Aker Scholarship in Norway for Master’s & PhD at Top Universities 2027

Explore the Aker Scholarship in Norway for Master’s and PhD studies at Harvard, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, and other top universities. Learn eligibility, benefits, application process, deadline, and how to apply successfully.

Aker Scholarship in Norway

Studying at universities like Harvard, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, or Caltech is a dream for many ambitious students. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses often makes these opportunities seem out of reach. What if there was a scholarship that not only helped fund your studies at some of the world’s most prestigious universities but also guided you throughout the entire application journey? The Aker Scholarship is one of Norway’s most prestigious scholarship programs, designed to support outstanding Norwegian students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees abroad. Beyond financial assistance, it offers mentorship, application guidance, and long-term support, making it one of the most valuable international education opportunities available.

Aker Scholarship Overview

The Aker Scholarship is a highly competitive grant established to help academically outstanding Norwegian students pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at some of the world’s highest-ranked universities. The scholarship is administered by the Aker Scholarship Foundation and aims to develop future leaders who will contribute positively to academia, business, research, innovation, and society. Unlike many traditional scholarships, the Aker Scholarship is designed to complement existing financial support rather than replace it. This means recipients typically complete their degrees without taking on significant additional student debt. Even more importantly, scholars receive personalized guidance throughout the university application process and continued support during their studies.

The scholarship is open to applicants from all academic disciplines, provided they gain admission to one of the approved partner universities. The foundation looks beyond academic excellence by also considering leadership potential, ambition, social engagement, and a genuine commitment to making a meaningful impact on society. One unique aspect of the Aker Scholarship is that it usually requires applicants to apply for the scholarship before submitting applications to their chosen universities. Successful candidates receive a conditional scholarship offer, which becomes official once they secure admission to an eligible institution.

Aker Scholarship Program Details for International Study

• Host Organization: Aker Scholarship Foundation
• Study Destination: United States, United Kingdom, Singapore
• Funded By: Aker Scholarship Foundation
• Application Portal Link: Official Application Portal
• Degree Level: Master’s Degree, PhD
• Scholarship Type: Merit-Based Grant (Supplementary Funding)
• Number of Scholarships: Not officially specified (Highly Competitive)
• Maximum Funding: Individual funding package determined based on financial needs and other available funding sources
• Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s and Doctoral)
• Duration: Entire duration of the approved Master’s or PhD program (subject to scholarship terms)
• Application Deadline: 12 September 2026
• Program Start: Generally Autumn intake of the following academic year (or in some cases the same autumn depending on university admission)

Eligibility Criteria for the Aker Scholarship in Norway

To receive an Aker Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate significantly more than excellent academic performance. The selection committee evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic achievements, leadership qualities, long-term ambitions, and their potential contribution to society.

Applicants are generally expected to meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Outstanding academic record with consistently excellent grades.
• Eligible to apply for a Master’s or PhD degree.
• Planning to study at one of the approved partner universities.
• Applying for a full-time degree program.
• Strong motivation to contribute positively to society.
• Demonstrated leadership potential.
• Commitment to academic excellence.
• Active engagement in extracurricular, voluntary, entrepreneurial, research, or community activities is considered an advantage.
• Willingness to complete the full degree abroad.
• Exchange programs, online degrees, and part-time programs are not eligible.
• Applicants normally apply to the Aker Scholarship before applying to their chosen universities.

What Does the Selection Committee Look For?

The Aker Scholarship Foundation seeks applicants who demonstrate:

• Exceptional academic achievements.
• Ambitious long-term career goals.
• Strong work ethic and perseverance.
• Leadership qualities.
• Passion for solving societal challenges.
• Commitment to innovation and research.
• Interest in creating positive change nationally or globally.
• Personal integrity and responsibility.
• Ability to maximize the opportunity provided by world-class education.

Rather than focusing solely on grades, the foundation aims to identify individuals who have the potential to become future leaders in academia, business, technology, healthcare, engineering, public policy, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

Eligible Study Fields and Master’s & PhD Programs Supported by the Aker Scholarship

One of the biggest advantages of the Aker Scholarship is that it is open to students from all academic disciplines. As long as your intended Master’s or PhD program is offered by one of the approved universities, your field of study can be considered.

