Vocational and professional education in Norway

Norway offers several forms of vocational and professional education for people who want practical skills and qualifications for working life.

Upper secondary vocational education and training (VET) is part of the formal upper secondary education system.

Many upper secondary vocational programmes follow the 2+2 model. Students normally spend two years in school followed by two years of apprenticeship training in a company or public institution.

The apprenticeship period gives students practical experience in a specific trade. The training is formalised through an apprenticeship contract that must be approved by the county authorities.

After completing the required training, an apprentice can take a trade or journeyman's examination and obtain a vocational qualification.

There are also tertiary vocational education programmes (fagskole). These programmes provide vocationally oriented education after upper secondary education and are designed to meet practical needs in working life.

Admission requirements vary between programmes. Some programmes require relevant vocational education or work experience.

Adults may have different pathways into vocational education depending on their previous education and work experience. Contact the county authority or an education provider to find out which options are available to you.

If you have vocational education from another country, you may be able to apply for recognition depending on your country, profession and type of education.

HK-dir provides information about recognition schemes for foreign vocational education and tertiary vocational education.

If you want to work in a regulated profession, recognition of your qualifications or professional authorisation may be required before you can practise the profession in Norway.

Vocational education can be a useful pathway for people who want to develop practical skills, obtain a formal qualification or change careers.

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