Collaboration in research and higher education between Norway and South Africa dates back to mid 1990s. The major parts of the collaboration is presently formalized in two separate program agreements. One promoting research partnerships and cooperation, and the other supporting reform and development of the higher education sector in RSA. Both programs are currently in their second four- year term, the research program with an objective to lay a foundation for long term, sustainable cooperation between Norway and RSA. The objective of the higher education program is to support reformprocesses within selected higher education institutions in RSA and the region, and to improve successrate of formerly disadvantaged students.
In addition to the two programs, Norwegian scientists, universities and research institutions have, been granted assistance to finance programme and project collaborations with South African institutions through the Norwegian international university collaboration program; “NUFU”, and the Norad masterprogram; “NOMA” based on applications and competition.
The Norwegian government also supports international students studying in Norway through a “quota program”, and it is estimated that approximately 300 Norwegian students are attending courses in higher education institutions in South Africa at any given time.