Support from Lånekassen for language courses abroad

Are you interested in an extended language holiday at one of our international language schools? Then perhaps a language facilitation semester could be for you?

Linguistic adaptation semester

is intended for those who are planning a higher degree programme that entitles them to support in the country where they will be studying languages. In your application to the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, you must state which study programme you are applying for, i.e. which degree you plan to take after completing your language studies and at which educational institution.

Language studies must last at least 3 months with at least 15 teaching hours per week. The support does not apply to English-speaking countries. You will receive ordinary basic support in accordance with Lånekassen's general rules, currently NOK 45,400 for a semester. When you start your degree programme, 40% will be converted into an education grant. If you do not continue your studies, the grant will remain as a loan.

The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund usually requires that you take the course at a university, but private language schools may also be approved. It is then required that you take a public language exam and that the school is approved by the education authorities. Leo Languages works with schools in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Portugal and Russia that have course programmes that can qualify for support and are attractive, high-quality places to study.

Contact us or The loan fund for further information. We recommend that you plan such a programme well in advance so that Lånekassen has time to process your application before you start your studies. We also recommend that you check Lånekassen's website for updated regulations and the practice of the scheme.

Language scholarships

If you have been admitted to a vocational programme abroad (not English-language) that entitles you to support, you can receive a grant of NOK 16,720 for a preparatory language course. The conditions are that the course lasts for at least four weeks with a minimum of 15 hours of teaching per week. You must normally take the course in the country where you will be studying the programme. It is a prerequisite that you take the language course before you start the vocational programme. You can apply for the language scholarship at the same time as applying for ordinary funding. Attach confirmation of admission to the language course. The start and end dates of the language course must be clearly stated on the confirmation.

Spain (Spanish with Enforex)

In Spain, the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund requires that the language school is approved by the Instituto Cervantes and that the language studies end with the DELE exam, which can be taken at six levels. Most of our language schools in Spain fulfil Lånekassen's requirements. Please contact us for exam dates.

France (French with Eurocentres)

In France, the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) requires language programmes to be completed with a DELF or DALF exam. The exam is organised around 7 times a year and can be taken at different levels. Please contact us for exam dates.

Italy (Italian with Leonardo da Vinci)

In Italy, Lånekassen requires that you take one of the official exams CILS or CELI. The exam is taken either at the University of Siena or Peruggia. Please contact us for exam dates. Both exams are given at different levels.

Portugal (Portuguese with CIAL)

In Portugal, Lånekassen requires you to take the CIPLE exam after completing your language studies. This exam can be taken at 5 different levels and is held in the last week of May, July and November. Please contact us for exam dates. Final dates are not yet available.

Russia (Russian with Liden & Denz)

In Russia, the official exam is called TRKI state exam. The exam is given at 4 different levels and can be taken 6 times a year. Please contact us for exam dates.

Austria (German with Actilingua)

The official exam in Austria is called the Austrian German Language Diploma (OSD). The exam can be taken at 2 levels, and Lånekassen accepts both levels. Please contact us for exam dates.