A Norwegian municipality's plan to pay students for relocating has fallen dramatically short of its target. Bodø offered 6,000 kroner ($560) to students who registered as residents in the city.
The goal was to attract 500 new students this year. That would have brought the municipality an additional 13.8 million kroner ($1.3 million) in state funding.
But only 16 people applied before the deadline. Just 12 applicants met the requirements and received the payment.
Each registered resident brings Bodø 33,566 kroner ($3,140) in state subsidies. The municipality stands to gain financially even after paying the relocation bonus.
Deputy Mayor Ida Gudding Johnsen expressed satisfaction despite the low numbers. She said the program commits to supporting students who live in Bodø.
Internal documents show the municipality doesn't expect to profit significantly from the scheme until 2027. Officials plan to spend several years attracting new residents.
The initial application period was very short. Students had to register their move by July 1st, just two weeks after the program was approved.
Late applicants must wait until next year to seek the bonus. Johnsen said it's too early to judge the program's success.
The current participants have already brought about 330,000 kroner ($30,800) to municipal coffers. This money will fund a popular student doctor program.
Johnsen acknowledged the tight municipal budget situation. She said finding coverage for small amounts shows how strained finances are.
The scheme faces criticism from neighboring municipalities. Leaders from nine surrounding areas opposed the proposal when it was announced.
Half of the 12 successful applicants come from Northern Norway. One relocated from neighboring Saltdal municipality.
Saltdal Mayor Runar Løvdal Jensen called the population loss disappointing. He said his community depends on every resident, whether students or families.
While understanding students' desire to study in larger cities, Jensen objected to Bodø's methods. He said the municipality shouldn't have introduced the scholarship program.
Markus Aleksander Moen Furulund of the Northern Student Organization supports the initiative. He called all financial support for students vital.
Furulund believes more students will use the program over time. He noted the tight timeline between the council decision and the moving deadline.
The July 1st deadline was inconvenient since new students typically move in August. Information about the application process was also insufficient after the deadline.
Furulund moved before the program was announced. He said registering his move felt natural at the time.
He emphasized that municipalities receive much more than the 6,000 kroner they pay students. He hopes students will be prioritized beyond this specific program.
The situation highlights the financial pressures facing Norwegian municipalities. They're competing for residents who bring valuable state funding.