Engineering, Technology & Applied Sciences

Available programs may include:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Sustainable Energy Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Data Engineering

Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

Available programs include:

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Data Science
• Data Analytics
• Cybersecurity
• Software Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Systems
• Cloud Computing
• Quantum Computing
• Computational Science
• Computer Vision
• Natural Language Processing
• Robotics and Intelligent Systems

Business, Economics & Management Programs

Students may pursue:

• MBA
• Master of Finance
• Economics
• Business Analytics
• Accounting
• International Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Management
• Marketing
• Innovation Management
• Financial Engineering
• Public Policy
• Organizational Leadership

Medical, Health & Life Sciences

Eligible programs include:

• Medicine
• Public Health
• Global Health
• Biotechnology
• Bioengineering
• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Research
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy

Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Students may apply for:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Marine Science
• Astronomy
• Geophysics
• Climate Science

Social Sciences, Humanities & Law

Supported disciplines include:

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Public Administration
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Anthropology
• History
• Philosophy
• Linguistics
• Law
• International Law
• Human Rights
• Public Policy

Architecture, Design & Creative Disciplines

Programs may include:

• Architecture
• Urban Planning
• Landscape Architecture
• Industrial Design
• Product Design
• Sustainable Design
• Digital Media
• Design Innovation

Agriculture, Sustainability & Environmental Programs

Students can pursue:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Security
• Sustainable Development
• Climate Change Studies
• Environmental Management
• Renewable Energy
• Conservation Biology
• Natural Resource Management

Education & Interdisciplinary Studies

Available programs include:

• Education Policy
• Educational Leadership
• Curriculum Development
• Learning Sciences
• Higher Education Administration
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Global Development Studies
• Science Communication

The flexibility of the Aker Scholarship means applicants are not restricted to a narrow list of majors. Instead, the foundation encourages talented students across diverse academic fields to pursue advanced education at globally recognized institutions, provided their chosen Master’s or PhD program is offered by one of the approved universities.

Application Requirements for the Aker Scholarship

To submit a competitive Aker Scholarship application, applicants must provide a complete and well-prepared application package. Since the scholarship is awarded to academically outstanding students with leadership potential, every document should demonstrate academic excellence, motivation, and the ability to contribute positively to society.

The Aker Scholarship application is completed online through the official application portal. Applicants normally apply for the scholarship before submitting applications to their chosen universities. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, and successful applicants receive a conditional scholarship offer that becomes official after admission to an eligible university.
Applicants should prepare the following before starting their application:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Excellent academic transcripts and grades
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Professional and academic references
• Personal achievements and awards
• Leadership experience
• Volunteer or community engagement activities
• Research experience (if applicable)
• Internships or professional work experience
• Motivation for studying abroad
• Career goals and future contribution to society
• Details of the intended Master’s or PhD program
• Information about the selected university
• Supporting documents requested by the Aker Scholarship Foundation
• Valid identification documents when required
• Any additional documentation demonstrating academic or professional excellence

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all uploaded documents are accurate, well-organized, and submitted before the application deadline. Incomplete applications may not be considered during the evaluation process.

Required Documents for the Aker Scholarship Application

Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their online application:

• Completed online scholarship application form
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts from all completed higher education studies
• Degree certificates (if available)
• Recent grading scale explanation (if applicable)
• Two or more letters of recommendation
• Contact details of academic or professional referees
• Statement outlining academic achievements and career ambitions
• Documentation of leadership experience
• Certificates of extracurricular or volunteer activities
• Research publications (if applicable)
• Internship or employment certificates (if applicable)
• Awards, honors, or scholarships previously received
• Valid passport or national identification document (if requested)
• Any additional supporting documents requested by the Aker Scholarship Foundation

Applicants should carefully review the official application portal before submission, as document requirements may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances.

English Language Requirements for the Aker Scholarship & Partner Universities

The Aker Scholarship itself does not prescribe a separate English language examination. However, applicants must satisfy the language admission requirements of the university where they intend to study. Since all approved universities are internationally recognized institutions, applicants should expect to demonstrate English proficiency if their previous education does not qualify them for an exemption.
Accepted English language tests commonly include:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
• Cambridge English Qualifications
• Duolingo English Test (accepted by some partner universities)

Each university determines its own minimum language scores. Therefore, applicants should always verify the exact requirements on the admission page of their selected institution.

