The Quota Scheme currently provides funding for a total of 1,100 students, 800 of them from developing countries in the South and 300 from countries in the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and in Central Asia.
The Scheme is quite popular both with the Norwegian institutions involved and among eligible students, most of whom are highly qualified in their field of study. Every year the number of applicants far exceeds the number of students admitted under the scheme.
The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund is responsible for managing the financial support provided for the Quota students. Each student receives the same amount of money as a Norwegian student would do in an equivalent educational programme. 40 per cent of the amount is given as a grant and 60 per cent as a loan. However, the loan portion may be waived when the student returns to his/her home country after completing the course of study. Students who stay in Norway after finishing their studies or take up residence in another country than their home country must repay the loan.
Travelling expenses for entry into Norway may be reimbursed (fixed price). Students can apply for one annual home visit if the educational programme lasts longer than one year and for financial support for travelling expenses for field work during the course of study. When the student returns home within 3 months after finishing his/her studies, the cost of travelling home is covered by the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.
You must a citizen of an eligible country.
- As a student, you must apply directly from your home country. You must have stayed at least one year in your home country directly prior to the planned course of study at the Norwegian university or university college.
- Students usually apply for degree programmes that serve as a continuation of their studies in their home country or for courses which can be a joint part of a degree programme in their home country (joint degree or sandwich programmes). Most of the programmes offered are at Master’s or PhD level, but the Quota Scheme also offers certain Bachelor’s study programmes.
- All candidates should typically have the following basic qualifications: Secondary school certificates and a minimum two years of higher education from their home country.
How to Apply
See the participation institutions’ websites to find more detailed information about the study programmes, available courses, admission requirements and application procedures concerning the Quota Scheme.
All inquiries should be directed to the International Office at the institution in question. Applications should be sent directly to the institutions.
The deadline for applications for the Quota scheme is usually 1 December every year. Some courses and educational programmes may have other deadlines.