Nordplus Programme (For Regional Study Exchange)

If you are a Pakistani student currently studying in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania, you may be eligible to participate in an excellent regional exchange initiative known as the Nordplus Programme.

Funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, Nordplus promotes academic cooperation and short-term mobility within the Nordic and Baltic region. While it is not open to students studying in Pakistan, Pakistani nationals enrolled in higher education institutions in the region can fully benefit from the opportunities it offers.

What is the Nordplus Programme?

Nordplus is a regional academic exchange programme that facilitates student and staff mobility across eight participating countries:

• Denmark

• Sweden

• Norway

• Finland

• Iceland

• Estonia

• Latvia

• Lithuania

It is designed to encourage collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange between higher education institutions through short-term academic stays, project-based learning, and research visits.

Who is Eligible?

Pakistani students who are pursuing their undergraduate or master’s degrees in the Nordic or Baltic region can participate if their home institution is a member of a Nordplus network.

Key Features of the Nordplus Programme

1. Types of Student Mobility

2. Academic Fields

Nordplus covers a broad range of study areas. It is particularly relevant for students involved in:

• Environmental Science

• Information Technology

• Education and Teacher Training

• Public Policy and Social Development

• Engineering and Applied Sciences

3. Financial Support

The Nordplus grant provides partial financial assistance to cover travel and living expenses. It is not a full scholarship, but it helps reduce the cost of participating in academic exchanges.

Please note that tuition fees are generally waived during exchanges, especially in public universities in the Nordic countries.

How to Apply for Nordplus (Step-by-Step)

Applications for Nordplus are not submitted directly by students. Instead, they are handled by the student’s home university through the official Nordplus network.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check with your university’s international office or academic coordinator whether your department is part of a Nordplus network.

Step 2: Choose a Host Institution

Select a partner university within your academic network. Each Nordplus network includes institutions that have agreed to exchange students within similar study fields.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Prepare the required documents, which typically include:

• Learning or training agreement

• Statement of purpose or motivation letter

• Academic transcript

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Passport copy

Your international office will guide you through specific requirements.

Step 4: Submit Through Your University

Your application will be submitted by your university via the online Nordplus portal called Espresso. Students cannot apply independently.

Step 5: Await Confirmation

After your application is reviewed, you will receive confirmation and funding details. You can then proceed with planning travel and visa arrangements.

Why Pakistani Students Should Consider Nordplus

Pakistani students enrolled in Nordic or Baltic universities can benefit from Nordplus in many ways:

1. Affordable Academic Travel
   The programme provides travel and subsistence grants for short academic exchanges.

2. Global Recognition of Credits
   Courses completed during a Nordplus exchange are usually recognized through the ECTS system.

3. Cultural and Professional Growth
   Studying in different Nordic countries exposes students to new ideas, cultures, and academic methods.

4. Simple Application Process
   Since everything goes through your home institution, the process is manageable and well-supported.

Important Notes and Limitations

• Students in Pakistan are not eligible to apply. The programme is only available to those already enrolled in Nordic or Baltic institutions.

• Financial support is partial and will not cover all living expenses, especially in high-cost cities like Oslo or Copenhagen.

• Applications must go through your university and cannot be submitted independently.

• Deadlines vary depending on the academic calendar and university-specific arrangements.

Comparison: Nordplus vs. Erasmus+

For Pakistani students already studying in universities across the Nordic and Baltic regions, the Nordplus Programmeoffers an exciting and enriching opportunity to study, research, and experience life in another Nordic country.

It provides financial support for short-term exchanges, academic recognition, and an excellent platform for intercultural learning and professional development. While the programme has limitations in terms of direct access from Pakistan, it remains a highly valuable resource for those who are already in the region.

If you’re currently enrolled in a university in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, or another Nordplus-eligible country, visit your international office to explore your options.

Further Information

• Official website: www.nordplusonline.org

• Contact your university’s exchange or international office

• Check network-specific pages on university websites (e.g., University of Helsinki, Lund University, etc.)