Allocation of costs between NMBU and the external organisation
This page provides an overview of the shared principles for allocating PhD costs in collaborations between NMBU and external organisations.
Common principles
- The principles are set out in a policy document approved by rector (13 June 2025) and subsequently revised on 5 December 2025. A common minimum rate has been established to cover indirect costs and supervision costs for all external PhD candidates admitted to NMBU’s PhD programmes. Costs and rates are based on 2025 levels and are adjusted annually.
- These principles shall be applied when entering into agreements on PhD collaborations between NMBU and external organisations.
- The principles are set out in a policy document approved by rector (13 June 2025) and subsequently revised on 5 December 2025. A common minimum rate has been established to cover indirect costs and supervision costs for all external PhD candidates admitted to NMBU’s PhD programmes. Costs and rates are based on 2025 levels and are adjusted annually.
Background
- Costs associated with the admission of an external PhD candidate to NMBU in connection with PhD education are calculated using the TDI model (the national total cost model: Totalkostnadsmodell – TDI – Universities Norway). These costs include supervision costs, premises-related costs, and indirect costs (overhead costs).
- An external PhD candidate is not employed by NMBU, but by an external organisation[1]. Such candidates may be funded through externally funded projects or through projects financed by the external organisation’s own resources. External PhD candidates are admitted to one of NMBU’s PhD programmes and shall complete their PhD education at NMBU.
- External PhD candidates funded through the Research Council of Norway’s Industrial PhD Scheme and Public Sector PhD Scheme are subject to a residency requirement and shall have office space at NMBU for a minimum of one year during the three-year project period[2]. Residency requirements for other external PhD candidates are determined by the faculty and agreed on an individual basis with the institution employing the PhD candidate.
- The external organisation shall engage in dialogue with NMBU regarding future collaboration, admission to a PhD programme, supervision arrangements, and the allocation of costs in the PhD project already at the application stage.
Footnote:
[1] External organisation includes research institutes, higher education institutions other than NMBU, and organisations in the private and public sectors, in Norway and abroad. The policy document does not cover PhD candidates affiliated with international programmes such as NORHED-II, NORPART, UTFORSK, INTPART, ICP-V (Etiopia programmet), etc.
[2] In accordance with requirements set by the Research Council of Norway.
- Costs associated with the admission of an external PhD candidate to NMBU in connection with PhD education are calculated using the TDI model (the national total cost model: Totalkostnadsmodell – TDI – Universities Norway). These costs include supervision costs, premises-related costs, and indirect costs (overhead costs).
Costs
- External PhD projects are defined as contribution-based projects, and all costs shall be calculated, specified, and made transparent in the agreement between NMBU and the external organisation. This agreement should be signed by both parties prior to the PhD candidate’s admission (i.e., in place before Form 1.1 “Application for Admission” is submitted) and should further include a plan outlining what will be invoiced to the external organisation and when such invoicing will take place. The following provides a description of the various costs incurred by NMBU in connection with external PhD candidates.
- For external PhD candidates, the principal supervisor shall, as a general rule, be from NMBU. NMBU incurs costs related to supervision, which will vary depending on NMBU’s role in the project.
- NMBU also incurs costs associated with the use of research facilities[3]. These costs are calculated in accordance with the facility model (Only in Norwegian).
- NMBU has indirect costs (overhead) associated with PhD candidates admitted to a PhD programme. These costs relate to research activity, workplace, and activity rates.
Footnote:
[3] Facilities refer to a laboratory, scientific equipment, e-infrastructure, or other research infrastructure used for research. A facility often consists of multiple equipment units.
- External PhD projects are defined as contribution-based projects, and all costs shall be calculated, specified, and made transparent in the agreement between NMBU and the external organisation. This agreement should be signed by both parties prior to the PhD candidate’s admission (i.e., in place before Form 1.1 “Application for Admission” is submitted) and should further include a plan outlining what will be invoiced to the external organisation and when such invoicing will take place. The following provides a description of the various costs incurred by NMBU in connection with external PhD candidates.
Allocation of costs – NMBU’s own funding and invoicing of external organisations
- Costs associated with the admission of an external PhD candidate to NMBU in connection with PhD education are calculated using the TDI model (the national total cost model: Totalkostnadsmodell – TDI – Universities Norway) and include supervision.
- Allocation of the three cost components between NMBU and the external organisation:
External PhD candidate: Supervision-Costs (NOK) Facility-Costs (NOK) Indirect-Cost (NOK) Without a
residency requirementsWill vary and be agreed on a per-project basis. Follows the principles of the facility model and shall be agreed for each individual project. 63 418[4] With a - residency requirements
Will vary and be agreed on a per-project basis. For Industrial and Public Sector PhD candidates, supervision costs shall be invoiced.[5]. In accordance with the principles of the facility model and to be agreed for each individual project. 191 877[6] - Procedures for invoicing the costs shall be agreed prior to the admission of the PhD candidate.
Footnote:
[4] The rate includes cost coverage for research administration, library, and library services, and applies to 2025.
[5] In accordance with the Research Council of Norway’s rules for contribution-based projects.
[6] The rate includes cost coverage for research administration, library and library services, IT, and office space.