Studying in the USA may seem expensive at first glance, but fortunately Lånekassen offers strong financial support options for Norwegian students. Financing your studies in the USA is therefore often more accessible than many people think. Through Lånekassen, you can receive a combination of grants and loans that can cover a large portion of – and in many cases the entire cost of your studies. The funding can be used for:

• Tuition fees
• Housing and living expenses
• Insurance and books
• Travel expenses, including flights to and from the USA

How much funding you receive depends on the school and study program you choose. Many universities in the USA are pre-approved by Lånekassen, but it is always a good idea to check this before applying. After you have applied to a school through Calistudies, we will help you with the entire application process to Lånekassen. However, this can only be done after you have received an admission offer from your chosen school. Therefore, it is an advantage to apply to Calistudies well in advance. In addition to Lånekassen, there are several scholarships you can apply for to help finance your studies abroad.

How Much Can I Receive From Lånekassen?

How much support you can receive from Lånekassen depends on factors such as the school you choose, the cost of tuition, and the level of study you pursue. However, Norwegian students studying abroad can receive substantial financial support. For the 2025–2026 academic year, a student can receive up to approximately 540,000 NOK in total funding per year from Lånekassen, including base support, tuition fee support, and travel support.

The funding usually consists of three main components:

Base Support (Living Expenses)

All students can receive base support from Lånekassen. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the base loan is up to 166,859 NOK per year. This funding is intended to cover housing, food, and other living expenses during your studies. Although the base support is initially provided as a loan, up to 40% can be converted into a grant if you complete your studies and meet the requirements for income and residency.

Tuition Fee Support

If you study at a university abroad that charges tuition fees, you can also receive tuition fee support. For the 2025–2026 academic year, you can receive up to approximately 288,000 NOK per year in tuition fee support. The first portion of the funding consists of a combination of grants and loans, while the remainder is provided as a loan.

At certain selected universities with high tuition fees, you may also receive an additional grant of up to approximately 88,000 NOK per year.

In practice, this means that the total tuition fee support can reach approximately 376,000 NOK per year.

Travel Support

Students studying outside the Nordic countries can also receive support for travel to and from their place of study. For studies in North America, the travel support is approximately 22,700 NOK per year. Part of the travel support is provided as a grant, while the remainder is given as a loan.

Summary

For many Norwegian students, this means that Lånekassen can cover a large portion of the costs of studying in the USA. When combining base support, tuition fee support, and travel support, the total funding can exceed half a million NOK per academic year. Financing your studies in the USA through Lånekassen therefore makes studying abroad possible for many Norwegian students.

Calculate support from Lånekassen

Support from Lånekassen for Community College in the USA

Norwegian students can in many cases receive support from Lånekassen for studies at a community college in the USA. This particularly applies if you are pursuing an associate degree or a program that can be transferred to a university later. It is important that the school and program are accredited and approved for funding by Lånekassen. Many community colleges meet these requirements, making them a more affordable and flexible option for students who want to start their studies in the USA.

Scholarships

Some schools, particularly colleges and universities, also offer scholarships to students who qualify. To be awarded a scholarship, you often need to have a specific talent, such as in sports or music, or strong academic performance. In addition to any scholarships offered by your school in the USA, there are also opportunities to apply for other scholarships from sources such as your local municipality, organizations, or religious communities you are part of. Be sure to apply well in advance to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.

See which schools offer scholarships on the respective school presentation page.