granted as a grant and how much financial support you will receive.

How to apply

You apply for funding online via Lånekassen as soon as you have been offered a place at university, but no earlier than mid-May. The application for the whole year or the autumn semester must be submitted by 15 November, and the application for the spring semester by 15 March. There is no interview. Lånekassen makes its decision based on the documents you submit, and you must reapply each year.

How realistic are your chances?

This is state funding, not a competitive scholarship. If you are a Norwegian national (or have eligible residency) and meet the entry requirements, you will receive the funding without having to compete for a limited number of places. The most important thing is that you have secured a place at university, are studying full-time at a higher education institution, and submit your application by the deadline. Keep your income and savings below the specified limits and complete your degree if you want the largest possible proportion to be converted into a grant that you will never have to repay.