BI Presidential Scholarship in Norway
You know that moment when you’re staring at a scholarship opportunity and thinking, Could this really change everything? The BI Presidential Scholarship is one of those rare chances — especially for ambitious students eyeing a Master of Science (MSc) at BI Norwegian Business School. If you’re someone who craves academic excellence, global exposure, and a supportive financial buffer, this might just be your ticket.
BI Norwegian Business School is not a small name. It’s the largest business school in Norway and carries the prestige of triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA), putting it in that elite “Triple Crown” category. (Wikipedia) The BI Presidential Scholarship is among its flagship scholarships, meant to attract stellar students — both local and international — to its MSc programmes on the Oslo or Bergen campuses.
I want this post to feel like a conversation: “Hey — here’s something you can aim for. Here’s how to make it real.” So let’s walk through what it is, why it matters, how you can qualify, what pitfalls to watch out for, and then answer your burning questions.
What Is the BI Presidential Scholarship?
At its core, this scholarship aims to reward academic excellence. It is awarded to applicants who have been admitted to an MSc programme at BI’s Oslo or Bergen campus and who demonstrate a record of superior academic achievement.
Depending on your status (Norwegian, domestic resident, or international), the benefits differ:
- Norwegian or domestic-resident applicants: The scholarship covers full tuition fees for up to two years, if you maintain required academic progress.
- International applicants: You also get the full tuition waiver, plus a stipend for living expenses (for each semester), for up to two years — again provided you hit the progression requirements.
To put it plainly: for the right candidate, this can shift studying in Norway from a stretch to something very possible.
One important nuance: scholarships are awarded based on merit, not on financial need.
Why This Scholarship Matters
Let me be frank: the cost barrier is real. Even in countries with relatively low tuition, moving, housing, books, and living costs can sink dreams. A scholarship like this doesn’t just reduce cost — it gives you the emotional freedom to pursue ambitious courses, internships, side research, or travel without constant financial strain.
Also, being a BI Presidential Scholar carries prestige. It signals to future employers or PhD programmes that you weren’t just good — you were exceptional. It also helps you build networks inside BI (some scholarship recipients act as “ambassadors” for the school) and stand out in a crowd. (Educate Africa)
Finally: Norway itself is a compelling study destination. The quality of life, safety, social services, and a strong economy make it alluring. Combine that with a top-tier business education, and you get both learning and living advantages.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria (and Tips to Maximize Your Chances)
Here’s where things get detailed — but trust me, having clarity helps you plan.
Academic Excellence
To even be considered, you need to have top grades. Specifically, candidates must have a minimum overall GPA of “A” on the ECTS scale (or an equivalent “top-level grade” on your country’s system). International degrees are converted to ECTS for evaluation.
Also, after you receive the scholarship (if awarded), you must maintain academic progression. That usually means passing a full load of credits (e.g. 30 ECTS per semester) and keeping a certain GPA threshold (often “B” on BI’s scale) to retain the scholarship in following semesters. (Educate Africa)
Program & Admission Requirements
- You must be admitted to a Master of Science (MSc) programme at BI’s Oslo or Bergen campus.
- One exception: if you’re currently in the third year of BI’s Siviløkonom (Sivøk) programme, you may apply during your 3rd year via a special process.
- The BI-Luiss Joint Masters in Marketing program is generally excluded from Presidential Scholarship eligibility.
Citizenship & Residency Conditions
- The scholarship is open to Norwegian and international applicants.
- If you’re an international student who completed your undergraduate degree in Norway, you may be treated as a domestic applicant in some respects.
Application Timing & Submission
- The deadline is March 1 (for both admission and scholarship) for the academic year. Apply here
- You don’t send scholarship applications by email (except in the case of third-year Siviløkonom students). Everything must be done through BI’s online portal.
- As part of your application, you’ll upload a CV (resume) and a one-page scholarship application letter explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
One tip: because this is merit-based, your letter should spotlight unique achievements, leadership, challenges overcome, research, or extracurriculars — not just repeat your GPA. Let your personality and vision peek through.
The Benefits (And What It Covers)
Let’s break down exactly what you get — not what you hear you might get.
| Benefit Type | Norwegian / Domestic Recipients | International Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Full tuition covered (per semester, up to two years) | Full tuition covered |
| Living stipend / expense support | — (i.e. not generally provided) (Handelshøyskolen BI) | A stipend for each semester (for up to two years) |
| Duration | Up to two years (if performance maintained) | Up to two years, contingent on meeting progression criteria |
| Other advantages | Prestige, networking, leadership opportunities | Same + financial relief that frees you to focus on studies |
The living stipend is not meant to cover everything. It aims to ease the burden, not eliminate it. Many recipients still budget, teach, freelance, or find part-time work to supplement. (Educate Africa)
How to Apply: Step-by-Step (with Little Hacks)
Here’s your roadmap, with a few breadcrumbs to help you avoid common stumbles:
- Choose your MSc programme at BI (Oslo or Bergen) and read its specific prerequisites (GMAT, courses, English test, etc.).
