Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the Knowledge & Innovation Programme
At this page we have gathered some of the questions about University Partnerships that we often encounter at the Danida Fellowship Centre.
Find what you are looking for within these areas:
General questions Partnership Projects
Can you provide a link to Danish universities for collaboration and grant partnerships?
Unfortunately, DFC is not in a position to facilitate contact to possible Danish collaborators. Therefore, we suggest that you search the websites of Danish universities for information about researchers/professors, contact persons etc.
You can find a list of the eight Danish universities here, on the website of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. Note that Illisimatursafik University is also eligible and can apply for all of the funding possibilities under KIP.
Can partnership projects focus on a specific master's program, or must they be broader?
Yes, but it’s crucial that all project activities are developed together by all partners and that they are relevant to everyone involved. Additionally, the project’s goals and results should match the objectives and outcomes of the program.
Are there any specific themes in focus?
No. However, it should have relevance for the Programmes objectives and outcomes, addressing shared global challenges.
Could you please clarify the seed funding available for proposal preparation?
Seed funding can be used to develop a partnership if additional time and preparation are needed to submit a full partnership project application. It can also be used to bring a new partner into an existing partnership. Seed projects can have a duration of up to 18 months, and should result in an application for a partnership project to the Knowledge and Innovation Programme.
Is seed funding a prerequisite for a full partnership application?
No. Seed funding allows newly established partnerships to develop the contents of their proposed project, or to include new partners into an existing partnership. No priority is given to full partnership applications which are based on seed funding from the programme, in subsequent application rounds.
Is it possible to apply for a full partnership project, if you do not have any previous partnership experience with your partner institutions?
Yes. But do consider how to ensure full and equal participation of all partner institutions in the development of the project and the proposed activities. It can be difficult to align expectations, needs and wants between partners in a short period of time, which is why the seed funding is also available.
How can we connect a partnership project with other DFC projects if timelines don't align, and will we need two applications?
If you want to unite research and learning activities, you need to submit a separate application concerning research activities, e.g. for the FFU funds, as these are not funded through KIP. Timelines for these modalities are not aligned, but should also not be mutually exclusive, with both having an annual call for applications.
How many African Universities can be included in one application?
Up to three primary partner universities. There is no number limit, but a financial limit, to the number of secondary partners.
The call emphasizes equitable partnerships, how will equity be assessed in practice?
A Selection Committee of 5 members, including representatives from South, with different backgrounds is established. The equitability element will be one of the criteria that the SC will be assessing when processing the applications. DFC is continuously working on developing best practices and collecting experiences to support projects in matters such as equitable partnerships.
Can partnership and scholarship projects include lifelong learning elements....,
Can partnership and scholarship projects include lifelong learning elements, eg building LLL programmes at African universities for LLL of local organisations, industry, Civil society organisations etc?
Yes.
Are there any concerns about the international rankings of the universities involved in the application on both sides?
No. The only exception is for three universities in South Africa: University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, and Stellenbosch University, which are not eligible as primary partners, due to their high position at the Shanghai Ranking. These three universities can be included as secondary partners.
Are private African Universities without partners yet, eligible for this program funding?
Not as a main applicant (contracting partner), but in collaboration with a Danish university, private universities in Africa can participate either as a primary partner, if from eligible country, or as a secondary partner.
Can African private companies only be included as secondary partners?
Yes.
Can private companies apply for seeding funding?
No. Seed funding can only be applied for by a Danish university in partnership with one or more African universities. Private companies can be included as secondary partners in an established partnership, provided they meet the requirements outlined in the Call for Applications.
Is there a kind of priority for public or younger universities?
The Programme encourages the involvement of younger universities. It might be seen as a plus but it is not necessary a priority criteria.
Scholarships
Can I apply for a scholarship as an individual?
No. The individual scholarships are administered by the university in Denmark, not by DFC. To be eligible for a scholarship through the Knowledge and Innovation Programme, a university partnership between the Danish University and the home institution must be in place, and the student must be affiliated with the involved African partner university.
What does a scholarship cover?
A scholarship grant includes tuition fee, travel expenses, visa fee, insurance, housing and living expenses during the study stay, as well as language test.
Are there any specific Master's degree programs and fields of study covered?
No, there are no general thematic limitations on scholarships, as long as activities contribute to improve students skills and competences relevant to address global challenges.
Are degrees issued from English-speaking countries recognized, or is a language test still required?
A language test is still required, even though the qualifying degree is issued from an institution in an English-speaking country. These rules are regulated by the universities, so they might differ between institutions.
Can we apply for additional scholarships, and is the maximum amount 25 million DKK per application round?
Scholarships are linked to a partnership and application for scholarships is conditional on the submission of an application for partnership activities. It is possible to submit more than one application from the same university for a partnership project, with or without scholarship activities.
Primary & Secondary partners
Can a Higher Education University College (Danish Professionshøjskole) be a primary partner?
No. Other Danish institutions, in addition to the 8 universities, have the opportunity to participate as secondary partners in a university partnership, or apply for funds related to selected Erasmus+ actions.
Are international organizations, INGOs/UN organizations, and other public agencies eligible as secondary partners?
Yes. It is possible for INGOs and public agencies to become secondary partners. For all secondary partners, it is very important to describe their role in the application, which must be submitted by the Danish university in partnership with at least one primary partner institution in an eligible African country.
Can partner universities in Africa where your embassy is located be a private university?
Yes.
Eligible costs
Is the overhead cap for a Danish university 20%?
Yes. Overhead of 20% of the budget (excluding external audit and secondary partner’s expenses) applies for each primary partner.
Can the additional partner also benefit from the 20% overhead for partnership activities?
No. Secondary partners can only cover direct costs, as salaries (excluding for-profit entities) and travel expenses, to a total of maximum 15% of the grant (excluding budget for scholarships) across all primary partners.
15% of the funding can be assigned to secondary partners. Does that also include the three South African universities (Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, and University of the Witwatersrand)?
The three universities can become secondary partners and, by that, be eligible to receive up to 15% of the grant (excluding budget for scholarships), but only to cover direct costs such as salaries and travel expenses.
How is 'staff' defined in the context of eligible costs?
All staff, who are directly involved in project activities.
Would salaried PhD students fall under “staff” category and hence eligible for participation as a teacher in the summer school in Africa?
Yes, as long as they are directly involved in project activities, e.g. as a teacher.
Erasmus+ actions
How does the top up for Erasmus+ scholarships function and in which order should one apply?
The top-up for Erasmus+ scholarships functions as an additional financial support mechanism for students who have already been awarded an Erasmus+ scholarship through their institution. To apply for this top-up grant, it is essential that the applying institution has first secured Erasmus+ scholarships from the Ministry for Higher Education and Science (UFS). Documentation in the form of Annex 1 in the contract for KA171 funds must be uploaded with the application for top-up funds.
What is the application deadline for Erasmus+ actions support?
There is no deadline. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
What is the application processing time?
A response to your application will be given within two months from the submission date.
Questions about the programme?
If you have any questions or need further information about the Knowledge and Innovation Programme, please feel free to reach out.
We are happy to assist with any inquiries related to funding, partnerships, and application processes.