Want to work in Norway? If so, you might want to get an official green light for your education. In some cases, it's easy. Other times, it's a bit of a bureaucratic labyrint.
Getting education from abroad approved in Norway is a process that ensures that the education you have taken in another country is at the same level as equivalent educations in Norway. It's important in order to be able to use your foreign education for work or further studies in Norway.
Do I Need to Have my Education Approved?
The answer to that can be both yes and no. For most educations, it is voluntary to get it approved. If your education is approved, though, you make a stronger case when applying for a job.
There are, however, a number of educations and professions that are regulated where you need authorization or recognition of your education in order to practice your profession here. Here you can find a list of all professions that are regulated and how you can get your education approved.
When coming to Norway with a foreign education or foreign professional qualification, it is important to check whether or not you need authorization or recognition of your education in order to practice your profession here.
NOKUT: Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills
NOKUT is the central authority that assesses and approves foreign education in Norway. Their role is to ensure that foreign education maintains a professional level that corresponds to Norwegian standards.
Here you can read more about NOKUT and here you can go directly to information on approval of foreign education.
Automatic Recognition – a Quicker Alternative
The Directorate for Higher Education and Skills has prepared standardised statements confirming that certain educational degrees from selected counties are considered automatically recognised by NOKUT. The document is ready for use right away when you have downloaded it.
The automatic recognition is a available for certain educational degrees from selected countries. Read more about automatic recognition.
General Approval
The general approval process is about comparing your education with the Norwegian education system. NOKUT assesses whether your education is at the level of a Norwegian degree (for example bachelor's or master's). You will receive an approval letter that describes the level your education corresponds to.
Subject-specific Approval
If you have a professional education (such as doctor, nurse, teacher, etc.), a subject-specific approval may be required. This often involves an assessment of whether your education meets the professional requirements set in Norway. In some cases, it may be necessary to take additional courses or pass specific tests to gain full approval.
Health Personnel with Education from Abroad
Approval and authorization of health personnel is carried out by the Directorate of Health.
Healthcare personnel with approval from other countries are not automatically entitled to use a Norwegian protected title, until they have been approved by the Norwegian authorities.
When the Directorate of Health receives an application for authorisation, license or specialist approval from health personnel trained abroad, an assessment is made of the applicant's completed and passed education, other professional qualifications and whether the person concerned has a valid approval from the country of education.
As an EEA member, Norway is bound by the EU's regulations for the approval of professional qualifications. The training courses for doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and pharmacists are harmonized in all EEA countries and therefore meet the directive's minimum requirements for level, scope and duration.
For healthcare personnel with education from countries outside the EEA and Switzerland, a concrete and individual assessment is made of whether the person concerned has an exam that is recognized as equivalent to the corresponding Norwegian exam, or whether the applicant can document the necessary expertise in another way, e.g. through professional experience, further - and continuing education or other qualifying measures.
For health personnel trained outside the EEA area and Switzerland, additional requirements are made before authorization can be granted:
- Document Norwegian language at level B2
- Carry out courses in national subjects
- Professional test (only for provisional pharmacists, doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and dentists)
You can read more and apply here.
Documentation
To get the education approved, you must submit extensive documentation. This includes diplomas, transcripts, syllabus lists and any other relevant papers. Documents issued in a different language than English or one of the Nordic languages, must be translated into Norwegian or English.
The name of the translator must be apparent on the translation. They do not accept translations done by yourselves or other private persons.
How to Apply for Approval at NOKUT
Before you apply, gather necessary documents such as diplomas, transcripts, syllabus lists, and any diplomas, as well as translations. All documents must be stored digitally as PDF.
The next step is to create a user profile on NOKUT's application portal. This gives you access to fill in the application form, upload documents, and follow the application process. NOKUT recommends you apply from PC/Mac and not from your mobile phone. If you do not have a Norwegian D number, you can create a profile with a password.
Provide information about your educational background, educational institution and the purpose of the approval. Be sure to provide accurate information.
Upload all necessary documents in the application portal. The documents must be clear and of high quality. Original documents may be required to be presented.
A fee is required for some applications. You will receive information about this in the portal. The payment must be completed before the application is processed.
The application is submitted electronically. The processing time can be several months, and you can follow the application status in the portal. NOKUT can contact you for more information if necessary.
When the decision is clear, you will receive an assessment of your education. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal within three weeks.
Labor Market and Further Studies
Approval of education from abroad can be crucial to being able to get a job in your field in Norway, or to be able to apply for further education at Norwegian universities and colleges. Employers and educational institutions in Norway have great confidence in NOKUT's assessments.
By completing an approval, you can ensure that your foreign education is recognized and gives you the same opportunities as a Norwegian education would. This is an important step on the way to a career or further studies in Norway.
Good luck and welcome to Norway!
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For more information about moving to Norway, check out our MOVING GUIDE.