Norec Work Exchange Grant
By Norec (Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation)
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Quick Answer
Norec Work Exchange Grant Phase 1: up to NOK 150,000 (about ₹12 lakh) for a new partnership of organisations from two countries to plan a youth work exchange. 2026 call closed 1 September 2026.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 2 September 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Norec (Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation). Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The 2026 Phase 1 call of the Norec Work Exchange Grant is closed. It closed on 1 September 2026 at 23:59 central European time. The official page says the next Phase 1 deadline is 1 September 2027, and that Norec expects to publish the updated call in March or April 2027.
Norec, the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation, funds international exchanges in which young professionals or volunteers aged 18 to 35 work in a partner organisation abroad, usually for 6 to 12 months. Phase 1 gives a new partnership money to meet and develop a joint project idea. It is for organisations, not individuals, and organisations in India can take part as partners.
What the program offers
Phase 1 pays up to NOK 150,000 (about ₹12 lakh) for a partner meeting to develop the project idea. It covers per diems, accommodation, necessary visas and vaccines, and travel. Norec also gives guidance during the concept stage. Partnerships that complete Phase 1 can then submit a full Phase 2 application to fund the exchange itself; in the 2026 cycle that was due on 1 February 2027, with exchanges expected to start in August or September 2027. The grant is competitive, and meeting the formal rules does not guarantee funding.
Who can apply
Two or more organisations from different countries apply together as one partnership. Partners can be civil society organisations, public institutions, private companies or multilateral or global organisations, and each must be legally registered. Projects must take place in countries eligible for Norwegian development aid, and Norec prioritises countries where Norway has an established presence.
Each partner needs:
- A board of directors or trustees (not applicable to all public institutions)
- A physical office with workspace for participants
- Digital accounting software, not Excel
- Audited accounts no older than 18 months
- At least three full-time salaried staff across programme, management and administration (an exception is possible for two staff with an explanation)
- The ability to receive funding from abroad
No partner can have an open investigation or unpaid reimbursement claim with Norec. All partners need policies on sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and on anti-corruption.
For Indian organisations, this suits established NGOs, institutions or companies with real staff and audited books. Very small groups and informal collectives are unlikely to qualify. Norec especially welcomes organisations that are not traditional aid recipients and organisations made up of or working with marginalised groups.
How to apply
Apply through Norec's online grant portal. Write a joint description of your project idea and fill in the budget using Norec's template and instructions. Incomplete or late applications are dismissed. The 2026 thematic priorities were climate, climate adaptation, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. A practical tip: agree roles and the learning goals for exchange participants with your partner before writing, because the criteria reward joint planning.
How applications are judged and what happens next
Norec first checks the formal requirements, may ask for more information and may run reference checks. It then assesses ten areas, including administrative and financial capacity, strength and reciprocity of the partnership, clear learning goals with indicators, innovation, sustainability, support for participants, risk management, cost-effectiveness and fit with Norec's priorities. A decision comes within three months, either a rejection or an invitation to develop the idea further.
About Norec
Norec funds international volunteer and work exchanges that support global partnerships for sustainable development, in line with Norway's development policy. It is based in Førde, Norway, and works on the principles of reciprocity and youth participation.
Things to check before you apply
- Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 are needed before an exchange is funded; Phase 1 alone does not fund placements.
- Check that your country is eligible for Norwegian development aid.
- Check audited accounts, staff numbers and policies well before the deadline.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
A new partnership can apply for up to NOK 150,000 (about ₹12 lakh), or the same amount in US dollars, to hold a partner meeting and develop its project idea. Norec covers per diem, accommodation, necessary visas and vaccines, and travel costs, and gives guidance on planning the exchange. Partnerships that finish Phase 1 can then apply for Phase 2 funding to run the exchange itself.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Norec checks formal requirements, then assesses ten areas including financial capacity, partnership strength, learning goals, innovation, sustainability, risk and cost-effectiveness. It may ask for more information and run reference checks. A decision follows within three months.
Application Process
- 1
Form a partnership
Team up with at least one organisation in another country.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian organisations apply for the Norec Work Exchange Grant?
Projects must be in countries eligible for Norwegian development aid, and Norec prioritises countries where it has a presence. Indian organisations can be partners if they meet the capacity rules, but confirm the country list on the current call.
Do we need a Norwegian partner?
The call requires two or more organisations from different countries. The page states no Norwegian partner requirement.
How much does Phase 1 pay?
Up to NOK 150,000, about ₹12 lakh, for a partner meeting to develop the idea. It covers per diem, accommodation, visas and vaccines, and travel.
What was the deadline and when is the next one?
The 2026 deadline was 1 September 2026 and has passed. The next Phase 1 deadline is 1 September 2027, with the updated call expected in March or April 2027.
Can a company apply?
Yes. Private companies, civil society organisations, public institutions and multilateral or global organisations can all be partners if legally registered and meeting the capacity rules.
What do we need to submit?
A joint description of the project idea and a budget in Norec's template, submitted through the online portal. Incomplete applications are dismissed.
How long does the exchange last and who takes part?
Exchanges last 6 to 12 months and participants are aged 18 to 35. Exceptions to the length must be discussed with Norec.
How fast is the decision?
Norec decides within three months, either rejecting the application or inviting you to develop the project and apply for Phase 2.
Is it a grant or equity?
It is a grant and involves no equity.
What do the partners have to prove?
Each needs a board, an office, digital accounting, audited accounts under 18 months old, three full-time staff and policies on abuse and corruption.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
