Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme for Developing Countries

The Norwegian Quota Scheme is a scholarship programme run by the Norwegian government for students from developing countries in the South, as well as from Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The scheme's goal is to build capacity through education, so that graduates can use their skills to benefit their home countries after returning.

Funding is normally available for Master's and PhD courses, and also for some professional or Bachelor's degrees.

Several Norwegian universities and university colleges take part. See the list of participating institutions' websites (PDF download).

Check the websites of the participating Norwegian institutions to see which programmes they offer under the Quota Scheme.

The scheme is open to certain developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. See the complete list of eligible countries.

Not specified.

Each student gets the same amount as a Norwegian student in an equivalent programme. About 40 per cent of that amount is a grant and 60 per cent is a loan. The loan portion is waived if the student goes back to their home country after finishing the course. If you stay in Norway after your studies, or move to a country other than your home country, you must repay the loan.

Support normally does not go beyond four years for one study plan, or for a combination of two programmes.

As a rule, the Quota Scheme only enrols students from institutions that have collaboration agreements with Norwegian universities or university colleges. Norwegian institutions usually do not admit free movers (individual applicants) to this scheme. Only in very special cases can free movers be considered. To find out which institutions collaborate with Norwegian institutions, check the websites of the Norwegian institutions.

To be eligible to apply for the Quota Scheme, your home country must appear on this list. You must apply directly from your home country and must have stayed at least one year in your home country directly before the planned course of study at the Norwegian university or university college.

All candidates should typically have these basic qualifications: secondary school certificates or a minimum two years of higher education from their home country. Some exceptions apply for certain professional educational courses at Bachelor's level.

Most study programmes offered under the Quota Scheme are taught in English. Applicants who are not native English speakers must therefore document their English proficiency. Requirements may differ between institutions and study programmes. See the university or university college's website for more details about language requirements.

There will be no new admissions for the Quota Scheme for the 2016/17 academic year.

All inquiries and applications should be sent directly to the International Office at the Norwegian institution where you intend to study. The deadline for applications is usually 1 December every year. Some courses and educational programmes may have other deadlines.

Visit the official website (link below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship. Check the websites of each institution for details about available courses, admission requirements and application procedures.

• Host: Norwegian Government
• Level: Bachelor's, Master's and PhD
• Study destination: Norway
• Deadline: usually 1 December each year
• Awards: number not specified
• Covered: grant and loan, with the loan waived on return home
• Note: no new admissions for 2016/17

This scheme suits students from eligible developing countries who plan to return home after their degree and use their education there. It is best for those already linked to an institution that has a collaboration agreement with a Norwegian university or university college, because free movers are rarely accepted.

You should also have stayed at least one year in your home country right before the planned course, and meet the typical entry qualifications such as secondary school certificates or two years of higher education.

• Who can apply for the Quota Scheme? Students from eligible developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, usually through institutions with collaboration agreements.
• What does the scholarship cover? The same amount a Norwegian student receives in an equivalent programme, with about 40 per cent as a grant and 60 per cent as a loan, waived if you return home.
• When is the deadline? Usually 1 December each year, though some courses have other deadlines.
• How do I apply? Send your application directly to the International Office at the Norwegian institution where you intend to study.
• Is there a new admission round for 2016/17? No, there will be no new admissions for the Quota Scheme for the 2016/17 academic year.

• Read the official guidelines and the websites of the Norwegian institutions before you start.
• Prepare your documents early, including certificates and proof of English proficiency.
• Check language requirements carefully, as they differ between institutions and programmes.
• Confirm whether your home institution has a collaboration agreement with the Norwegian institution.
• Contact the International Office directly if you have questions about the process.