Norweigan Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education
Website: www.siu.no
Deadline: 1 December (every year)
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The goal of the Quota Scheme is to give students from developing countries in the South, Central- and East-Europe and Central-Asia, relevant education that would also benefit their home countries when they return after graduation.
The programme also contributes to strengthen Norwegian institutions of higher education’s participation in global knowledge cooperation.
The Norwegian government provides scholarships for students from developing countries in the South and countries of Central- and East-Europe and Central-Asia under the Quota Scheme. The overall objective of the Quota Scheme is to promote the internationalisation of higher education.
WHO MAY APPLY
The Quota Scheme is for certain developing countries (like the Philippines) that are on the DAC-list issued by OECD, and is eligible for students from the category of “ lower middle-income countries” and under. Also, the scheme accepts students from Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Palestinian students from the Palestinian Authorities.
The process of allocating quota places focuses on a purposeful distribution according to country, area of study and institution of higher education.
REQUIREMENTS
The Norwegian universities and university colleges participating in the Quota Scheme have an English version of their website, where applicants can find more detailed information about the admission requirements for each course offered. Below are some general requirements.
Students usually apply for a degree course which is based on continuation of their studies in their home country, or a course which can be a joint part of a degree course in their home country ( joint degree or sandwich programmes). Most of the programmes are at the Master or Ph.D. level, but the Quota Scheme also offers certain professional studies.
Students must apply directly from their home country and must have stayed at least one year in their home country directly prior to the planned course of study at the Norwegian university/university college.
Basic general requirements
All candidates should typically have the following basic qualifications:
Secondary school certificates
Minimum two years of higher education from your home country
The Quota Scheme as a rule only enrols students from institutions which 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. Please contact the Norwegian institutions for individual information.
To find out which institutions collaborate with Norwegian institutions, please refer to the websites of the Norwegian institutions.
Students who come to Norway as self-financed students will, as a rule, not be considered as being qualified for the Quota Scheme.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund ( Statens Lånekasse) 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. About 30 per cent of the amount is given as a grant and 70 per cent as a loan. However, the loan portion is waived when the student returns to his/her home country after completing the course of study. Normally, the financial support will not not exceed a time span of four years for one definite study plan, or a combination of two programmes.
Additional financing
Travelling expenses for entry into Norway can be reimbursed (fixed price). Students can apply for one annual home visit if the educational programme lasts more than one year, as well as financial support for travelling expenses for field work during the course of study. When the student returns home within 3 months after finishing the course, the cost of travelling home is covered by the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.