IELTS Requirements for the Aker Scholarship

The Aker Scholarship Foundation does not specify a mandatory IELTS score. Instead, applicants must fulfill the English language requirements established by the university where they seek admission.

Typical IELTS requirements at leading universities are:

• Overall IELTS score of 7.0-7.5 for most Master’s programs
• Overall IELTS score of 7.5 or higher for competitive professional programs
• Individual band score requirements may also apply depending on the institution
• Some universities accept equivalent TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English, or Duolingo scores

Several universities may waive IELTS if applicants meet exemption criteria, such as completing previous education in English or studying in countries where English is the primary language of instruction.
Countries and universities where studying abroad without IELTS may be possible (subject to university policies) include:

• Norway
• Germany
• Sweden
• Finland
• Denmark
• Netherlands
• Ireland
• Australia (selected universities)
• United Kingdom (selected universities)
• Canada (selected universities)
• United States (selected universities)

Many institutions accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate or other recognized evidence of English proficiency instead of IELTS. Applicants should always confirm the latest admission policy directly with their chosen university.

Is a Supervisor Required for the Aker Scholarship? | Master’s vs PhD Guide

Whether a supervisor is required depends on the degree level you intend to pursue.

For Master’s Programs

• A supervisor is generally not required before applying. Most Master’s programs admit students through the university’s standard admissions process, and supervisors are assigned later if necessary.

For PhD Programs

• A supervisor is often required or highly recommended, depending on the university and department. Many doctoral programs expect applicants to identify a potential research supervisor before admission.

Strategy for PhD Applicants

To strengthen your application:

• Research faculty members whose interests match your research area.
• Read recent publications from potential supervisors.
• Prepare a concise and professional research introduction.
• Contact potential supervisors well before university deadlines.
• Clearly explain how your research aligns with their expertise.
• Demonstrate your academic background and research experience.
• Attach an updated CV and relevant publications when contacting faculty members.
• Maintain professional communication and follow up respectfully if necessary.

Securing support from a potential supervisor can significantly improve your chances of admission to competitive PhD programs, although final requirements vary by university. For Master’s applicants, the priority should be building a strong academic profile, writing compelling application essays, obtaining excellent recommendation letters, and meeting all admission requirements for the chosen university.

Benefits of the Aker Scholarship

The Aker Scholarship is much more than a financial award. It is a long-term investment in talented students who aspire to study at some of the world’s best universities and later contribute to society through leadership, innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and public service.

Unlike many international scholarships that only cover tuition or living expenses, the Aker Scholarship combines financial support, expert application guidance, mentorship, and continuous follow-up throughout your studies. The scholarship is designed to complement other available funding so that recipients can focus on academic excellence without accumulating substantial additional student debt.

Financial Benefits of the Aker Scholarship

The exact funding package varies according to the applicant’s financial circumstances, study destination, tuition fees, and other funding sources. The scholarship is individually assessed rather than offering a fixed amount.

Recipients may benefit from:

• Financial grant that complements existing scholarships and student financial aid
• Support covering a significant portion of tuition costs, depending on individual circumstances
• Assistance with living expenses where applicable
• Reduced need for additional student loans during the degree program
• Funding throughout the approved Master’s or PhD program, subject to scholarship conditions
• Long-term financial security while studying at world-leading universities
• Opportunity to focus on academic and research excellence instead of financial pressure
• Conditional funding guaranteed once admission is secured at an eligible university

Since tuition fees differ substantially between institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, Caltech, the University of Pennsylvania, and the National University of Singapore, funding packages are tailored to each scholar’s needs.

Is the Aker Scholarship fully funded?
The Aker Scholarship is a grant that complements other financial support rather than a traditional fully funded scholarship with a fixed funding package. The amount awarded varies according to the student’s financial needs, tuition fees, study destination, and other available funding sources. In most cases, recipients can complete their Master’s or PhD studies without taking on significant additional student loans.

