System of higher education

Norwegian educational institutions are state-run. As a rule, there are no tuition fees for higher education in Norway, but fees may be charged for certain professional education programmes and special programmes, and by some of private institutions.

In addition to teaching, all higher education institutions, and especially universities, have a particular responsibility to conduct pure research and researcher training, by means of graduate-level studies and doctoral degree programmes. The internationalisation of higher education has been a key factor for the development of programmes in which English is the language of instruction. Currently, almost 200 master’s programmes taught in English are available to students, covering many different subject areas. Some of the institutions also offer programmes taught in English at the bachelor’s and PhD levels.

Degree system
Norway is one of the leading countries that conform to the guidelines from the Bologna Process on European higher education. The degree system based on the bachelor's, master’s and PhD structure has been successfully implemented, as has the ECTS credit system. Because Norway has adapted to the European standard in higher education (see Fig. 1), it has become easier for students who complete all or part of their education in Norway to have their qualifications recognised in other countries.

[Fig 1]

Credits and grading scale
Courses at universities and university colleges are assessed based on credits, in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) standard. A full-time academic year equals 60 ECTS credits. Courses are measured in “studiepoeng” according to the ECTS standard (European Credit Transfer System credits). Both undergraduate and graduate students are graded on a scale ranging from A (best) to F (fail), where E is the lowest passing grade. Some exams, however, are simply marked Pass or Fail.

International students
All international applicants must fulfil the same basic entrance requirements as Norwegian students. Eligibility for exchange and fellowship programmes is usually determined on the basis of national and regional bilateral agreements and fulfilment of quota requirements. Participation in a number of the funding programmes is restricted to applicants from specific countries. A good command of English is required for all students attending Norwegian institutions of higher education. International students who are not native English speakers must document their language proficiency.