Student economy

1. Create a budget 

A budget gives you an overview of your income and expenses, so you can prioritise your money correctly. But how do you create a budget?

1. Register all your fixed income, such as student aid, part-time job salary or scholarship.
2. Register your fixed expenses, such as rent, electricity, insurance, subscriptions, and cellphone bill.
3. Set aside money for food, transportation, and recreational activities.
4. Consider what amount you can save each month.

2. Apply for loans and grants from Lånekassen

All students are entitled to a basic loan, which is a student loan. As a student, loans and grants from Lånekassen are your main source of income.

Up to 40 percent of your loan can be converted into a grant if you do not live with your parents, you complete your education, and your income and assets are below the limits set by Lånekassen

Read more about your possibilities from a loan or grant from Lånekassen as a foreign national (external link)

If you are a student with Norwegian citizenship or have a permanent residence permit, the following applies:

All students are entitled to basic loans, i.e. student loans. As a student, loans and grants from Lånekassen are usually your main income. 
Read more about loans and grants on the Lånekassen website. (external link)

Up to 40 percent of your loan can be converted into a scholarship if you do not live with your parents, you pass your education and have income and assets below the limits set by Lånekassen.  
Read more about converting basic loans into grants on the Lånekassen's website. (external link)

Do you have a disability?

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to an additional grant from Lånekassen. 
Read more about additional grants on Lånekassen's website.  (external link)

3. Think wisely about food and transportation

The student loan is meant to go a long way if you don’t have a part-time job alongside your studies. Food and transport can be significant expenses in a student budget, but you can also save a lot in these areas with good planning:

• Buy groceries for a whole week at a time and avoid impulse purchases
• Take advantage of student discounts wherever possible—on transport, events, and restaurants
• Pack your own lunch instead of buying food out
• Consider different modes of transport. A bicycle can be a good and affordable option for short distances

Read more about different transport options in Bergen.

4. Take advantage of student discounts

Many stores, gyms, and other services offer student discounts. Be sure to ask about this! 

Your student card and student app serves as a student ID, so show this when paying or at a ticket inspection.

Check out this overview of many student discounts in Bergen (external link)

Find other student discounts at Studentkortet.no (Norwegian) (external link)

5. Get a part-time job

If you want a student budget that's a bit more generous, a part-time job can be a good way to make that happen. Part-time jobs can give you valuable work experience in addition to extra money. 

For example, many students get jobs at UiB as a mentor, seminar leader for a course, or assistant in various departments or research projects. 

Find job openings suitable for students and recent graduates (external link)

Find vacancies at UiB