How can I get general university admission in Norway?

Hi,

Thanks for getting in touch, it's great that you're planning to continue your education in Norway! I’ll do my best to answer your questions clearly.

You might already qualify for university or college in Norway

If you’ve completed 12 years of school in your home country (even in 11 actual school years), you might already meet the general entrance requirements for higher education in Norway. This is called general university admission (generell studiekompetanse).

Check your qualifications here:

• Samordna opptak – General requirements
• HK-dir – GSU list

You also need to meet language requirements in English and Norwegian. If your education is approved, you don’t need to go through Norwegian upper secondary school (Vg1–Vg3).

What if my education isn’t enough?

If your education doesn't fully match the requirements, you can complete the missing subjects in Norway, either by:

• going to school (Vg1–Vg3), or
• registering as a private candidate and taking exams (see below).

To find out what you’re missing, you should contact the education office in your county (fylkeskommune). They can help you assess your papers and explain your options.

Can I go straight to Vg3 or complete Vg2 and Vg3 in one year?

Normally, students go through Vg1, Vg2 and then Vg3. To start directly in Vg3, you usually need to have completed Vg2 in Norway in the same program. But since you already have education from abroad, you can apply for recognition of your previous schooling. Some counties offer special programs where you can complete both Vg2 and Vg3 in one year, but it depends on what you want to study and where you live. Ask your local education office if this is an option for you (if you'll even need it).

Can I take exams as a private candidate (privatist)?

Yes. If you're missing specific subjects to qualify for higher education, you can take exams without going to school. You register as a privatist.

But first, you need to know which subjects you’re missing. Your local education office or a career advisor can help you figure this out.

Is there a national college entrance exam?

No, Norway does not have one single national entrance exam like in some countries. You qualify by completing the required subjects.

Some university programs (like engineering, medicine or science) require specific subjects such as advanced maths, physics or chemistry. Som programs have an entrance exam, but this is mostly studies in architectural design or creative studies. You can check which programs require what here:

• Special subject requirements (Samordna opptak)

Other websites that can be useful to check out:

• Utdanning.no – Info about all types of education in Norway
• Study in Norway
• NOKUT

I hope this provides you with the information you need. Good luck with your future studies!

Med vennlig hilsen

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