Information for US Grantees

You have been awarded a Fulbright grant to study in Norway, and you are wondering what to do next? Use our checklist, tips and resources to help get you on your way and assist you throughout your time in Norway.

A good way to get started is to look at the checklist that explains what you need to do before you come to Norway, during your stay in Norway, and when you depart from Norway at the end of your grant period.

For a sense of what it is like to be a Fulbrighter in Norway, especially as a scholar with family members in tow, check out this video by Nathan Wolek 2012-13.

Before you come to Norway

As with any trip abroad there are preparation that must be made before you arrive in Norway to begin your experience as a Fulbright grantee. Among the most important (aside from making sure you have a valid electronically readable passport) are arranging housing and applying for a residence permit. (NB: You should not apply for a visa; American citizens must apply for a residence permit.)

Arrival and stay in Norway

Once you’ve arrived in Norway you’ll want to consult the  Arrival Checklist, which is a helpful resource that gives a step-by-step breakdown of what you need to do. During your Fulbright grant period in Norway you will be covered by the US Department of State Insurance Program. Once you have gotten settled in Norway there are various events that happen throughout the year, so be sure to stay updated. In addition to the events hosted by the Fulbright Commission you will also have the opportunity to apply for extra funding for travel to attend conferences/seminars in Europe. Be sure to stay up-to-date with Norwegian Holidays and seasonal time changes so you’re not caught off guard when the food store or university is unexpectedly closed. You will also be responsible for submitting a couple of reports throughout the year. You can read more about them here.

Leaving Norway

Unfortunately there will come a time when your grant period comes to an end. Be sure you’re prepared for everything you need to do in order to leave Norway by consulting our Departure Checklist.

Housing in Norway

Unfortunately, the Fulbright Office does not have the capacity to help every grantee find housing in Norway. Below, we have gathered some useful resources.

Residence Permits

All Fulbright grantees and their accompanying family members whose stay in mainland Norway will exceed three months must apply for residence via a “study permit” (grantee) or “family immigration” (grantee family members).

Norwegian Personal Number (Personnummer)

For all grantees and their family members who will live in Norway for more than 90 days

The personnummer is an 11-digit number which allows you to, among other things, open a bank account in Norway.

US Department of State Health Benefit Plan

As a part of the terms of your award, you are entitled to a basic health benefit plan for the period of your grant, plus direct traveling time from the U.S. to Norway and return travel. You are not eligible for health benefits during personal travel outside of Norway.

Departure Checklist

As you prepare to leave Norway, here’s a departure checklist that might be helpful for you.

Useful links

A list of useful links for international students and researchers to Norway.