Additional Benefits Beyond Financial Support

The Aker Scholarship is widely recognized because of the extensive support it provides beyond monetary funding.
Recipients enjoy numerous additional advantages, including:

• Personalized guidance throughout the university application process
• Expert feedback on university applications
• Assistance with application strategy and planning
• Advice on preparing competitive admission documents
• Ongoing mentoring before departure
• Continuous follow-up during the entire study period
• Access to a network of highly accomplished Aker Scholars
• Opportunities to connect with talented students across multiple disciplines
• Exposure to internationally renowned professors and researchers
• Development of leadership and communication skills
• Global networking opportunities with future innovators and decision-makers
• Enhanced career prospects after graduation
• Increased competitiveness in international job markets
• Strong academic and professional credibility
• Freedom to pursue careers in academia, research, business, entrepreneurship, government, or non-profit organizations
• No contractual obligation regarding where graduates must work after completing their degree

One of the most valuable aspects of the scholarship is that there are no employment restrictions after graduation. Scholars are encouraged to contribute positively to society in whatever career path they choose.

Can international students apply for the Aker Scholarship?
No. The Aker Scholarship is specifically designed for academically outstanding Norwegian students who plan to pursue a full-time Master’s or PhD degree at one of the approved partner universities. International students who are not eligible under the foundation’s criteria cannot apply.

Program Duration, Timeline & Selection Process

The Aker Scholarship follows a structured annual selection process that begins several months before university applications are submitted. Applicants generally apply for the scholarship approximately one year before beginning their Master’s or PhD studies. Successful candidates first receive a conditional scholarship offer. The scholarship becomes official after they secure admission to one of the approved partner universities.

Typical Scholarship Timeline

Actual university admission dates vary depending on the institution and academic program.

How Are Applicants Selected?

The Aker Scholarship Foundation conducts a holistic assessment of every application. Selection is based on academic excellence as well as an applicant’s potential to create meaningful impact in society.
The evaluation generally considers:

• Academic achievements
• University readiness
• Leadership potential
• Personal motivation
• Career ambitions
• Social engagement
• Research potential
• Professional achievements
• Community involvement
• Quality of recommendation letters
• Interview performance
• Long-term contribution to society

Applicants with outstanding grades alone are not automatically selected. The foundation seeks individuals who combine academic excellence with ambition, integrity, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to making a positive difference.

Do I need admission before applying for the Aker Scholarship?
No. One unique feature of the Aker Scholarship is that applicants normally apply before submitting university applications. If selected, candidates receive a conditional scholarship offer. The scholarship becomes official once they are admitted to one of the approved universities and accept the admission offer.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Aker Scholarship

Applying for the Aker Scholarship requires careful preparation. Following the correct sequence can significantly improve your chances of success.

• Review the eligibility criteria on the official Aker Scholarship website.
• Research the approved partner universities and identify the Master’s or PhD program that aligns with your academic goals.
• Prepare a professional Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Collect official academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Request strong letters of recommendation from professors or professional referees.
• Document leadership experience, extracurricular activities, research projects, and community involvement.
• Prepare all required supporting documents.
• Complete the online Aker Scholarship application before 12 September 2026.
• Submit your application through the official scholarship portal.
• Wait for the scholarship committee to review applications.
• Attend an interview if shortlisted.
• Participate in reference verification if requested.
• Receive a conditional scholarship offer if selected.
• Begin preparing university applications with guidance from the Aker Scholarship team.
• Complete standardized tests required by your chosen university (such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT if applicable).
• Submit university admission applications before each institution’s deadline.
• Receive an admission offer from an eligible university.
• Accept the university admission offer.
• Receive official confirmation of your Aker Scholarship funding.
• Prepare visa documents and travel arrangements.
• Begin your Master’s or PhD studies at one of the world’s leading universities with ongoing support from the Aker Scholarship Foundation.

Following this structured process ensures that applicants can take full advantage of the scholarship’s financial support, expert mentoring, and guidance throughout both the admission process and their academic journey.

Application Deadline & Important Dates for the Aker Scholarship

The Aker Scholarship follows an annual application cycle. Since applicants generally apply for the scholarship before submitting applications to their chosen universities, it is essential to begin preparing several months in advance.

Below is the latest application timeline based on the official Aker Scholarship schedule.

Important Notes

• Late applications are generally not accepted.
• Applicants should begin preparing documents several months before the deadline.
• Recommendation letters should be requested early.
• University admission deadlines vary by institution.
• Standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT (if required) should be completed well before university application deadlines.
• Always verify the latest dates on the official Aker Scholarship website before applying.

