6 flexible options ways to study and skill up in Norway
Are you an immigrant who had a university level education before relocating to Norway? Have you considered or decided the that a Norwegian education will be beneficial to your professional development in Norway? Are you unsure of the best path towards achieving a university level education in Norway? Worry not, we have outlined 6 pathways to achieving your professional development ambition through education in Norway:
a) 3 years Bachelors or 2 years Masters: This is the usual track for acquiring a university level degree. A Bachelors programme gives you 180 studies points and a masters programme gives you 120 study points (ECTS). If you are taking a combine programme (Bachelors and masters), that would be 300 study points.
There are many programmes to choose from especially if you want to take a degree programme that is taught in Norwegian. The application period opens on February 1 and closes April 15 of the admission year. If you want to take an English taught programme, the application deadline might be earlier (check the university website). For some programmes there might be option to take it part-time or online.
b) 1 year Bachelor or Masters degree: Some universities explicitly offer a one-year masters degree to those who already have a masters degree in the field. An example of such programme is the NHH one year Norwegian taught masters in Accounting (MRR). It is offered to people who already have a masters in accounting, law or other business degrees.
Some universities do not explicitly offer 1 year bachelor or masters programme but based on your previous relevant education you can apply for exemptions for as many credits as you want. The only condition is that you take 60 ECTS in the programme who want to get a degree. 60 ECTS is equivalent to one year fulltime degree, so yes you can obtain a bachelors or masters degree in Norway within 1 year.
Inter-Nationals is currently offering an upskilling programme, a public policy influencer programme and an intensive Norwegian exam preparatory class. Click here to learn more.
c) One-Year courses (årsstudium): Årsstudium is a programme that allows you to take 60 ECTS in a particular field of study. The durations differs depending on if you are taking it fulltime or as a part time studies. Applications open and closes on the 1st of February and 15th of April respectively in the year admission of studies. Årsstudium is different from 1 year Bachelors described above, but credits obtained on the årsstudium can count towards a bachelors or masters degree at the university.
d) Single courses (enkelt emner): If you are only interested in obtaining knowledge or skills in a particular course/ area and a certificate/transcript to show for it, then taking single courses might be the best. Some courses are intense (less than a month), while some run over a semester.
The disadvantage with this option is that the courses on offer are quite limited compared to full time programmes. Also, there are no standard application deadlines, they differ from university to university, so you would have to check directly with the university.
e) Exams only (privatist): This path is similar to the single course option. The only difference is that you study on your own and do not need to attend class. The only thing you need to show up and pass your exam. The disadvantage of this option is that the offers are even more limited and are not generally available for courses that require practical work or physical presence. Also, you might miss out on the social aspects of studying at the university.
f) Continuous education: Professional continuous education known in Norwegian as videreutdanning, is offered by different universities and professional institutions. Some videreutdanning programmes offer credit points while some don’t. The mode of learning differs from programme to programme. Some are online, part-time, full-time wh. The duration of study also differs from programme to programme. Some studies are free while others are paid. You need to check the programme provider’s website for more details for your course of study.
The advantage of this path is that beside upskilling, you get to meet and network with other professionals in your field.
Inter-Nationals can support you on this journey through our skillup project. The Inter-Nationals Skillup project aims to support educated immigrants to reskill and upskill such that they can develop professionally and get their desired job in Norway. Through this project we provide both individualized and group guidance to those interested in taking up long or short term university level courses in Norway. We offer the following:
- 8 weeks of intensive B1/B2 preparatory classes before every Norskprøve
- Monthly hybrid Q&A session on a specific theme related to studying in Norway.
- Dedicated email address where you can ask questions: skillup@inter-nationals.com
- Monthly follow up from a mentor in your university and/or field (during and after admission)
For more information about the project, information materials and upcoming events, click here.
Nominating the Oslo Desk with Ka Man Mak &co
Hi Rune, that is good and we also think that The Oslo Desk is a great organization. For your nomination to count, we advise that you submit it directly on the IMDI portal by clicking this link: https://www.mangfoldsprisen.no/