In 2023, 300,000 full-time and part-time students in Norway received student loans that can be converted to grants, but 87,000 of them had their grants reduced, according to major media reports. High income was the main reason for grant reductions, affecting 64,000 people, or 73 percent of those with reductions, as reported by major media. Among young full-time students, 15 percent had their grants reduced in 2023, compared to 10 percent in 2014.
Part of the reason more students have their grants reduced than before is that there are more part-time students, who are often older than full-time students and more likely to have jobs and children or receive other benefits, according to the analysis. All students can receive student loans, and up to 40 percent of the loan can be converted to a grant when study credits and degree are completed. In 2026, the income limit for a full-year student is 234,821 kroner before tax, according to major media.
Students can have a total income before tax of about 400,000 kroner per year or 33,000 kroner per month without having their grant reduced. Research and Higher Education Minister Sigrun Aasland (Ap) is concerned about the development, according to Adresseavisen. She emphasized the importance of work experience but cautioned against excessive work that impacts studies, expressing a desire for more students on campus for better study quality and well-being.
The government has not specified what measures it is considering to address these concerns, and it is unclear how the income limit compares to average student income or living costs. The total number of students in Norway in 2023 is not provided to contextualize the 300,000 receiving loans, and potential regional or demographic variations in grant reductions remain unexamined.