Doing research in Norway

Higher education and research are top priorities in Norwegian policy. We welcome innovation, and cooperate closely with the business sector in many areas.

We are keen to attract outstanding international students and researchers and can offer them the opportunity to take part in top-notch research activities in Norway. A wide range of nationalities are already represented in Norwegian research centres, and in 2015, just under 40 % of all Norwegian doctorates were awarded to international candidates.

Norway spends around 1.7 % of GDP on research and development. Arctic research, climate change and renewable energy are among the areas where Norwegian research enjoys international acclaim. Norway is taking part in Horizon 2020, the world’s largest research and innovation programme, on an equal footing with the EU member states. There are good grant schemes for researchers in Norway, which you may qualify for if you take up a research position here.

There is a high level of education, social trust and gender equality in Norway. Technology use is widespread, and there is close cooperation between the business sector, the authorities and research institutions.

For more information about research in Norway, contact the Research Council of Norway.

Three programs are particular relevant for South Africa. Firstly, the UTFORSK Partnership Programme supports project cooperation between higher education institutions in Norway and higher education institutions in South Africa.

Secondly the International Partnerships for Excellent Education and Research (INTPART) Programme aims at developing world leading higher education and research in Norway through  increased  cooperation with excellent academic groups in South Africa.

Thirdly, the goal of the South Africa – Norway, Research co-operation (SANCOOP) is to establish long-term research co-operation between Norway and South Africa through the funding of joint research projects. For more information, please visit this page.

More information can also be found at: https://www.siu.no/eng