PDF with detailed information

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Education system Norway‌ (369.80 kB)

Overview of Norwegian diplomas

In the overview below you can find the level of Norwegian diplomas. You cannot derive any rights from it.

Working in the Netherlands

Do you want to know if you can work in the Netherlands with a certain Norwegian diploma? Go to Working in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.

Studying in the Netherlands

Do you want to know if you can study in the Netherlands with your Norwegian diploma? Go to Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.

Svennebrev (Journeyman’s certificate) of Fagbrev (Trade certificate)

  • Comparable to: an MBO diploma level 3 or 4 (NLQF 3-4/EQF 3-4).
  • Duration of schooling: 1 to 2 years.
  • Type of education: secondary vocational education.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to the final year of general secondary education (supplementary general education).

Vitnemål for Videregående Skole

  • Comparable to: a HAVO diploma (NLQF 4/EQF 4/4) or a VWO diploma (NLQF 4+/EQF 4).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 years.
  • Type of education: upper general secondary education.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to higher education.

Høgskolekandidat (university college)

  • Comparable to: 2 years HBO or an associate degree (NLQF 5 / EQF 5).
  • Duration of schooling: 2 years.
  • Type of education: professional or research-oriented.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to the 3rd year of higher education bachelors.

Bachelor’s degree (university, university college or specialised university institution)

  • Comparable to: an HBO or a WO bachelor’s degree (NLQF 6/EQF 6).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 to 4 years.
  • Type of education: professional or research-oriented.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to higher education masters.

Master’s degree (university, university college or specialised university institution)

  • Comparable to: an HBO or a WO master’s degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 1½ to 2 years or 5 years (integrated programme).
  • Type of education: professional or research-oriented.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to doctorate programmes.

Candidatus followed by the specialisation

  • Comparable to: a WO master’s degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 5½ to 6 years.
  • Type of education: research-oriented.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to doctorate programmes.