Financial Assistance: Omgjøring (Loan to Grant) Rules 2025/2026

For most students, the goal is to convert 40% of their loan into a "stipend" (grant). However, starting in the academic year 2025/2026, the government has introduced a major tightening of the rules that shifts the financial risk onto the student.

1. The New "Degree Completion" Trap (25/15 Rule)

Previously, you got 40% of your loan converted just for passing exams. This is no longer true. From 2025/2026, the conversion is split into two parts:

  • 15% for Credits (Studiepoeng): You only get 15% of the loan converted for passing your exams semester by semester.
  • 25% for the Degree (Gradsomgjøring): You now have to complete the entire degree (Bachelor or Master) to get the remaining 25% converted.
  • The Risk: If you study for 2 years and then drop out or switch degrees without finishing, you lose that 25% "bonus" forever. You will be left with significantly higher debt than students under the old system.

2. The "Borteboer" Requirement (Living Away)

You cannot get a grant if you live with your parents. This is absolute.

  • The Rule: To qualify for any conversion, you must live away from your parents' house. Lånekassen checks your address against the National Registry (Folkeregisteret).
  • Exception: You can live in the same house (e.g., basement apartment) ONLY if it is a legally separate dwelling with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. If you share a kitchen with mom and dad, you get zero grant.

3. Income & Wealth Limits (The 2025 Thresholds)

Even if you pass your degree and live away, you lose the grant if you are "too rich." The limits for the calendar year 2025 are strictly enforced.

  • Income Limit (Inntekt): You cannot earn more than approx. 224,709 NOK (Gross/Brutto) in 2025. If you earn over this, the grant is reduced by 5% for every month you received support (usually x11).
  • Wealth Limit (Formue):
    • Single: 511,220 NOK (Net wealth).
    • Married/Cohabitant with kids: 981,841 NOK (Combined wealth).
  • The "House Trap": If you own an apartment, the "primary dwelling value" (formuesverdi) counts towards this limit. Many students inadvertently lose their grant because rising house prices push their net wealth over the limit.

4. Exceptions for Health Professionals

A positive change in 2026 applies to certain health education paths.

  • Authorization Bonus: If you are taking a 1-year supplementary course required for authorization (e.g., nurses from outside EU, or Osteopaths), this extra year now qualifies for the full "degree conversion" (gradsomgjøring) even though it isn't a full degree itself.
Do Better Norge Warning: The new "25/15 Rule" makes changing your mind expensive. If you are unsure about your study choice, be aware that switching majors halfway through might cost you tens of thousands of kroner in lost grants. Stick to the plan or pause your studies officially rather than drifting.

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