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How to apply for phase 1

In this portal, you can apply for Norec's grant for work exchange cooperation. The portal is currently open for Phase 1 (concept development) applications only.

If you wish to apply for Phase 2, you must submit your application by email. Read more about Phase 2 applications.

We recommend reading this guide before you start your application. It explains Norec’s requirements and how to complete the application.

Note that Norec’s grant scheme is competitive. All complete applications are assessed against the criteria in the call for proposals and in competition with other applications. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

Application structure

The Phase 1 application is divided into 3 parts (top menu), which in turn are divided into different sections (left-side menu):

  • Partners
    • Organisation profile
    • Administrative capacity
    • Financial capacity
    • Supporting documents
  • Project idea
    • Partnership
    • Concept
    • Budget
  • Submission

Note that:

  • Each organisation must complete the four sections under Partners.
  • The sections under Project idea must be completed jointly by the organisations in the partnership.
  • Only the organisation selected as the coordinating partner can submit the application under Submission.

Documents you need to upload

Each organisation in the partnership must upload:

  • Latest annual narrative report
  • Latest audited annual financial statements
  • Certificate of registration
  • Government authorisation to receive funding from abroad (if relevant)

Requirements to apply

Your partnership must:

  • consist of at least two organisations from at least two different countries
  • include only organisations from countries on the DAC list of ODA countries
  • ensure that each organisation has a physical office and at least three paid full-time employees
  • ensure that each organisation uses digital accounting software for bookkeeping (Excel is not accepted)

Applications that do not meet these requirements will be rejected automatically. Exeptions may apply to the minimum number of employees.

Practical information

Before you submit

  • The deadline for Phase 1 applications is 1 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
  • Phase 1 applications must be submitted through the application portal. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
  • Questions marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
  • All required fields must be completed. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
  • Applications and supporting documents must be submitted in Norwegian or English. Other languages may be accepted but require prior approval from Norec.

While you work on your application

  • Your application is saved automatically, so you can continue working on it before the deadline.
  • You can find your application(s) under My Application at the top of the portal.
  • Once submitted, you cannot edit your application. Contact Norec if you need to provide additional information.

Your partnership

  • When you create the application, you must register at least two organisations from different countries. One organisation must be selected as the coordinating partner.
  • The coordinating partner is responsible for implementing the exchange project (Phase 2) and managing the approved grant on behalf of the partnership.

Help and other important information

  • Help texts are available throughout the application form. Some are displayed directly, while others appear when you hover over the question mark icon.
  • Applications may be rejected if visa restrictions or security conditions make the exchange impossible or unsuitable.
  • Note that all applications and related correspondence with Norec are stored in Norec’s archive system. Personal data are processed in compliance with the Norwegian Personal Data Act (Personopplysingsloven LOV-2018-12-20-116) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

For more information, visit the work exchange pages or read the Norec Guidelines.

If you have questions about the grant or need technical assistance with the application portal, please contact Norec.