Norway Pledges Financial Aid to Students Affected by War

By Milan Korcok

The Norwegian government adds to the number of countries offering financial support to Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian students impacted by the war in Ukraine.

According to a press release issued by the Norwegian Ministry of Education, each student who qualifies for support will be eligible to receive the NOK equivalent of €1,191 per month, and Ph.D. students  €2,175. (Norway is a member of the European Economic Area and Schengen, but not the European Union. Its currency remains the Krone.)

In announcing the support program, Minister of Research and Higher Education, Borten Moe said:

“Many Ukrainian students in Norway are having a very hard time now, both mentally and financially. In addition, it is important for us that Russian and Belarusian students also participate in the scheme. These students are just as innocent in the war that has arisen…”

 Benefits from the program are available to students at universities, colleges, vocational colleges, and those who can’t access their funding due to the war. Students with Ukrainian, Russian or Belarusian citizenships who have ordinary rights through the loan fund are not eligible.

 Minister Moe noted that the scheme will run through August 2022 with the possibility of extension beyond that time. According to the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education, there are about 150 students from Ukraine, 400 from Russia and 50 from Belarus in Norway as of spring semesters 2022.

Milan Korcok is a national award wining medical writer who has been covering international medical and travel health issues for leading professionals journal in the United States, Canada, and the UK for many years. He works and resides in Florida.