The High North Fellowship program offers scholarships to students from Canada, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the US who attend an institution in Northern Norway as part of their higher education. The program is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Each fellowship recipient receives a monthly stipend of approximately NOK 9 440, and a travel grant of the same amount. Institutions of higher education in Norway do not charge tuition from international students, and the stipend is intended to cover housing and living expenses.
The High North Fellowship Program is a scholarship initiative aimed at fostering international collaboration and educational exchange between Norway and several partner countries in the High North region. The program is designed to support students from these countries who wish to study in Norway, with a focus on subjects related to the Arctic and the High North. Through this program, students can gain valuable academic and cultural experiences, contributing to increased understanding and cooperation in this strategically important area.
Overview of the High North Fellowship Program
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
- Location: Norway
- Eligible: Canada, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the US
- Scholarship value: The program is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Each fellowship recipient receives a monthly stipend of approximately NOK 9 440, and a travel grant of the same amount. - Application Status: Open
High North Fellowship Program Coverage
- Recipients of the High North Fellowship are exempt from paying tuition fees at Norwegian universities, allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits without financial burden.
- The program provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation. The amount of the stipend is adjusted to reflect the cost of living in Norway.
- In some cases, the scholarship may cover travel expenses to and from Norway at the beginning and end of the study period.
- Scholarship recipients are provided with health insurance coverage, ensuring access to medical care while studying in Norway.
- Students have access to research facilities and resources at leading Norwegian institutions, providing valuable opportunities for academic development.
Eligibility Criteria
The High North Fellowship Program is open to candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria ensure that the program targets individuals who can benefit most from the fellowship and contribute to the development of the High North region. The main eligibility requirements include:
1. Nationality :
Applicants must be citizens of one of the partner countries in the High North region. These countries typically include Russia, Canada, the United States, Japan, and South Korea.
2. Enrollment :
Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program at a recognized institution in their home country. The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
3. Academic Qualifications :
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and have completed at least one year of study at their home institution before applying for the fellowship.
4. Language Proficiency :
Proficiency in English is required, as most courses in Norway are taught in English. Applicants may need to provide proof of language proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
5. Relevance to Field of Study :
The proposed study program in Norway should be relevant to the applicant’s current field of study and align with the objectives of the High North Fellowship Program.
6. Commitment to Arctic Issues :
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in Arctic related issues and a commitment to contributing to the development of the High North region.
Fields of Study
The High North Fellowship Program supports a wide range of academic disciplines, with a particular focus on subjects that are relevant to the Arctic and High North region. Some of the key fields of study include:
1. Environmental Science and Ecology :
Programs related to environmental science, ecology, and conservation are highly relevant due to the unique ecological challenges facing the Arctic region.
2. Marine and Arctic Studies :
Courses in marine biology, oceanography, and Arctic studies provide insights into the unique marine environments and challenges of the High North.
3. Engineering and Technology :
Engineering disciplines, particularly those focused on sustainable energy, infrastructure, and technology development in cold climates, are supported.
4. Social Sciences and Humanities :
Programs in sociology, anthropology, political science, and international relations provide a deeper understanding of the social and cultural dynamics in the Arctic.
5. Economics and Business :
Studies in economics and business, particularly those focusing on sustainable development and resource management, are relevant to the High North region.
6. Health and Medicine :
Programs in public health, medicine, and healthcare management address the unique health challenges faced by Arctic communities.
7. Law and Governance :
Legal studies focusing on international law, indigenous rights, and Arctic governance are critical for understanding the geopolitical context of the High North.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for the High North Fellowship Program vary depending on the level of study and the specific program:
Undergraduate Programs :
- Completion of at least one year of study at a recognized institution in the applicant’s home country.
- Strong academic performance and relevant coursework in the chosen field of study.
Master’s Programs :
- A Bachelor’s degree in a related field from a recognized institution.
- Relevant academic or professional experience may be required.
Ph.D. Programs :
- A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- A strong research proposal and academic references.
Participating Institutions
The following Norwegian institutions participate in the Fellowship Program for the High North:
Harstad University College
Study areas: Travel and Tourism, Marketing, Health Sciences
Contact: Sigrid.ag@hih.no
Map of Harstad
Narvik University College
Study areas: Engineering, Business, Computer Science & Space Technology
Contact: postmottak@hin.no
Map of Narvik
Sami University College
Study areas: Sami and Indigenous studies
Contact: postmottak@samiskhs.no
Map of Kautokeino
University of Nordland
Study areas: Business, Social Sciences, Biosciences & Aquaculture, Health Sciences
Contact: international@uin.no
Map of Bodø
University of Tromsø The Arctic University of Norway
Study areas campus Tromsø: Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Technology, Biosciences, Fisheries, Economics, Health Sciences and Fine Arts.
Study areas campus Alta: Business, Social Work, Local and Regional Development, Arctic Nature Guiding
Contact: international@uit.no
Map of Tromsø
The University Centre in Svalbard
Study areas: Arctic Biology, Arctic Geology, Arctic Geophysics and Arctic Technology
Contact: Studadm@unis.no
Map of Longyearbyen
Students who wish to be considered for the High North Fellowship must study at one of these institutions through an agreement with their home institution.
How to Apply for High North Fellowship Program
Applicants for the High North Fellowship Program must prepare and submit a comprehensive application package. This includes the following documents:
1. Application Form :
Complete the High North Fellowship application form, available on the official program website or through participating Norwegian universities.
2. Academic Transcripts :
Provide certified copies of academic transcripts and diplomas from all previous institutions attended.
3. Language Proficiency Test Results :
Submit proof of English language proficiency through recognized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
4. Letters of Recommendation :
Obtain letters from academic or professional referees who can attest to your qualifications and potential.
5. Personal Statement or Motivation Letter :
Write a compelling statement explaining your motivation for studying in Norway, career goals, and how the fellowship will help achieve them.
6. Curriculum Vitae (CV) :
Provide a detailed CV highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
7. Research Proposal (for Ph.D. candidates) :
Outline the intended research project, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. This should demonstrate the relevance and impact of the research on Arctic related issues
Note:
Application for the High North scholarship is done through the individual Norwegian institutions in the program.
• The scholarships are only available for certain areas of study. See What can I study for more information. You should contact your institution of choice in Norway to find out if they have scholarships available in the field you wish to study.
• Contact your home institution’s international office, to see if there are any cooperation agreements in place with that institution in Norway.
• Apply for admission as an exchange student (BA, MA) or research fellow (PhD) to the Norwegian institution that you would like to attend.
• Application deadlines vary, but most are in April/May for the following fall semester and in October/November for the following spring semester.
• The institution in Norway will review the applications and decide who receives the scholarships. Decisions are based on academic credentials.
For more detailed information about the High North Fellowship Program, visit the official website