Nansen EDU – Norwegian–Ukrainian Cooperation in Higher Education

Deadline: 02-Mar-2026

The Nansen EDU – Norwegian–Ukrainian Cooperation in Higher Education program invites Norwegian and Ukrainian higher education institutions to submit grant applications for collaborative projects. The initiative aims to strengthen Ukrainian higher education through improved teaching, research, and institutional cooperation, with funding up to NOK 5,000,000 per project for initiatives lasting up to three years. Applications are assessed for impact, quality, and sustainability, with decisions expected by May 2026.

Overview

The Nansen EDU programme, launched by the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, promotes long-term collaboration between Norwegian and Ukrainian higher education institutions. Its goal is to enhance the quality and relevance of Ukrainian higher education, increase access to qualified professionals, and foster sustainable academic partnerships.

The initiative supports projects that strengthen institutional leadership, research and teaching capacity, digital transformation, doctoral education, and inclusion for vulnerable groups, including war-affected individuals and internally displaced persons.

Funding and Project Duration

• Maximum grant per project: NOK 5,000,000

• Project duration: Up to three years

• Planned start: Between 1 June 2026 and 1 July 2026

• Planned end: No later than 30 June 2029

• Eligible costs:

  • Personnel and administrative expenses

  • Procurement of services and equipment

  • Scholarships

  • Travel and accommodation

  • Other project-related costs

Thematic Priorities

Projects should address one or more of the following focus areas:

• Digital transformation and educational technology

• Environment and energy

• Physical and mental health

• Law, social sciences, and economics

• Reconstruction and urban planning

• STEM and agricultural sciences

• Teacher and preschool education

Who Is Eligible?

• Norwegian higher education institutions accredited by NOKUT offering bachelor’s or master’s programmes

• Ukrainian higher education partners: Minimum two fully recognized institutions per project

• Optional partners: Other European institutions may participate in a supplementary role if they contribute meaningfully to project outcomes

Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with institutions located in areas most affected by the Russian war of aggression and with other relevant organisations.

Project Requirements

Applications must include:

1. Submission via the HK-dir portal

2. Written in English

3. Inclusion of at least the applicant and two Ukrainian partner institutions

4. Project description in PDF format

5. Signed declaration of participation

6. Letters of commitment from all project partners

7. CV of the project coordinator

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Relevance of the project to Nansen EDU objectives

• Quality of project design and implementation

• Strength of the project group and collaborative structures

• Expected impact and sustainability of outcomes

Additional evaluation factors include:

• Significance for target groups

• Innovation and feasibility

• Risk assessments and cost-effectiveness

• Complementarity and collaboration plans of participants

Minor errors may be allowed a short additional deadline for correction, but applications not meeting minimum requirements may be rejected or considered incomplete.

How to Apply / Submission Process

1. Prepare project description and supporting documents

2. Collect signed declarations and commitment letters from all partners

3. Upload application via HK-dir portal

4. Ensure submission is in English and meets all minimum requirements

5. Submit by the application deadline (dates not specified in source; check HK-dir portal for updates)

Timeline and Decision Process

• Applications are reviewed for eligibility and quality

• Grant decisions expected: May 2026

• Applicants receive grading rationale as an appendix to decisions

Why It Matters

The Nansen EDU grants:

• Strengthen Ukrainian higher education capacity

• Promote innovative teaching and learning methods

• Expand access for vulnerable and displaced students

• Foster long-term international partnerships between Norway and Ukraine

• Enhance research, program development, and digital transformation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing submission via the HK-dir portal

• Failing to include minimum two Ukrainian partner institutions

• Omitting required documents (CV, declarations, letters of commitment)

• Submitting incomplete or non-English applications

• Ignoring project duration and eligibility criteria

FAQ

1. Who can apply?
Norwegian higher education institutions accredited by NOKUT offering bachelor’s and master’s programs, in partnership with at least two Ukrainian institutions.

2. What is the maximum funding per project?
Up to NOK 5,000,000.

3. What is the project duration?
Up to three years, starting between 1 June and 1 July 2026, ending no later than 30 June 2029.

4. Can other international partners participate?
Yes, other European institutions may contribute in a supplementary role.

5. What are eligible project costs?
Personnel, administration, procurement, scholarships, travel, accommodation, and other project-related expenses.

6. How are applications evaluated?
Based on relevance, design quality, collaboration, impact, innovation, feasibility, risk assessment, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

7. When will applicants be informed of the outcome?
Grant decisions are expected in May 2026, with grading rationale provided as an appendix.

Conclusion

The Nansen EDU – Norwegian–Ukrainian Cooperation Grant presents a strategic opportunity for Norwegian and Ukrainian higher education institutions to develop high-impact, sustainable educational projects. By fostering collaboration, improving institutional capacity, and supporting vulnerable students, the programme contributes to the long-term resilience and quality of Ukrainian higher education.

For more information, visit HK-dir.