Norec Grant Program Scholarship 2026 in Norway

It is an international funding programme that strengthens global partnerships through reciprocal work exchanges. Organizations from different countries exchange young professionals and volunteers to share knowledge, skills, and experience. The programme supports Norway’s international development policy and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on institutional capacity building rather than simply funding development projects.

Applications must be submitted jointly by partnerships of two or more legally registered organizations from different countries. Eligible organization types include civil society organizations, public institutions, private sector companies, multilateral organizations, and global organizations. Each partner must demonstrate sufficient administrative and financial capacity and meet several organizational requirements, including a physical office, digital accounting software, and audited annual financial statements no older than 18 months.

The Phase 1 application deadline is 1 September 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time. Applications must be submitted through Norec’s online application portal before this date. Decision notifications are provided within three months of the deadline. Invited applicants then face a Phase 2 deadline of 1 February 2027, with expected exchange start in August or September 2027.

Successful Phase 1 applicants may receive up to 150,000 Norwegian Kroner (NOK) or the equivalent amount in USD. This concept development funding can cover partner meetings, international travel, accommodation, daily allowances, required visas, and vaccinations. All budgets must follow Norec’s official templates and guidelines. Phase 1 funding supports project planning, while Phase 2 provides larger implementation funding.

Norec has identified several priority themes for the 2026 funding cycle. These are climate, climate adaptation, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Although applications addressing all Sustainable Development Goals are welcome, projects in these areas may receive particular attention during assessment. Applicants should clearly align their project concept with these priorities where possible.

The programme has two connected stages. In Phase 1, Concept Development, partnerships jointly submit a project concept. Approved organizations receive funding to meet in person, strengthen the partnership, develop the concept, and prepare a Phase 2 application. In Phase 2, Project Implementation, organizations that complete Phase 1 may submit a full implementation proposal to carry out their international work exchange programme.

Partner organizations must demonstrate sufficient administrative and financial capacity. Requirements include a Board of Directors or Trustees where applicable, a physical office, suitable workspace for exchange participants, digital accounting software (Excel alone is not accepted), ability to receive international funding, audited annual financial statements no older than 18 months, and at least three full-time salaried employees across programme delivery, management, and administration, with limited exceptions.

Projects must be implemented in countries that qualify for Norwegian Official Development Assistance (ODA). Norec gives priority to countries where Norway already has established development cooperation, as listed in Norec’s partner list. During assessment, Norec also considers visa feasibility, security conditions, and travel permissions to ensure that the proposed work exchange can be carried out safely and effectively.

Through work exchanges lasting between six and twelve months, young professionals aged 18–35 gain valuable international experience while supporting sustainable development initiatives within host organizations. This youth participation principle ensures that young people, who represent a significant proportion of the world’s population, have meaningful opportunities to participate in international development and institutional learning.

Eligible applications are assessed using several criteria, including administrative capacity, partnership strength, learning objectives, innovation, strategic alignment, sustainability, participant support, risk management, cost effectiveness, and alignment with Norec priorities. Returning applicants are also evaluated on performance under previous grants, financial management, administrative compliance, participant support, partnership communication, innovation, and ability to build upon previous achievements.