Norwegian Programme for Ukraine Competence

A solid knowledge base is a prerequisite for safeguarding and further developing Norway's long-term engagement in and with Ukraine. The Norwegian Programme for Ukraine Competence will support Norway's efforts for Ukraine and support Ukraine's European integration.

In light of geopolitical developments, there is a need for updated, cross-sectoral knowledge about Ukraine that can inform policymaking, business cooperation, and public administration in Norway.

• The programme will support knowledge development and dissemination aimed at selected target groups and professional environments within the Norwegian public administration and private sector, which can play important roles in support of, and cooperation with, Ukraine.
• The programme will stimulate the production of policy-relevant, interdisciplinary and research-based knowledge about Ukraine, with relevance to various sectors of society.
• The programme will help integrate Ukraine-related topics into higher education and professional development at Norwegian educational institutions.
• The programme will award support to projects that stimulate increased knowledge in Norwegian business about framework conditions, markets, and investment and cooperation opportunities in Ukraine.

Through this, the program will help strengthen the foundation for a comprehensive and long-term Norwegian effort for Ukraine, and to strengthen the ability and willingness of Norwegian social actors to engage in Ukraine and contribute to long-term Ukrainian reconstruction.

A total of NOK 45 million has been allocated to the program for the first two years (2025–2026).

The programme is managed in Norwegian, and you may find further information the Norwegian programme site.

The Norwegian Programme for Ukraine Competence (UA-KOMP) is part of the Norwegian Nansen Programme. HK-dir manages the programme on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The programme will strengthen broad, interdisciplinary and socially relevant expertise about Ukraine in Norway.

Sub-goal 1 : Increase Ukraine expertise in policymaking, administration and business.

Sub-goal 2 : Strengthened knowledge development and interdisciplinary networks about Ukraine.

Sub-goal 3 : Increase knowledge about Ukraine in Norwegian society.

The programme has three defined target groups:

• Politicians and employees in administration and business who need better Ukraine expertise in their professional work
• Students and employees at universities, colleges and research institutes
• Norwegian residents with an interest in Ukrainian society

The program will emphasize practical relevance and active participation from private actors as well.

In 2025 there are two announcements:

1. Announcement of multi-year funds with a time frame of up to 25 months and a maximum of 3 million kroner per project. Here, universities, university colleges and research institutes can act as responsible applicants. 16 projects have been supported, with a total of NOK 44,384,114.
2. Announcement of smaller funds for short-term projects of up to one year with a maximum of NOK 200,000 per project. Allocation of these funds will take place in December 2025.