Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)
NMBU applies annually for a number of Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) - where we receive administrative funds to organize activities for students and staff. On this page, you will find information about the application process and how you can participate or initiate an activity.
What is a BIP?
A blended intensive program (BIP) is a short intensive program that uses new ways of learning and teaching. These programs enable higher education institutions to come together to develop joint curricula and activities for blended mobility aimed at students and staff.
A BIP combines shorter physical mobility with a mandatory virtual component that can be before, during, or after the physical mobility. The physical mobility should last between 5-30 days. There are few requirements for the virtual part, but it must be conducted before, during, or after the physical part of the exchange. For students, the BIP should provide a minimum of 3 ECTS.
A BIP can be organized as a new course or as part of an existing course.
Organizing a BIP at NMBU
To meet the requirements for a BIP, it must:
- Be organized between a minimum of three institutions from three EU member states and/or associated third countries to the program (e.g., Norway). Overview of participating countries in Erasmus+ .
- Host a minimum of 10 external Erasmus+ participants. These can be students and staff. Participants from the organizing institution are not counted. Participants must attend the entire program, both the virtual and physical parts.
- Consist of a physical part lasting between 5 and 30 days and a virtual part that can be conducted before, during, or after the physical part.
- Provide a minimum of 3 ECTS for students. It does not have to be part of the student's study program, but must be credit-bearing.
- Participants from countries that are not member states or associated third countries in Erasmus+ cannot participate as Erasmus+ participants in allocated projects
- You must have your application and allocation approved to organize a BIP.
Note: Organizing faculty must have a coordinator to facilitate physical mobility.
Participants:
- An Erasmus+ exchange agreement MUST be entered between parties that will send or receive students, and this agreement must be in place before applying for funds for the BIP.
- An institution can be a coordinator or a partner in the project. Organizationally, it is simpler if the coordinating institution also hosts the participants for the physical part of the BIP.
- A BIP will most often be for students, but it is also entirely possible to create a BIP to increase employee competence.
Funding
Erasmus+ activities are never fully funded. Self-financing must therefore be expected. The funds come from NMBU's common Erasmus+ scholarship funds.
- Organizing unit at NMBU receives administrative funds per participating Erasmus+ student and staff.
- Organizing unit receives €400 per participant, minimum 10.
- Maximum funding one can receive is €8000.
- Funds are given to the organizing unit after the program is completed, based on reporting to the Section for Study Quality, or by further agreement.
- Funds can be used for administration, such as the production of teaching materials, room and equipment rental, excursions, or administrative tasks. The money cannot be used to finance student or staff travel.
- Participants who qualify for Erasmus+ stipends must apply for Erasmus+ BIP stipend with their home institution/sending institution.
Participate in a BIP as a partner
If you are asked to participate as a partner in a BIP, it is possible. There can be several ways to be asked.
- You as a lecturer will give a guest lecture.
- A partner wants to plan and implement a BIP with NMBU as a partner.It is possible, and we want to help facilitate this. Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for funds from NMBU to go to partner institutions. If NMBU is the organizer, the course must be planned and implemented at NMBU.
- Send students to an organizing partner.
- Students can apply and be admitted to a BIP at another university. Students must apply for a scholarship from NMBU.
How to apply?
NMBU applies annually for Blended Intensive Program (BIP) funding.
Do you want to plan a BIP? Contact utveksling@nmbu.no
Application deadline for 2026.2027: January 15th, 2026
Useful links:
Blended mobility implementation guide for Erasmus+ higher education mobility KA131