Scholarship For Developing Country In Norway

Pathway to Fjords and Futures: A Comprehensive Guide to Scholarships for Developing Countries in Norway

Embark on an enriching academic journey in Norway! Nestled amidst breathtaking fjords and steeped in rich Viking history, Norway offers a unique and rewarding educational experience for students from developing countries. This comprehensive guide delves into the exciting world of scholarships specifically designed to support students from developing nations pursuing undergraduate or Master’s degrees in Norway.

Understanding the Focus on Developing Countries

Norway, a global leader in human development and international cooperation, recognizes the transformative power of education. By offering scholarships specifically for students from developing countries, Norway aims to:

Promote Capacity Building: Scholarships empower students from developing countries to acquire valuable knowledge and skills in their chosen fields. Upon returning home, these graduates contribute to the development of their communities by sharing their expertise and fostering innovation.
Foster Cultural Exchange: Educational exchange programs create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to learn from each other. This exchange fosters cross-cultural understanding and builds bridges between Norway and developing countries.
Address Global Challenges: Many scholarships specifically target fields of study relevant to global challenges faced by developing countries, such as sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and public health. Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address these issues contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Exploring Scholarship Opportunities

A range of scholarship options cater to students from developing countries seeking to pursue undergraduate or Master’s degrees in Norway. Here are some key categories to explore:

Norwegian Quota Scheme: This prestigious government-funded program offers full or partial scholarships to students from specific developing countries with whom Norway wishes to strengthen cultural and academic ties. Scholarships are awarded in designated fields of study deemed mutually beneficial for development. Check the official website of the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research for updated information on eligible countries, fields of study, and application deadlines.
State Educational Loan Fund (Statens lånekasse for utdanning): This government agency offers loans and grants specifically for international Master’s students from developing countries studying in Norway. A portion of the loan can be converted into a grant upon successful completion of your studies and meeting specific criteria, such as returning to your home country for a certain period after graduation.
University-Specific Scholarships: Many Norwegian universities offer merit-based scholarships specifically for international students from developing countries. These scholarships are highly competitive and typically awarded to students with outstanding academic records, strong motivation, and exceptional potential in their chosen field. Explore the websites of individual universities you’re interested in to discover their scholarship offerings, application procedures, and deadlines. Universities often provide detailed information on eligibility criteria, required documents, and selection processes.
External Scholarships: A wide range of organizations and foundations worldwide offer scholarships specifically for students from developing countries to study abroad, including Norway. These scholarships can be based on various criteria, such as your field of study, your demonstrated financial need, or your commitment to social development in your home country.
- Research scholarship opportunities offered by organizations relevant to your field of study: Look into professional associations, industry-specific foundations, or development agencies that might offer scholarships for students from developing countries pursuing studies in those areas.
- Explore scholarship programs offered by your home country’s government or educational institutions: These programs might provide financial support specifically for studying abroad in Norway or other developed countries.

Building a Strong Application for Scholarships Designed for Developing Countries

Securing a scholarship in Norway requires a well-crafted application that showcases your academic merit, potential for success, and alignment with the scholarship’s objectives. Here’s a roadmap to guide you through the process, with specific considerations for students from developing countries:

