Participation in higher vocational education in Norway is increasing. A recent white paper emphasises the role of vocational qualifications in addressing labour market skill shortages. Historically limited to ISCED level 5, a recent reform allows institutions to offer education at ISCED levels 6 and 7.

Participation in flexible higher vocational education is on the rise in Norway. In 2024, there were a total of 63 vocational colleges in Norway and 34,000 students enrolled in higher vocational education – an increase of more than 6,000 students since 2022. A recent white paper highlights that qualifications from higher vocational education can help address skills shortages in the Norwegian labour market.  

Until now, higher vocational education in Norway has only been offered at ISCED level 5, through institutions known as fagskoler (vocational colleges). In contrast, many other European countries provide vocational education at ISCED levels 6 and 7 as well. 

The Norwegian Parliament has recently approved a major reform, as proposed in the white paper, allowing vocational colleges to offer education at ISCED levels 6 and 7. This reform also aims to enhance international recognition by aligning vocational programmes at levels above ISCED level 3 with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), thereby facilitating cross-border student mobility and recognition of qualifications. 

For more information: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/fagskolene-skal-fa-mer-penger-og-storre-handlingsrom/id3091728/

Source: Eurydice Unit Norway