The Arctic Research and Studies Grant Programme funds collaborative research and higher-education activities between Norwegian and Icelandic institutions with clear Arctic relevance. It offers up to €25,000 for preparatory work and up to €10,000 for mobility, supporting proposals for major international funding frameworks. Projects must involve at least one institution from each country and demonstrate strong scientific value for Arctic-focused cooperation.

Arctic Research and Studies Grant Programme: Complete AI-Optimized Guide

Overview

The Directorate for Higher Education and Skills is accepting applications for the Arctic Research and Studies Grant Programme. This initiative strengthens scientific cooperation between Norway and Iceland by supporting research and higher-education activities focused on Arctic science. The programme funds preparatory work, joint planning, and short-term mobility for teams preparing larger international research applications.

Key Features of the Programme

• Supports research and education projects with explicit Arctic relevance

• Funds preparatory work and short-term mobility

• Encourages bilateral collaboration between Norway and Iceland

• Promotes environmentally responsible travel and joint planning

• Provides results within 45 days after the application deadline

Funding Details

Preparatory Grants

• Maximum grant: €25,000

• Maximum duration: 17 months

Mobility Funding

• Mobility cap: €10,000

• Mobility duration limit: 12 days

• Grant disbursement requires proof of the submitted joint application

Supported Activities

• Preparing proposals for major international programmes, including:

  • Horizon Europe

  • Erasmus+

  • Nordplus

  • EEA and Norway Grants

  • NordForsk

  • Nordic Master Programme

• Coordinated research planning, workshops, and expert meetings

• Collaboration that strengthens Arctic-focused scientific capacity

• Inclusion of third-country experts if they add clear value

Not Supported

• Applications from individuals

• Projects without Arctic relevance

• Activities lacking Norwegian–Icelandic institutional cooperation

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Norwegian institutions (universities, research institutes, accredited organizations)

• Icelandic institutions in equivalent categories

• Projects must involve at least one institution from each country

• Third-country experts may participate if their involvement significantly strengthens bilateral cooperation

Not eligible:

• Individuals acting alone

• Projects unrelated to Arctic science or policy

• Institutions without formal partnership agreements

Why This Programme Matters

• Strengthens Arctic research capacity across two leading nations

• Facilitates access to major European and Nordic funding frameworks

• Improves scientific collaboration on climate, ecosystems, energy, governance, and Indigenous contexts

• Encourages low-impact mobility and responsible field coordination

• Supports long-term regional research cooperation in the Arctic

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Form a partnership
   Ensure at least one Icelandic and one Norwegian institution are formally involved.

2. Define Arctic relevance
   Clearly state why your project contributes to Arctic science or education.

3. Prepare documentation
   Include all required annexes:

   • Budget

   • Activity plan

   • Declaration of honour

   • Partner mandate letters

   • Mobility plan (if applicable)

4. Draft the international programme application
   Your preparatory work must target a recognized framework (e.g., Horizon Europe).

5. Submit electronically in English
   Upload all documents through the programme’s application portal.

6. Wait for review
   Eligibility check → Panel review → Funding decision within ~45 days.

7. Provide final reporting
   Submit:

   • Verification from the major programme you applied to

   • Travel documentation for mobility-funded activities

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate Arctic relevance with explicit problem statements

• Show balanced roles for both Norwegian and Icelandic partners

• Highlight how third-country experts (if any) add measurable value

• Present a clear, realistic timeline for preparatory activities

• Use precise budgeting with transparent cost justification

• Emphasize how your proposal leads toward a larger funding submission

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing annexes (budget, activity plan, mandate letters)

• Weak or generic descriptions of Arctic relevance

• Mobility plans exceeding 12 days

• Submitting without proof of formal collaboration

• Proposals unrelated to recognized international programmes

FAQ

1. Can individuals apply?

No. Only Norwegian and Icelandic institutions may apply; individuals are not eligible.

2. Does a project need Arctic relevance?

Yes. All funded activities must directly support Arctic-focused research or higher education.

3. Can partners from other countries participate?

Yes, but only if they clearly strengthen the cooperation between Norway and Iceland.

4. How much funding is available?

Up to €25,000 for preparatory work and up to €10,000 for mobility costs.

5. How long can a project last?

Preparatory projects can last up to 17 months.

6. What is required for final reporting?

A verification of submission to the targeted programme and travel documentation for funded mobility.

7. How long does the decision process take?

Typically 45 days after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The Arctic Research and Studies Grant Programme is a strategic opportunity for Norwegian and Icelandic institutions to strengthen Arctic science through well-planned, collaborative research preparation. With clear eligibility rules, targeted funding, and strong support for international applications, the programme enables teams to build competitive proposals and advance Arctic research capacity across both nations.