Participating Universities

The Aker Scholarship supports students admitted to a select group of globally recognized universities consistently ranked among the best in the world.

The approved partner universities include:

• California Institute of Technology (Caltech), United States
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
• Harvard University, United States
• Stanford University, United States
• University of Pennsylvania, United States
• University of Oxford, United Kingdom
• University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Imperial College London, United Kingdom
• National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore

These institutions are internationally recognized for excellence in:

• Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Medicine
• Public Health
• Law
• Business
• Economics
• Public Policy
• Natural Sciences
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Climate Science
• Sustainability
• Entrepreneurship
• Innovation
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Biotechnology

The scholarship does not support studies at universities outside this approved list.

Why Apply for the Aker Scholarship?

The Aker Scholarship is regarded as one of Norway’s most prestigious international scholarship opportunities. It combines financial assistance with professional guidance, enabling talented students to compete successfully for admission to world-class universities.

Reasons to apply include:

• Study at globally ranked universities.
• Receive financial support throughout your degree.
• Reduce the need for additional student loans.
• Access personalized university application guidance.
• Receive mentoring from experienced professionals.
• Join an outstanding network of Aker Scholars.
• Build international academic and professional connections.
• Learn from world-leading researchers and professors.
• Improve global career opportunities.
• Gain internationally recognized qualifications.
• Develop leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Pursue careers in academia, research, technology, healthcare, business, entrepreneurship, government, or international organizations.
• Receive support throughout your academic journey.
• No mandatory employment obligation after graduation.
• Opportunity to contribute positively to Norwegian and global society.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the Aker Scholarship

Many qualified applicants fail to receive scholarships because of avoidable mistakes. Careful preparation can significantly improve your chances.
Avoid these common errors:

• Missing the application deadline
• Uploading incomplete documents
• Providing outdated academic transcripts
• Submitting a weak or incomplete CV
• Choosing referees who cannot provide strong recommendations
• Ignoring leadership and extracurricular achievements
• Writing a generic motivation statement
• Failing to demonstrate societal impact
• Selecting an unsupported university
• Applying for exchange, part-time, or online programs
• Waiting until the last week to prepare the application
• Overlooking university-specific admission requirements
• Neglecting standardized test preparation
• Poor interview preparation
• Not researching your intended university thoroughly
• Failing to proofread application materials before submission

Strong applications combine excellent academics with leadership, ambition, integrity, and a clear vision for future contributions to society.

Career Prospects & Graduate Earnings

The Aker Scholarship itself does not provide a salary, as it is a grant supporting higher education. However, graduates from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, Caltech, the University of Pennsylvania, and NUS often enjoy exceptional career opportunities with highly competitive salaries.

Approximate annual graduate salary ranges (varying by country, employer, industry, and experience) include:

Graduates from these universities are highly sought after by multinational companies, research institutions, startups, consulting firms, investment banks, government agencies, and international organizations.

Aker Scholarship Acceptance Rate

The Aker Scholarship is extremely competitive. The foundation does not publish an official acceptance rate, as the number of applicants and awards varies annually. However, due to the limited number of scholarships and the exceptionally high caliber of applicants, the estimated acceptance rate is generally considered to be well below 10%. Applicants compete with some of Norway’s strongest students for admission to the world’s leading universities.

Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic performance.
• Exceptional leadership potential.
• Strong motivation.
• Clear long-term career goals.
• Evidence of community engagement.
• Excellent recommendation letters.
• Impressive extracurricular achievements.
• Strong interview performance.
• Genuine commitment to creating positive societal impact.

Because of the scholarship’s prestige and comprehensive support, applicants should prepare their materials months in advance and present a well-rounded profile that extends beyond academic excellence alone.

Apply Now to Secure Your Future in Norway

The Aker Scholarship is one of Norway’s most prestigious opportunities for ambitious students who aspire to earn a Master’s or PhD degree at globally recognized institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, Caltech, the University of Pennsylvania, and the National University of Singapore. Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship provides expert application guidance, mentorship, and continuous support throughout your academic journey. If you have an outstanding academic record, strong leadership potential, and a genuine desire to create positive change in society, this scholarship can become a life-changing investment in your future. Begin preparing your application early, gather all required documents, strengthen your university applications, and submit everything before the deadline. A world-class education, international professional network, and exceptional career opportunities could be just one successful application away.