The overarching objectives for the Nordplus 2012-2016 are:

Nordplus programme gives contribution to the development of innovations in the education systems of the Nordic and Baltic countries. Activities of the programme are implemented on the basis of an agreement between educational institutions and organizations located in the participating countries. The Nordplus programme supports projects that promote networking and the acquisition and exchange of knowledge.

• To strengthen and develop Nordic educational cooperation and contribute to the establishment of a Nordic-Baltic educational region;
• To support, develop, draw benefit from and disseminate innovative products and processes in education through the systematic exchange of experiences and best practice;
• To contribute to the development of quality and innovation in the educational systems for lifelong learning in the participating countries by means of educational cooperation, as well as cooperating with workplaces, about development projects, exchanges and building of networks;
• To promote Nordic languages and culture, as well as mutual Nordic-Baltic linguistic and cultural understanding;
• Strengthen the language comprehension for the Nordic languages, especially among children and youth, primarily for Danish, Swedish and Norwegian;
• Encourage the interest in, knowledge of, and understanding of the Nordic languages.

The Nordplus Programme consists of five sub-programmes, i.e. the cross-sectoral Nordplus Horizontal Programme and four sectoral programmes – the Nordplus Junior Programme, the Nordplus Higher Education Programme, the Nordplus Adult Learning Programme and the Nordic Language Programme.