Opening Doors, Expanding Horizons
Scholarships that strengthen Minnesota - Norway connection and appreciation.
About Our Program
Lakselaget provides scholarships that encourage educational exchange and leadership development in Norway, Minnesota or the U.S. Donate today!
Whether studying abroad, conducting research or pursuing new professional experiences, scholars carry forward a tradition of curiosity, service and global understanding. All scholarship recipients are asked to share about their Lakselaget-supported cultural experience by presenting at one of our monthly meetings.
Available Opportunities
Lakselaget accepts scholarship applications annually January 1 through the March 15 deadline.
Educational Scholarship
The Lakselaget Foundation Education Scholarship provides financial assistance to women pursuing educational experiences in Norway or Minnesota.
Historically, scholarship awards have ranged from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the length and cost of the academic program (often slightly higher for graduate students).
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American women with a connection to Minnesota who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies and wish to study in Norway.
Norwegian women pursuing educational opportunities at institutions in Minnesota or at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
High school students planning to attend a folk high school in Norway.
Applicants must be either a full-time undergraduate student who has completed at least one year of study, a full-time graduate student, or a high school student planning to attend a folk high school in Norway.
American applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA, or equivalent for Norwegian applicants. Applicants below this threshold should include a brief explanation in their application.
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Completed application form
Essay describing educational goals and how the experience will strengthen international connections between Norway and the U.S.
Letter of recommendation
Academic transcripts or equivalent academic record
Proof of acceptance into the educational program
Professional Scholarship
The Lakselaget Foundation Professional Scholarship provides financial assistance to women pursuing professional development, research, internship, work exchange or other short-term career-related experiences in Norway or Minnesota. Scholarship awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
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American women with a connection to Minnesota who have completed undergraduate or graduate studies, and are participating in a professional experience in Norway.
Norwegian women who have attended a college or university in Norway; Minnesota; or the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks; and are participating in a professional experience in Minnesota.
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Completed application form
Essay describing the proposed experience and how it will promote international learning and benefit women in society
Letter of recommendation
Academic transcripts; and
Documentation confirming the professional opportunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Lakselaget member to apply?
1.
No. Lakselaget membership is not required to apply for one of our scholarships. However, applicants should meet all eligibility requirements outlined for the specific scholarship opportunity.
Do I need to speak Norwegian to receive a scholarship?
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No. Norwegian language proficiency is not required. However, an interest in learning the language and engaging with Norwegian culture is encouraged.
Can the scholarship be used for internships, research projects or professional exchanges?
3.
Yes. Lakselaget’s Professional Scholarship is designed to support work exchanges, internships, research opportunities and other short-term professional experiences that foster connections between Norway and Minnesota/the U.S.
Turning a Dream into Reality
For Emily Hagen, receiving a Lakselaget scholarship made studying abroad in Norway possible. The biggest obstacle for her wasn't desire — it was finances. Emily fell in love with the Norwegian language and department at Luther College, where a professor encouraged her to travel. Upon receiving a 2025 scholarship, Emily was able to say “ja” to Norway!
Our Scholarships Change Lives
Hear about the impact of studying in the U.S. from a Norwegian scholarship recipient.
Meet Liesl
As a recipient of an educational scholarship, Liesl exemplifies the students that leverage their gift to explore and forge new relationships and a personal understanding of the culture and arts in Norway.
Anja’s journey to Norway
Anya explains “mestring” and how mastering and learning builds resilience and pushes us to get uncomfortable to grow.
Opportunity in Motion
Opportunity in Motion
Invest in the Future
Gifts to the Lakselaget Foundation Scholarship Fund help create opportunities for women pursuing educational and professional experiences in Norway and the U.S. Be a part of it!