Lånekassens

Lånekassen is the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund. It is a government agency responsible for administering state loans and grants for higher education in Norway and for Norwegian citizens studying abroad. The primary goal of Lånekassen is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their economic background, have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

The fund offers a combination of grants and loans. The grant portion does not need to be repaid, provided the student successfully completes their studies within the stipulated timeframe. The loan portion is interest-bearing and repayment begins after the student has finished their education and is no longer receiving study benefits. Lånekassen offers different loan and grant schemes depending on the level of study, the type of institution, and the student's country of residence.

Eligibility for Lånekassen support is generally based on Norwegian citizenship or residency, and enrollment in approved educational programs at recognized institutions. The application process is typically handled online through Lånekassen's website. The organization plays a crucial role in Norway's welfare model, contributing to a highly educated population by alleviating the financial burden of studying.