Sons of Norway Scholarship funds
The Sons of Norway Foundation offers a range of scholarships based upon your home location and program of study. Of their 17 funds, several have a specific purpose of funding students’ attendance of the ISS. To find out more details and apply, visit: www.sofn.com/foundation/scholarships
Recommended funds: Warne-Eng, Lund, District 4
Awards: up to $3,000 (vary by fund)
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Bessie Haugen Johnson and ISS Partial Scholarships
The Bessie Haugen Johnson and ISS Partial Scholarships are administered out of the International Summer School’s own North American Branch Office. While the scholarship selections are made separately and pull from separate funds, both scholarships select recipients based off of the same essay. Qualifying students will automatically be considered for both scholarships upon submission of their application essay.
Please note that the Bessie Haugen Johnson Scholarship is not available to Norwegian language students. However, Norwegian language students may receive awards through the ISS Partial Scholarship and are advised to apply.
Bessie Haugen Johnson Scholarship
5 scholarships awarded annually, with priority given to students who have never traveled/lived/studied abroad
- only available to applicants attending the ISS for the first time
Award: $4,650
- Includes: Room & Board, basic course fee
- Does not include: personal expenses, airfare
Requirements
- Must stay at ISS accommodations during the program
- Must submit a reflective essay on experiences at the ISS no later than September 1, 2026
Application criteria:
- one-page essay explaining previous travel experience, studying experience, and financial need
- email essay to iss@stolaf.edu
Deadline: March 10, 2026
ISS Partial Scholarship Scholarship
Unlike the Bessie Haugen Johnson Scholarship, the ISS Partial Scholarship does not place foremost weight on applicants’ previous travel experience. Rather, awards will be allotted based on equal consideration of financial need, studies, and travel experience.
Award: varies by recipient, mostly ranging from $1,000 – $3,000 toward basic course fee and Room & Board
- Does not include: personal expenses, airfare
Requirements
- Must stay at ISS accommodations during the program
Application criteria:
- one-page essay explaining previous travel experience, studying experience, and financial need
- email essay to iss@stolaf.edu
Deadline: March 10, 2026