- Prepare your admission application, including transcripts, certifications, references, English test (if required), etc.
- When applying online, make sure to also fill in the “scholarship” section (a check box or similar) — you cannot separately email the scholarship (except the special case of Sivøk students).
- Upload your CV + one-page scholarship letter (as a PDF in the scholarship section). Use that page to tell a focused, genuine story.
- Submit everything before March 1, complete and clean — half a grade missing or a missing transcript can disqualify you.
- If you’re a Sivøk (Siviløkonom) student in year 3, you’ll send your CV & scholarship letter via email (info@bi.no)
- Accept your admission offer (even while waiting for the scholarship decision). Only candidates who accept admission are typically considered.
- Be patient — scholarship offers are sometimes sent later, not exactly with the admission letters.
- If you get the scholarship, read the fine print (terms, progression benchmarks, responsibilities as a “BI Ambassador”) and formally accept by the deadline.
Little tip: set reminders well before March 1 to gather transcripts, proofs, references. Also ask professors early for letters (if needed). The harder you prepare, the less you’re scrambling.
Challenges & Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- High competition: This is a prestigious, limited-slots scholarship. Many more applicants than awards.
- Maintaining performance: It’s not a “get and forget” deal — you have to keep your grades and credit load up. Falling behind may cost you the scholarship. (Educate Africa)
- Incomplete applications get rejected: Miss one document, and you’re out of consideration.
- Stipend doesn’t cover full cost: Especially for international students, housing and cost of living in Oslo/Bergen can be steep — you may need extra savings or part-time work.
- Scholarship decision timing: Because BI sometimes sends decisions separately and later in the cycle, you may feel anxious. Accept admission early so you don’t lose eligibility.
- Eligibility nuances: The BI-Luiss Marketing joint program is excluded, and not all degrees qualify; always double-check your programme.
- Mail submission exception (Sivøk): If you qualify via that path, you must email your letter to info@bi.no (special subject line). If you accidentally treat yourself as a regular applicant, they might disregard it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the questions I’ve noticed people ask (and the ones I’d ask if I were applying).
Q1: What is the deadline for the BI Presidential Scholarship?
The deadline is March 1 of the admission year. Be sure both your admission and scholarship materials are submitted by that date.
Q2: Which degree programmes qualify?
Only Master of Science (MSc) programmes at Oslo or Bergen campuses. The BI-Luiss Joint Master in Marketing is typically excluded.
Q3: Can Norwegian citizens apply?
Yes. Both Norwegian and international applicants are eligible. For Norwegian or domestic residents, the scholarship covers full tuition fees (without a stipend for living). )
Q4: How much is the stipend for international students?
The stipend is a fixed amount per semester to assist with living expenses. Recent reports suggest NOK 50,000 per semester (≈ €4,300) for international students. (Facebook)
Q5: Do I need to write more than one scholarship letter?
No — a single one-page scholarship application letter suffices (except for specific cases like the A. Wilhelmsen Foundation Scholarship, which is separate).
Q6: When will I know if I received the scholarship?
Scholarship decisions come after admission offers. BI typically notifies recipients by late April for MSc programmes.
Q7: If I don’t get the BI Presidential Scholarship, are there alternatives?
Yes — BI has other scholarships such as the Master of Science International Scholarship (for non-resident international students) and other departmental or foundation-based awards.
Q8: Am I allowed to apply if I already have a master’s degree?
No — only candidates seeking their first master’s degree are considered.
Q9: If I apply late (after March 1), can I still be considered?
No. Late or incomplete applications are generally not accepted.
Q10: What else can strengthen my application?
Beyond top grades, programs often weigh extracurriculars, research, leadership, international experience, or other achievements. These can help distinguish you when many applicants have stellar transcripts. (Educate Africa)
Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Could I really stand out?” — the answer is yes. You don’t need to have everything perfect, but you do need to approach this with intention, discipline, and clarity. Use the scholarship letter to tell your story: where you’ve been, what drives you, what you hope to build. Combine that with solid academics, clean documentation, and early preparation.
You could end up in Norway, studying among bright minds, building global networks, and doing it with financial support instead of fear. That’s worth taking the chance.
If you like, I can also help you draft a winning scholarship letter, or compare BI Presidential Scholarship with similar ones (in Europe, etc.). Want me to do that now?
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