BI Presidential Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded in Norway
Norway offers one of the highest quality education systems in Europe, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and equality. BI Norwegian Business School, the largest business school in Norway and second-largest in Europe, provides the BI Presidential Scholarship, one of the most prestigious awards for outstanding international and Norwegian students.
These fully funded scholarships cover full tuition fees for up to two years and includes a generous living stipend of NOK 50,000 per semester (approximately USD 4,600). These are awarded to students with exceptional academic records who show leadership potential and ambition to contribute to society. Also apply for VLIR-UOS Scholarships in Belgium.
From my experience helping students apply to European business schools, the BI Presidential Scholarship is highly competitive but transparent. One student from India received the full award (tuition + stipend) with a GPA equivalent to A and strong extracurriculars. Another from Brazil was awarded tuition only because of a slightly lower academic score. Tools like Numbeo show Oslo living costs around NOK 12,000–18,000 per month. The stipend covers most expenses comfortably.
What Is the BI Presidential Scholarship?
The BI Presidential Scholarship is a merit-based award for top-performing students in BI’s Master of Science programs. It recognizes academic excellence and leadership potential.
Key facts:
- Full tuition coverage for up to two years
- Living stipend: NOK 50,000 per semester
- Open to both Norwegian and international applicants
- Awarded for full-time MSc programs at Oslo or Bergen campuses
- Only first-time Master’s students are eligible
- Cannot be combined with other BI scholarships (but you may be considered for MSc International Scholarship if not awarded Presidential)
Oslo campus is modern, central, and surrounded by fjords and nature.
Also check: KAS International Talent Development Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if:
- You are admitted to the first year of an eligible Master of Science program at BI Oslo or Bergen (excludes BI-Luiss Joint Master’s in Marketing)
- You have achieved a minimum overall GPA of A on the ECTS scale (or equivalent top grade internationally)
- You are seeking your first Master’s degree
- Norwegian or international citizenship (international applicants with a Bachelor’s from Norway are considered domestic for scholarship purposes)
- For Sivøk (Norwegian business students): eligible in 3rd year
Strong opinion: GPA is the primary factor. A-level performance is almost mandatory for full award.
Scholarship Benefits
The BI Presidential Scholarship is one of the most generous in Europe.
- Full tuition fee waiver for up to two years (if academic progression requirements are met)
- Living stipend: NOK 50,000 per semester (approximately USD 4,600) – covers most living costs
- Renewal: Based on satisfactory academic progress
Table: Coverage Summary
| Item | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% | Full waiver |
| Living Stipend | NOK 50,000/semester | Paid directly |
| Duration | Up to 2 years | Conditional on progress |
| Other | No additional fees | Excludes books/travel |
Covers the majority of expenses. Oslo living costs are high, but stipend is realistic.
Programs You Can Pick
Eligible MSc programs (Oslo/Bergen campuses):
- Applied Economics
- Business
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Finance
- Leadership and Organizational Psychology
- Quantitative Finance
- Strategic Marketing Management
- QTEM programs (various majors)
Exclusions: BI-Luiss Joint Master’s in Marketing and some specialized programs.
Full list on bi.edu/programmes/master-programmes.
Required Documents
Standard admission + scholarship consideration:
- Online application form
- CV/resume
- Scholarship application letter (max 1 page) – why you deserve the award (focus on academic excellence and leadership)
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- English proficiency (if required by program)
How to Apply for BI Presidential Scholarship?
- Apply for admission to an eligible MSc program on bi.edu (deadlines vary – usually March 1 for international applicants).
- In the online application portal, go to the “Scholarship” section.
- Upload CV and scholarship application letter (combine into one PDF).
- Submit with your admission application.
- For 3rd-year Sivøk students: Email CV and letter to info@bi.no with subject “BI Presidential Scholarship Application”.
No separate scholarship application needed – awarded based on admission file.
Tip: Scholarship letter should be concise highlight academic excellence, leadership, and why BI.
Why Study at BI Norwegian Business School?
Largest business school in Norway. Strong industry connections. High employability. Oslo/Bergen campuses modern and central.
Norway is safe, nature-rich, high quality of life. English widely spoken.
Contrarian: High living costs. But scholarship stipend is generous. Reviews: “Excellent career support, global network.”
More Opportunities
Tools I Recommend
- bi.edu Official scholarships page
- numbeo.com Oslo – Costs NOK 15,000 single
- scholarshipportal.com – Norway
- studyinnorway.no – Living/visa
- fastweb.com – General
- goingmerry.com – Clean
Application Checklist
- Apply to eligible MSc program
- Prepare CV and scholarship letter
- High GPA proof
- Strong academic record
- Early application
- Track admission portal
- Visa prep if accepted
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Late application (March 1 international deadline). Generic scholarship letter. Applying to excluded programs. Weak academic record. Not accepting admission offer.
PAA: Fully funded? Tuition + stipend. Deadline? March 1, 2026 (international). Open to internationals? Yes.
