Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills - Scheme for Norwegian Studies Abroad (institutionell, für Universitäten)

Benefit

Your higher education institution can apply for a grant of up to about 8,600 EUR (NOK 100,000) to organise events relating to the Norwegian language, literature and culture. The funds may be used over a period of approximately 17 months between June 2025 and October 2026. Eligible costs include Norwegian books and learning materials, conferences and seminars (including fees for guest lecturers), excursions and external events, research stays in Norway of up to three months, and the development of new degree programmes in the field of Norwegian studies. Administrative costs of up to 10 per cent of the amount applied for are also eligible. The funding is provided by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Qualifications (HK-dir), which is financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.

Eligibility

• Who can apply: Higher education institutions only; not individual students. Your higher education institution must offer courses in Norwegian.
• Where: The higher education institution must be located outside Norway.
• One application: Each higher education institution may submit only one application, although this may cover several activities.
• Partners: You may join forces with other institutions, organisations or companies. Partners are not regarded as applicants.
• Own money: For most activities, no co-funding is required, and contributing your own funds has a positive effect. An exception to this is the development of new courses in Norwegian studies: in this case, you must cover at least 50 per cent of the costs of this activity yourself.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via HK-dir’s ‘Espresso’ online portal in a Scandinavian language or in English by 30 April at 12:00. HK-dir will check that the formal requirements have been met, assess the applications and draw up a ranking list. All applicants will be notified of the outcome within four weeks of the application deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is narrowly defined: only higher education institutions outside Norway that already teach Norwegian are eligible to apply, meaning the pool of applicants is small. A clear, well-thought-out plan that strengthens Norwegian language teaching and provides for collaboration with Norwegian partners is viewed favourably. Where applications are of equal merit, HK-dir gives preference to institutions that have received less funding over the past three years; therefore, a first-time applicant or one who has previously received only limited funding, provided they have a sound budget, stands a good chance of success.