Research and Identify Scholarships: Begin your journey by thoroughly researching scholarships available for students from developing countries. Explore resources like the websites of the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, individual universities you’re interested in, and scholarship databases dedicated to students from developing countries.
Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship you identify. Ensure you meet all the requirements, such as academic qualifications, nationality restrictions (if any), language proficiency, and intended field of study. Don’t waste time applying for scholarships you don’t qualify for.
Application Deadlines: Set clear timelines and adhere to application deadlines strictly. Missing deadlines is an automatic disqualification for most scholarships. Mark important deadlines on your calendar and set reminders to ensure timely submission.
Required Documents: Applications typically require various documents, including academic transcripts, standardized test scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, and a motivational letter (also known as a statement of purpose). Gather all necessary documents well in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Academic Transcripts: Request official English translations of your academic transcripts from your home institution. Ensure transcripts include your grades, coursework completed, and any relevant distinctions you’ve earned.
Standardized Test Scores (if applicable): Some scholarships or Master’s programs might require standardized test scores like the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Register for these tests well in advance and achieve scores that meet the program or scholarship’s requirements.
Letters of Recommendation: Request strong letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your academic abilities and potential. Ideally, these professors should have taught you core courses in your field of study or supervised your research projects. Provide clear instructions to your recommenders, including your CV or a copy of your application essay (if possible), and any relevant information about the scholarship or program.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: Prepare a well-structured CV or resume that highlights your academic achievements, relevant work experience (if any), research skills, volunteer experiences, and awards or recognitions. Tailor your CV to each scholarship or program application, emphasizing skills and experiences relevant to their specific requirements.
Motivational Letter (Statement of Purpose) – Highlighting Your Background: This is your chance to tell your story and convince the scholarship committee of your qualifications and aspirations. Here are some key aspects to consider, with a focus on your background as a student from a developing country:
- Academic Background: Outline your academic journey, highlighting relevant coursework, achievements, and any distinctions you’ve earned. Demonstrate how your academic background prepares you for the chosen field of study in Norway. Mention any challenges you’ve faced in your educational journey and how you’ve overcome them. Perhaps you had limited access to resources or had to balance your studies with work or family commitments. Highlighting your resilience and resourcefulness can be impressive to the scholarship committee.
- Unique Perspective: As a student from a developing country, you bring a unique perspective to the classroom. Highlight the specific knowledge, experiences, or cultural understanding you possess that can enrich the learning environment in Norway. Perhaps you’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by developing communities or have insights into how to address issues relevant to your field of study within your home country context.
- Commitment to Development: Many scholarships designed for developing countries prioritize students who demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries. Articulate your long-term goals and how your studies in Norway will equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact upon returning home. Perhaps you plan to work in government institutions, NGOs, or the private sector, focusing on areas like sustainable development, education reform, or public health improvement. Highlighting specific initiatives or projects you’d like to contribute to showcases your genuine desire to use your education to benefit your home country.
- Highlighting Specific Needs (if applicable): Some scholarships might consider financial need. If applicable, explain the economic challenges you face in pursuing your studies abroad. Quantify your expenses and highlight any limitations on your ability to self-finance your education in Norway. However, ensure the focus of your essay remains on your academic merit and potential, not solely on financial need.
- Writing Style: Maintain a clear, concise, and professional writing style. Proofread meticulously to eliminate errors and ensure your statement is well-organized and engaging.
Tailoring Your Application: Avoid generic applications. Tailor each application to the specific scholarship or program, highlighting aspects that resonate with their unique criteria and focus areas designed to support students from developing countries. Demonstrate a genuine understanding of the scholarship or program’s objectives and how your background and goals align with their mission.
Extracurricular Activities and Achievements: While academic achievements are crucial, showcasing your well-roundedness can strengthen your application. Highlight participation in extracurricular activities, sports teams, student organizations, or volunteer work, particularly if these initiatives focused on social development or community service within your home country. These experiences demonstrate initiative, leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and a commitment to social responsibility. Quantify your impact whenever possible. Did you lead a community development project? Mention the specific goals, your role, and the positive outcomes achieved.
Demonstrated Interest in Norway and Sustainable Practices: Highlight your interest in learning from Norway’s well-established reputation for sustainability practices. Perhaps you’re interested in studying renewable energy or sustainable development and see Norway as a leader in these fields. Mention how your education can contribute to addressing environmental challenges in your home country.
Preparation for Interviews (if applicable): Some scholarships might involve interview stages. Research the scholarship or program thoroughly and anticipate potential interview questions. Practice your responses beforehand, focusing on clarity, enthusiasm, and how your qualifications and background as a student from a developing country align with the scholarship’s objectives.
Patience and Persistence: The scholarship application process can be competitive. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive an award on your first try. Gain experience from each application cycle, refine your approach, and keep applying for relevant scholarships designed to support students from developing countries. Persistence can pay off in the long run.

Additional Tips for Scholarship Success as a Student from a Developing Country

In addition to the general strategies outlined previously, here are some specific considerations to enhance your chances of securing a scholarship in Norway as a student from a developing country:

Highlight Language Skills: While some programs might offer courses in English, proficiency in Norwegian can significantly strengthen your application, especially for scholarships designed to promote cultural exchange. Demonstrate your commitment to learning Norwegian by enrolling in language courses or online resources. Even basic conversational skills showcase your initiative and respect for the local language.
Research Country-Specific Scholarships: Many governments and organizations offer scholarships specifically for students from developing countries to study in Norway. Explore scholarship opportunities offered by your home country’s government, educational institutions, or Norwegian embassies in your region.
Network with Alumni and Development Organizations: Connect with alumni from your home country who have studied in Norway on scholarships. They can provide valuable insights into the application process, cultural adjustment tips, and navigating student life in Norway. Additionally, development organizations working in your country might offer scholarship opportunities or resources to support students pursuing studies abroad.
Focus on Capacity Building: Scholarships designed for developing countries often prioritize students who demonstrate a commitment to “capacity building.” This means using the knowledge and skills acquired through your studies to contribute to the development of your home country. Highlight how your chosen field of study aligns with national development goals and showcase your long-term vision for applying your education to address challenges within your home community.
Financial Sustainability Plan: Even with scholarship support, there might be additional living expenses to consider. Develop a realistic financial plan that outlines your anticipated costs and explores options for managing them.
Language Skills: While proficiency in Norwegian might not always be mandatory, demonstrating an effort to learn the language showcases your commitment to integrating into Norwegian society and highlights your cultural sensitivity. Explore online language resources or consider enrolling in basic Norwegian courses before your application.
Research Norwegian Partner Institutions: Some Norwegian universities have established partnerships with universities in developing countries. These partnerships might offer dedicated scholarship opportunities for students from those institutions. Explore the websites of Norwegian universities you’re interested in to discover potential partner institutions in your home country.
Highlight Personal Resilience: Many students from developing countries overcome significant challenges to pursue higher education. Share your story of overcoming adversity, financial limitations, or limited access to resources. Highlighting your perseverance and determination can leave a positive impression on the scholarship committee.
Demonstrate Strong Work Ethic: Showcase your dedication to academic excellence and your commitment to achieving your goals. Mention any academic awards or recognitions you’ve received and emphasize your strong work ethic.