Norway 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

No fees for either full- or part-time students at public higher education institutions, which cater for over 85 % of all students in Norway.

Government-dependent as well as independent private higher education institutions may on certain conditions charge tuition fees, and these fees must be used to benefit students.

International students are treated as home students, and do not pay fees at public higher education institutions.

HEIs may charge tuition fees for certain specialised/tailored courses within continuing and further education aimed at people in employment.

Student grants

Norwegian students (both part-time and full-time) are entitled to basic support (loans and grants) from the State Educational Loan Fund (NSELF). The maximum basic support is NOK 103 950 per academic year (10 months), which is initially given as a loan. However, 40 % of the loan may be converted to a 'state educational grant' for students who live away from their parents and pass all exams. The grant will be reduced if the student's income exceeds NOK 172 595 or have assets exceeding NOK 392 662. The amount of the basic support is universal for all students who are eligible for financial support. The maximum amount of the grant is NOK 41 580.

Students under 25 years of age may also receive a grant for travel costs. Students taking care of children may receive a grant for each child under the age of 16 (NOK 16 200). Students on parental leave can be given a grant for up to 49 weeks. Students who cannot study because of illness may have the loan converted into a grant for up to four months and 15 days per academic year. Physically disabled students can receive an extra grant (NOK 35 490) if they are unable to work during their studies, and they may also receive basic support for twelve months per year.

There is full portability of NSELF loans and grants for both exchange and degree students studying abroad. After graduation, the student will receive a repayment programme stipulating how much s/he has to pay and a prognosis for the repayment period. Interest is calculated from the first day of the month following graduation, and also if s/he interrupts his/her education or is no longer entitled to financial support. Repayment normally starts in monthly installments seven months after graduation. The amount varies according to the size of the debt and the length of the repayment period. The most common repayment period for students with NOK 300 000 debt is 20 years.

Loans

Norwegian students (both part-time and full-time) are entitled to basic support (loans and grants) from the State Educational Loan Fund (NSELF). The maximum basic support is NOK 103 950 per academic year (10 months), which is initially given as a loan. However, 40 % of the loan may be converted to a 'state educational grant' for students who live away from their parents and pass all exams. The grant will be reduced if the student's income exceeds NOK 172 595 or have assets exceeding NOK 392 662. The amount of the basic support is universal for all students who are eligible for financial support. The maximum amount of the grant is NOK 41 580.

Students under 25 years of age may also receive a grant for travel costs. Students taking care of children may receive a grant for each child under the age of 16 (NOK 16 200). Students on parental leave can be given a grant for up to 49 weeks. Students who cannot study because of illness may have the loan converted into a grant for up to four months and 15 days per academic year. Physically disabled students can receive an extra grant (NOK 35 490) if they are unable to work during their studies, and they may also receive basic support for twelve months per year.

There is full portability of NSELF loans and grants for both exchange and degree students studying abroad. After graduation, the student will receive a repayment programme stipulating how much s/he has to pay and a prognosis for the repayment period. Interest is calculated from the first day of the month following graduation, and also if s/he interrupts his/her education or is no longer entitled to financial support. Repayment normally starts in monthly installments seven months after graduation. The amount varies according to the size of the debt and the length of the repayment period. The most common repayment period for students with NOK 300 000 debt is 20 years.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances play no role in the student support system.

Family allowances

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances play no role in the student support system.