Higher Education in Norway Higher education plays an
important role in Norwegian society where over 20 percent of the
population complete higher education programs. Norway's higher education
system includes a number of state-run universities and university
colleges as well as a number of private, specialized schools.
The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, known as NOKUT,
is responsible for accrediting institutions and programs of higher
education. The Ministry of Education and Research is the agency
responsible for education in Norway. Higher education tuition is free at
both undergraduate and gradaute levels for Norwegian students as well as
international students at public universities and university colleges,
with the exception of some specialized programs. Minimum admissions
requirements include completion of Norwegian secondary school and
Norwegian and English language competency. For some specialized
programs, students may have had to take courses in specific
subject-areas and/or pass an entrance exam. Norwegian residents apply to
most schools via the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admissions
Service. Admission to some programs is highly competitive. Types
of Schools and Degrees The country's universities and
university-level specialized institutions offer a full range of academic
programs leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The over
25 university colleges offer professional programs that result in
professional bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. A few university
colleges also confer doctoral degrees in limited subject areas.
Additionally, there are over 20 other private higher education
institutions that provide accredited, specialized programs and are
attended by about 12 percent of higher education students. All degree
programs at all accredited institutions conform to the requirements set
by the Bologna Agreement of 1999 which defined standards for degrees
across 29 European countries. International Students
Admission to Norwegian higher education is competitive and so only the
most qualified international students are admitted. Minimum admission
requirements for international students vary by the country where
secondary school was attended. A secondary school leaving certificate
will suffice for students from some countries, including EU countries,
but students from other countries including the US may need to complete
a year of university-level coursework before being admitted. A list of
minimum requirements by country guides international students
who want to study in Norway. Students who want to take courses taught in
Norwegian must have Norwegian language proficiency. Additionally,
students from some countries may need to prove English language
proficiency. Most international students studying in Norway do so
through an exchange program from their home country. Students from
developing countries, former Soviet states and some central and eastern
European countries may attend Norwegian universities through the
Norwegian Quota Scheme via a home country exchange program. About seven
percent of students in Norwegian higher education are international
students, predominantly from Europe and North America. Tuition at
public schools for most programs at both undergraduate and graduate
levels is free, other than a minimal semester fee. Private schools do
charge tuition but it is considerably less than in most other countries.
The government sponsored
Study in Norway website provides helpful information for
international students looking for more information. About Norway
Norway is one of three Scandinavian countries located in the northern
part of Europe. Its population of about 4.8 million people live in one
of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. The capital of Oslo
has a population of close to 900,000 people. The United Nations has
ranked Norway number one in the world on its Human Development Index for
seven out of the past nine years due to its long life expectancies, high
income and education levels and other factors. Although not a member of
the European Union, Norway emulates most of the EU's legislation and is
a member of the European Economic Area. Resources
Study in Norway
Ministry of Education and Research
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