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Record Unused Funding: 5.3 Billion Kroner Remain Unspent at Norway’s Universities and Colleges

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5.3 billion kroner idle at start of 2026 – State‑run universities and colleges have 5.3 billion kroner of unspent allocations, the highest level recorded since 2014 and up 1.5 billion from the start of 2025 [1].

16 of 21 institutions raised reserves – Sixteen institutions increased their unused funds, two stayed flat, while three (NHH, NMF, Høgskolen i Molde) lowered theirs; Molde leads with 34 % of its grant still unused [1].

5 % cap on “other purposes” spending – The Ministry of Education limits non‑investment expenditures to 5 % of the grant; any excess must be returned, whereas investment‑plan reserves have no upper limit [2].

NTNU holds the largest cash pile – NTNU tops the list with 1.3 billion kroner unused, of which 919.7 million is earmarked for planned but delayed investments, reflecting postponed projects and reduced operational activity [1].

University leaders warn of tightening finances – NTNU director Bjørn Haugstad called the under‑spending a “disease sign,” citing staff‑level risks, a drop in PhD positions and the need to accelerate investment use to avoid future research capacity loss [1].

UiS meets cost‑cut target early – The University of Stavanger’s unused funds grew to 225.3 million kroner after it achieved a 200 million‑kroner cost‑cutting goal ahead of the 2026 deadline, showing aggressive financial restructuring [1].

  • Tor Grande, rector of NTNU, wrote in the 2025 annual report that uncertainty about reduced grants and future restructuring fuels the organization’s under‑spending [1].
  • Bjørn Haugstad, director for organisation and infrastructure at NTNU, described the under‑use as a “disease sign,” warned of possible staff cuts and a decline in PhD numbers, and urged faster deployment of the idle funds [1].
  • Geir Mikalsen, communications director at NHH, explained that the university’s drop in unused funds results from deliberate investment in property, IT and infrastructure, while fixed costs are rising faster than grant increases [1].
  • Elin Mordal, rector of Høgskolen i Molde, said she is optimistic about using the idle money but noted implementation challenges for 2025 [1].

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